Damnit, I Don't Want A Subaru!

"JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t" (jawzx2) 10/25/2018 at 20:31 • Filed to: Unnecessary Car Shopping

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But by all rights a Crosstrek or Impreza hatch meet my requirements. It has to have above-sports-car ground clearance (that and price exclude the STI) , AWD or 4WD, be reasonably non-lame to drive, and ideally manual transmission, not too expensiv e, and have fuel economy that makes me feel like I’m not a horrible person (but then again, I’m not commuting every day, so that’ s a less vital requirement than it used to be...)

I would be selling/t rading the FieSTa, which I expect, given that I have hit a bear, driven the pants off it and generally just owned it fo r nearl y 70K miles will not be worth much more than $ 8K... I have money, but I also have a startup business, so I can’t just be profligate... Tell me I’m being stupid, or don’t? I g rew up with Subarus, They are my Minivan... argh. Also, I’m just not super in love with the current (or even recent) offerings from the six-star-company ... :P

The Dummy Gummy > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/25/2018 at 20:53

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As a Subi fan, I endorse this choice. But why sell the Fiesta if you’re trying to be frugal?

I have an ‘08 I mpreza pressing up on 175k miles with no costs other than basic maintenance . Love my ole Betty.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/25/2018 at 20:54

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Crosstrek forever on this one

smobgirl > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/25/2018 at 20:56

7

“Non-lame to drive” doesn’t rule them out?

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/25/2018 at 20:58

13

In manual.

random001 > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/25/2018 at 21:01

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Get the WRX.  Go with the base, or the premium with the performance package (no sunroof) and live the dream for under $30k.

nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 10/25/2018 at 21:03

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Sorry but that looks atrocious. 

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/25/2018 at 21:03

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The manual is the toughest criteria to meet. Otherwise there is a plethora of options.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul 10/25/2018 at 21:06

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This is why we don’t have manual wagons...

BeaterGT > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/25/2018 at 21:07

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BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 10/25/2018 at 21:13

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I second this nomination. 

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul 10/25/2018 at 21:13

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You be  wrong and should be ashamed.

Ssfancyfresh > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/25/2018 at 21:22

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Crosstrek is a great value. Lots there for the $$$. A coworker just got one for ~$22k.

Downside - it’s a dog. The cvt is turrible. Get a manual if you can. It’s a shame they don’t offer the turbo motor in the crosstrek. 

Ssfancyfresh > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 10/25/2018 at 21:23

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I like this 

nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 10/25/2018 at 21:23

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It’s stumpy faced.

Proof VWAG actually can make a good looking (manual) wagon

wafflesnfalafel > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 10/25/2018 at 21:24

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I t’s not fast and it does have some of that jacked up hatch back side to side wobble  but it’s a great little rig for what it is. Comfortable, super easy to drive, good mileage, handles snow/fire roads with ease...  And the new ones come in that “pissed off pumpkin” orange again.

boredalways > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/25/2018 at 21:26

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Wild Card: Suzuki SX4 AWD Crossover

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inventorylisting/viewDetailsFilterViewInventoryListing.action?zip=34601&transmission=M&sourceContext=untrackedExternal_false_0&distance=50000&entitySelectingHelper.selectedEntity=d946

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/25/2018 at 21:29

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I’m so meh about Subaru these days how about a Mazda CX-5.

The Dummy Gummy > random001 10/25/2018 at 21:37

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Premium with performance is over 30k unless there are rebates/mark downs I don’t know about. That’s a pretty good deal.

The Snowman > Ssfancyfresh 10/25/2018 at 21:37

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New CVT is not bad. Old CVT was hot garbage. I drove the Impreza 5spd and the gearing sucks and gets significantly worse mileage than the new CVT. Should have driven the 6spd Crosstrek but wife decided she didn’t want to daily a manual. So we got the new CVT....

random001 > The Dummy Gummy 10/25/2018 at 21:44

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There was one local to me I saw that they’d had for a while, it was priced at $29,900.  I was soooo tempted...

Nick Has an Exocet > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/25/2018 at 21:46

4

Regal TourX? Not a manual and kind of boring, but dare to be different? If you find one, I bet there is a bag of cash on the hood.

The Dummy Gummy > random001 10/25/2018 at 21:54

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I looked at the performance package and it kind of makes me laugh ‘sun roof delete’. The other stuff is nice, but paying for removing an option is kind of... err... silly.

