I'm fairly seriously considering a new vehicle. My little Taco truck has been a rock, but I'm ready for something that will carry more people and pull boats (light ones) better. Besides, the oldest daughter could use a reliable ride, and the Taco fits that bill better than most things she could spend $5K on, so I might do well to just gift it to her.

Anyway, the first thing I considered was a new Tacoma 4x4 V6 double cab. I've never been too fond of short truck beds (really limits what you can haul in them), and when I saw the new (and used) prices on those things, I decided I wasn't going that route. Next up for consideration is a Subaru. They're offering 0% interest on new 2015s, and the new prices weren't as high as I expected, so this one still looks promising. Not being a Subaru aficionado, I don't know wheteher I should go with the Outback or the Forester. For whatever reason, the Outbacks tend to run a couple thousand more.

Anyone have any insight to offer with regard to which one's best for what I want to do? Any recommended dealers?

Thanks!

I'm on my second Outback...best car I've ever owned. Goes anywhere, good mileage, lots of storage, and pulls driftboats and rafts just fine.

I wasn't too stoked when my ex bought the first one, and after driving it a few times I put a hitch on it, and after towing boats with it a few times I was in. When the one I'm on craps out I will get another one.

Outback has a bigger back storage area than the Forester, and when I camp or fish I have a lot of things that are too long to fit in the Forester.

Fish on...

Todd

I bought an Outback a year and a half ago after my Camry gave up the ghost. No issues since I've owned it.
I use it primarily as my work rig and have been pleasantly surprised by the gas mileage.
I drove both the Forester and Outback before pullling the trigger. The Outback was more comfortable in my opinion and I liked the extra space.
I have a Explorer as my main fishing rig, but the Outback has worked well when I've used it for fishing trips. I can load fully rigged 9' 6" fly rods in it without issue.
So far very happy with the rig.
Get a few dealers involved with internet pricing and see what type of deal you can cut.
SF

I had a 2011 Outback. It was the base model 4 cylinder 6 spd. I loved that car. If my left knee wasn't in such sad shape,I'd still be driving it.

They're a very practical vehicle for the NW,and there is a reason they're so popular.

They won't make your dick longer like a driving a jacked up crew cab long bed diesel will though.

I have a 2009 WRX hatchback, I have only needed to change the oil and buy tires.

I love that damn car.

I'm considering buying one because I get tired of my unit hanging in the water while I'm taking a crap.

If driving one of these will make it smaller then I'm all in...................Finally.

I think booster seats for children in the back seat are free.

You'll have to buy one for the driver's seat

Fish on...

Todd

I will just sit on the Obama, Free Tibet, Visualize World Peace, and Rainbow stickers they give you when you buy one.

I have a 2006 V6 Outback and I'll probably buy an updated version when I'm done with this one. It is a very utilitarian vehicle. There are a lot of SUVs that are in a similar class but nearly all will have worse gas mileage, handle worse, and have more mechanical problems in the long run. I'd say the downsides are the lack of ability to tow heavy boats (no problem with rafts, drift boats, or small lake boats), potentially less ground clearance than some SUVs, and having to listen to the "yer a liberal lesbian" jokes from Jay Leno style "comedians".

Im not I on the whole Subaru line but I always thought the "outback" was originally a version of the Subaru Legacy while the Forester seemed more like an Impreza. Maybe it has more to do with the package purchased on a given model but, to me, the Legacy always felt like Subaru's higher end (quieter with a more solid feel) whereas the Forester seems noisier and doesn't have the same feel.

We drive to Seattle a lot and one of the things I have done with my kids is to try to find an outback without a bumper sticker. My favorite car was the one with all the bumper stickers above, along one that summed it all up, "Yes, I do believe in fairies!"

The late model outbacks are rated to tow up to 3000 lbs. That a decent sized boat. As far as ground clearance, short of something like a Wrangler, I don't think you'll find an suv with more than an outback. My 2011 had more ground clearance than a 2011 F350 4x4

Good thing to know about the clearance for the guys looking to trade in their jacked up pick-ups for a Subaru.
They'll have peace of mind knowing their rubber scrot sack hitch ornaments won't be scrapping the ground.

