New Subaru Outback

So I’m back to Subaru’s. While we still have our Audi’s I wanted a vehicle that served a different purpose than our other vehicles.

Some of my must-haves and goals were:

1. Safety – Subaru’s rate the highest and Subaru seems to put safety in first, in all models including the lowest models. Other vehicles I’ve purchased add extra air bags only on their most premium models which I think is absolutely rediculous.
2. AWD – We live in Colorado and drive around the mtns. Another truck i wanted to buy – a Toyota 4Runner – only came with AWD on their top trim which to me is not worth $50k. I also looked at Jeep Wranglers – of which I’ve owned 2 and they’re just getting started with AWD in their Sahara but its super difficult to find – but you can order one for about $50k which I think a Jeep is worth. You can get AWD in a $20k Subaru. I like that they put AWD in every single vehicle (well, except for the BRZ but I digress).
3. Cheap-ish.  Our other cars are expensive luxury vehicles that you don’t want to break unless you have a lot of money in the bank. I really enjoyed my 2010 Forester (except the lack of turbo which was my fault for not researching enough). After the new car smell wore off, I did crazy things with it like go up the side of a mountain to a friend’s mining claim for a weekend camping trip. And it wasn’t a dirt road. I wouldn’t call it rock crawling but you definitely had to use your Jeeping skills to know where to put your tires and what not. So another Subaru fit the bill. (A Jeep would have also if they came in AWD).
4. No statements. I wanted a car that didn’t say “I make disposable income”.
5. Crime. Sometimes when we go to certain up-and-coming places (they always have these food and friendly people in general), I worry about our German cars, especially my convertible.
6. Off-road (well, trail) ready. I wanted something to drive around Colorado dirt roads (like around Crested Butte), around Deckers, etc. The Q5 could do it but its too expensive to risk.
7. Fixability. I wanted a vehicle that I’d be able to find a garage (if I broke it off road) that has seen and worked on this car before. I’m pretty sure Colorado mechanics have seen a Subaru or 2.
8. Subaru. They’re a pretty good company. I emailed them telling them I used to own a 2010 Forester Limited and can I have a $500 loyalty coupon. What did they do? Email me one the next day. $500. Just for asking. Who does that??!!
9. Overall I’m surprised by the overlap of features this and our Q5 has. For the price, I’d buy it again and recommend it again to anyone with $40,000 (out the door) for this top of the line Touring XT cost.
10. Hobbies. I do a lot of hobbies. Ham radio, painting, and the usual Colorado sports. I wanted a car I can just throw shit into and go and not worry about scratching anything or getting the carpets dirty. This fit the bill.