Duck Duck Grey Duck FTMFW! > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/25/2018 at 21:55

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Just so you know, Impreza does not clear a raccoon. My wife tagged one and $1300 later it's fixed. My Outback clears racoons just fine.

Matt Nichelson > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/25/2018 at 22:02

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If you want awd and manual with decent mpg there's the Renegade. Not flashy but better looking than a crosstrek. If you want 4wd and aren't too worried on mpg why not a Tacoma and just get a camper shell? If you want awd and not worried about a manual there's the Mazda CX-5. 

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul 10/25/2018 at 22:10

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That would be more in line with Gengar's face I suppose

Wacko > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/25/2018 at 22:10

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Either an Impreza or a Renegade in the small awd manual category.

I haven’t tried the Renegade yet.

The car I want is the WRX but money....

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/25/2018 at 22:16

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Unusual harshness on my part on the way:

The Impreza/Crosstrek is very lame to drive. The materials feel cheap. It’s a dog. It’s like a generic 2010's melting pot rendering of what any car would be. However, they’re brainless, easy to drive, practical, largely reliable, good for commuting, good for light camping, admirable long-distance driver. I can see the appeal.

What I'm saying is: Golf wagen, which is available in manual, AWD, and without the Alltrack trim if you don't like that sort of thing.

Wacko > boredalways 10/25/2018 at 22:18

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I think he means new or newish,

I loved my 2010 awd 6 speed, but the most recent you can find used is 2012s, and a few 2013 up here in Canada.

Carbon Fiber Sasquatch > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/25/2018 at 22:54

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Same boat, it just ticks all the boxes and they have great resale value. Plus the orange and the gray on the crosstreks are just wonderful.

Svend > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul 10/25/2018 at 22:56

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The pre-facelift looked better

Not forgetting it’s Spanish cousin the SEAT Leon Cupra manual 2.0 TSi 290 (286bhp)

charan > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 10/25/2018 at 22:58

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How about a golf R ... If you don't mind getting a used one. Doing one for 22k in MA.  https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inventorylisting/viewDetailsFilterViewInventoryListing.action?zip=08902&inventorySearchWidgetType=BODYSTYLE&bodyTypeGroup=bg3&transmission=M&sourceContext=carGurusHomePage_false_0&distance=200#listing=218435855

charan > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/25/2018 at 23:01

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How about a used Golf R, found one in MA for 22k. If you can keep up with the maintenance. I don't see a better choice

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inventorylisting/viewDetailsFilterViewInventoryListing.action?zip=08902&inventorySearchWidgetType=BODYSTYLE&bodyTypeGroup=bg3&transmission=M&sourceContext=carGurusHomePage_false_0&distance=200#listing=218435855

Okay > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 10/25/2018 at 23:04

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I think they on ly sell those to women. 

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > Nick Has an Exocet 10/25/2018 at 23:05

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I actually stopped and looked at one at a dealer today... They are kinda surprisingly big, also over budget :/

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 10/25/2018 at 23:07

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Its on the high end o f the budget, and I'm not a huge VAG fan, but it hasnt been ruled out yet... 

Dusty Ventures > wafflesnfalafel 10/25/2018 at 23:07

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That needs to be the official color name

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > Wacko 10/25/2018 at 23:10

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The North East Kingdom of V ermont, where I live, is SX4-central. There are curently 4 for sale within 10 miles of me. I agree that its an OK little car, but I was hoping for something newer/easier to find in a parking lot. 

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > smobgirl 10/25/2018 at 23:13

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Ok, i’m slu m ing it a bit... For purposes of this excercise i'm considering a CVT Legacy "lame"... So y'know, better than that... But I feel ya. It's one of the resons I'm not super excited about the idea of a subie in the first place. 