Thanks for the replies. So far, it looks like those who drive Subarus love them; those who don't say they're for sissies and liberals. About par for the course....

I think we've identified a key difference between the Forester and the Outback: towing capicity. Looks like the 4-cyl. Outback can do 2700, while the Forester only goes to 1500. Granted, for the boats I'd be towing, both would probably do it, but it looks like the Outback might enjoy a longer, happier life under the stress.

Time to start pricing Outbacks.

The bumper stickers are so you can find yours at trailheads

There are two kinds of vehicles were I'm from. Trucks and Subaru's. There is a reason for that. Screw the haters and people that stereotype. Bu's kick butt and will handle just about anything you throw at em'.

If I didn't insist on owning a truck, I'd have a Bu.

Fix it? All it looks like it needs is a little air in the tire...

...didn't redhook have a stupidru?

Ride a horse ,you sumbitch @$%^#$!!!!!!!!!

Saddle up.


Flea face it.

You just want to blend in ......................in Olympia...............the carpet munching...........liberal..............ground zero.

Do the Subaru's come with a plastic bag dispenser to pick up dog turds at the landfills leash free dog park?

Yes, it's my fondest wish to be a lesbian liberal. Unfortunately, the dog curbing kit is an expensive upgrade....

All Subaru joking aside, I will keep my eye open for one.

How much are you looking to spend?
New?

You can reach me 867 5309, and please ask for 'Randy'.

Almost bought my neighbors subaru... I live in Idaho now and was told those rigs were for Peta loving, kale eating yuppies that probably fish only dry flies.... I need a jacked up coal rolling diesel with a gun rack and a case of keystone light in the back to fit in... I love the vehicle stereotypes. When you get older you honestly don't give a fuk about what you drive as long as it fits your needs and saves money

Todd's rig?

Looking for new, with a preference for the Outback. Looking to spend 25K at most. Looking like that price point does exist, but it's not very common.

I looked into certified used, and the prices for cars with 20 or 30K miles were only a couple thousand less than brand new. Factor in the higher interest rates that come with used cars, and you've got what seems to me like a not so great deal. I'd consider used for a better value.

I should point out that I'm only looking at this point; I haven't decided to pull the trigger just yet.

Thanks!

Matt Waitman at East side Subaru was a pleasure to deal with.

You might call him and see what they can do.

Do they throw in a free assorted pack of Chinese tied dry flies?

Do they have rockin' stereos?

Built in, quick access, machete sheaths?

A wool hat holder?

Ok, that was damn funny.

Pretty good market in the vintage VW world for low mileage Subaru motors. Guys are putting them in vanagons, busses, etc. I say that rig ain't worth fixing. I'll take the motor, wiring harness, brains and a couple other small items off your hands if it helps you out.

All of the finest Subaru's I've seen have been in a VW Bus!

... and the only lesbians worth looking at, won't be in a subaru

Seems the subie powered vanagon synchro trumps many modern rigs. I've seen more than a few go for top dollar. Camper addition gets stupid money. My westy still has a leaky waterboxer. That's after I resealed it. My commuter is a '05 legacy. Simple, cheap, awd, and just keeps on rolling. Peace.

Don't kid yourself. Most chics are two or three shots of tequila from being lesbian. Can't really blame them.

that be true...

but girls who drive Subaru's don't drink tequila and don't shave pits or pussy's

Hmm. I'm thinking we don't run with the same folks. Peace.

Still looking, but if I buy a Subaru, I promise not to put any bumper stickers on it. I might go with a bunch of those redneck-friendly window decals with a Calvin-looking kid pissing on other makers' logos that the tough guys seem to like... you know, to show my "pride." To stay market-appropriate, I'll get some custom made with Toyota and Honda logos. This is gonna rule!

