so i'm in the pre-planning stages of a car purchase, which will take place around April 2015 (yes, i plan far ahead). I've narrowed my choices to:

Honda CR-V (current vehicle)
VW Passat Diesel (high mileage)
Subaru Legacy (had Sub's before and they hold up well)

I like the CR-V as it lets me tote my bike without using the bike rack, but at 29 MPG combined, not the best on mileage. I've had a jetta diesel so no issues with the passat, just more room. i like the way the legacy looks, but both the legacy and passat leave me lugging the bike via rack anywhere i go. anyone currently have one and care to chime in?

(oh, and I can get teh honda and subaru at cost, as both dealers are personal friends)

I would get an American car in 5 years after the all of the recalls you end up with all new parts in your 5 year old car.

hmmm...hadn't thought of that...haven't had an american branded car since 1985...

I would get the new Toyota as it has a cool feature that accelerates the car for you. Well that was before the recall. Recalls ruin all the fun.

We've had a couple of Subbies and they are as tough as a tank and will go about anywhere. My personal favorite is the Impreza WRX STI, but it really has nothing to do with praticality, its bloody damned fast.
However our current Subaru is the Outback and it has a ton of room and you can get a bike (2 actually) in the back. I have another friend with a Crosstrek and she loves it!

make an offer on this

http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2014/09/29/first-2015-dodge-challenger-srt-hellcat-sells-for-825000/

I suffer from advanced "Leadfootitis". I do not believe that the Hellcat would solve my issue.

In the process of buying the wife an Outback - having to order it. Don't have it yet but she absolutely loves it, for whatever that's worth.

For those wishing to buy an Outback

http://www.franchise.org//Outback_Steakhouse_International_LP_franchise.aspx

Useful, but not interchangable.

CRV. The others are icky.

i've done some reading on the WRX...it is faster than a porsche carrera, both off the line and top speed. pretty sure my license and insurance can't afford the tickets i'd rack up with that.

And the WRX is also the most ticketed car, so you are right on that, Happy!

http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2014/09/30/vehicles-us-most-tickets/16490255/

i read the list, and with the exception of the Infiniti QX56, i think the raeason could be attributed to the other 19 cars being sought after by younger drivers, who haven't yet learned that tickets cost money on insurance (and won't learn that until Daddy makes them pay their own).

Hard choice - both are great

Passat is improving with reliability but has its share of past problems. great mileage and engineering. (Passat was referred to as almost an Audi)

I love Subaru's - the only thing stopping me is there is no need in SC for a 4WD with the extra parts/weight. My brother has one and loves it - one problem - he had a tire blow out with about 10,000 miles wear. He had to replace all 4 tires because it is a constant 4WD and the diameter difference from the wear would put a huge strain on the differential.

German engineering!

My daughter-in-law drives an Impreza and my son has a Forester. He is a car guy and loves Subarus.

I have also started looking for a new car with super high standards like cheap, ok millage and not a deathtrap.

Sure was impressed with the BMW twin-turbo diesel wagon, some European-only model we experienced while on vacation. I'd like to know what model it was. I rode around in it a week never realizing it was only a 4-cylinder and diesel at that, only making the discovery when stopping in for fuel. Low-end, neck-snapping torque with effortless high-speed acceleration and cruising capabilities, coupled with what was obviously excellent fuel economy. It belonged to our host.

I could do diesel engines like that one. If the Passat even approached it in drive-ability and economy it'd be a winner.

My car didnt even make the top 20? Thats disgraceful!!

I love my passat, it is a gas though. My family members have diesel VWs and all have had really good luck with them. I would have bought a diesel but the year I bought diesels were not available due to a fire at one of the VW plants. I would really like to have a diesel passat wagon.

You don't drive a Mercury Topaz?

Suzuki Reno ???

has anyone passed by one of theses or should I try the running thread?

Suzuki and Porsche should collaborate on a Reno 911.

Fixed