Looking for a reliable long-lasting commuter wagon for ~6K, lower

>>15272042
subie impreza wagon is also a good call. Honestly subies are the only thing that is both cheap and plentiful for your scenario.

>>15272042
Yeah mate, you basically described a 4 cylinder Outback, and then said you were keen on the Outback.

I'd say you know what you need.

>>15272042
The Subaru Outback was literally just a Subaru Legacy wagon with a lifted suspension. any 1995-2004 Legacy. Forester r Outback will suit your needs.

Also something to remember. The front/rear power split on Subaru's does vary by transmission. If you get the automatic, the split is 90/10, so it might as well be a FWD Honda Civic. The manual transmission cars though have a 50/50 split and, as a result, are MUCH better in inclement weather.

>>15273678
OP, do your own research here. This poster is not entirely correct.

My outback is auto and the torque split is 45:55. They're not all the same...

>>15273678
Subaru manuals are 50/50. Automatics are 60/40 and 45/55 depending on if it is a CVT or not.

The split is also situational depending on the year/transmission

>>15274460
>>15274494
>>15274959
90-99 Subaru automatics did have a 90/10 split, so he is correct.

The outback is the way to go. My only suggestion is to check if the head gaskets have been replaced, because the original ones are paper and you start to burn oil over time

>>15274991
this is wrong though

+great visibility
+Tons of aftermarket support for accessories like bike and kayak racks
+Easy maintenance
+Good highway mileage
~4 cylinder will be slow but that's expected
-bad city mileage
-head gaskets could be an issue
-rust

Not AWD but the Mazda 6 wagon is pretty alright.

subaru outback/forrester/impreza wagon all seem like your best options. but here are some other considerations.
>Mazda protege 5 or mazda 6 wagon
Mazda 5's are cheap as fuck and they're pretty easy to work on. Some mazda 6's come with AWD, might just be the mazdaspeed version which is far out of your price range though.
>Volkswagen Passat wagon
I haven't read much about these but I have seen them with AWD and the older ones are still kicking around which seems like a good mark of a realible car. They're pretty damn ugly in my opinion.
>Audi a4 avant or Allroad
Awd with a shiney badge. I've heard the Allroad is garbage though and older audi's can be pricey to fix.

>>15279418
4Motion Passats are notoriously unreliable

What is an actual fair price for a 2002-2004 outback or legacy in good condition with low miles? OPs 6k price seems high to me.

>>15279433
That's pretty good if the car is in great condition. I paid $3500 for a 99 Outback that has a pristine interior and exterior.

>>15279433
I only listed 6K because I want an outback with low miles