You can get all that (plus a limited edition Subaru ascot) with the Fly Fisherman package, but like most things I really want, that upgrade is too steep.

I thought all Subaru's came with Co-Exist stickers?

I could co-exist with them a hella-lot better if they could drive the speed limit instead of combing their arm pits.

FF02,

3rd time Subie owner here. The 1985 square box was a cult vehicle, like a VW Beetle, but still fun for the granola crunching, Birkenstock wearing, cycling, skiing, fishing, and camping crowd, and pre-lesbo reputation model. I drove my 2000 Subie Outback 200,000 miles over 14 years, and it was larger, far more comfortable, and even more suited to the above activities while getting the same gas mileage. Had the 2014 Outback for a year and a half now. It's slightly larger than the 2000, has an inch higher ground clearance (good for boat launching at Knapton), and if Subie ownership was ever gonna' make me a lesbian, I'd be one by now.

I bought this one last year on one of those 0% interest deals, not wanting to pass up free money. As for buying a used Subie, it's not a bad way to go, but you don't save any $$. The price for a used Subie = price of a new Subie minus the $/mile charge they use for calculating used car prices. If you're gonna' drive it a 100,000 miles or more, which is always my plan, buying new is just as economical as used, if not more so. Only problem with new models is that the manual transmission is only available on the lowest end model, and eventually I'll stop trying to step on the clutch with my automatic transmission-equipped Subie.

If another car did all that the Subaru does for the same price, fuel mileage, and comfort, then I'd consider it. But at this point I didn't even look at other makes. And mine doesn't sport a single bumper sticker. So it can be kinda' hard to find it in a crowded parking lot some times.

Sg

todd~mod in his sr. citizen years after he's run rvrfstr into the ground and his Subaru's are all broken down in the driveway.

http://www.fieldandstream.com/blogs/fiel...=SOC&dom=fb

What I've learned here:

1) Flea is a good sport.
2) I might be a Lesbian.
3) I'm not a real Redneck.
4) A Subaru won't pull my goose neck horse trailer.
5) I can't put my camper on a Subaru.
6) A Subaru won't tow my sled but would tow my drift boat.
7) There is room in the back of most Subaru's to haul all your cat hounds.
8) You don't need a Subaru to own a bumper sticker.

post a pic of your lez-a-roo when ya find the one! Otherwise, I have no dog in this fight

It appears Subaru's need better suspension?

Have been told cost of a Sub is about 76% of MSRP. Try to pay $1000 over this and your getting a great deal. Started looking last week for a rig for the wife and she's leaning Outback, not sure if that makes her a lesbian though, hope not.

I'm sure that's about right on cost vs. MSRP. From what I'm seeing, MSRP on a base model is about 26K, 75% of which would be about 19.5K, +1,000 = $20.5K. Best price I've been offered so far is about $24K. Granted, I've done no haggling yet, but I'd be shocked if anyone could get below about $23K right now. The reason? There are currently ZERO 2015 Outbacks available within 100 miles of Olympia, and the 2016s are already on back-order at several dealerships. In other words, they're not struggling to sell Outbacks.

It's the same with Toyota trucks. If you want one, your price will end up somewhere right around "dealer invoice," which is actually code for "how much the dealer wants to get." This is one case where you can get up to walk away from a price negotiation and have the salesman tell you not to let the door hit you in the azz on your way out.

In a way, it's a chitty situation. On the other hand, cars don't become that popular by being chitty. No shame in paying a "no hassle" price for such cars.

I would agree 100% !

kenny fuking powers.

Kenny F'n Powers or NO DEAL. Got it. I really hope one of the "no hassle" deals works out... if the dealer locks me in with the finance babes, I'll be in big trouble.

I am not sure if one of these were a Subaru or not.