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > random001 10/25/2018 at 23:14

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I live in Vermont, the center of Subaru country, where used WRXs are even more overvalued than other places, and i'd probably have to travel 300 miles or more to get a deal evel remotely close to that. 

snailguy > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/25/2018 at 23:16

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(deleted)

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > Matt Nichelson 10/25/2018 at 23:16

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The Tacoma isnt exactly a handler... There are enough votes for Renegade that I will have to test drive one sometime soon... The CX5 is nice... But right up at the top of my price window... I’ d really love to keep it under 25k

snailguy > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/25/2018 at 23:19

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GM is doing 16% off MSRP right now - you could theoretically walk out the door for ~$26k

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > The Dummy Gummy 10/25/2018 at 23:22

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Because in mud season the road where I live now is too deep for the FieSTa, I don’t mean “slipery mud ew!” I mean all four wheels off the ground fully resting on the chassis deep. This spring I pulled a Rav4 and a CR-v out of thr road in front of our house with oir tractor, and there was a WRX Sti stuck about a half mile down the road for a couple days. Guy abandoned it until the mud refroze in a cold night, then came and got it. Also, the FieSTa is not a friend to washboardy dirt roads, Mrs. BoostAddict complains about the ride. Frankly, i dont blame her. 

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 10/25/2018 at 23:24

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Price mostly... The AWD puts ne w ov er 25k, and there arent many good used ones aroind this area...

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > Duck Duck Grey Duck FTMFW! 10/25/2018 at 23:24

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Good to know. The FieSTa d9es not clear a large rabbit, in case you were wondering ;) 

Steve R > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/25/2018 at 23:26

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I would go online and look. There even deliveries the cae to you i believe it’s 30 or 90 days to return it my friends live in Vermont my friend she just drives a Sabar us

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 10/25/2018 at 23:26

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Mrs BoostAddict would be happy if I ditched the manual, she CAN drive stick, but she does not like doing it in a car, tractors are fine for some reason... But I just feel like going to an auto is tantamount to giving up :p

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > snailguy 10/25/2018 at 23:31

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Hmmmm. 

smobgirl > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/25/2018 at 23:33

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I just had to poke a little fun. I test drove an Impreza and decided I’d rather keep a (at that time) 15-year-old Civic. I’ve never forgiven Subaru for that let down.

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > charan 10/25/2018 at 23:35

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Too low. Even with AWD my road is a swamp in the spring and the FieSTa’s real undoing isn’t traction, its clearance. Also, I have to drive 6 miles on dirt roads to get to pavement, more in some directions, the Mrs is beginning to complain when we take my car... Also the interior squeaks and rattles are getting worse q uickily

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > smobgirl 10/25/2018 at 23:36

1

Fun, truth, same difference... 

Soviet Allies > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/25/2018 at 23:36

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My daily is a 15 WRX, i got an Impreza loaner, and let me tell ya, i was super impressed with the base model, even if it came in CVT. It handled much better than i thought, looked fantastic in blue, had a ton of space, and it was getting over 30mpg easy. The only downside, the kids felt sick in the back, even though i drove smooth and not even going over the speed limit.

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > Soviet Allies 10/25/2018 at 23:38

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No kids. Lambs sometimes ;) mostly animal feed and tractor/implement parts behind the front seats. 

Neil D > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/25/2018 at 23:38

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Go used. You can get an Audi A4 avant for under $10k (I promise they’re reliable, mine has 175000 miles!). And you can even get a manual if you want.

The Dummy Gummy > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/25/2018 at 23:44

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Got it. Then crosstrek is your friend for sure

MUSASHI66 > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/25/2018 at 23:52

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I absolutely hated driving the Crosstrek - back in 2013. It was underpowered, cramped, my wife wouldn’t even consider it.

If you can go  slightly used, Forester with a manual felt so much better, and that greenhouse with huge windows is nice to have  . There is always the XT as well... no manual, but that engine is sweet. It’s still very slow and underpowered, but 8.7” of ground clearance and a manual for around $20-22k, might check your boxes. 

Daniel > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/26/2018 at 00:12

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I have a 2017 Legacy sport and I love it. The cvt is great.   

Jubester > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/26/2018 at 00:18

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Stop by a dealer and test drive it. Drives much sportier and has a much nicer interior than a Crosstek. Plus you can have it in a  manual or DCT. You can easily get at least $4-7k off MSRP if price is the issue. Doesn't hurt to check it out.

ratsttam > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/26/2018 at 00:27

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My wife bought a 2018 Crosstrek. It is many times a better car than her ‘11 fiesta, and ‘16 elantra gt were. I t’s a great little car. We get about 36mpg with it too. Handles everything we have thrown at it. The cvt feels like a regular auto, I haven’t experienced any of the issues the earlier Crosstrek owners talk about. I had to go with a ‘19 Kia Sorento awd since I have the added requirement of the 3rd row, and the Ascent was outside my budget.

