What car, MTX hauler edition

+2 for the Saab, or a 9-5 wagon.

The only issue I see with a Saab 9-5 is parts availability - especially body-related. Depending on the year, some bits are literally unobtanium and a slight fender-bender can total the car.

Does he NEED a 4 door hatch/wagon? I ask because, why not something like a GTI, or better yet, an early R32. With the back seat down it should provide as much as, if not more than some of the smaller wagons. Just a thought.

redhookfern wrote: Yes, they could come in stick, and I actually often see the 2.7 in stick. Keep in mind the 4.2 also can require that same lovely chain replacement service, but is actually a bit more reliable of the 2 engine choices (but no manual available). The 2.7t is the same as the B5 S4, so the same issues that plague that car will plague this (failure of the turbos, cam adjuster seals, belt replacements, valve cover leaks, etc).

I thought the C5 allroad had the belt-equipped 4.2 (the one that was in the C5 S6 and D2 S8)?

The turbo failures on the 2.7T are a similar case to the chain on the B6. Yes, failures have occured, but the majority of those are on chipped cars, spinning the turbos substantially faster than they were supposed to go.

Nope, the 4.2 in the Allroads is the chain driven version, though you are correct that there is a 4.2 belt variety in other A6-based models.

Also, while the chains may be considered "lifetime", the synthetic guides wear out, usually around 100k miles. Whether the chain is replaced at that point or not, it still requires engine removal to service them, since they were so conveniently located at the rear of the engine.

And I agree with the turbos, they certainly can last a long time. I'm just saying that if they go, it's quite pricey. This goes for any turbo on any car.

I'm no Audi tech, just someone that obsessed over these models for a while and really had to talk myself out of it when some of the repair costs rivaled those of more exotic beasts.

How about an IS300 SportCross. I had the manual sedan version, LOVED this car until it's demise.

^^^ as far as I know, you could not have the stick in the wagon.

^^^^^ Friends don't let friends buy Turdbota's

OK, despite my prejudice, they are excellent cars. If the wagon comes with a stick it could be a great car.

What is it with Brits thinking truck ownership=Deliverance grade hillbilly E36 M3? I really struggle to understand it. Of the things mentioned, a Subaru would be like caring for a hammer compared to anything from VAG.

Kenny_McCormic wrote: What is it with Brits thinking truck ownership=Deliverance grade hillbilly E36 M3? I really struggle to understand it. Of the things mentioned, a Subaru would be like caring for a hammer compared to anything from VAG.

Mainly poking fun at friends who have them, particularly Tom Spangler on here who is a good friend who's truck I've used more than once. I just don't 'get' trucks, I like cars, small cars.

Adrian_Thompson wrote: Mainly poking fun at friends who have them, particularly Tom Spangler on here who is a good friend who's truck I've used more than once. I just don't 'get' trucks, I like cars, small cars.

I like cars too, but I also like using the right tool for the job. :) Hauling drywall, that's a truck.

That said, a friend of mine claims he used to haul 4x8 sheets of plywood with his FC Rx-7. Apparently it fits if you leave the hatch open and stick it out the back.

One thing to watch with the subarus is if you are looking at the 06 or 07 2.5 turbos, there is that lovely secondary air valve issue. They collect water and rust either closed or open. You can disable the system and turn the codes off via a Techtrix cable.

My Forester XT is a really handy tool. With raised ride height, it doesn't handle as well as the WRX. It still handles pretty good. It's been a good car overall. Cheap on the interior side of things and a little loud.

codrus wrote: I like cars too, but I also like using the right tool for the job. :) Hauling drywall, that's a truck.

Wrong, the answer is a full size van. Truck bashing jokes aside, I can't imagine many jobs where a truck is a better answer than a van. These days though as people love trucks so much the interior finish, refinement and NVH is far superior to full size vans so I can see some people choosing them over a van. I used to have an Econoline E150 Conversion van for pulling my race car. I also lived in it for a week at Nationals having pulled my car there. My gear stayed dry at race and autocross events. It carried 6 people and luggage in comfort to Florida and back more than once. It took us skiing, moved houses, did home renovation better than a truck ever could. More room inside than a truck and cap. Lower load floor so easy to get stuff in and out of. More people room etc etc. I really just don't understand trucks.

Back to cars for my friend. The more I read, the better a Scooby looks.

In reply to Adrian_Thompson:

You've basically stated all of the reasons I want another van instead of a truck. The only thing my truck did better was haul bulk mulch. Mainly because we could go to the garden center, have 3 yards of mulch dumped in the bed, and then drive the truck around the house shoveling it straight from the bed to where it was needed. The entire chore would be done before lunch.

Owning a truck bascially sucked for every other task I previously used my van for. Even for dirty stuff like hauling firewood, the van was better because of the lower floor and side access as well as rear.

Ian F wrote: In reply to Adrian_Thompson: You've basically stated all of the reasons I want another van instead of a truck. The only thing my truck did better was haul bulk mulch. Mainly because we could go to the garden center, have 3 yards of mulch dumped in the bed, and then drive the truck around the house shoveling it straight from the bed to where it was needed. The entire chore would be done before lunch. Owning a truck bascially sucked for every other task I previously used my van for. Even for dirty stuff like hauling firewood, the van was better because of the lower floor and side access as well as rear.

Bingo, you get, now let's convert the rest of America. Actually forget it, working for Ford I really want people to keep buying F series in ever larger quantities.

VIbe GT might be worth examining. My GF has owned a non-GT for the last three years...been pretty bulletproof. Interior isn't nearly as bad as most Pontiacs, although I still hate the red gauges (remember, this thing's half Toyota). It is pretty useful as a truck (hauls 8ft lumber with the front passenger seat down).

psteav wrote: VIbe GT might be worth examining. My GF has owned a non-GT for the last three years...been pretty bulletproof. Interior isn't nearly as bad as most Pontiacs, although I still hate the red gauges (remember, this thing's half Toyota). It is pretty useful as a truck (hauls 8ft lumber with the front passenger seat down).

He vetoed that one right off the bat, not sure why, just personal taste. My nexyt door neigbour has one and it's been 100% reliable, I don't mind them even with evil empire heritage.

Ian F wrote: The only issue I see with a Saab 9-5 is parts availability - especially body-related. Depending on the year, some bits are literally unobtanium and a slight fender-bender can total the car.

As long as you stay 99-09/10 you are fine. Besides the SAAB parts arm of the company is still alive and making replacement parts at the old factory. But really SAAB made the first gen 9-5 for more than 10 years, there are plenty of parts around.

Adrian_Thompson wrote: Bingo, you get, now let's convert the rest of America. Actually forget it, working for Ford I really want people to keep buying F series in ever larger quantities.

Haven't we had this conversation before?

A) in a van, cargo becomes a projectile in an accident. In a truck, there's a nice metal body between you and it.

B) gooseneck trailer

C) access to the motor

In reply to codrus:

Not if the cargo is properly tied down. I've seen unsecured cargo go through rear truck windows. Your point is moot. Vans are better.

A 2wd van will not willingly go places I've taken 4x4 trucks to get wood. Like across a muddy field.