Whatever they were, they aren't as crash-worthy as a SHO anyways.


http://youtu.be/znDw4iSEObQ



(That is 124mph by the way)

Brother bought a Subaru recently. Pretty sure he's not a lesbian, and he's happy with his car. One day, I was talking with the director of transportation for the Northern Exposure TV series. Conversation got around to the topic of hauling all that star power over the pass in winter. He commented that they had Subarus for that task, and that the Subarus handled the job really well. Since he was in show biz, he could have been a lesbian. I weighed all of this last year, when I bought a city commuter kind of car. Then, I bought a Honda CRV. Wife, dog, and I are down with that decision. Won't be towing anything with it, though.

Here's my two cents since I've owned a couple:
The newer ones have ironed out a lot of the bugs the older ones had. Best dealership around I've found S.of Seattle is Scarf in Auburn. The other ones will jerk you around or even try to f---- you like the ones in Gorst Olympia and Puyallup. The new 3.0 Outback HAULS BALLS. I've beaten rice boys and even a V8s that thought my big grocery getter was a Lezmobile. The PZEV version is gutless but gets great mileage. Towing wise, the receiver is roo low to the ground for anything large. Besides it doesn't have a solid rear axle. It's not that kinda girl. That said, it will out perform any other rig in the snow hands down. My outback with stock tires did better in 2 feet of fresh snow than my F-350 with 33's with chains on all 4..

R3 Performance stickers suck....

It's all good if you are invited to join in....

What sticker??

I guess I didn't last that long.

Many in Subaru's appear to have matted, wool like hair as well.

Now when you pull into Schafer Park or decker creek in the fall, all the Locals are going to be asking "who the hell is this Seattle d!ck fishing our river". lol Ill vouch for you, while I roll up in my Saturn SUV, should be fun.

What color will your custom quilting sticker be?

There's a fisherman out there, that drove her to knitting.

Flea, did you decide to go another direction?

Now, just what are you implying?

My daughter Emily bought one today after her Jeep Liberty died back in July. We sold hers for salvage and I matched her down payment. She has a $100 payment now but you can tell she is excited.

It is an '06 with 74,000 on it for $8k. She is all smiles.

With regard to boyfriends, intimidation is our best weapon, isn't it ?



I am still that guy except she lives with my ex and any chance for that type of scrutiny is now completely elective for her.

It seems like they grow up so fast. If time travel was possible, the first place Id choose to re-appreciate is the time I spent with them. But, since it isn't and, as a mere mortal, my choice now is to just try and make the most of the time together that we have left.

That is almost a too good to be true price!

That is what I thought too! The sellers were almost a cliche'... They are are snowbirds and this was a second vehicle for them and they decided to spend their time in Arizona full time.

An old couple with a low mileage cherry of a car is a used car buyers dream! Congrats to you and your daughter.

Yeah it is...super good deal.

Fish on...

Todd

Needless to say, I didn't find any deals like JTD. I did work down to what I think was a really good price on a new Outback, but I couldn't pull the trigger. School started back up and I realized pretty quick that it's probably a really bad idea to take on a $400/mo. car payment unless absolutely necessary. Right now, it's not.

This was a fun thread, so something good came of it all.

Glad you came to your senses.

My F150 clutch master cylinder or slave cylinder gave up the ghost in rush hour traffic tonight. Cool guy in a Subaru Outback flipped an illegal U-turn and backed up to my front bumper. He asks "Do you want me to pull ya over to the shoulder?. I've got a chain." Thanks Rick with the Outback!

I'd guess that when your daughter smiled at the folks, their inner grandparent kicked in & made her a good deal. Nice find.

Too funny. Flea, thanks for the Subaru thread. Refreshing. JTD, you're a lucky guy. Good car for a newer driver. With decent tires she should be able to hit the passes in our area without any issues. Maybe you could throw a tow strap by the spare tire, in case my Ford peters out again.

The only luck I've had is being able to share my time with her. The car deal is her luck, but I am glad I could help.


She tweeted a new picture, a selfie of her in the driver's seat with a caption that says something like "Just a selfie, but LOOK at that interior... Daaaang!"