Reliable, Cheap, affordable all-wheel drive wagon

[flatso]

I will be needing a reliable all-wheel drive Vehicle for occasional use in eastern Europe. Reliability is the top requirement. I would preffer a Petrol engine (again for reliability purposes).


Thanks

[Toed64]

My choice would be a Subaru Outback, preferably the 3 litre H6, because although they are thirsty, they are have chain driven cams and rarely need anything more than oil and filter changes.

I've had two over a period of about 10 years. They worked quite hard with lots of towing duties, they never let us down, ever. They both did about 100,000 miles and only needed normal service parts, two CV gaiters and two front suspension bushes...no other faults at all.

They were the most comfortable and reliable cars we have ever had.

[flatso]

Yeah, they are allready firmly on my Radar....how is the 2.5 4-pot engine?

[Toed64]

Family has had 2 Impreza 2.5 turbos and still have 2 2.5 Forester turbos. No major issues, but secondary air pumps and flaps always give trouble...at regular intervals. When they die, the dash lights up and they go into limp mode, using LOADS more petrol.

Blanked off and coded out now - no problems.

Foresters are also great, but my personal choice would still be an H6 Outback or Legacy. Legacies seem to be cheaper than Outbacks now. If staying on UK plates and VED, remember that they all get max power tax rates from 3 week of March 2006.