Member of the Month

PartyBullshiit
March, 2024

Online

Welcome to the Newschoolers forums! You may read the forums as a guest, however you must be a registered member to post. Register to become a member today!

Need a new car, gimme input

profile picture
Zypher
Posts: 2336 - Karma: 2,268
Long story short, totaled my 04 XC70. Loved that thing for two reasons; AWD for PNW winters and it was spacious for a mom wagon. I want some input on other AWD (not 4wd) cars/suvs that would be able to get up and down from the mountain during winter and be able to fit a bed in the back. Also, Im headed out to Montana State for the next four years so think Montana winters and stuff when recommending anything.
Heres my list so far so any input is appreciated

Another XC70
Forester XT
WRX/Saabaru (maybe a little small?)
3rd gen 4runner limited
Grand Cherokee limited/laredo
etc.

Whatever car im going to end up getting is getting a few things. First, a little lift. I regretted never putting a bad swede lift on my xc70 so if i get a wagon, you better believe its goin up 2-2.5 inches. Same goes for the 4runner and jeep. If i end up getting a midsize like those id probably do an old man emu 3.5 lift on them and put some 31 or 33s underneath. I also get that more than just springs are needed to lift properly so don't go chewing my ass out in the comments for something along those lines haha. Second thing the car is getting is better bumpers. This is up for grabs on the subarus but I probably wouldnt have totaled my volvo if I had a little shitty tube bumper on the front or something of the sort. Lastly, the thing is getting racked up. I work for a rack shop so I have access to all the normal rack stuff plus the "fuck it, lets weld that bitch to the roof" sorta things too.

Anyways, any input/help would be appreciated from the car geeks of NS. Also any tips with these cars/good components for them would be helpful too. Thanks peeps.
Jan 25 2018 12:35AM
1 0
profile picture
.FRY.
Posts: 5620 - Karma: 22,852
xc70 or 4runner will be the most reliable
Jan 25 2018 1:16AM
4 0
profile picture
HypeBeast
Posts: 9774 - Karma: 72,218
You talk about lifting your car, but have a wrx as an option? That would be a weird combo hah.

Anyway Subaru or Jeep would be my picks, with a preference to Subaru because I have a Legacy. If you have some money, Subaru is coming out with a 3 row SUV called the Ascent this year. Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo is an expensive car if you haven't checked prices; it's nice though.
Jan 25 2018 1:57AM
1 4
profile picture
Dash69
Posts: 57 - Karma: 147
WRX is definitely gonna be small to sleep in if you're over 5'9"'. Its not on your list, but I'd consider a Subaru legacy hatchback. Gonna be more reliable than the Volvo and much roomier than the WRX- similar space to an XC70. Also, you can find them with decent power/ turbos and they kinda rip. Especially in manual.
Jan 25 2018 1:58AM
1 0
profile picture
RousedWits
Posts: 387 - Karma: 893
Manual gearbox.
Jan 25 2018 1:59AM
6 0
profile picture
Zypher
Posts: 2336 - Karma: 2,268
IsitWinterYet17You talk about lifting your car, but have a wrx as an option? That would be a weird combo hah.

Anyway Subaru or Jeep would be my picks, with a preference to Subaru because I have a Legacy. If you have some money, Subaru is coming out with a 3 row SUV called the Ascent this year. Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo is an expensive car if you haven't checked prices; it's nice though.


Haha guess i forgot to mention something... Im 17 and got about 4-5k to drop on a new whip. I was talking about the Grand Cherokee Limited/Laredo models from 1999-2004 (Jeep WJ). I've seen some pretty awesome overland builds on those guys plus having AWD with a low range for steeper crawls or deeper snow is always a plus. I wish I could afford a brand new ride... anybody want to chip in?
Jan 25 2018 3:28AM
1 0
profile picture
Zypher
Posts: 2336 - Karma: 2,268
Dash69WRX is definitely gonna be small to sleep in if you're over 5'9"'. Its not on your list, but I'd consider a Subaru legacy hatchback. Gonna be more reliable than the Volvo and much roomier than the WRX- similar space to an XC70. Also, you can find them with decent power/ turbos and they kinda rip. Especially in manual.

