The mind wanders

"DasWauto" (DasWauto) 10/03/2019 at 18:36 • Filed to: unnecessary car shopping without E90M3

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I’ve been trying to figure out what to replace the WRX with since early this year, trying out a new option every once in a while when the mood strikes. I had been thinking I’d want a truck as my requirements are 4 driven wheels, automatic (sorry, not sorry) because remote start and more ground clearance than the WRX because I’ve beached it a few times. Full-size trucks are out because I prefer to drive something that’s not enormous and even the mid-size trucks are pushing that.

Yesterday I checked out an Outback, specifically an Outdoor XT trim (Canadian market version of the Onyx edition the the US gets). It’s a nice powertrain - good power, very smooth, doesn’t require premium and the CVT isn’t hatefull as it always simulates gears going through a set of 8 fixed ratios.

I really wish this kind of ride/drivetrain was available in a slightly smaller package like the Crosstrek or Forester. As it is, it’s a strong contender but I wasn’t going to throw my wallet at the dealer for this one, despite the tempting shade of green.

The search continues, I don’t need to buy something new but I’m kind of over the WRX and I want something to haul mountain bikes/kayaks, which is a pain with the lack of roof rack mounting points on the ‘rex.

(I’ve thought about buying a new WRX as the 2018+ models have roof rack mounts but it wouldn’t address my other complaints  with it.)

CB > DasWauto 10/03/2019 at 19:03

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Any other thoughts on it? I'm on the fence about my next car purchase and the Outback XT is on the list.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > DasWauto 10/03/2019 at 19:09

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Clearly what you need is a Lincoln Navigator

Or a Corvette ZR1

DasWauto > CB 10/03/2019 at 19:19

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I’d recommend driving one as everyone’s needs, wants and preferences are different .

The driving experience is very smooth, both in terms of ride quality and the power train, which is appreciated coming from my WRX, you’d likely feel similar coming from the FieSTa.

The b ase stereo is decent, unlike the WRX and the interior amenities are nice, as are all the touch points. The Outdoor has an interesting upholstery material that’s supposed to be durable and easy to clean, it also happens to very soft without being slippery. I liked the feel of it and the colour scheme of the upholstery is the right kind of not- boring.

The ergonomics are a slight improvement over my WRX, though not as good as German cars tend to be for my height. It would probably be very pleasant and convenient car to live with but I’ll need a longer, more thorough test drive to decide if I want to go this far away from sporty without going into a truck.

As mentioned above, if I could get this experience in a smaller package I’d have been very tempted to buy it on the spot.

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > DasWauto 10/03/2019 at 19:20

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We were strongly considering a Legacy XT before my mom bought her Crosstrek. I think my dad really just wanted his 2005 Legacy 2.5GT back. She bought the Crosstrek before the XT launched so I haven’t actually been in one yet but I do want to drive one at some point.

CB > DasWauto 10/03/2019 at 19:23

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Thanks, that does help. I’d test drive one over the winter and see how it is.

I feel like both of our current shopping lists are the same.

DasWauto > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly 10/03/2019 at 19:29

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I quite like the Aviator actually.

I‘ve tried to fit in the Corvette but I’m too tall. :<

DasWauto > CB 10/03/2019 at 19:34

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It does seem we have similar needs/wants for our next vehicles, doesn’t it?

Have you considered a Wrangler? I checked one out briefly - it’s neat but expensive and I think I’d have trouble with the wind noise, especially as it’s mostly  caused by the removable roof that I wouldn’t actually intend to ever remove.

I certainly haven’t figured it out yet. I do know I’m curious about a few more options that aren’t on the market yet, mostly the upcoming Bronco and its smaller sibling, whatever that ends up being called.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > DasWauto 10/03/2019 at 19:37

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What about the new ford ranger?

DasWauto > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 10/03/2019 at 19:49

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I’ve tried one as well - it’s the top contender among the trucks, mostly because of the strong powertrain (see a trend here?). I’m hung up on the cost - incentives on the F-150 makes it hard to justify the smaller truck with its comparative lack of financial motivators.

I’m also not a huge fan of all the trucks chasing the highest payload/tow ratings that most people never use resulting in a silly ass-high stance that makes truck beds annoyingly high and difficult to reach into. I’m not sure if this is a bit of rose-coloured glasses nostalgia talking but I like the smaller form factor of my parents’ old Ranger. Maybe one day compact trucks will return...

DAWRX - The Herb Strikes Back > DasWauto 10/03/2019 at 19:54

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Hitch rack > roof rack every day of the week and twice on sunday. 

DasWauto > DAWRX - The Herb Strikes Back 10/03/2019 at 20:09

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I’m inclined to agree for mountain bikes but k ayaks are a bit more of a challenge.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > DasWauto 10/03/2019 at 21:14

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Sportwagen

DasWauto > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 10/03/2019 at 21:27

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Before my WRX I had a 2015 Golf. I still miss certain attributes of it but can’t  bring myself to own much the same thing twice.

Under_Score > DasWauto 10/03/2019 at 22:05

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The new Forester is nice.

DasWauto > Under_Score 10/03/2019 at 23:36

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It is nice -  Subaru has stepped up their interiors massive in the last few years - but I can’t deal with the NA 2.5 base engine being the only option, it’s too slow. 

ShrimpHappens, née WJalopy > DasWauto 10/03/2019 at 23:42

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We just got a ‘19 Forester. It’s not terribly slow. Test drive one.

CB > DasWauto 10/04/2019 at 00:34

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Definitely a no to the Wrangler. Seems more like a toy than what I want for a responsible vehicle. And they’re also super expensive.

I’m also curious about how much could be done with just a soft-roader.

DasWauto > ShrimpHappens, née WJalopy 10/04/2019 at 05:19

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I haven’t driven a ‘19 but the 7 hp it gained over the last generation isn’t going to improve the powertrain   enough for my taste. I quite  liked the last Forester XT I drove, I really hope they put a turbo engine in the new one at some point.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > DasWauto 10/04/2019 at 09:18

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Get a Corvette convertible! 

DAWRX - The Herb Strikes Back > DasWauto 10/04/2019 at 11:47

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Ah, makes sense if if you’re hauling those too. Missed that in your post.

VW Alltrack Or Volvo V60 Cross Country?

DasWauto > DAWRX - The Herb Strikes Back 10/04/2019 at 16:59

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I owned a Mk7 golf before the WRX and I can’t bring myself to buy (effectively) the same thing twice. V60 CC is an option, no idea where the nearest dealer is though, which might be a deciding factor. 

DasWauto > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly 10/04/2019 at 17:00

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I’m looking directly at the top of the windshield in one of those. Slightly impractical. 

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > DasWauto 10/04/2019 at 17:15

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Sit on a phone book so you’ll be looking above the windshield... and fix the wind-in-the-eyes problem by wearing a motorcycle helmet!

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > DasWauto 10/30/2019 at 09:09

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https://oppositelock.kinja.com/those-were-the-days-best-of-oppo-1839452829