Dubyuh > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/26/2018 at 00:39

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You have land, animals, equipment, mud and snow? Get a truck!

Otherwise a Wrangler is an option.

You should have an LSD or locker for mud, which no subies have except the STi.

Swagen-Wagen - Now with LEDs > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 10/26/2018 at 01:02

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I bought one, can confirm it is everything the outback used to be and is no longer but even more fun

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/26/2018 at 01:03

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I got 12k+ trade for mine and I had over 62k miles. Unless that accident shows up on a report, you might not be as screwed as you think?

But I did have the recaros and a sunroof which helped out a lot. Also, carmax offered 9k and I laughed at that offer. 

Swagen-Wagen - Now with LEDs > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/26/2018 at 01:04

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I bought a sportwagen S 4motion new from a dealer for under 20k before taxes with a stick because they move slowly. Check car gurus for new and used ones, they’re heavily discounted and cheaper than used foresters/cross treks with a way nicer interior. Also for 2018 VW doubled their warranty to 6yrs/72k miles

VivaDjango77 > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/26/2018 at 01:37

3

Just buy a used Land Cruiser for 10k, save some money and stop whining!

Jaded Helmsman > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/26/2018 at 01:38

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Give in.

Bought a Crosstrek earlier this year for my kids to drive and as a bad weather fallback for my wife. We each have AWD sedans, but the Crosstrek adds the ground clearance and bad road capability they lack. Since it’s t o be driven by new drivers (under 21 ) for at least the next 5 years, I chose the electronic nannies and the CVT. It performs well enough, but I really didn’t want something to o quick. A stick would be a little more fun, but it’s a bit underpowered (a benefit for our situation) and that would have eliminated those safety nannies.

We also considered same size Mazda, Honda, and Toyota offerings, but the safety equipment of Subaru was superior and their AWD was head and shoulders above the others. We hike a bit and ski a few times a year and there’s a reason they’re so popular in that crowd.

It is taking the place of an XC70 and, while smaller, is quite a bit more capable and economical.

We considered the Impreza, but the extra ground clearance for our purposes, and extra curb clearance for teen drivers was a concern. The Impreza also felt a bit sportier, which was something that wasn't necessarily a good idea for us. 

Kc1980 > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/26/2018 at 04:46

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Vw All track wagon. done.

Has a manual, and it’s even available in higher trim levels now. Unlike most vehicles. It is reasonably sporty(as all golfs are) , decent mpgs, is great looking, and has a great interior. A quick software tune will unlock additional power as well if you so desire.

It will also feel more refined to drive  than a subie or your fiesta. My work here is done

Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul 10/26/2018 at 04:48

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That picture makes it look fatter than it is. 

Jdnelsonkc > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/26/2018 at 04:49

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Consider this a vote in favor of the Crosstrek! I love mine, but understand it’s not for everyone.

I just bought a ‘14 Crosstrek used, and I’m really happy with it so far. It’s not exactly fast, but I’ve also never had trouble getting it up to speed when I needed or wanted to , and I’ve driven Civics since I was in high school, so almost anything feels powerful by comparison. Perhaps when I was alone in the car my Civic was slightly zippier, but with any load or even one extra passenger it was soooo slow. I love that the Crosstrek has AWD, more cargo room, and sits higher off the ground while still sipping a comparable amount of gas, though I’ve oddly found mine gets worse mileage than my wife’s ‘15 Forester (which for the record, while it sits taller definitely drives with more power and enthusiasm - that car is what sold me on Subaru, I just found it a bit big for my daily driver ).

I hear often that Mazdas are better looking, but I don’t see it. While the ‘18 model Crosstrek looks a bit more complete from a design perspective , I like the quirks of the early XV Crosstrek models, including the funky wheels  and the relatively simple lines that remind me of classic SUVs.

Good luck in your searching!

Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! > Daniel 10/26/2018 at 04:51

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I have a 2018 Outback touring and previously had a 2011 Outback Premium. The CVT is worse than garbage. Easily the worst thing about both cars. Luckily the rest is so great that I can overlook my dumpster fire transmission. 

pip bip - choose Corrour > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/26/2018 at 05:10

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get a Forester?