Thanks for the input! Im in oregon now so Subarus make up 80% of all cars here and I gotta admit, they look like a pretty comfortable ride. Plus, gotta love turbo wagons. 2.5L in the xc70 made it to be a quick little beast.
RousedWitsManual gearbox.


Definitely trying to go manual but price comes first. All the good rides in my area are auto except for the Subie Bajas but they float around 10k for a not beat to shit one.
Jan 25 2018 3:31AM
1 0
profile picture
.CJ.
Posts: 1507 - Karma: 3,657
I bet you saw those two Saabs on the Portland Craigslist and that's why they're on your list
Jan 25 2018 3:58AM
2 0
profile picture
.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,178
4runners are 4WD, not AWD. But I personally believe 4WD is better. You could probably find a 4Runner that already has a lift, but why lift that? They’re already pretty capable.

But id go for the 4Runner, some of those engines run for a while.
Jan 25 2018 11:56AM
1 1
profile picture
Casey
Posts: 7783 - Karma: 23,455
.lencon4runners are 4WD, not AWD. But I personally believe 4WD is better. You could probably find a 4Runner that already has a lift, but why lift that? They’re already pretty capable.

But id go for the 4Runner, some of those engines run for a while.


A 5 thousand dollar 4runner probably needs 5 thousand in work.
Jan 25 2018 12:00PM
6 0
profile picture
.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,178
CaseyA 5 thousand dollar 4runner probably needs 5 thousand in work.


I disagree. Be careful when you buy for sure, make sure you know what you’re buying, but I’ve seen some good deals here and there. That’s with any car though.
Jan 25 2018 12:06PM
0 1
profile picture
Zypher
Posts: 2336 - Karma: 2,268
.CJ.I bet you saw those two Saabs on the Portland Craigslist and that's why they're on your list

No haven’t scoped any Saab’s yet. Links?
.lencon4runners are 4WD, not AWD. But I personally believe 4WD is better. You could probably find a 4Runner that already has a lift, but why lift that? They’re already pretty capable.

But id go for the 4Runner, some of those engines run for a while.

3rd gen limited were standard awd with 4wd capabilities. I just hate the fat lip on them from 99-02, looked super dorky haha. The first part of the third gen was pretty nice tho. Hard to find one with less than 220k miles tho, kinda wanted something under 165k but I’m keeping an eye out.
Jan 25 2018 2:25PM
0 0
profile picture
iced
Posts: 3070 - Karma: 17,938
ZypherHaha guess i forgot to mention something... Im 17

what

are your parents dead or something. Insurance is probably a bigger bitch than renting a single room at your point
Jan 25 2018 2:30PM
0 0
profile picture
.CJ.
Posts: 1507 - Karma: 3,657
ZypherNo haven’t scoped any Saab’s yet. Links?


https://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/ctd/d/05-saab-92x-turbo-subaru/6456292645.html

https://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/ctd/d/05-saab-92x-subaru-impreza/6458831348.html
Jan 25 2018 2:35PM
0 0
profile picture
YoungWookiee
Posts: 681 - Karma: 393
Forester xt
Jan 25 2018 2:52PM
0 0
profile picture
DirtYStylE
Posts: 3635 - Karma: 8,774
Having enough room in the back for a bed really limits your options. If you want a full sized bed you need a minivan. Seriously, they are tanks with studded tiers.

Otherwise you need to find a car that will fold down the seats so you can make a make shift bed, you need to make sure those seats fold down flat too. You don't want some of the angled shit that old cars have.
Jan 25 2018 4:18PM
0 0
profile picture
iFlip
Posts: 4541 - Karma: 19,088
There can be only one answer: 1992 Volvo 240.



