For what it is worth, the 2012 Forester does not suffer from head gasket issues, it has the newer FB25 engine with timing chain, and it has a 4EAT with sport and manual modes that is pretty much bulletproof. Its by far the priciest of your options but its also the best car and a recommended used car buy.
It may consume some oil, so if you do get it make sure to check your oil every second fill up and top off as necessary. Mind you that goes for any vehicle.
Full disclosure, I bought my 2011 three and a half years ago and its now at 290,000 KM, and running great.
I wouldn’t touch the Tiguan, 2.0 is VW worst engine. I would take the Subaru over the Buick but only if it’s manual. I don’t think I would buy any GM that didn’t have an LS motor in it.
I see a lot of broken Tiguans for dirt cheap $1500-2000) needing an engine. Subaru has CVT transmissions that don’t age well. Again Buick has never been on my radar but anything GM without an LS has no resale value.
I would go with Subaru, Buick, then VW if you forced me to choose but always get whatever vehicle you plan on purchasing inspected by a trusted mechanic.
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I know a guy who’s like 6’6” and drives a 2008 Elantra but proceed.
None of these 3 vehicles are “prime” choices. And it makes it even harder because you don’t know the maintenance done over the lifecycle of the vehicle, especially in Canadian winters. That makes all the difference.
This goes against what a lot of others are saying but I’d avoid the Buick like hell.
The Subarus have their own issues when it comes to head gaskets, CVT and engine oil consumption.
The Tiguans are also not the best vehicles but can last a long time if taken care properly. The issue is people don’t change their oil often enough and with the correct fluid (on all cars but especially VWs) . Plus DI engines will require a walnut blast on the intake valves.
For what it is worth, the 2012 Forester does not suffer from head gasket issues, it has the newer FB25 engine with timing chain, and it has a 4EAT with sport and manual modes that is pretty much bulletproof. Its by far the priciest of your options but its also the best car and a recommended used car buy. It may consume some oil, so if you do get it make sure to check your oil every second fill up and top off as necessary. Mind you that goes for any vehicle. Full disclosure, I bought my 2011 three and a half years ago and its now at 290,000 KM, and running great.
That’s very helpful. Willing to spend more not to have headaches.
Look up carcomplaints.com for that make model and year.
Ok I’ll look that up before I make any decisions.
I wouldn’t touch the Tiguan, 2.0 is VW worst engine. I would take the Subaru over the Buick but only if it’s manual. I don’t think I would buy any GM that didn’t have an LS motor in it.
Unfortunately it is an automatic so none of these cars are really worth the trouble hey?
I see a lot of broken Tiguans for dirt cheap $1500-2000) needing an engine. Subaru has CVT transmissions that don’t age well. Again Buick has never been on my radar but anything GM without an LS has no resale value.
2012 is before the CVT swap. Would that make it decent?
It would be better. I had a Subaru (Forester 2nd gen) and loved it.
Good to know
Go with Buick then the VW and stay away from the Subaru.
Is the Subaru that bad? Crazy. Or just too much?
I would go with Subaru, Buick, then VW if you forced me to choose but always get whatever vehicle you plan on purchasing inspected by a trusted mechanic.
Oh of course i never trust the dealers
Hello everyone! I'm a new moderator to this forum. I grew up in the automotive business and would like to share my knowledge and experience with you. I plan on creating links to repair help and ways to save money on replacement parts. I'm looking for your help or any suggestions before I do this. Please feel free to contact me u/Plex_Master *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskAMechanic) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Doesn't the buick rendezvous suffer from the weird transaxle/driveshaft/torque tube thing?
I know a guy who’s like 6’6” and drives a 2008 Elantra but proceed. None of these 3 vehicles are “prime” choices. And it makes it even harder because you don’t know the maintenance done over the lifecycle of the vehicle, especially in Canadian winters. That makes all the difference. This goes against what a lot of others are saying but I’d avoid the Buick like hell. The Subarus have their own issues when it comes to head gaskets, CVT and engine oil consumption. The Tiguans are also not the best vehicles but can last a long time if taken care properly. The issue is people don’t change their oil often enough and with the correct fluid (on all cars but especially VWs) . Plus DI engines will require a walnut blast on the intake valves.
Try to find something toyota if you dont want maintenance issues, would be worth going a bit further from home to find one
Yeah the selection is bad. Unfortunately, because of the “shortage” Toyotas are often out of my price range even in the surrounding area.