Dodo > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/26/2018 at 06:18

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What about the Lada? Maybe that would work? I export cars to Canada from Europe quite a bit and can help if you ever want to do it!

random001 > The Dummy Gummy 10/26/2018 at 06:34

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You’re assuming that you are paying for the delete, which I don’t think is the case. You’re getting that as a perk, and paying for the heated seats, upgraded stereo, brakes, tires, suspension, etc. Pe rspective, my man.  It’s a way for those of us anti-sunroofers to get some nice things in performance cars, and I fully support Subaru for this decision.

random001 > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/26/2018 at 06:36

2

You’re talking to the man who just flew from Ohio to Arizona to drive a 20 year old Mitsubishi SUV 1880 miles home, because it was a good deal and rust free.  Flights are cheap, road trips are fun, 300 miles is a mere blink of an eye.  Come to Ohio, I’ll pick you up at the Airport and we can get you a nice Subaru for decent money.

SwampYankee > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/26/2018 at 06:38

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I was in almost exactly the same position this summer. We’re squarely in the Subie demographic, live in New England, and wanted a stick shift hatch or small wagon. The Impreza and Crosstrek were 90% solutions, but are underpowered. Driving around NH with 3-4 people or 2 plus our dogs wasn’t going to be acceptable... there’s just no torque in that boxer. Ended up with a 4 dr Golf SE 5 spd. The wagon would have been good, too, but I’ll mostly be usi ng this for commuting and didnt want the extra weight. I love it, and as a previous VW owner, will enjoy these early miles as much as possible. I know what’s coming...

The Dummy Gummy > random001 10/26/2018 at 07:17

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It’s in their only shopping tool as what you’re paying for. I know what you’re saying and we are literally saying the same thing. I just think it’s funny that it’s listed as a perk for removing something that wouldn’t cost anything to remove since an option add-on at cost.

Arrivederci > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/26/2018 at 07:26

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Get a VW Alltrack.  Ground clearance, AWD, manual (or DSG) and a turbo engine you can get to GTI levels of fun with a tune.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/26/2018 at 07:38

1

Bigger tires on the Fiesta, problem solved.

Honestly, you’re not making a case for needing AWD when you tell us you had to pull 3 AWD vehicles out with your tractor.......

random001 > The Dummy Gummy 10/26/2018 at 07:41

1

No no, this is the internet, so you must be wrong!

But yeah, it’s funny....

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/26/2018 at 07:42

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be reasonably non-lame to drive, and ideally manual transmission

Well they don’t satisfy these requirements...no manual option on anything except the WRX and all I’ve ever heard about them is that they are slow as molasses.

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/26/2018 at 07:44

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Well yea, tractors are easy...just pick a gear and let out the clutch. No shifting between gears.

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 10/26/2018 at 07:46

1

I’m going to second this...lift the Fiesta and put on bigger shoes

ATP > pip bip - choose Corrour 10/26/2018 at 07:46

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This. With the redesigned  model out, you can probably get a used one at a less horrendously i nflated Subaru resale price. Good luck finding a manual though.

pip bip - choose Corrour > ATP 10/26/2018 at 07:49

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that’s going to be the killer.

boredalways > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/26/2018 at 08:03

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TBH, I started with searching for a Forrester XT with a manual (since the newer ones have the 2.0L Turbo), but I think I found one used under $20k.

ETA: plus many were listed as manuals but the photos showed they we're CVT's.

The Dummy Gummy > random001 10/26/2018 at 09:17

1

Writing that out also made my head spin .... so I’m okay if I’m wrong haha....#rage

functionoverfashion > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/26/2018 at 09:23

1

It’s a bummer to have to meet a requirement for just a short time in the year (mud season). I have a 1.5 mile long dirt road between my house and my parents’ place and it gets pretty terrible in the spring. Like, ruts that would for sure high-center my E46. But I can always make my way, one way or another - occasionally my strategy is a little “when it doubt flat out” but mostly I can manage it. It’s just such a short window where it’s really a problem!

I know you want new-ish but man, a BMW wagon would be fun to drive, can be had with manual, and not-terrible ground clearance so long as you’re careful. You could get a good one for under $10k and just budget some repairs/ PM and you’ll be fine. 

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > functionoverfashion 10/26/2018 at 09:52

0

used 3-series xi/x-drive is not entirely out of the question...