Also, an almost identical thread was created four months ago. https://www.newschoolers.com/forum/thread/854755/Best-Used-Cars-around-7k- With how dead NS is now, I'm almost surprised it isn't still on the first page.
Jan 25 2018 5:17PM
6 3
profile picture
broto
Posts: 9039 - Karma: 25,658
inb4
Jan 25 2018 5:47PM
4 2
profile picture
jellomellow
Posts: 961 - Karma: 3,562
find a 3rd gen 4runner with the 3.4 engine, manual and locking rear diff
Jan 25 2018 8:03PM
1 0
profile picture
skistupid
Posts: 303 - Karma: 1,186
Jan 25 2018 8:44PM
3 0
profile picture
iced
Posts: 3070 - Karma: 17,938
D.B.

wanna join my car squad?

Jan 25 2018 8:48PM
1 0
profile picture
ChangeCashMoney
Posts: 311 - Karma: 1,318
I know you said no 4WD, but a Honda Passport or Isuzu Rodeo (same car, just a different logo slapped on it) might be worth looking into. You can find one for super cheap. It's a smaller SUV that gets decent gas mileage, and I can sleep in the back of mine comfortably. They're easy to work on, and parts are hella cheap. Pretty reliable as long as you take alright care of it. I drive mine up to Park City and back to SLC every day, and it's held up great for a couple years. 260,000 miles and still running strong.
Jan 25 2018 10:25PM
0 0
profile picture
LiquorLanch
Posts: 1909 - Karma: 1,046
I've got a toyota tacoma with the 4x4 option. It's a very similar vehicle to the 4runner. The 4x4 is an option able to be switched off. I would definitely roll with toyota for the reliability. 4x4 smokes AWD in the snow by a wide margin. I would look into Tacomas and 4runners if I were you. Also, more $$ than 5k will make the search easier; and with used cars do your research on common problems and have a mechanic check the vehicle over before you buy.
Jan 25 2018 11:48PM
2 1
profile picture
Casey
Posts: 7783 - Karma: 23,455
RedneckGravyI've got a toyota tacoma with the 4x4 option. It's a very similar vehicle to the 4runner. The 4x4 is an option able to be switched off. I would definitely roll with toyota for the reliability. 4x4 smokes AWD in the snow by a wide margin. I would look into Tacomas and 4runners if I were you. Also, more $$ than 5k will make the search easier; and with used cars do your research on common problems and have a mechanic check the vehicle over before you buy.


https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/ctd/d/4xtoyota-4runner-sr5-limited/6471992809.html

This is about what 5k can get you in the 4runner world. It's basically ok. Automatic on this one but at least it's got a 3.4L.

Tons of 1500 dollar project trucks from this era, "needs head gasket"
Jan 26 2018 10:29AM
0 0
profile picture
Zypher
Posts: 2336 - Karma: 2,268
Caseyhttps://seattle.craigslist.org/see/ctd/d/4xtoyota-4runner-sr5-limited/6471992809.html

This is about what 5k can get you in the 4runner world. It's basically ok. Automatic on this one but at least it's got a 3.4L.

Tons of 1500 dollar project trucks from this era, "needs head gasket"


Thats exactly what im looking for haha. Don't mind if the car is nearing 200k miles, just need something that drives and will last me for a while if taken care of. I've given up on my dream of a manual 4runner because they're almost twice as pricey as the autos because they're so saught after.

