Relaibility? Subaru, BMW or Audi?

[t_garp]

Hi guys,

Just wanted to bounce off a few choices and see what you think. So far I am torn between importing a new Subaru or a used BMW or Audi...

Any ideas how reliable a 5 series will be? I know it's older, with a lot of miles, but a 545i must kick ***** ! However, I am VERY leery of the dealers ripping me off on service on the 5 series. (I've read horror stories relating to the 2004's firmware problems)

My options are all in the US$26-28,000 price range:

1. 2006 BMW 325i or xi if I can find one with ~15-20k miles (~2yrs warranty left)
2. 2004 BMW 525i or xi if I can find one with ~35-40k miles (little warranty left)
3. 2004 BMW 545i with ~50k miles (no warranty)
4. 2007 Audi A4 Quattro 2.0T
5. 2008 Subaru Legacy GT (full warranty left)
6. 2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i LLBean w/nav (full warranty left)

[t_garp]

Oh, yes. as per my other posts in the main thread, I know how snooty BMW dealers are and I feel like I will get hosed by Richmond BMW if I take it in for service.

They seem to treat US cars like the plague and try to not honour warranty work from what I've heard.

[TenzoR]

Subaru will probably be more reliable than the German rivals you've selected

[Spray]

I own the legacy (See signature)

25k KM on it so far, haven't had it in the dealership once.

[ShadowVlican]

Subaru will probably be more reliable than the German rivals you've selected

[Andro]

if reliability is a main concern of course Subaru, don't even second guess it.

[notanexpert]

I actually own both a Subaru and a BMW, both quite "experienced" cars with 183k and 201k on them respectively. No difference in reliability so far, over quite a few years, because neither has let me down yet. (fingers crossed!)
Apart from very minor problems not affecting drivability on both of the cars, all I've done is regular service and maintenace items.

[DoriSPL]

Subie all the way. We have owned:

-1993 Impreza L Sedan (WRX Swapped)
-1999 Impreza "RSTi" Coupe (for Sale)
-2002 Impreza WRX Sedan
-2002 Impreza WRX Wagon
-2005 Legacy 2.5GT Sedan

And soon to own a 2004-2005 WRX STi Sedan. Everyone one has been absolutly amazing. Only major problem I have had was a spun bearing in the stock 2.5RS engine (I was going to swap it anyways). I love these cars, recommend them to all of my friends/family.

[EscaBoi]

I love the new Legacy!

[Spray]

Get the legacy!!!!
Just my Winter tires and wheels on today!!
If you can get a Spec B for a GOOD deal than nab it. I'd personally take a 2007 spec B for the same price as a 2008 LGT :P

[Bullseye]

The latest Consumer Reports reliability study ranks Subaru as top 2 with Honda;

http://www.bkcars.com/elite/subaru_ad.htm

[t_garp]

Thanks for the input guys...

I will be lining up test drives for next weekend...

I am ready to take the US importing plunge!!!

[bionicbadger]

New car vs. used car reliability will almost always be in favour of a new car. When you buy used, you don't know what the previous owner(s) did to the car or how they treated it.

[SubieDo]

2005 Legacy, 45000km, problems=0.