My wife needs to buy a car. Currently planning on a new Crosstrek, anything else I should be looking at?

"71MGBGT Likes Subarus of Unusual Colors" (adamprotter) 06/25/2019 at 18:02 • Filed to: None

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We’re moving to a place with lots and lots of snow (96 inches or more per year). She works on call in a medical field and will have to quickly and urgently get to work even in bad weather at all hours of the day and night. Her job has told her that she absolutely needs 4WD or AWD; it’s basically a condition of employment.

We’re planning to get a Subaru Crosstrek new. (Decent used ones really aren’t much cheaper, and I might as well get the warranty for an extra couple grand.) Anything else I should be considering? I’d prefer not to drive anything too gigantic, and gas mileage is a concern.

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I require a car with 4 doors. I do need room for cargo or passengers. (A regular trunk would work fine.)

My price range is $25,000, preferably less.

This car will primarily be used for commuting in heavy snow, regular personal use.

Minimum # of seats: 4

Must haves (mpg/fast/high seating position/tech): 4WD or AWD, decent gas mileage a plus

shop-teacher > 71MGBGT Likes Subarus of Unusual Colors 06/25/2019 at 18:24

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Mazda CX-5.

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > 71MGBGT Likes Subarus of Unusual Colors 06/25/2019 at 18:24

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For snow performance you simply can't beat a Subaru for the price. No one else even offers a true AWD system in that price range. Only complaint I have about the Crosstrek is that the little 2.0 struggles to move the larger wheels. An Impreza will give you more poke with the 2.0 but stepping over to a Forester gets you the 187hp 2.5L which is way torquier than the 2.0 while getting the same rated MPG as the Crosstrek.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > 71MGBGT Likes Subarus of Unusual Colors 06/25/2019 at 18:26

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CX-3 or CX-5.

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > 71MGBGT Likes Subarus of Unusual Colors 06/25/2019 at 18:33

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Make sure you cross shop all of the Subaru models that fit your price range (so, Impreza and Forester...the outback might be a little too high, though some dealers might be able to get it below $25k). I have no love for the Crosstrek; Forester all the way.

Preowned XC70 ? Tiguan? Disco Sport if you’re feeling lucky?

CaptDale - is secretly British > 71MGBGT Likes Subarus of Unusual Colors 06/25/2019 at 18:33

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We sell a lot of them. People seem to be quite happy with them

vicali > 71MGBGT Likes Subarus of Unusual Colors 06/25/2019 at 18:34

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I would suggest 4runner but then you are getting away from easy everyday ‘cars’.

We have a Forester and a Tacoma. Tacoma is way more capable but the Subaru is just so easy to drive in adverse conditions.. With Blizzaks it will go way way further than you should into a snowstorm..

diplodicus forgot his password > 71MGBGT Likes Subarus of Unusual Colors 06/25/2019 at 18:34

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Hyundai Kona?

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > 71MGBGT Likes Subarus of Unusual Colors 06/25/2019 at 18:34

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The crosstrek is pretty small and not that sprightly. I would also look at a Forester, Mazda CX-5, Honda CRV, and Toyota RAV4. As someone who also lives in snow country: Get some  SNOW TIRES.

Boxer_4 > 71MGBGT Likes Subarus of Unusual Colors 06/25/2019 at 18:37

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Throw a set of Blizzak WS80s or equivalent on there, and it will be practically unstoppable!

I started running a set on the Forester two years ago , and I now will always run snow tires in the winter !

Spaceball-Two > 71MGBGT Likes Subarus of Unusual Colors 06/25/2019 at 18:42

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CX5 or a used Taco?

DAWRX - The Herb Strikes Back > TheTurbochargedSquirrel 06/25/2019 at 18:43

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This, or forester XT if he can stretch the budget a bit.

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > DAWRX - The Herb Strikes Back 06/25/2019 at 18:44

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The XT didn’t survive the generation change for 2019 so you would have to be looking for a used one.

DAWRX - The Herb Strikes Back > TheTurbochargedSquirrel 06/25/2019 at 18:54

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I was thinking used anyway because of his budget, but resale was pretty high on these as it was so it being discontinued probably isn’t going to help.