I have been looking at a few "project' or 'Mechanic special" cars but the trouble with those is that by the time the owner realized they needed a new head gasket or something, they borked something else in the car thats gonna cost more $$ than its worth.
Jan 26 2018 11:33AM
0 0
profile picture
stimpyskier
Posts: 59 - Karma: 71
a chevy cavalier is all you need
Jan 26 2018 11:40AM
0 0
profile picture
ATRAT24
Posts: 58 - Karma: 132
I just got rid of my 00 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo and I miss it so much. The car is perfect for everything. Its so easy to throw a rack, bumpers or anything else. I wanted to lift mine but never got around to it, had some nice bigger tires though and it could take on anything. Definitely a good choice.
Jan 26 2018 1:54PM
0 0
profile picture
mtbakerpow
Posts: 1105 - Karma: 927
Save some more money to get something with less miles/more reliable
Jan 27 2018 2:36PM
0 0
profile picture
Titus69
Posts: 9327 - Karma: 17,742
If you're ok with lower clearance try a v70R, or a newer xc70 cause they're nice, or a Subaru like you said. I'm gonna look at the 2007 era outback sport, or the legacy gt wagons whenever my crv is done. Also 2001 crvs are pretty bomb, wish I had a standard but with snow tires it kicks ass and is reliable.
Jan 27 2018 9:11PM
0 0
profile picture
veng_m
Posts: 1267 - Karma: 2,720
older yota for sure. reliable plus they look fucking badass
Jan 27 2018 10:35PM
0 1
profile picture
SendyMcSendyface
Posts: 2453 - Karma: 20,000
Xc70 for sure my dude. Also, unless you have really deep snow, fwd with good tires makes a really underrated setup. My 850 does better in snow than most subies around Targhee.
Jan 28 2018 9:04AM
0 0
profile picture
oxiclean
Posts: 615 - Karma: 680
SendyMcSendyfaceXc70 for sure my dude. Also, unless you have really deep snow, fwd with good tires makes a really underrated setup. My 850 does better in snow than most subies around Targhee.


Yeah tires r everything.
Jan 28 2018 8:45PM
2 0
profile picture
whiteboi
Posts: 477 - Karma: 1,228
4Runner or XT, I've seen some rad overland/off road builds on XT's. The Subaru Legacy GT Wagon's are similar to a WRX just a bit roomier, I'd recommend looking into the if you haven't already. Also, I'll be heading to Montana State next year as well, I'm either going to bring my Dodge Cummins or possibly buy a new ride to take down there depending on my funds next summer
Jan 29 2018 1:02AM
0 0
profile picture
Zypher
Posts: 2336 - Karma: 2,268
whiteboi4Runner or XT, I've seen some rad overland/off road builds on XT's. The Subaru Legacy GT Wagon's are similar to a WRX just a bit roomier, I'd recommend looking into the if you haven't already. Also, I'll be heading to Montana State next year as well, I'm either going to bring my Dodge Cummins or possibly buy a new ride to take down there depending on my funds next summer

He’ll yeah man! Just went up to Portland today to check out some rides. Not too many decent 4 runners in my price range but managed to find an 02 Grand Cherokee with 98k on the clock and a forester xt with 110k on the clock so we’ll see what happens.

thanks everyone for the input!
Jan 29 2018 3:48AM
0 0
profile picture
Rusticles
Posts: 2178 - Karma: 1,333
I'd stay away from the jeep, nothing but problems. If you're looking at a cherokee or 4 runner have you considered a truck, prob the same in gas mileage? You could get an 07-10 GMC with higher miles for 5-10g and toss a canopy on it with a mattress inside. Build a bench in the box so your gear/skis can slide in under the mattress. Just an idea
Jan 29 2018 11:27AM
1 0
profile picture
Zypher
Posts: 2336 - Karma: 2,268
RusticlesI'd stay away from the jeep, nothing but problems. If you're looking at a cherokee or 4 runner have you considered a truck, prob the same in gas mileage? You could get an 07-10 GMC with higher miles for 5-10g and toss a canopy on it with a mattress inside. Build a bench in the box so your gear/skis can slide in under the mattress. Just an idea


