Subaru WRX/Outback XT vs Audi A4 2.0?
 

Hey people I'm looking for some info regarding which may be a better choice, going the Subaru pathway with either a WRX or Outback 2.5 XT, or going with an Audi A4 quattro 2.0. I won't be getting a new vehicle for at least a year, so I have plenty of time to do research.

Essentially the reason why I have narrowed it down to these two categories is because I want a good AWD car with a little punch. I must admit I find the A4 more visually appealing than the Subarus, but using the TFP search function it seems like many of you think Audi's are prone to problems over the long term, and to be honest, when I buy a vehicle I use it for a good ~7 years before getting something new. So, are the Audi quality issues really that bad? I've only heard good things about the durability of Subarus, but they just don't have that GERMAN look. ;) Also, how does the safety during crashes of the two companies compare? If there's anything else I should be considering please let me know. Thanks for any imput!

i would say either WRX or A4, and honestly, i think it depends on your age/maturity. the wrx is more of a boy-racer look where the A4 is definately more refined and "mature"

i would buy the wrx, but i'm 23, and i also probably wouldn't keep it 7 years. even if i did then i'd have it when i'm 30, and by the time i'm 30 i'd probably rather have the A4

This is exactly what I was thinking. However, if the Audi problems are really that common, which is the impression I get from some of the past threads, I'm not sure if the better looks would be worth the headache.

if you like the WRX package, but want a more grown up apperance look at the Saab 9-2x Aero. same car, different front end and minior interior enhacments. plus it can be had at 20K now.

nothing to say

Audi used to be prone with problems, but that might not still be the case. Remember, the A4 is just a VW Passat that's been wrapped up in a better package. Actually, you might be better off if you did go with a top-end Passat - you'd get more options for your money. The Audi will probably not last 7 years, because German cars cannot handle the wear that American roads give them without almost constant repair.

The WRX is a good choice, but is small. Keep that in mind, and remember that you might be 30 and show up at an important function in a "kids" car.

The Outback...dude, it's a station wagon.

Just curious...why is AWD a must? In almost all cases, unless you live in really rough climatic condions, AWD is just a waste of money and gas mileage.

Pocon 1- The new Audi front end is OK, I still like the exterior of the Audis more than Subarus.

TM875 - I have noticed that the WRX IS a little on the small side for the interior which does kind of bug me. The reason why I want AWD is because I live up here in the pacific northwest where it rains most of the year and snows at least a few times during the winter. Front wheel drive would PROBABLY be good enough, but I would rather spend the extra money on AWD.

Reliability aside, over the course of 7+ years, maintenance prices for the Audi is going to be significantly higher (as with all European cars when comparing them to Japanese) than the Subaru.

Many Audi owners will swear by the reliability of their cars, a couple of my friends included. But when asked to cough up receipts estimating yearly operating costs of a 5 and 8 year old Audi, you can see why they are so attached to their cars...they have to be with all the money they have put in them. All joking aside, the fact is it costs more to fix a European car. Now having said that, Audi has one of the best bumper to bumper warranties for the first 4 years. You won't even pay to have a wiper blade replaced. But if something breaks after your warranty is up....

Gnzo that is a really good point about the warranties, I had not even considered that. I'll check 'em out.

Just to back up Nimisys here, definitely check out the saab 92-x aero. My dad got one about two months ago and he (and I) are loving it. The sales so far haven't been so good for it(probably because they don't advertise enough!) but it's definitely a solid buy.

In my opinion, the exterior stylings of the 92-x kill the wrx wagon. At the same time though, it's got the quality of subaru's brand name attached to it and it's a little more refined. Think about it:

http://www.saabusa.com/saabjsp/92x/index.jsp

Oh yeah, and I think the roofline on the 92-x is a little modified from the wrx wagon. Just a little. I'm 6'4 and can sit in the back seat with full head room comfortably...Really strange. Maybe the wrx is the same, I haven't actually sat in one. But you can consider both of them 5 passenger cars.

Audi's are beautiful cars, but when it comes time to fix them, ouch.

I've driven the A4 and the Legacy Outback.

I have to say that the Subaru is more punchy, and the A4 feels a bit more sure footed.

The Legacy Outback has more room in it than the A4 estate, and overall I prefered it.

A4's are all over the place around here, while WRX's are few and far between. I'd opt for the Subaru only because I wouldn't look like every other vehicle on the road.
I'm sure the Audi is a nice car, but after driving the WRX, I would love to have one.

I love my parent's WRX wagon and think the 9-2x Aero would be a great choice. Plus Saab is runnning amazing deals on theem now, such as a new one for $21,000, where it usually costs about $26,000+ I think.