Regular forester will be just fine anyway. 

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > DAWRX - The Herb Strikes Back 06/25/2019 at 19:02

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XTs will still be pricy and often beat though.

Distraxi's idea of perfection is a Jagroen > 71MGBGT Likes Subarus of Unusual Colors 06/25/2019 at 19:08

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Surely there’s s omething in your picture that will do the job o k. “Quickly and urgently” is well and truly covered, tech and not too gigantic get a tick, and if she seats her passengers on the wing she’ll have plenty of traction without 4WD. So the only problem is the low seating position. Cushion?

#manmathforthewin

gettingoldercarguy > 71MGBGT Likes Subarus of Unusual Colors 06/25/2019 at 19:14

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Cx5 would be a good comparison, but the Subaru is great.

Sovande > 71MGBGT Likes Subarus of Unusual Colors 06/25/2019 at 19:18

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You can get a 2018 Volvo V60 Cross Country for about $26,000 with 12,000 miles on the clock.

Here is one in the right color.

Nicer than a Crosstrek a nd the interior is actually a nice place to be.

i86hotdogs > 71MGBGT Likes Subarus of Unusual Colors 06/25/2019 at 19:34

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Snow tires on a VANNNNNNNNNNNNNNN

RPM esq. > 71MGBGT Likes Subarus of Unusual Colors 06/25/2019 at 19:40

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It probably meets your other criteria pretty well, but I can’t help but note that according to my butt dyno, the Crosstrek is the slowest new-ish car I’ve ever driven by some margin. I’ve heard similar complaints from others, particularly in terms of acceleration—like, getting up to speed on on-ramps. If I was looking in that segment, I’d probably look for a CPO Rav4, Forester, or Outback. The first two should be available in your price range (or at least they are where I live); the Outback might be a stretch.

ETA: Or a Mazda CX-5. Both my sister and sister-in-law have them and love them.

syaieya > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 06/25/2019 at 20:43

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The cx-3 is a 4 door in formality only. Those rear seats are comical.

The cx-30 should be out soon

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > syaieya 06/25/2019 at 20:48

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CX-30 would probably be better, yeah.  I don’t think it is too bad, but I drive a Fiesta so...

The Snowman > 71MGBGT Likes Subarus of Unusual Colors 06/25/2019 at 20:50

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I have a 2019 Crosstrek and the new CVT makes it much better to drive and feels more average than slow. The older CVT was garbage. I live in SLC and drive it in the canyons to ski every weekend and it is very confident in the snow even on factory all season rubber 

syaieya > 71MGBGT Likes Subarus of Unusual Colors 06/25/2019 at 20:53

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Im actually helping my neighbor in a similar segment recently. Small suv, 4 door, good gas miles, heated seats, under 20k out the door

Right now the outgoing santa fe is a front runner for options and ability to get a certified warrenty. Cx5 is a solid second for fuel economy and style reasons but the rear room isnt quite as accomodating fractionally .

Hyundai Tucson and honda hrv were looked at but being a newer nameplate they cost as much as the bigger cars on the second hand market.

We liked the crv over the rav4 which had pretty unfortunate rear access compared to its peers but found both pretty middling.

The cx3, infiniti qx30, and gla were all clown cars to get in the back of. But had nice front seat experiences.

The cx30 should address this issue at near that size. Both the ford escape and santa fe are expected to also have new models in show rooms

The nissan rouge exists but literally didnt stand out at all.

We looked at a buick but at 30k miles it was already showing wear and we kinda just bunched all the gm cars under that

dogisbadob > 71MGBGT Likes Subarus of Unusual Colors 06/25/2019 at 21:17

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Honda HRV with snow tires

Maybe the Mazda3 AWD might work, too

a Jeep renegade

You could probably get a Regal TourX for 25k. They are selling with huge discounts

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > 71MGBGT Likes Subarus of Unusual Colors 06/25/2019 at 21:20

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Who’s the Oppo with a Kona? I think that’d do well for your needs. Plus, Hyundai reliability and transferable warranty.