True, i've wanted a Tacoma or an old 80s k20/gmc 2500 for a while but im going AWD over a 4x4. The Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited and Laredo models + the 4Runner Limited models have an AWD option and a low range for deeper stuff and that seems more up my alley for the type of driving im doing. Plus, im looking at the straight 6 jeeps, not the big ol v8s so those usually have less problems and the 4Runner has that nearly invincible 3.4 v6 under the hood. If I end up with either, im definitely making a little platform with slide able drawers in the back for a twin on top and skis/gear underneath.
Jan 29 2018 11:55AM
0 0
profile picture
Rusticles
Posts: 2178 - Karma: 1,333
ZypherTrue, i've wanted a Tacoma or an old 80s k20/gmc 2500 for a while but im going AWD over a 4x4. The Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited and Laredo models + the 4Runner Limited models have an AWD option and a low range for deeper stuff and that seems more up my alley for the type of driving im doing. Plus, im looking at the straight 6 jeeps, not the big ol v8s so those usually have less problems and the 4Runner has that nearly invincible 3.4 v6 under the hood. If I end up with either, im definitely making a little platform with slide able drawers in the back for a twin on top and skis/gear underneath.


A tacoma would be sweet as well. Why exactly AWD over 4x4, in a 4by you get the option of driving without it? I have an older GM Denali and it has AWD and I think the regular GM's have an Auto feature that senses the need and puts it in 4by. I'm over 300000kms on mine and have nothing but good things to say about it, would work good for this id say.
Jan 29 2018 12:05PM
0 0
profile picture
Zypher
Posts: 2336 - Karma: 2,268
RusticlesA tacoma would be sweet as well. Why exactly AWD over 4x4, in a 4by you get the option of driving without it? I have an older GM Denali and it has AWD and I think the regular GM's have an Auto feature that senses the need and puts it in 4by. I'm over 300000kms on mine and have nothing but good things to say about it, would work good for this id say.


4x4 is hella nice and definitely a good option but imo awd has its benefits on icy surfaces that 4x4 cant really compare to. awd can automatically transmit power to areas that are slipping while 4wd spins all the tires at once with no variation (no im not talking about traction control, thats a whole different thing that imo is useless). Honestly, its all up to personal preference though, to each their own yeah?
Jan 29 2018 12:50PM
0 0
profile picture
OregonDead
Posts: 6789 - Karma: 23,498
OP how rich are you? When I was 17 I had to take whatever I could get since I couldn't actually afford the full price of buying a care let alone maintenance etc. Got to drive a hand me down volvo 240, a dodge spirit, and a dodge caravan. With studs the caravan was about the best ski car. In college I got to borrow one of those Passports a bunch from a rich friend and they don't get good gas mileage since they are basically a pick up.
If you are like most of us were you'll be best served by getting something reliable and spending your money on good winter tires. You'll be better off with FWD and real winter tires than a 4 runner with old ass a/t tires.
Jan 29 2018 3:03PM
0 0
profile picture
Zypher
Posts: 2336 - Karma: 2,268
OregonDeadOP how rich are you? When I was 17 I had to take whatever I could get since I couldn't actually afford the full price of buying a care let alone maintenance etc. Got to drive a hand me down volvo 240, a dodge spirit, and a dodge caravan. With studs the caravan was about the best ski car. In college I got to borrow one of those Passports a bunch from a rich friend and they don't get good gas mileage since they are basically a pick up.
If you are like most of us were you'll be best served by getting something reliable and spending your money on good winter tires. You'll be better off with FWD and real winter tires than a 4 runner with old ass a/t tires.

