Hey all, I'm new to the forum. Thought I'd take a minute to say hi. I'm not a Subaru owner yet, but I very likely will be soon. I've been a big Subaru fan for quite some time. The time has come when a small wagon is a very sensible choice, I find myself in the market for a new car. Maybe I'll end up with an Impreza, maybe a Legacy. We'll see.
The only thing my wife insists on, is that the stroller fits in the back. I may even get a 5 speed. (yay)
Welcome! feel free to post up some cars you are sonsidering if they are used and let the masses chime in. Good luck with your search!
Hey thanks phi11, I will definately utilize that. Not to hate on the Forester, but the whole idea behind this vehicle is fuel efficiency. I spend a lot of time on the road as it is, and I could potentially be spending a LOT of time on the road in the near future. Fuel efficiency is a top priority. But with the kids, we need something that can comfortably fit the whole family..and maybe even the dog. We've already got a 4Runner for those events where we need to pack along the kitchen sink. I'm zeroing in on the Impreza, maybe Impreza Outback, maybe even the Legacy. But no bigger than that.
Yeah, nothing that I want right now. There were a few WRX that appeared very tantilizing...but not what I'm shopping for unfortunately.
Honestly, if fuel efficiency is TOP priority, A Subaru is probably not your best choice. For the capacity, even an Impreza prior to 2012 does not give you that great of fuel economy. You can find vehicles out there that haul as much or more that have better MPG numbers and are just as reliable. Now, if all-wheel-drive is top of the list, then that's another story.
Great point. Yes, cargo and AWD are also top priorities. I'm also considering a Volvo V70 or XC 70. I'm also a little interested in maybe a Mazda3 wagon or maybe even a AWD Matrix. I'm leary of the Volvo due to cost of maintenance, and IMO they're not as reliable as a Subie. The Mazda fits all my requirements, I'm just not entirely comfortable with the brand. Their track record for reliability is not comparable to Subaru, Volvo, or Toyota. If you take AWD out of the equation, I'd also consider a Versa or Matrix...or other similar hatchback vehicles. But I'd really like to have the AWD. The Impreza wagon pre-2004 should get ~25-27 mpg highway. That's a HUGE improvement over the 18mpg I average in my 4Runner.
We also have a 4Runner (2000) and a Legacy GT (2008). Same type of situation where we take the 4Runner on road trips, ball games, car rides with the dogs (no kids). The dogs will also fit in the Legacy just fine and we've had 4 adults in it for extended trips, but since fuel efficiency is virtually the same, we usually end up taking the Yota. As for the Legacy... decent trunk space, comfortable ride, lacks rear leg room (the newer generation -larger ones - have much more leg room), ok gas mileage (18 city, 24 highway... although a retune on the turbo model will increase this and the NA model is closer to 22city/30highway). Keep in mind that the 02-07 Imprezas (including outback) are smaller than the 08+ impreza and slightly smaller than the 05-09 legacy. The 08+ impreza is built off the legacy chassis so it gained some size. The 2010+ legacy is quite large imho. Another thing to keep in mind if awd is a high priority is that the automatic models have a fwd bias... Still handles inclement weather just fine when equipped with proper tires, but handling is quite different compared to the manual models ime. What's the smallest car you'd consider? How old are the kids and how long do you plan to keep the car? Have you looked at the Suzuki sx4? Great value but might be too small for your needs, especially if your kids are older... might even be tight for 2 child seats if your kids are that age. Speaking of which, there are a couple threads on here about fitting child seats in various models (if that applies to you). Anyway, good luck with the search. Post up any questions you have along the way and I'm sure someone here will have the answer (or at least a reasonable response that may or may not also include an insult ).
Mazdas keep coming up in my searches when I input AWD as one of the requirements. I may be off on the model, but I'm pretty sure they make an AWD wagon...sorta kinda pretty sure.
The only AWD Mazda I know of was the Speed Six... It had a 274HP AWD inline turbo four... Everything in the 3 series is FWD... sorta kinda pretty sure.
I honestly think that a Legacy is the smallest vehicle I would consider. Just looking at the Matrix, my wife expressed skepticism that the stroller (BOB) would fit in the back. While she has backed off the stance that the stroller MUST fit in the back, I would still prefer a car that can fit all the 'gear' that comes with the kids. The kids are 14 months (twin boys)...so they still have plenty of growing to do. We anticipate that we may need another vehicle at some point. Either replacing the 4runner, or we just take on a 3rd vehicle...something with a 3rd row. Right now I'm looking at ~02+ Legacys...the most that my budget will permit. Good to know about the FWD bias of the auto transmission. I'm open to either a auto or manual. My preference is manual, for reasons you're all familiar with. Since I'm going to be the primary driver, my wife is ok with that...and quite frankly I'm amazed. I figured the auto transmission would be a given.
I wish the MazdaSpeed6 came in a wagon. Though I suppose I could just buy an STi or WRX if I really wanted such an animal. :/
I would recomend an Outback with a H6... the 2.5 NA's models had problems with the factory gaskets. The H6's have nearly the same HP as the 2.5 turbo.
yeah, but he's trying to stay away from using premium. H6 = " Premium fuel, 91 octane, is recommended." and the head gasket is more or less an easy fix, if you get to it before it becomes a problem.
Ideally I'd stay away from premium...which is why I'm staying clear of the WRX that I've ALWAYS wanted. I liked the fact that the TS has a low curb weight...and even though the MPG and HP are the same for most of the models I compared, the power to weight ratio is an important spec for me. Now, if I could only find one in a manual...
I has an 02 TS with a manual for 6 years. Served me very well. I averaged about 27-28 mpg even though I was not easy with the accelerator pedal.
cruise control: "throttle cable, the electronic module, and the actuator or whatever the large round thing under the hood is called that actually pulls the throttle cable. Then you'll need the switch...." instead of buying a new steering wheel, you can make the one you have work. (cut a hole and grind some metal, I've done that part before) but I think you also would need the clock spring. there is two switches, one on the dash, and one on the steering wheel. I think it's do able, but I haven't found anyone that has done it.