CindyLouWho22 > 71MGBGT Likes Subarus of Unusual Colors 06/25/2019 at 21:23

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I traded a 2016 2.5 Forester for a 2018 Crosstrek and do not regret it. Less power, but a smaller car. Perhaps underpowered but that’s not significant on the daily commute. I know it will get me where I need to go when the going gets tough.

dumpsterfire! > RPM esq. 06/25/2019 at 21:49

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My butt dyno can confirm.

wafflesnfalafel > 71MGBGT Likes Subarus of Unusual Colors 06/25/2019 at 21:53

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My wife has a 2016 Crosstrek and loves it. It isn’t fast, but it is a really good little car and the new gen one has better seats. . But you might drive the Outback as well - a bit more room and power for not much more money. I really like the Mazda C X -5 as well.

MiniGTI - now with XJ6 > 71MGBGT Likes Subarus of Unusual Colors 06/25/2019 at 21:56

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I just got a 2016 V60 Cross Country including extra warranty out to 100k for abut $25k out the door. It’s a nice size, just a little bigger than the GTI it replaces.

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > Sovande 06/25/2019 at 22:02

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thats a hell of a depreciation hit

Sovande > gmporschenut also a fan of hondas 06/25/2019 at 22:04

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Sure is. Though I don't think many were sold at MSRP. Still a nicer car than a Subaru. 

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > Sovande 06/25/2019 at 22:10

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looking at kbb. ouff

My local dealer still has 2 2017 models with 14k off 

Dangerzonesnu > TheTurbochargedSquirrel 06/25/2019 at 23:20

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I have a 2018 Crosstrek base MT . Get the manual to get the most out of the engine. Then get a K&N air intake with a hydro cover. Before you unhook the battery make sure you fill it up with 93 octane gas and BOOM! you have +10 horsepower and some more torque because it's tuned to 93 e/ increased air.  Sounds alot better and you get 43 mpg when in the highway going around 60-65mph.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > syaieya 06/26/2019 at 00:46

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We actually just use our rear as an expanded dog area

sn4cktimes > I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker 06/26/2019 at 01:16

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I dunno. My Veloster Turbo engine catastrophically exploded... before 18, 000km... I mean sure, it was warrantied, but it was also never the same afterwards. Only other vehicle in my life with that “level” of issue(s) was my wife’s VW turbo Golf. Transmission was borked, and then the engine basically just wheezed one day and compression dropped out.

pip bip - choose Corrour > 71MGBGT Likes Subarus of Unusual Colors 06/26/2019 at 03:53

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Rav4?

syaieya > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 06/26/2019 at 06:32

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My parents did the same thing with my siblings and i when we were young and on roadtrips

random001 > dumpsterfire! 06/26/2019 at 06:35

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Had one for 5 years now. Can confirm. It is not fast. It’s not close to fast. Fast is not a word in the crosstrek’s lexicon.

However, it is adequate, and great i n the snow.

hike > 71MGBGT Likes Subarus of Unusual Colors 06/26/2019 at 06:56

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The Crosstrek is really the car to have. No other car at 25k is going to be better in snow and it meets all your other criteria. A lot of people are recommending the CX5, which is generally what I'd recommend, but the Subaru is a better vehicle in the snow. 

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > sn4cktimes 06/26/2019 at 07:05

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Huh, really? Is that common?

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > 71MGBGT Likes Subarus of Unusual Colors 06/26/2019 at 07:26

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Dodge Charger/Challenger  AWD. Chrysler 300 AWD.

Far more fun/quicker than the Crosstrek, mid 20s for mileage, far more comfortable/roomy.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > i86hotdogs 06/26/2019 at 07:28

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I have a nice one I’d consider selling.

It already has proper tires and a lift......

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > 71MGBGT Likes Subarus of Unusual Colors 06/26/2019 at 09:14

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Crosstrek fast? Lololololol do you do stand up?

CPO GLK250.

Nibby > 71MGBGT Likes Subarus of Unusual Colors 06/26/2019 at 09:24

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2019 bentley bentayga

functionoverfashion > I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker 06/26/2019 at 09:51

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Jaws Boost Addict - I can’t remember the exact username. Lives on a dirt road in VT and I think has been very happy with the Kona so far.