Rich enough where I worked 5-6 days a week above minimum wage since the end of last spring to the beginning of the school year, worked weekends in the school year till ski season, took off ski season and am starting up again in the spring. I like to think I’m pretty smart at investing and spending money and my savings/checking accounts reflect that. I’m lucky enough that my parents offered to cover insurance fees if I buy and maintain my car and they chip in for gas as well. As well, I interned with a company for a while and got some of the profits on each product that was sold so that helped me out a bunch last year. Overall, I’ve worked a lot and saved a lot of money so I can spend it on things that I think I need and have some extra cash for college when I may not have the opportunity to work as much. By no means do I define myself as rich but by a 17 year olds standards I’m pretty well off haha.
Jan 29 2018 3:20PM
1 0
profile picture
OregonDead
Posts: 6789 - Karma: 23,498
^Never know what deal will pop up in your local area so my best advice is keep an open mind. I have a forester xt and I like it but the seat is uncomfortable and used ones often priced high around here.
Jan 29 2018 5:19PM
0 0
profile picture
Rusticles
Posts: 2178 - Karma: 1,333
Zypher4x4 is hella nice and definitely a good option but imo awd has its benefits on icy surfaces that 4x4 cant really compare to. awd can automatically transmit power to areas that are slipping while 4wd spins all the tires at once with no variation (no im not talking about traction control, thats a whole different thing that imo is useless). Honestly, its all up to personal preference though, to each their own yeah?


fair enough
Jan 29 2018 6:07PM
0 0
profile picture
TheTropics
Posts: 101 - Karma: 280
I'm hesitant to recommend a WRX or Forester XT as a good car for your needs. I had a WRX for a while and I had racks on racks just to hold all of my gear, especially since I kayaked and camped a lot at that time. Forester XT is a taller and dope looking ride ('08 and older) but they are similarly small with just a little added vertical space/headroom. As far as lifting Subarus goes, my buddy and I lifted his Impreza outback, it looks rad but mileage did go down a little bit. Even after purchasing the right suspension-adjusting components, the CV axles break at least once a year, sometimes more often. Lifting Subarus has been done plenty of times with varying levels of long-term success, there's a great wealth of information on it at dirally.com's forum.

If you're going Subaru, I would recommend an Outback, or Legacy Wagon. If you likeTurbo, go for an Outback XT or a Legacy GT wagon. The body style offers the most room for a Subaru and the Outbacks come stock with higher suspension than their counterparts. Adding even 1" to an outback makes it that much more capable.

A true 4WD platform isn't bad, just be aware of it's limitations when cornering. 4WD provides great capability when you're stuck and need to get out with more torque.

**This post was edited on Jan 29th 2018 at 8:41:41pm
Jan 29 2018 8:40PM
0 0
profile picture
Zypher
Posts: 2336 - Karma: 2,268
TheTropicsI'm hesitant to recommend a WRX or Forester XT as a good car for your needs. I had a WRX for a while and I had racks on racks just to hold all of my gear, especially since I kayaked and camped a lot at that time. Forester XT is a taller and dope looking ride ('08 and older) but they are similarly small with just a little added vertical space/headroom. As far as lifting Subarus goes, my buddy and I lifted his Impreza outback, it looks rad but mileage did go down a little bit. Even after purchasing the right suspension-adjusting components, the CV axles break at least once a year, sometimes more often. Lifting Subarus has been done plenty of times with varying levels of long-term success, there's a great wealth of information on it at dirally.com's forum.

If you're going Subaru, I would recommend an Outback, or Legacy Wagon. If you likeTurbo, go for an Outback XT or a Legacy GT wagon. The body style offers the most room for a Subaru and the Outbacks come stock with higher suspension than their counterparts. Adding even 1" to an outback makes it that much more capable.

A true 4WD platform isn't bad, just be aware of it's limitations when cornering. 4WD provides great capability when you're stuck and need to get out with more torque.

**This post was edited on Jan 29th 2018 at 8:41:41pm


You bring up some pretty solid points on the 4wd and getting stuck, thats why I like the Cherokees and their awd platform with a 4lo and big ol v8 for just busting through shit when you're stuck. Ive stopped looking at wrxs (only really liked the 2000-2003 model bc bugeye or bust haha) because they just seemed too small for what I need. I did find a manual outback xt with 130k miles so I may have to take a peek at that one but we'll see where that goes. Also thanks for the tip on the CVs, gonna need to watch out for that one and ill def take a peek at that site.
Jan 30 2018 12:51AM
0 0
profile picture
daannnnieel
Posts: 5163 - Karma: 4,293
in terms of driving in the winter, by far the best thing i've driven in terms of reliability was a 96 yukon.

