We like the Camrys but they don't come with AWD. Camrys are out. Nissans come with AWD and Volvo S60s will come with AWD starting in 2019, Dec. We live in the hills of Lake Oswego and need AWD in the winter to get us back and forth to the hospital which is essential. Also would like backup camera, lane departure, pedestrian avoidance, blind spot warning, a cruise control that accounts for the speed of the car ahead of you and halts a front end collision with the car in front of you, interlock, GPS, keyless entry, smart key fob, sedan, hybrid and good gas mileage.
The IS is absolutely not a Camry. It is a RWD car, the Camry is FWD - very different chassis. The ES350 and the Camry were once one and the same, not sure if it is still the same - or if the ES is based on the Avalon now (which is bigger than the Camry). Having said that, the IS is a fantastic car.
If you are going for a Subaru - avoid the EJ engine- not sure if the Forester and Outback still have that or if they moved to the new engine that the Impreza and Crosstek use - but the old EJs will blow their head-gaskets sooner or later and when it happens, engine death can be immediate. We have had 4 Subarus, loved 3 of them, were ok with the last one. Unfortunately, that one blew a head gasket when I was out of the country and my wife did not check the oil every other week as one should on these old Subarus. The result... blown engine. FWIW - Of the other 3, another one had a blown head-gasket, but I caught it and was able to fix it before it detonated it's engine. EDIT: Looks like the Outback still has a 2.5L 4 cylinder 175BHP engine, that smells like an EJ to me. If I were to look at an Outback, only the 6 cylinder - avoid that engine.
I wish I could drive the Miata more, but it is summer vacation and I have to pick 2 kids from theatre - I am mostly driving an EV or an old Lexus GX this summer. But, I did have an old Lexus IS before - an older IS300 (the first IS) - and it was a fantastic car. I wish I still had it.
My wife's 2005 Camry and my three Volvos never blew a head gasket. I think I got up to 300,000 miles on one of my Volvos. Another 1969 Volvo got 150,000 miles and had to trade it in on a new one when I moved to a sales tax state and wanted a new car without paying a tax. The second one got 300,000 and the third got totaled when a lady rear ended me violently. Edit: A failing head gasket shows up when the oil looks like foam or the oil starts leaking out the gasket.
I am aware of the issue. The problem with that engine is that it is prone for that issue. I honestly think that Subaru's AWD system is fantastic and they often make wonderful cars, my 2001 Impreza RS was an amazing car and lots of fun, but - they have issues that one needs to be aware of. FWIW - I would still take a Subaru over a Nissan for AWD, but I would remember to check the oil on that Subaru often. Or.. if you can live with a slightly smaller car, the Subaru Crosstek has all the advantages of great AWD without that 2.5L EJ motor. I am wondering if I should get a used one for my daughter instead of having her drive a giant old Lexus.
My brother passed away 13 years ago. I don't recall the problems except for the leaking front windshield. There were others but like I say I can't recall them.
I have to go to the hospital and when I need to go it's practically life and death. When the weather gets bad I've been taking a chance that I can't make it through the ice and snow.