Also I will second any comment that suggests snow tires. I’ve been driving AWD cars in snow forever, some with and some without snows. While you can get around fine without them, it is SO MUCH BETTER with them. 

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > i86hotdogs 06/26/2019 at 10:01

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Pretty sure my van would get her to work with less trouble in winter than a Cro sstrek. It’s a god damn tank. I was literally pushing snow with the front bumper over the winter, she just dug right through.

Spanfeller is a twat > 71MGBGT Likes Subarus of Unusual Colors 06/26/2019 at 10:23

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RAV4 hybrid.

PS9 > 71MGBGT Likes Subarus of Unusual Colors 06/26/2019 at 10:24

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71MGBGT: My price range is $25,000, preferably less.

Also 71MGBGT: *perusing the Aventador SVJ Roadster configurator*  

bob and john > 71MGBGT Likes Subarus of Unusual Colors 06/26/2019 at 10:35

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Subaru not a bad idea.

snows are 100% a mustZ


A diesel GLK 250 (CPO) a lso isnt a terrible idea. Ours has been FANATSTIC. Great on fuel, it has the ground clearance, stil a set of snows on and you will be LAUGHING 

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > functionoverfashion 06/26/2019 at 11:09

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Ahh it’s J awzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2. He does really seem to like it! Plus, no CVT.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > 71MGBGT Likes Subarus of Unusual Colors 06/26/2019 at 11:25

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Have you considered a Kia Sportage? The new 2020 facelift just came out and you can probably get a steal on a 2018 or 2019 SX Turbo AWD still on a lot somewhere. I realize a new one is out of budget, but the SX Turbo should smoke a Crosst rek.

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > 71MGBGT Likes Subarus of Unusual Colors 06/26/2019 at 11:44

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Yes, ‘tis I, JawzX2, Boost Addict 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t that has a Kona. The Limited trim is the sweet spot, the 1.6t (2nd gen version) and the 7-speed DSG (also 2nd gen version, no weird issues reported yet on these new ones) with AWD is a terrific little AWD vehicle. The suspension tuning is so well judged between sporty handling and comfortable bump absorption, it makes everything else in its class feel like a buckboard and/or a 70's wallow-mobile. We’re seeing ~36MPG (which is WELL over the EPA estimate) driving mostly secondary highways, and even a few days in Boston traffic resulted in 25. That’s very good for AWD in my book. It’s true, it’s not a three-differential AWD system, but the tuning on Hyundai’s electro-hydraulic coupler is excellent. Unlike seemingly every other system out there it biases in some rear-wheel torque from stop and only decouples if DOESN’T encounter slip, this makes it launch like a real AWD system, instead of an on-demand system. Also, it is very willing to vector torque to the rear in spirited driving, if you switch to the torque display on the center screen and watch it while hammering through corners it doesn’t wait for understeer, as soon as the steering angle changes it begins ramping up the coupler and by the time you’re committed it’s already got full 50% split and it WILL hang the ass when you flog it. I mean, I honestly understand why this thing won Utility Vehicle of the Year , it’s just a stellar little CUV. Loaded with tech too, lots of driver aids (all defeatable) including Hyundai’s lane keep assist system that is actually very close to autopilot (still no radar cruise control though :P) as it will follow lane markings actively rather than just correcting excursions. Interior is very comfy, lots of rear seat space, less cargo volume than the Subie, but the whole package is just very, very good. The base model can be had with AWD and most of the tech for just over $22K, but the 1.6t is worth the money if you ask me. The 6-speed auto is “fine” and being a real torque-converter system is actually probably better for off-roading (with 6.4 inches of ground clearance you probably won’t actually be doing much of that) but the 2.0 na engine is very lack-luster, and doesn’t get appreciably better fuel economy, especially when loaded down with AWD.

You should try a Kona.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > 71MGBGT Likes Subarus of Unusual Colors 06/26/2019 at 12:35

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fast

If this is a requirement, the Crosstrek is not the vehicle for you. They’re decent cars from my limited experience, but they are SLOOOOOOWWWW!

