bought a Subaru instead of a Tacoma

It's strange how that story is making the rounds again this week. It's one of the older, well-known marketing success stories. It's not like we're in a slow news cycle this week, so I don't understand why Planet Money and NPR pulled this out like it's fresh news.

 

My wife has the premium package 2016 Outback and I have the 2016 TRD Sport. You see a lot of Subarus up here in the wet part of the Pacific NW. We figure that between the Outback and the Tacoma, our hauling and snowshoe/xc skiing vehicle needs are met. Her Subaru has the CVT and is a pretty nice car. She was deciding between the Forester and Outback, and opted for the Outback since it had the Eyesight and some other safety features that the Forester did not, plus the cargo compartment of the Outback was larger.

 

I certainly wouldn't confuse Planet Money with fresh news. They go waaaay back on some stuff. It's a podcast. The produce programs you could listen to at any time.

 

I listen to Planet Money regularly on my NPR phone app. I saw the story pop up on Facebook and on NPR's morning edition this week too.

 

I have a '14 Outback with manual transmission. I agree that it is a shame that it took so long for Subaru to acknowledge the oil consumption problem. I know someone who had a '10 Outback who's engine seized because they didn't check oil between changes and ran it dry. We recently had the consumption test done and luckily it is not considered excessive yet at 21,000 miles, though it is using some. Subaru has now extended the engine warranties to 100,000 miles for this issue, so I will be sure to get the test done every 20k miles.

 

That makes it a fun ride.

 

Props to this Suu-bby

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-G9khUmprvg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

The Subaru is your ultimate "in-between" if you don't want a Truck AND a Car, but you want at least some of the perks of both.

Right now I have a Toyota Pickup that can go anywhere I point it or could want to, but gets 18mpg, and a Honda Fit that gets 36mpg but can't get over a crack in the sidewalk (I kid, I've off-roaded it and blown out my front shocks already haha).

BUT, I would highly consider selling both and having a Subaru that can get me a decent middle ground for gas mileage as well as a decent middle ground for varying terrain capability.

I would also add that Subaru's stock AWD system is far superior to simply 4x4 on a stock pickup when it comes to ice/snow, etc. I'd trust it going up a snowy, icy mountain with curvy roads and steep drop offs more than my Pickup or Fit any day.

For those who don't do any extreme off-roading / rock-crawling (which if they're being honest is the vast majority of this forum) a Subaru is the better vehicle for just camping and backroads. Probably has more storage space than a stinking Short Bed too haha.






The 2017 Subaru Impreza update has been announced. So that almost certainly means the 2018 Crosstrek with be a complete update based on that Impreza. Better mpg, more power, a hair larger, (uglier), etc. Hopefully a stinking 6 speed that doesn't have crap gearing. THAT is the Crosstrek I'll be waiting to see (and then a few more years to find lightly used) and possibly buy. When it has finally arrived as a useable car (I can't do CVT anything, they make me sea sick and pissed off the whole time haha).

 

Well put

 

I had a 2006 4x4 nismo (previous name for pro-4x) and it was a good truck, but the transmission/radiator fluid cross contamination was ridiculous. Nissan Refused to admit it was a problem and Refused to fix it ($1800-6000) so when it happened to me, I had them flush it, and I drove it across the street and traded it in for a Toyota.

 

https://youtu.be/Mq6FPFpDkWE

Bro out your Outback. "OutB-ro-ack?"

Winch
Lift
Baskets
Oversized ATs
Skid plate
Awnings
Cooler

 

When the roads get real bad for snow and ice, the Subaru Forestor with a good set of winter tires will kick ass on just about anything. I look forward to driving in shitty weather. My Tacoma is great for everything else.

 

I have a 2010 Impreza Outback Sport 5MT w/110k miles on it. I am trading it in for a TRD OR 6MT. Like has been said, I went 5k b/t oil changes around 30k miles and had to get the short bloc replaced because all the oil had burned off (Subaru comped it fortunately). Around 80k the clutch plate had to be replaced as well. Lately the Impreza has been without issues but it's time for a Taco for us. It was also a giant PITA if you got a flat that couldn't be patched because you'd be on the hook for 4 tires instead of 1 if the tread was too worn (or at least that's what I was told because it screwed with the symmetric AWD). Granted, I put it through some pretty tough commute miles but I thought it would be bulletproof listening to the commercials on them. No MT on the new Crosstreks and the engine might be better suited for a V6.

When we travel up to the snow we'll take the Taco once it's here (just ordered it) and will probably end up getting a dedicated set of winter wheels/tires. Until then we have a VW Golf Sportwagen TDI with Blizzaks that has done great in the snow when we've taken it up.

 

ha, i'm in a 5MT impreza wagon right now with a billion miles while i'm waiting on my tacoma.

just wanted to mention that the US Crosstreks come standard with a 5MT in the base and premium. the 2017's, that is.

 

I know it's much more likely that I just got a lemon, but I am staying away from the Subaru for the time being. Plus, the 4 banger 5MT leaves a lot to be desired when that car is fully loaded on a road trip.

 

We just sold our manual 2014 Forester and downgraded to an older Honda Civic to get rid of a car payment since I have my Taco and the wife also has her Dodge 2500 for horse trailer hauling duties -- it seemed a little over the top to also have an AWD Forester. The Subaru was great on the forest service roads I took it on and you could fit an amazing amount of stuff in it with the rear seats folded down. Overall just a great vehicle. If I was going to own another AWD CUV/SUV in the future, it would definitely be another Subi.

 

Bad-ass!

 

Any thoughts on the crossetek?

 

Great car in almost every way. Manual transmission is dated, interior is cheap, lacks power by a lot. The rest is solid.


New one will be out in 2018. Maybe wait for improvements if those few cons bother you.