What does these vehicles have in common?

"MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s" (mastermario)
08/11/2019 at 09:48 • Filed to: Unnecessary Car Shopping

Genes is G70, Subaru Outback, and Jeep Gladiator

Not a whole lot besides that I test drove them all. While the G70 was my favorite due to the 4 pot turbo having enough power to be fun and the driving dynamics are spot on. It felt nimble yet not too stiff to be uncomfortable on long trips. It can also be had with a manual, but the dealer didn’t have one in stock. I was disappointed with the rear legroom and the trunk was surprisingly small.

The Outback is one of those vehicles that does everything good enough. It’s somewhat underpowered but not too much so. The cvt does an adequate job. There is plenty of legroom and trunk space especially for a car. I can see how the new XT will fix the biggest issue with this car.

For the Gladiator, I haven’t been in a Jeep in while so I was a little surprised how cramped the cab felt. It felt about the same size as our Matrix. It rode like a truck, which is to be expected given its solid axles. There was always enough power. I’d love to be able to take one off-road though and see how well it shines there.

While I’m not in the market now, I’m test driving these because when I do go to buy one in 2-3 years these will be the used cars I’ll be looking at. And yes I am cross shopping all these vehicles. I plan on driving an XT Outback when they hit lots and still need to go drive a Stinger. Looking at the specs the Stinger has more legroom and almost double the trunk space as the G70 so I’m looking forward to driving that.

DISCUSSION (17)

Nibby > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
08/11/2019 at 10:10

the used gladiator will be the most expensive of the 3 :P

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > Nibby
08/11/2019 at 10:11

Yea, that one might be better to buy new with how well Jeeps hold their value

WilliamsSW > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
08/11/2019 at 10:22

The Stinger is roomy and comfy, though the rear door slopes enough you can bang your head getting in the car. It’s also a hatchback so tons of space in back.

daender > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
08/11/2019 at 10:25

My momy has a 2016 Outback but it’s 3.6R and I found the larger engine necessary to fix that under-powered feeling (it also makes wonderful flat-six noises when you hammer it ).

SiennaMan > WilliamsSW
08/11/2019 at 10:45

From what I've heard the only downsides to a Stinger are that Kia isn't a prestige brand and that there's no manual option.

Captain of the Enterprise > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
08/11/2019 at 11:06

Nobody cross-shops like opponauts. I’m looking at WRXs, mustangs, rangers, f150s, RAV4, BRZ, Civics (SI or hatchback) and Camry lol

WilliamsSW > SiennaMan
08/11/2019 at 11:26

That’s about right. The auto does play well with the TTV6, based on my test drive experience.

I had some very specific rear seat room requirements ( 2 car seats, so 1 behind me in the driver’s seat) that it was snug on, and the door slope bugged me ( It’s a fact of life on * all* alleged 4 door coupes), so I dropped it from my list, but I really enjoyed the drive.

shop-teacher > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
08/11/2019 at 11:29

Only a f ool buys a 3-year old Wrangler. I expect a 3-year old Gladiator to be even more foolish.

HondoyotaE38: A Japanese and German Collab...wait a minute > Nibby
08/11/2019 at 12:05

Unrelated but for a second I had no idea who you were, I tend to look at avatars instead of names to identify someone.

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > WilliamsSW
08/11/2019 at 12:52

Good to hear that the car seats fit, while I only have one now it won’t be long before we start trying for another. The problem with the matrix is the front seats need to be damn near all the way forward for the baby seat to fit

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > Captain of the Enterprise
08/11/2019 at 12:53

It is fun seeing the wide range of completely different vehicles that opponauts cross shop lol

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > SiennaMan
08/11/2019 at 12:55

Which I assume will lead to massive discounts on used ones. I don’t have a problem with it as long as it’s a good car

WilliamsSW > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
08/11/2019 at 13:01

They do fit. I’m not that tall (5’9”), but I sit further back than most people my height, and it was fine.

What you should look closely at, though, is getting the seat in and out- and more importantly- getting the child out while leaving the car seat in. My 3 year old now is in a big, forward facing seat that never comes out of the car. He usually climbs in, but I get him out. That might be a little bit of a challenge on the Stinger (I have a W212 E class and it’s not that bad if you’re careful).

It’s easy to see why people move into crossovers and SUVs with little kids. My wife’s RX is way easier. But it’s a miserable driving experience- cars forever.

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > WilliamsSW
08/11/2019 at 13:45

My wife has a Yukon so I don’t need an SUV or van but definitely something a bit bigger and want something more fun than the matrix

Captain of the Enterprise > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
08/11/2019 at 15:24

Yeah it’s funny and unique. My sister just leased a Tiguan and she looked only at crossovers with AWD. Meanwhile I’m years away from something newer and I’m looking all over the place. To her it probably wouldn’t make sense but I’m interested and see the potential in so many different types of vehicles and models for different reasons it’s hard to narrow it down.

Nibby > HondoyotaE38: A Japanese and German Collab...wait a minute
08/11/2019 at 20:40

No one else would use Abbath as their avatar

HondoyotaE38: A Japanese and German Collab...wait a minute > Nibby
08/11/2019 at 21:28

That's true