Textured Soy Protein > 71MGBGT Likes Subarus of Unusual Colors 06/26/2019 at 14:57

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My wife had a previous-gen Impreza hatchback. It was nice and roomy for its size including in back , and the awd has a proper center diff so it’s plenty capable with the right tires.

And, that’s something you have to keep in mind with Subaru is their OE tire choices are often utter shit in the snow, in spite of Subaru’s all-weather advertising. But with that much snow you should really have a dedicated set of winter wheels & tires anyway. Subaru’s infotainment is trash vs. other companies, although their latest version at least supports CarPlay & Android Auto.

If it were me and you’re trying to stay in that sub-25k bracket, the other options I’d consider are the HR-V and Kona. The HR-V is getting on in years but Honda updated it for 2019 with all the safety gizmos, and its back seat is ridiculously huge compared to the others in the segment. The Kona has the nice turbo motor but the back seat may be too small for her.

Dark horse contender is a Renegade Trailhawk. The boxy shape makes for a halfway decently roomy back seat. It’s got some more AWD gizmos and ground clearance that might help in rough conditions, especially with snow tires. But, it’s also an FCA product and YMMV with reliability.

sn4cktimes > I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker 06/26/2019 at 19:14

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The VW thing: very common apparently.

The Hyundai thing: less so, but common enough. I think at the time mine was the fourth one in Canada and around 10-12th in North America to do it. It has to do with the oil pump failing, a part falls off and holds down the valves in cylinder one and kablooie. Mine also happened to grenade the transmission along with it; to the point they couldn’t separate them and had to ship them back to Korea for disassembly and testing as a unit. I’m sure they’ve got it under control now... and I like Hyundai styling... but I dunno if I’d personally  get a GDI engine from them again. I think my line of thinking has probably shifted more towards driving old vehicles until either battery or hydrogen is the defect “thing” and costs come way down.

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > sn4cktimes 06/26/2019 at 20:07

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The VW thing doesn't surprise me. The Hyundai one does. But if it's got a low incidence rate, it can't be serious enough to dissuade a buyer I don't think. 

Bryan > 71MGBGT Likes Subarus of Unusual Colors 06/26/2019 at 20:34

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If she can wait, wait for the new outback or get a current premium trim. Its wor th the extra size. Sales have slowed because the new one is coming out and you can regularly get 5k off the ones that sit on the lot

Adam > 71MGBGT Likes Subarus of Unusual Colors 06/27/2019 at 11:16

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I own a high end auto repair shop. Don’t buy a Volvo. They are expensive to fix and break alot hence the depreciation. Nothing I mean nothing in your price range will touch the snow crushing ability of the Subaru. Subaru has the best AWD system. Impreza doesn’t have the ground clearance the xv crosstrek does. And the gas mileage on it is wonderful for a small SUV. Everyone says it’s too slow, but I don’t think so. Your not trying to buy a sports car here. Your buying a car for adverse weather condition that’s cheap, reliable, and holds its value well. Check out YouTube videos of awd tests Subaru always wins. A good one to watch is the AWD roller test. It tests the cars ability to detect slippage and correct it. Also get eyesight you won’t regret it. Eyesight is amazing. Also don’t buy a Hyundai. Cheap and appealing they have their quirks an d don’t hold value

VajazzleMcDildertits - read carefully, respond politely > sn4cktimes 06/27/2019 at 15:06

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I own a ‘16 Tarbo and I’m interested to hear more about “never the same afterwards.” Can you elaborate? at 44k mi over here but I’ve only owned it for a month or so. 

sn4cktimes > VajazzleMcDildertits - read carefully, respond politely 06/28/2019 at 21:01

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Every now and then the engine would stutter under load/acceleration and sometimes the transmission would slip and drop down a gear for no good reason. It would also throw a code which would always clear itself before I could get it back to the dealer and diagnosed.   

VajazzleMcDildertits - read carefully, respond politely > sn4cktimes 06/28/2019 at 21:21

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Oh dear! Thank you for letting me know. I presume you had the automatic. 

sn4cktimes > VajazzleMcDildertits - read carefully, respond politely 07/01/2019 at 22:33

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Yeah, had the auto. Was a requirement so the wife could also drive it if needed . The manual I also tested was much more fun.