NPOCP: Subaru Baja and Forester.

"Nymphicus Hollandicus" (nymhicus-hollandicus) 07/24/2015 at 07:51 • Filed to: Subaru, Forester, Baja, Honda Pilot, Replacement car

0

5

So for months I have been trying to find a car I can do an (almost) even trade with my much hated gas-guzzling moving box known as the Honda Pilot. I have stumbled across two different Subarus (father says I must have AWD) that are about an hour away that fit the bill. Both are slightly older than my car, have roof racks, and have a manual.

2003 Baja: This ones going for $5999, looks to be in good shape (some scratches and a tear on the drivers seat) and has 114,000 miles on it. It is getting serviced right now so I wouldn’t be able to buy it yet, but they are fixing the head gasket (good news). I like the Baja, it’s really unique though I don’t know if it’s practical enough but it should suffice. Don’t like how it’s a 4-seater though on shorter trips a fifth can sit in the middle. Only issue I’ll potentially have is insurance since I think it’ll be classified as a Pickup. I have inquired about it and sent photos of my Pilot for evaluation but haven’t heard back...

2004 Forester: This one is going for $5,500, good in pictures and has about 130k on it. It has a really good carfax (shows a major servicing in December 2013) and I’ve heard these things are fantastic cars. I also really like the color on it. May contact the dealer today.

So any opinions or experiences with these cars? I just want a more fuel-efficient car for my last few years of college and potentially beyond.

pip bip - choose Corrour > Nymphicus Hollandicus 07/24/2015 at 08:09

2

baja!

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > Nymphicus Hollandicus 07/24/2015 at 09:35

0

Baja. Baja. Baja. Baja.

They are taking care of its one major downfall. They are really hard to find and that one is nearly $2k less than by me. Also I’ve heard insurance isn’t too bad because its still a Subaru and they like that.

Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! > Nymphicus Hollandicus 07/24/2015 at 09:59

0

The Baja. I honestly can’t see how this is even a question. I would think it would be WAY more practical than a Forrester, unless you’d never use the bed for anything. I can think of a million things I’d use the bed for. Everything else can fit in the cab. Then again, I never have more than one person in my car, so there’s no need for covered room the Forrester would give you.

Nymphicus Hollandicus > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! 07/24/2015 at 10:15

0

Usually I’ll only carry 2 others in the car, but whenever I go on hiking trips with my school or go skiing, sometimes I’ll have over 3 others in the car. But carrying everyone isn’t my job lol. And I’ve read that the Baja’s bed is actually quite terrible, but I don’t need to carry fridges or anything so I should be fine, and besides there’s the passthrough whenever I move all my stuff.

Nymphicus Hollandicus > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 07/24/2015 at 10:17

0

I’m really shocked that it’s nearly 2k below blue book, but I’d imagine the wear and tear is the reason why. The plastic cladding seems to be really chipped too. And as long as insurance is the same as it is with the Pilot, I’m fine with that. Better yet, the dealer told me the price is based on when the car is repaired.