I wrecked my car recently and am looking for a station wagon or something similar for under 5000. I found a subaru nearby that has under 100k miles and have heard they run really well as in they can go past 200k miles. Any suggestions are helpful. I want to stay away from GM cars I am just worried i am going to get a car and it will be a money pit.

Thank you

Brian,
You do realize that this question has almost as many opinions as: "what's the best beginner kite?"

2007 Mazda3 Sport (the hatchback, not the mazdaspeed) - I've got 160k miles on mine and it still runs like a top.

PS: Sorry about your car, and glad you're OK.

Getting in the game at 5k should get you a nice turn key vehicle if you are diligent in your search. Try and find something well maintained with service history records. My Volvo took me to 300k miles. I have never paid more than 5k for a car.

Scooby just starts to break in at 100k. Will run forever but you have to keep the salt off it. Fairly cheap to maintain.

Took my last outback sport to 197000 then Sandy did her in.. Got 172000 on my current forester...My commute is thru some of NY's crappiest roads...well they fixed them a bit
Make sure the timing belt,head gaskets and water pump have been done and they are good for 2000,000...if not you will be doing them
My buddy may still have 2 low mile 5spd outback sports for cheap if your interested
NY drivers don't buy sticks too much

good luck on the search. Sounds like a great choice as far as type of car. If you can drive a stick, that will probably save some doe.

For the record... I have an '04 GM mini van that hit267000 miles that has only received maintenance transmission rebuild at 1140000.... Hell I'm afraid to pull plugs tho check them still gets 28 mpg. Now that she has fuel pump. Replaced original at250000. Basically any vehicle CAN last. Btw bought in08 with 63000. Good luck searching.

unfortunately I dont drive stick cars.