|
|
Post by John B on Sept 5, 2023 9:28:51 GMT -5
I think you've convinced me not to buy one, epaul. When I get my license back I plan to retire my 2008 Jeep and get a new used vehicle. I don't know anything about cars. Mine needs to have 4WD and it needs to get me where I want to go. I'll probably be happy with whatever I get. Sounds like a Subaru to me. Depends on what you’re towing, right? Although replacing a Subaru with a Subaru is always an option. |
|
|
|
Post by Russell Letson on Sept 5, 2023 9:52:07 GMT -5
FWIW, our current (third, I think) Subaru is a 2006 off-lease we got with (I think) under 20K miles on it. Now at 114K, because we no longer take the annual Pittsburgh trip. There have been maintenance needs--head gaskets at 80K because it's one of the model years that had issues, and timing belt at the same time rather than at 100+k because the engine was disassembled anyway. A new water pump, a worn CV boot, new block heater, drive belts (last week), and something with the rear suspension (pending)--some of these were on the pricey side, but way better than $30K or so to replace the whole car.
As much as I like our old Outback (it's exactly the right size for us), I would probably adjust just fine to a CR-V or RAV4--and the Ford Escape I rented in July was a surprisingly pleasant car, though I don't know whether it would match a Subaru in a durability contest. (And the dial-on-the-console shift selector is deeply wrong.)
|
|
|
|
Post by Marty on Sept 5, 2023 11:45:18 GMT -5
As much as I like our old Outback (its exactly the right size for us), I would probably adjust just fine to a CR-V or RAV4--and the Ford Escape I rented in July was a surprisingly pleasant car, though I don't know whether it would match a Subaru in a durability contest. (And the dial-on-the-console shift selector is deeply wrong.) I wouldn't want one of the newer Escape models either. I had a 60s Plymouth Valiant wagon that was great. Bare bones small wagon except for the push button transmission which is why I finally sold it, linkage problems. |
|
|
|
Post by John B on Sept 5, 2023 12:09:25 GMT -5
My wife’s ex’s Escape spontaneously combusted in their garage. Known issue, but not serious enough to warrant a recall at this time. No more Fords for either family.
|
|
|
|
Post by Hobson on Sept 5, 2023 12:23:28 GMT -5
We hope to not have to purchase another vehicle. Ours are older and don't have all of the modern doo-dads. We probably should sell the 1997 Chevy pickup. Mr. H hardly drives anymore and I dislike parking it. We gave up camping years ago, so don't need it for that. We're unlikely to be loading it up with something to haul home or away. The 2003 Blazer suits us fine.
|
|
|
|
Post by dradtke on Sept 5, 2023 13:38:32 GMT -5
Sounds like a Subaru to me. Depends on what you’re towing, right? Although replacing a Subaru with a Subaru is always an option. We did. Don doesn't say he's towing anything, and that's probably the Subaru's weak spot. As much as I loved our Outback, the lightweight Scamp was at the limit of its towing capabilities. So we upgraded to the Subaru Ascent, which tows beautifully, but is probably larger than Don wants to park. |
|
|
|
Post by Cornflake on Sept 5, 2023 14:04:14 GMT -5
I'm not towing anything. This thread prompted me to check out Subarus. A Crosstrek looked promising. It's a little more expensive than the Mazdas but I rented some kind of Subaru in northern New Mexico in winter and was very impressed with it.
|
|
|
|
Post by Marshall on Sept 5, 2023 14:20:10 GMT -5
Never had a single problem with a Japanese car. Ever !!! A couple Toyota Rav4s, Honda CRV, and a slew of Corollas, Camarys, Accords, and a Civic.
(Just oil, filters, tires, and occasional brake jobs.)
|
|
|
|
Post by epaul on Sept 5, 2023 15:39:47 GMT -5
Consumer Reports likes the Crosstrek a lot. There is a Crosstrek 'plugin' hybrid, but in this one case only, Consumer Reports does not recommend getting the hybrid. They said Subaru just didn't get it done right (no useful battery range and the battery consumed too much storage space). The Crosstrek is a sub-compact SUV (it is built on the Impreza platform, so it is one click smaller in size and interior room than the Forester (and the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV-4, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-5/CX-50). www.consumerreports.org/cars/subaru/crosstrek/2023/overview/(if you want a Subaru, get the Forester. It is the best vehicle Subaru makes. (and if you get the Outback, for heaven's sake, don't get one with the standard 2.5 "Boxer" four cylinder. That engine should have been shot and buried years ago. It is an embarrassment. Get what they call the 2.4L engine. It has much more pep than the 2.5 Boxer, which is a real dog (I had one, it is a dog. And it melted on me). The 2.4L (X engine) come standard with the "Limited" line. Skip the Premier, get the Limited.) |
|
|
|
Post by Rob Hanesworth on Sept 5, 2023 16:33:23 GMT -5
At our ages, I guess none of us have the years or energy to get a job at GM and get a Cadillac "One Piece at a Time."
|
|
|
|
Post by billhammond on Sept 5, 2023 17:13:53 GMT -5
Elderdottir and spouse have been very happy with their Crosstrek, which they got several years ago, and they take it to some pretty remote fly fishing spots. I don't think it has a frame, though, Mr. Tandberg. Impreza "platform," yes.
|
|
|
|
Post by epaul on Sept 5, 2023 17:16:25 GMT -5
That's what I said! (hurries to edit)
|
|
|
|
Post by billhammond on Sept 5, 2023 19:52:04 GMT -5
I've have owned only two AWD vehicles, which I guess is kind of remarkable considering the winters where I live. But good car and tire selection pays dividends. My first was a delightful Honda Civic AWD Wagon, circa 1990, which had a viscous coupling driveshaft to the rear wheels. So it was a front-drive car until the front tires slipped at all, at which point X percent of drive power would go to the rear wheels (both would get the same percentage, no electronics involved). Simple, sealed, efficient, mechanical. That car was a gas to drive in the snow, especially with its six-speed manual. ![]() My current AWD car, an Infiniti G37X, takes the opposite approach. It's a rear-drive car, but if slippage ensues, a driveshaft sends power to either or both of the front wheels, apportioned electronically for best overall traction. Plus it's a seven-speed auto trans. Also a gas to drive in the snow, and has traction control, etc., to save you from yourself. |
|
|
|
Post by dradtke on Sept 6, 2023 11:14:44 GMT -5
Also a gas to drive in the snow, and has traction control, etc., to save you from yourself. I'm told that Ramsey county snow-plow drivers are aware of a legendary neighborhood that - for some unexplained reason - is filled with donuts and boot-legger turn marks in the snow every time they show up to plow. |
|
|
|
Post by billhammond on Sept 6, 2023 12:24:56 GMT -5
Also a gas to drive in the snow, and has traction control, etc., to save you from yourself. I'm told that Ramsey county snow-plow drivers are aware of a legendary neighborhood that - for some unexplained reason - is filled with donuts and boot-legger turn marks in the snow every time they show up to plow. I really miss the handbrake on my Altima -- the Infiniti has an e-brake, so no more bootlegger turns in the snow. I used to love coming down Roma Avenue, yanking the handbrake, flicking a bit of left steering input and sliding the car to a 90-degree stop in the street, facing the garage perfectly. |
|
|
|
Post by coachdoc on Sept 6, 2023 15:37:12 GMT -5
Wife loves her 2006 Prius. I love my 2016 Outback. Hers we bought new, It just turned 300,000 miles. My Outback bought used. Regret neither purchase. They both have been essentially trouble free. Would do it all over again.
|
|
|
|
Post by Hobson on Sept 7, 2023 11:03:33 GMT -5
|
|
