Our next feature is a second-generation Volvo S80 V8 AWD, the wonderfully improbable flagship sedan Volvo built when somebody in Gothenburg decided Swedish safety needed a transverse-mounted Japanese V8. Powering this oddball is Volvo’s B8444S 4.4-liter DOHC V8 (developed and manufactured by Yamaha) that pushes 311 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque into a 6-speed […]
The V8 powered B6 generation Audi S4 is something of a jack-of-all-trades in the world of late model performance sport sedan/wagons. The all-wheel-drive miscreant isn’t as fast or nutty as a rally bred STi or Evo, but it is far more refined in the tradition of German sport sedans. The S4 might not offer as […]
The Eagle Talon from Diamond Star Motors (DSM) is a car that either clicks with you or doesn’t, and that’s okay. Some cars have niche appeal, fostering dedicated fan bases. While I might not consider myself part of the die-hard enthusiasts, my admiration for turbochargers, all-wheel-drive, and muscular hood designs makes me appreciate this particular […]
The little first generation Toyota Rav4 didn’t make a blip on my automotive radar when they were launched, but I’m strangely attracted to them now that they are 25 years old. You could get the little SUV with all-wheel-drive and a locking center differential and a manual gearbox to boot! Find this 1998 Toyota RAV4 […]
When I tell people that I’m a fan of cheap cars, they might consider this next car to be a good example of what I’m talking about. Except that I want cheap cars…not cars that are just cheap to buy, but also cars that are cheap to run. A mid 2000s Jaguar…this could cost something […]
I can’t decide which part of this next advertisement annoys me more. Is it the “unsold adams” photography, or the number of alphanumeric designators the sellers haphazardly heaps into the listing. S40, T5, AWD, 6speed, AC, whlz, 82k…are we still paying for characters in a listing like its a telegram? Sure, some is Volvos fault […]
If someone asks you to name an all-wheel-drive Japanese modern classic with a manual gearbox, most people start listings things from the Subaru, Mitsubishi, or Nissan…but the truth is that Toyota probably built more all-wheel-drive cars than any of those specialty makers, mainly because they built a bazillian cars over the years. Today’s example is […]
The second version of Subaru Impreza WRX to wear the STI badge in the USA was produced starting 2008 as a hatchback only rally machine, but in 2011 Subaru introduced a 4-door sedan version of the STI and sport sedan enthusiasts everywhere rejoiced. I’m not saying that I don’t appreciate the hauling capability and style […]
The ST185 generation Toyota Celica All-Trac was known as the “Super Round shape” version of the high performance version of Toyota’s liftback Celica (1989-1993). It combined a turbocharged 4-cylinder 3S-GTE engine with all-wheel-drive and a 5-speed manual gearbox. With 200 horsepower in the USA version, it won’t be the fastest car you’ve ever driven, but it is a part of Toyota’s rally history and will be a desirable classic someday…if it isn’t already. Find this 1990 Toyota Celica All-Trac offered for $7000 in Katy, TX via craigslist. Tip from Graham.
Back when I was in college, I a friend who always drove when we went on a road trip. It wasn’t because he was the best driver or had the biggest or nicest car…no it was much more simple than that. He had the car that would always get us to our destination and back… and his car was a mid 80s Subaru Leone wagon. It didn’t have a turbo or all-wheel-drive like today’s example, but it always got a load of college kids to/from a concert, camping, or wherever college kids needed to go. He sold the car years ago, but I can only assume it is still being used by college kids to get around, or at least I hope it is. Anyway, if you want to make a political statement get a Tesla, but if need a car to get you places, get this 1985 Subaru Leone Turbo AWD offered for $6,000 near Santa Cruz, CA via craigslist. Tip from FuelTruck.