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > Swagen-Wagen - Now with LEDs 10/26/2018 at 09:55

0

T hats good to know!

cloverworks, aka Mrs. Boost > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/26/2018 at 10:14

2

(this is what Jawzx2 looks like IRL right now.  We are going to look at VWs tomorrow)

SubaruNot > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 10/26/2018 at 10:15

0

Don’t do it keep your Fiesta. I have a brand new 2018 For ester there junk! They burn tons of oil.... Yes burn lots of oil brand new and burn oil. Dealer won’t help they make believe it’s normal.... IT’S NOT. THERE JUNK. Really want one I will sell you might. I’m talking about a quart every 1200 miles. Not every 12,000 but every 1200 miles. That’s expensive oil too. Full synthetic and that cost is out of your pocket because they will tell you they can do a consumption test. They will over fil l it with oil so you don’t know it’s like for a while and day that’s normal amount. Don’t trust SUBARU. Plus there best truck was sold without all it’s body welds... Hundreds of them... They found out by freak accident. There wild machine was not working right. Well where the hell are the fools that are supposed to check these cars before they go out to the poor fools that purchased them. Save the headache... DON’T BUY A BE SUBARU. THEY ALSO SU CK ON FUEL.

SubaruNot > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 10/26/2018 at 10:18

0

The ONLY thing Subaru had going for it is they still sell manuals. Just sucks that there vehicles are junk off the manufacturer line. Don't but there junk.

cloverworks, aka Mrs. Boost > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/26/2018 at 10:25

0

This is Mrs. BoostAddict - I don’t like driving manual because it takes my focus off of the road.  Plus, since breaking my foot, it’s painful to press a clutch.  The tractors provide more reaction time, but as I told you, the Zetor is painful to press and even more painful to hold clutch-in.

Spay > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/26/2018 at 10:27

0

crosstrek is our favorite vehicle ever, and I’ve owned some tasty comparison. Available in manual. I’d get the cvt, because I love all the options including great sound hu. I love rowing my own, too . First time in over 30 years without a third pedal, and fine. Your taste may vary.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/26/2018 at 10:42

0

I have found several CX5's in excellent condition at Carmax and around the pacific NW, I know you are on the east coast tho.

Future next gen S2000 owner > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/26/2018 at 10:45

0

They just need some love.

https://lpaventure.com/blogs/projects-crosstrek

Frank > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/26/2018 at 10:53

0

What about a Hyundai Kona, the limited comes in below 25 with AWD and a DCT ( not a manual but close) for just under 25 new, find an 18 on a dealer lot as the 19s come out and get a decent deal

Tylas > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/26/2018 at 10:54

0

I do hear your repulsion to what you have grown up with, but they are popular for a reason. I have a ‘15 Crosstrek, my wife has a ‘13 Impreza, my father-in-law even bought himself a ‘15 Crosstrek after I bought mine. We live on a farm as well a mile down a sometime disastrous MI dirt road. I can’t think of another car in this class that has the clearance, handling, and inside space for the dogs and cargo I need. It’s also light enough to not be a heavy ass SUV that will sink in the mud ‘cuz it’s just a lifted hatchback. Put some winter tires on it and it becomes the only car I never got stuck.*

I hear you. It’s slow (but not as slow as many have you believe). It’s a bit boring (especially the inside). If you put a CVT in it have it act like an actual CVT - not this simulated shifting BS. For it’s flaws, I still love it. It will actually make me pretty sad in the Spring when I have to sell it because I will be getting a company car (boring Silver Edge or Grand Cherokee - such decisions).

Good luck finding something different, but fear not if your different is still under the 6-star symbol. They are still good cars.

*Except when I tested the snow tires in our field of 2 1/2 ft of ice-snow and buried it... but even the John Deere had issues that night pulling it out!

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/26/2018 at 10:59

0

This is gonna sound real weird. Like I’m having trouble typing it even.

But the new Jeep Compass looks pretty nice with 4x4. It cracks 30 mpg on the highway and Jeep.com says you can get a Latitude 4x4 with a manual. Which s hould be easy to find LOL, at least it exists as a buildable combo for you though. To get that combo you’re just a hair under 25k, but if you forgo the manual you can be as low as 22k on a new 4x4 one.

MTmanual > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 10/26/2018 at 11:12

0

Yup

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/26/2018 at 11:29

0

Your only other option is a use X1