given, driving around in a v8 suv isn't ideal for gas mileage but working on it is simple as shit and it has the option of 4wd and 2wd. It's also way more spacious than a 4runner and probably cheaper to buy off the bat.
Jan 30 2018 1:27AM
1 0
profile picture
japanada
Posts: 13784 - Karma: 1,957
The WJ jeeps with the straight 6 are awesome. I had mine up to 250k and other than front suspension probs it was bomb proof. The suspension issues were my fault for driving like a rally driver in the mud and ruts. I personally would go with the 4x4 over awd version. The vicious coupler in the 249 transfer cases are known to have issues, the 242 version with the shift on the fly is awesome. You can put it into 4x4 at 55pmh if you needed.

Any XT/WRX for 5k will be beat to shit, 'tuned' and raced hard. You could get an old outback, but youre gonna be at high miles and probably need head gasket and timing belt.

XC70, bombproof pretty much, but would have to lift it to get even close to the capability of a Jeep.

Same comments about the 4runner as the WRX/XTs. GF has a 98 with 200k as her winter beater and things a tank, but have known frame rust issues, as well as head gasket and timing belts that need attention.
Jan 30 2018 8:54AM
0 0
profile picture
humpty
Posts: 1189 - Karma: 3,150
If you like doing your own work, and staying on top of things, mk4 tdi with the 5 speed. That motor is the best tdi they made and i love mine dearly. 45-50 mpg, turbo sounds amazing with a straight pipe. Car really loves to cruise all day at highway speed. Only downside is the 90hp. You can make them quick for somewhat cheap.
Jan 30 2018 10:01AM
0 0
profile picture
mmccarthy81
Posts: 410 - Karma: 740
I’ve got a WRX hatch and can confirm it wouldn’t be too comfortable to sleep in, but definitely doable. I’m 5’ 11” and I have to go diagonal with the back seats folded down to sleep. Haven’t had problems with snow up to 6” but it’s no match for a truck in big storms. Super fun car though and I personally would sacrifice a little practicality for the fun factor. I can still sleep in it and get through snow to ski even though it takes a little more skill than doing it in my dads 1500. As long as you get the hatch you’d have a good time with it. You’d just have to get a bit creative with sleeping if you plan to bum in it. Gas also isn’t bad and I have a 93 octane tune on mine.
Jan 30 2018 9:08PM
0 0
profile picture
Zypher
Posts: 2336 - Karma: 2,268
mmccarthy81I’ve got a WRX hatch and can confirm it wouldn’t be too comfortable to sleep in, but definitely doable. I’m 5’ 11” and I have to go diagonal with the back seats folded down to sleep. Haven’t had problems with snow up to 6” but it’s no match for a truck in big storms. Super fun car though and I personally would sacrifice a little practicality for the fun factor. I can still sleep in it and get through snow to ski even though it takes a little more skill than doing it in my dads 1500. As long as you get the hatch you’d have a good time with it. You’d just have to get a bit creative with sleeping if you plan to bum in it. Gas also isn’t bad and I have a 93 octane tune on mine.


thanks for the input, based on what you've said, the outback xt is looking pretty nice rn. Little bit higher than the wrx + bigger booty gives is prime ski bumability haha.
Jan 30 2018 10:37PM
0 0
profile picture
mmccarthy81
Posts: 410 - Karma: 740
Zypherthanks for the input, based on what you've said, the outback xt is looking pretty nice rn. Little bit higher than the wrx + bigger booty gives is prime ski bumability haha.


Yup, I’d stand by Subaru. Mines on about 100k miles, the previous owner said she had no problems with it and I drive I’ve driven it pretty hard since around 80k and it’s been damn reliable for me too. I’d assume the outback xt or forester xt would be the same.
Jan 30 2018 10:45PM
0 0
All times are Eastern (-4)