Input on a car for my brother

[The Pirate]

Hey folks, need some thoughts here.  My brother is in the process of getting a new (to him) car.  The Buick is getting long in the tooth, and it's better for him to be in something a bit newer as he drives a fair amount.

Options are a 2006 Honda Accord SE with 29K miles and a 2007 Subaru Legacy 2.5i sedan with 50K miles.  Both are automatic much to his chagrin (but he's practical enough to realize that he needs to make concessions at this point).  These are the only two options currently, as both are available at a dealer that my family has been doing business with for years.

He drives a fair amount.  His day job as an accountant has him traveling at least once a month, within NY and Pennsylvania.  He is also an assistant basketball coach at the local community college.  The significance here is that he needs a car that is going to have minimal downtime.  As well, reasonable operating costs are key, which is why I steered him away from the Audi A4 that he drove (it was a sweet car, just not the right car at this time).

He likes nimble responsive cars (enjoys borrowing my car), and both of these will be a sufficient upgrade from his Buick Regal in that area.  He keeps up with oil changes and the like, but isn't going to get his hands dirty.  Service will be performed by me or a mechanic.  Again, minimal operating expenses and reliability are important.  I realize that we are missing some good options by only looking at these cars, but a fair deal is able to made at the dealer selling them.  

Asking price on the Honda is $13,900 and asking price on the Subaru is $14,200.  He has a down payment, and the dealer is being very fair on trade in for his car.  Don't know what final purchase price will be, but in any case the amount financed will be less $10K (and hopefully closer to $8K).

So, I ask for thoughts from you guys.  

I'm leaning towards the Accord, as the mileage is great and fuel economy will likely be better than the Subaru.  I also see overall cost to own being cheaper, owing to no maintenance costs associated with an AWD drivetrain.  Anecdotal, but to me it seems that Subaru quality has dipped in recent years.  Honda may have too, but 2006 seems to be a pretty solid year still.

We will be test driving both cars soon, I'll let you guys know how that goes.

Here are pictures of the exact cars in question.

Thanks guys!

[2o6]

The Mazda 6 in the background. 

[Raza]

The Accord.  The Subaru looks better, but with that underpowered engined, AWD, four speed automatic, and relatively cramped interior (smaller than my Jetta) means it's a loser in this comparison.

[The Pirate]

The Accord.  The Subaru looks better, but with that underpowered engined, AWD, four speed automatic, and relatively cramped interior (smaller than my Jetta) means it's a loser in this comparison.

My sentiments exactly.  My brother is 6'4".  It's been a while, but I don't recall that bodystyle of Legacy having an abundance of headroom (sunroof hurts there too), even for me.

It is a good looking car though.

[Tave]

Yeah, I'd be swayed on interior space too. They're close enough in every other regard that you may as well go with what's comfortable, especially for a commuter.

What really kills the Legacy is the rear seats. Front passengers actually have more legroom than in the Accord, although elbow room is tighter.

So if he has a SO/rugrats to lug around it would be a bigger issue. Maybe not so much if he's on his own.

[The Pirate]

Yeah, I'd be swayed on interior space too. They're close enough in every other regard that you may as well go with what's comfortable, especially for a commuter.

He's going to be driving all over NYS in winter, so the Subaru's AWD would be nice.  But I don't feel it to be necessary and he's a pretty good driver.

We'll obviously drive both, but you're right on space/comfort, and I'm thinking the Accord wins there. 

[CALL_911]

If the Legacy didn't have that damn 4-speed, I'd take it. That 2.5L isn't great either. But man, that is a great looking car.

So I guess Accord.

[SVT666]

I voted before I read Raza's post.  Damnit.  I voted Legacy, but I wish I could change it to Accord.

[The Pirate]

I voted before I read Raza's post.  Damnit.  I voted Legacy, but I wish I could change it to Accord.

I have the poll setup so you change your vote.

[The Pirate]

Yeah, I'd be swayed on interior space too. They're close enough in every other regard that you may as well go with what's comfortable, especially for a commuter.

What really kills the Legacy is the rear seats. Front passengers actually have more legroom than in the Accord, although elbow room is tighter.

So if he has a SO/rugrats to lug around it would be a bigger issue. Maybe not so much if he's on his own.

He's 6'4", with long legs.  No rugrats or SO at this point, but friends and the like will be carted around.  We'll have to drive them both, for sure.

[Submariner]

This is a tough one. 

On one hand, the Accord is more practical and has less miles.  Of course, it's bland as balls, and I doubt it's as fun to drive.

On the other hand, the Legacy is handsome and (I'd imagine) more fun to drive.  In addition, AWD might help if you ever venture out of the city.  Then again, the power train is pretty mediocre and the space might be an issue. 

[The Pirate]

This is a tough one. 

On one hand, the Accord is more practical and has less miles.  Of course, it's bland as balls, and I doubt it's as fun to drive.

On the other hand, the Legacy is handsome and (I'd imagine) more fun to drive.  In addition, AWD might help if you ever venture out of the city.  Then again, the power train is pretty mediocre and the space might be an issue. 

He's coming from a 2001 Buick Regal with 150K miles and some failing electronics, so either one is going to be pretty fun. 

[the Teuton]

The Legacy is way overpriced. If he can talk it down to around $13k or less, I'd take it. Otherwise the Accord is the newer, better car based solely on what we have to work with here.

