What about a Subaru?

[username]

Hey everyone - I'm thinking trading in my SUV and getting a Subaru. Does anyone have any opinions on them? How reliable are they? Would you suggest them?

I'm always heading to BC so I'd like something that's great on the winter roads and able to hold a lot of skiing/snowboarding gear. I figure a Subaru is probably my best bet. Any idea what model would best suit me? Outback, Impreza etc?

For the record I'm not buying a Subaru to put a high performance this or that so please don't respond with all the possible mods that can be done to them.

Thoughts?

[Traditional_Ale]

They're awesome until you see the prices for replacement parts...

[username]

I can guarantee you 100% that it's not even close to as bad as what I'm paying for my current ride. So your post actually helps a lot!

[The Yen Man]

I remember test driving one with a friend, and the dealer guy told us to test out the All Wheel drive by driving into a snow pile at some office building near Chinook. I'm sure the office didn't appreciate us driving on their grass, but the car handled like a champ. I think a Subby with winter tires is the best combo for winter driving.

[burn_this_city]

They wont sell you one unless you ride a pedal bike dressed like lance armstrong out in bragg creek every weekend.

[Traditional_Ale]

Originally Posted by username

I can guarantee you 100% that it's not even close to as bad as what I'm paying for my current ride. So your post actually helps a lot!

Well it doesn't help I'm a total cheap-ass when it comes to replacement parts. Not that I seek out crappy parts, but I want decent replacements to not cost an arm and a leg. For example, Air Filtre for a Ford Ranger $30. For a 95 Dodge Colt (Mitsubishi Gallant), $90. Fuel Filtre for a Ford Ranger $25. For a 96 Dodge Caravan it was $75.

If you look up the prices on the parts for the Subarus and it is less than what you're paying now then you must have a hell of a nice truck, so if its going to save you money they what the eff are you waiting for?

[username]

Originally Posted by Traditional_Ale

Well it doesn't help I'm a total cheap-ass when it comes to replacement parts. Not that I seek out crappy parts, but I want decent replacements to not cost an arm and a leg. For example, Air Filtre for a Ford Ranger $30. For a 95 Dodge Colt (Mitsubishi Gallant), $90. Fuel Filtre for a Ford Ranger $25. For a 96 Dodge Caravan it was $75.

If you look up the prices on the parts for the Subarus and it is less than what you're paying now then you must have a hell of a nice truck, so if its going to save you money they what the eff are you waiting for?

Well unfortunately I'm driving an X5 right now and I can assure you that it's ridiculous how exepensive it is to replace anything. I'm scared to sneeze in that POS in case I break something. As an example I replaced the battery myself by buying it at Napa and the battery was 370 dollars alone. So yes, a Subaru will certainly save me money on parts.

[driveway]

Used to drive a Subaru Legacy (the wagon), also have driven a Subaru WRX STi.

I check Kijiji at least once or twice a week to see what STi's are for sale in the city. Soon ... soon.

I have nothing but good things to say about how great Subaru's are to drive. They aren't the cheapest things in the world to fix, but if you actually enjoy driving (or want to) I think it's worth it to drive one.

[amorak]

Originally Posted by The Yen Man

I remember test driving one with a friend, and the dealer guy told us to test out the All Wheel drive by driving into a snow pile at some office building near Chinook. I'm sure the office didn't appreciate us driving on their grass, but the car handled like a champ. I think a Subby with winter tires is the best combo for winter driving.

Subbies have open diffs in the front - My audi with a LSD front and rear with snow tires would like to eat your Subbie for breakfest

[Traditional_Ale]

Originally Posted by username

Well unfortunately I'm driving an X5 right now and I can assure you that it's ridiculous how exepensive it is to replace anything. I'm scared to sneeze in that POS in case I break something. As an example I replaced the battery myself by buying it at Napa and the battery was 370 dollars alone. So yes, a Subaru will certainly save me money on parts.

Take it back. I can sell you that for $150 maximum.

[CRXguy]

Had a 2003 WRX for almost 6 years until we had to trade for a SUV. Best car I've owned so far. It was slightly modified, but ran like a champ for 110,000km. If you want cheap OEM parts, buy from www.subarugenuineparts.com

Came back through BC from the U.S. one time when it was snowing and had no problems getting back to Calgary. Had dedicated summer and winter tires and had a blast driving it year round. If you get an Impreza or Legacy, get rid of the tires that it comes with. I don't know if they still come with Bridgestone RE-92's, but those were the worse tires ever.

[Ashartus]

I have a Forester and love it - great handling and visibility, and plenty of cargo space. For your needs I'd suggest either an Outback or Forester; the Outback (I believe) has a bit more cargo space due to being longer; the Forester is higher but about a foot shorter. Test drive them both though and see which one you like best.

[Barnes]

From the amount of rusty old legacys I see on the roads, I would have to say they are pretty reliable.

[username]

Originally Posted by Traditional_Ale

Take it back. I can sell you that for $150 maximum.

Love to however I was out in Sicamous at the time and needed to get home.

You sell auto parts?

[username]

Thanks for the input guys.

So no one has a single bad thing to say about a Subaru other than the replacement parts are expensive?

[Traditional_Ale]

Originally Posted by username

Love to however I was out in Sicamous at the time and needed to get home.

You sell auto parts?

Batteries for anything and everything. I can build them too.

[username]

Originally Posted by Traditional_Ale

Batteries for anything and everything. I can build them too.

Good to know - thanks.

[Bean]

I drive an 05 Legacy GT and would definitely buy another one if/when my current ride dies or is written off by something discussed in the 'Grind My Gears' thread.

A few negatives that you may not notice right away:

Although the car is solid and runs great, you'll pay for it via the boxer engine. My opinion is that the tank is on the smallish size for its consumption and depending on what model you get; the frequent refilling of Premium fuel is a bit of a kick to the pants when you are used to driving lighter or more fuel efficient cars.

The OEM tires are garbage! I was lucky enough to be able to swap my OEM tires for far decent summers on the cheap and was able to find stock rims from an owner in Colorado for my winter rubber. I found it a bit difficult finding wheels that fit my Legacy for a decent price (granted it was 6 years ago).

Servicing - We only have two dealerships in Calgary and I've got my gripes with both of them. Although the vast majority of staff I've dealt with have been wonderful at both locations, there is one 'service' person at each location that I'd like to see removed. Apparently Subaru Specialists are great to deal with and I'll be taking my service there once my extended warranty runs out.

I should note however that I may have a heavy foot and maybe I can be impatient behind the wheel so my experiences will be different than yours. If you're into forums check out legacygt.com. ...It's another great community of like-minded enthusiasts!

[CrunchBite]

Originally Posted by amorak

Subbies have open diffs in the front - My audi with a LSD front and rear with snow tires would like to eat your Subbie for breakfest

Not all Subies.

Mine with locking front, rear and center will eat your Audi for breakfast.

On a more on topic note, I've found parts for Subarus are quite reasonable, as long as you don't buy from Subaru Calgary who seem to try to rip you off at every turn. Centaur is better, but Scott Subaru in Red Deer seems the best.

[schteve_d]

I've always wanted to date a girl who drives a Subaru. I don't really know why; I suppose it's an image thing.