Looking for manual AWD car

[Huskymaniac]

We are approaching the time to teach our son to drive. We want to get a third car and one with a stick so we can teach him how to drive a manual. I would like it to be AWD or at least have a limited slip front wheel drive. I would also like it to be able to get out of its own way, but it doesn't need to be a rocket. I am looking for something with less than 125k miles on it and with no major issues or need for body work. If you see something, let me know. I am thinking 2006ish Impreza or WRX, SVX with 5 speed swap, BMW 330xi or 325xi, late 90s Infiniti i30t or g20t, 3000gt v4r or dodge stealth.

[1986nate]

Just an FYI, there are very, very, very few FWD cars with LSD. I can only think of one off the top of my head factory and it's a quite rare car. That being said, I'll keep my eye out. Naturally, I'd ask if you'd consider an Audi, however, I've gotten enough tone to know better They can turn into headaches if you buy the "wrong" one.
You may want to consider a 99 Impreza RS coupe. I still don't like even the SOHC EJ25's, but they've basically bottomed out in value and are more collectible/desireable than WRXi.

Also, depending on the years BMW, I would stay away. They can be great, but are very prone to timing chain tensioner pad failures

[Huskymaniac]

Originally Posted by 1986nate

Just an FYI, there are very, very, very few FWD cars with LSD. I can only think of one off the top of my head factory and it's a quite rare car. That being said, I'll keep my eye out. Naturally, I'd ask if you'd consider an Audi, however, I've gotten enough tone to know better They can turn into headaches if you buy the "wrong" one.
You may want to consider a 99 Impreza RS coupe. I still don't like even the SOHC EJ25's, but they've basically bottomed out in value and are more collectible/desireable than WRXi.

Also, depending on the years BMW, I would stay away. They can be great, but are very prone to timing chain tensioner pad failures

I'll consider anything decent...except for Audis or VWs. As far as FWD cars with a LSD, the Infinity I30t and G20t are two examples. Nissan also put them in some of their regular cars like the Sentra SE-R (another car I am avoiding) and some Maximas. They were an option in some years. Acura offered them in some manual versions of the 3.2TL. The Honda Civic Si has it as well in recent years. But while those are options, I would still prefer AWD.

[benebob]

You're not including a price point but if you can find a Jag X Type stick. You'll be able to put him in a car which is as good if not better than everything else listed there and also put quite a bit in the bank for college. Only real issue with the X type stick shift is the transfer case since it comes as a sealed unit (you can change the fluid with a couple methods or kits) and once you do this you have a nearly bullet proof car. Sure the early 02-04 cars have some issues that were sorted by 05 but by this point most of those issues were likely dealt with by a previous owner.

It is simply the most fun I've had driving ours in the snow of any awd vehicle I've driven.

The 2.5 has plenty of power, the 3.0 is just icing on the cake.

Oh and every time you send in your insurance payment you can put some more college money away compared to the other cars listed.

Key with shopping for one is be smart about what you're looking at and if it isn't the right car don't try to convince yourself that it is.

Should be in the 70-75k range for around $6-7k for an 06-08. The less options the better as they come stripped about where a Lsi legacy is.

[1986nate]

Originally Posted by benebob

You're not including a price point but if you can find a Jag X Type stick. You'll be able to put him in a car which is as good if not better than everything else listed there and also put quite a bit in the bank for college. Only real issue with the X type stick shift is the transfer case since it comes as a sealed unit (you can change the fluid with a couple methods or kits) and once you do this you have a nearly bullet proof car. Sure the early 02-04 cars have some issues that were sorted by 05 but by this point most of those issues were likely dealt with by a previous owner.

It is simply the most fun I've had driving ours in the snow of any awd vehicle I've driven.

The 2.5 has plenty of power, the 3.0 is just icing on the cake.

Oh and every time you send in your insurance payment you can put some more college money away compared to the other cars listed.

Key with shopping for one is be smart about what you're looking at and if it isn't the right car don't try to convince yourself that it is.

Should be in the 70-75k range for around $6-7k for an 06-08. The less options the better as they come stripped about where a Lsi legacy is.

As soon as I saw you post, I knew you would suggest one. I had forgotten about these when coming up with suggestions. While I'm not the biggest fan since the intake manifold has to come off for things like spark plugs, and the transfer case BS you mentioned. However, like many cars, make a few proper "fixes" and then they're alright. Personally I'm not a fan of Jags as certain things they just overcomplicate for no reason, but it definitely is an option to think of.

[benebob]

Originally Posted by 1986nate

As soon as I saw you post, I knew you would suggest one. I had forgotten about these when coming up with suggestions. While I'm not the biggest fan since the intake manifold has to come off for things like spark plugs, and the transfer case BS you mentioned. However, like many cars, make a few proper "fixes" and then they're alright. Personally I'm not a fan of Jags as certain things they just overcomplicate for no reason, but it definitely is an option to think of.

I thought the spark plug thing was idiotic as well when I did them but the reality is, it takes no time to take it off and your plugs are done faster than on a Subaru boxer 4 and there are 2 extra cylinders to change. Also, I changed the original plugs at 95k and they looked like they would have lasted another 50k so it isn't like you need to do it more than a handful of times.

I find it funny that you drive a glorified VW and say that Jaguar over complicates things for no reason. I find them to be extremely simple in their designs, minimal complicated devices beyond all that says Bosch on the part but any vehicle with bells and whistles no reasonable person needs you can expect these kind of complications. Yes there is limited access but that's what happens when you take a large engine and sculpt a body around it.

It is worth considering and is also as quick as everything else listed as a possibility but benefits from very reasonable priced parts for most everything, a good used parts supply, good insurance rates plus a book value that is simply laughable.