I commute from Buffalo to Rochester for work 3 days a week, so I'd like something thats all-wheel-drive with decent gas milage. I need it to be dependable even after it racks up a lot of milage and has to be an automatic. I don't really want to spend more than 25K, and I'm looking at either new or under 15000 miles.
2007-01-25 16:50:17 · 16 answers · asked by Heather 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Subaru
I went in looking for a Forester, fully expecting to buy one. I had been driving a Honda Accord for about 8 years, though, and I found the Forester and its short wheelbase to be a bit TOO much like a small truck for my tastes. I really wanted a small wagon/SUV to carry band equipment and other things, so I was kind of sold on the IDEA of a Forester. As I was headed into the showroom to talk price, I noticed an Outback sitting there with all the doors and the hatch open. It has virtually the same cargo capacity (1 sq ft less than the Forester), but the thing is SO much more like a car that the Forester. I drove it and decided that this was much better suited for me. I bought a 4-cylinder Outback for $24,512. :-) It gets about 28-30 MPG on the highway, so you'd be happy with that. It is very comfortable. I suppose you can get a Legacy wagon with the same 4-cylinder, 2.5 liter engine for quite a bit less money and I suppose it would ride just as well, but I was looking for that extra little bit of ground clearance. Not to mention... you don't have to bend over so much to load an Outback and the seat is higher off the ground making entrance and exit just a bit easier for my aging knees.
In any event, as long as you are shopping Subaru, please drive a Legacy wagon or an Outback wagon and compare them to the Forester. To me, the Outback is sort of a stealth SUV.
My neighbor has a RAV4 and it seems very nice, but the price on them can add up pretty quickly.
If you buy a Saturn VUE, please be aware that the "good" engine in the Honda-made 3.0 liter V-6 engine. The rest are GM products and that's not exactly a plus in my book.
2007-01-26 13:44:29 · answer #1 · answered by Jess 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You can also find a jeep cherokee, or grand cherokee within your price range, that is either 4WD part time or 4WD all time, which will suite your needs beautifully. I own a 96 Grand Cherokee Limited 4WD with the inline 6 engine (don't get a V8 they will suck gas). I average 24-28MPG city and highway mix driving every day 30 miles to work and 30 miles home. My Jeep is full time 4WD which uses sensors to find wheel slip and actuates the 4WD without the driver having to do anything. My jeep has 190,000 Miles on it and it still runs and drives great (I also offroad with my jeep occasionally and haven't had any major problems other than the starter finally died about 188,000 miles and the radiator failed at about the same time. Both of which have been replaced and the vehicle put back into operation.
I do all scheduled maintenance by the severe use guide, meaning oil changes and filter change every 3,000 miles, air filter change every other oil change, and transmission service every 55,000 miles. Plus if something is wrong with the vehicle it is taken care of immediatly or the vehicle is parked until the problem can be fixed. This avoids further damaging any other components.
2007-01-27 22:53:00 · answer #2 · answered by Bill S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want something that is dependable , reliable, safe, handles well and one of the best AWD systems out there, good on gas and great resale value. I would recommend the Subaru Legacy or Forester. You have made the right choice. You can probably get some great deals on '06 models or demos. Even one that is used '05 you should be able to negotiate a good price. I have owned Subarus since 1986 and I love them. I also like to research cars. I have worked for different car stores in service and sales before my accident. Stick with the maintenance schedule and the car will last for a long long time.
1. Subaru Forester/Legacy/Outback
2. Saturn Vue
3. Toyota Rav4
4. Honda CRV
5. Dodge Caliber
Stay away from Kia.
2007-01-26 07:52:54 · answer #3 · answered by ? 7 · 2⤊ 3⤋
You can go to edmunds.com and compare up to 5 vehicles side by side. I have had 3 Subarus and have loved all of them, including my 01 Forester. The automotive press and consumer magazines love the Subaru and it is a great quality vehicle that you should be able to get several hundred thousand miles out of.
2007-01-29 10:40:33 · answer #4 · answered by Suzan 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
On the Subaru line up, I'd recommend the WRX or the Outback.
If you're considering more traditional looking SUV's as well, you can get these within your criteria as well:
Ford Escape
Ford Edge
Honda CR-V
Chevy Equinox
Cars:
Ford Fusion - the 2007 model has AWD
2007-01-26 01:04:01 · answer #5 · answered by eaglefox200 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
i would probably not get a Forrester. what about a ford escape, Mazda tribute, Honda crv, Toyota rav 4 or highlander. i own a 2007 outback, unless you live in a cold snowy climate or do some off-roading than i wouldnt get one
2007-01-29 23:52:06 · answer #6 · answered by car_guy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check out the Mercury Mariner
2007-01-26 10:27:57 · answer #7 · answered by justcurious 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I was going to get a Forester back in 2002, but realized that there is hardly any rear seat room. We then looked at the Honda CR-V, which we ultimately purchased. The Honda has plenty of power and seats five comfortably.
2007-01-27 17:29:06 · answer #8 · answered by EBL 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
how abot the subaru sport wagon ( small suv like subaru ) i forget the name sorry!i think its the outback sport.
2007-01-28 16:43:20 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
u have a lot of options actually
toyota rav 4
toyota harrier
mitsubishi outlander
mitsubishi shogun pinn
good luck!
2007-01-28 05:55:10 · answer #10 · answered by Meekaeel K 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