Posted 03.05.2012 @ 10.11AM
Subaru or Honda. A mate who is a European car specialist (mechanic come business owner) reckons they're the two Asian brands that are head and shoulders above the others in terms of quality, reliability ...etc. Subaru have some pretty sweet "sports wagons" that might do the trick for you.
Posted 03.05.2012 @ 11.19AM
I don't think you're going to find a subaru for under $9k.
They hold their value pretty well.
I have a 2004 Mazda 2 and it's a tardis. Might not be the most glamorous car around but I have one baby seat with room for 2 people as well in the back.
Also Mazda were listed one of Drive's most reliable brands last year.
Posted 03.05.2012 @ 12.03PM
disagree on the subaru prices, search out and you can get one, get an racv test on it, car pices are rock bottom right now
had a subaru a few years back very reliable and safe, not too thirsty
this 2003 imprezza with 93,980 k's on the clock, $7,500
i got a vw polo, have a look at the golf, may be a bit small, doubt you would have the budget for a deisel one, my polo, only 104,000 1600cc motor and nothing wrong, good fun to drive too - 4 grand it cost me, prob too small for you but the cash i save on fuel makes it worth while, wouldn't go for a larger vw, seem to not be too reliable
i'd always get inside the cars before you decide, can be deceptive
here's a golf, 1999, 105,000, and all with 6.5 litres per 100k
good luck
Posted 03.05.2012 @ 12.22PM
Love my Subaru's, I'm currently an owner of a slightly modified 2005 Subaru WRX Club Spec Evo 8.
" That's a long name haha"
They are great reliable cars, AWD is very handy in winter but it does drink a bit if I am in boost, probably doesn't help that I have boosted it up and added some mods, but for you, stick to a non-turbo, I would probably go get a 1998-2001 Subaru impreze RX, they are good little cars and you can pick them up for under $9K
Posted 03.05.2012 @ 12.34PM
Also Subaru Forrester, Outback, for more family orientated, but still good driving with AWD.
Posted 03.05.2012 @ 1.08PM
romes has a lead foot, i sense this
Posted 03.05.2012 @ 1.09PM
Oh yeah: Avoid cars obviously pre-owned by a rev head!
;o)
Posted 03.05.2012 @ 1.18PM (Edited 03.05.2012 @ 1.18PM)
the smaller volvos are worth a look too, safe as, well volvos
Posted 03.05.2012 @ 1.50PM (Edited 03.05.2012 @ 1.51PM)
I know nothing about cars, but I could tell from his profile pic that Romes drives a WRX. I don't know why I equate nudity with Subaru.
zack486
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what car would you buy for $9K and under?
Posted 03.05.2012 @ 9.55AM
Been a one car family for a while since work is close by but may have to buy something soon. as it won't be used much i don't want to spend much... any ideas? The only criteria is that it has to have room for two baby seats in the back.