[The Pirate]

The Legacy is way overpriced. If he can talk it down to around $13k or less, I'd take it. Otherwise the Accord is the newer, better car based solely on what we have to work with here.

For better or worse, it's the AWD premium pricing that happens this time of year.

But assume price is a non-issue.  The owner is weird on selling price, he doesn't really drop too much.  Where he will work a lot is on trade - I'm not going to get into specifics, but he's offered much more than the Buick's wholesale value (and it has some issues he's aware of.  So, actual purchase price and amount financed will be lower than that asking price.  

You were one of the people I was hoping to get input from, actually.   What are the trouble spots on that car?  My brother's not terribly easy on cars.

[the Teuton]

The Legacy's EJ engine design is 22 years old. By 2007, there were no problems -- only Zuul.

It's a solid, rugged car. But the tech or refinement levels ain't exactly where the Honda's is at. Still, it'll take a beating just as well, if not better, than the Honda. And it's a smaller, likely better-feeling car dynamically.

He really can't go wrong with either car. But I wouldn't pay $14k for that Subaru. You could buy them new on sale for $18k or so four years ago.

[The Pirate]

The Legacy's EJ engine design is 22 years old. By 2007, there were no problems -- only Zuul.

It's a solid, rugged car. But the tech or refinement levels ain't exactly where the Honda's is at. Still, it'll take a beating just as well, if not better, than the Honda. And it's a smaller, likely better-feeling car dynamically.

He really can't go wrong with either car. But I wouldn't pay $14k for that Subaru. You could buy them new on sale for $18k or so four years ago.

Cool, thanks for the info.  I checked Edmunds just now, and they show $13,900 as true market value for that car.  That's not final, of course, but Edmunds generally seems to be pretty accurate.

And again, he won't be paying $14K for the car. 

[The Pirate]

And what's Zuul mean?

[the Teuton]

And what's Zuul mean?

Doe...Ray...Egon!

[The Pirate]

Doe...Ray...Egon!

Oh, right.  I should have known that.  Just watched Ghostbusters on Halloween. 

I was thinking of some subaru leet speak...

[the Teuton]

Oh, right.  I should have known that.  Just watched Ghostbusters on Halloween. 

I was thinking of some subaru leet speak...

While that would be fun, no one but Roy would get it. It'd get old quickly.

[Laconian]

We like our Accord. Solidly built, with a smooth-running engine and a good compromise between grunt and economy. Lots of room in the backseat.

Don't believe Clay's horror stories.

[CALL_911]

Lots of room in the backseat.

Do work, Kevin. Do work.

[ifcar]

If he does find there's enough room in the Legacy, he won't be needing to buy a midsize car. For that price he can get a nearly new car a size class down but with equal or greater interior volume.

And if doesn't find there's enough room...well, the choice is pretty easy.

[68_427]

Legacy.  I love my mom's.  I'm not sure if the seats in limited trim are better but the rear seats in my mom's are a nice place to be than my friend's mom's Malibu LTZ.  While the Malibu has a lot more space the seat and back are flat as boards while my mom's seats seem as though they mold to my back.  I'd rather ride in more comfortable seats than more spacious one's any day.


I've never been in that gen Accord though.  

My mom averages 26-27 mpg per tank and the car gets ~33-34 mpg on highway.

Also does he know about Joy?  It's what makes a Subaru; a Subaru.

[Raza]

This is a tough one. 

On one hand, the Accord is more practical and has less miles.  Of course, it's bland as balls, and I doubt it's as fun to drive.

On the other hand, the Legacy is handsome and (I'd imagine) more fun to drive.  In addition, AWD might help if you ever venture out of the city.  Then again, the power train is pretty mediocre and the space might be an issue. 

I can't believe I'm the one saying this, but I can almost guarantee that the Accord will be more fun to drive than the heavy Legacy that's saddled with an underpowered engine, AWD, and an ancient 4 speeder. 

[WookieOnRitalin]

I went with the Accord here. That's a bargain for a 29k Accord. It's roomy. Powerful. Practical. Relatively nimble. Better ride quality. It's a solid sedan. I'd be looking at one if I could find a decent deal down here. Lower cost of ownership. I've been in and driven the 2006 many times. It's one of the best built cars I have ever had the pleasure to be behind the wheel. It's smooth and quiet. Simple if not bland. It's not sex, but then it is also a mainstream Sedan.

This is not saying anything against the Legacy which is also a fine car. Accord is just better. Better engine. Better ride. Better mileage. Better miles. Bigger. Quieter. Better interior. Just better.

[68_427]

Has your brother driven them?

[r0tor]

First snow storm will cause awd envy...

[Submariner]

I can't believe I'm the one saying this, but I can almost guarantee that the Accord will be more fun to drive than the heavy Legacy that's saddled with an underpowered engine, AWD, and an ancient 4 speeder. 

Powertrain aside, I'd think the Legacy would still be the better of the two.  Then again, I don't have much driver seat time in either, so...

[Raza]

Powertrain aside, I'd think the Legacy would still be the better of the two.  Then again, I don't have much driver seat time in either, so...

Trust me, I've driven underpowered AWD cars.  They're terrible.  Everything feels so slow and dimwitted.  And there are no options for fun because you don't have the power to take advantage of AWD.  I had the chance to get an AWD 1.8T Passat when I was buying in 04 and never once regretted getting the FWD.  FWD is just more fun 99% of the time.