wife wants a new car...

Posted by: DaveM

Posted by: Endur-Bro

Posted by: Kevin26

I thought it was the law all mtbers must drive Tacomas

Win

Subaru CrossTrek might be the new Taco.

Wife just bought a Crosstrek, loves it.

My 08 outback is getting to the end of its life. Looking at the Crosstrek I'm just not convinced it's powerful enough. I like the shape/size of it, need to test drive it again. We also have a 2016 Forester XT , thing rips but not crazy about it in other departments, especially the road noise on the hwy. The Outback is way quieter.

After exploring many options the GF went with a new Impreza wagon a month or two ago. 

She had a 04 Impreza Outback Sport wagon before. 

Crosstrek is built on the same platform as the Impreza. Slightly higher GC. And cost. Might weigh more. I think towing capacity is lower as well

With many bells and whistles for ~35k

While I've owned my fair share of Subaru's (I'm grudgingly on my fourth), and while there's lots to like about them almost all of their competition can beat them for power, fuel economy and/or reliability as the miles start racking up.  My mother-in-law's new Forester is nice, but for the money it's underpowered, thirsty and small.

This class is popular because it's a very practical type of car - good visibility, AWD, and good fuel economy in a easy to drive size.  There's lots for your wife to choose from - Subaru for the AWD/image, Hyundai for cheap, Ford for drivetrain options, Mazda for good looks, VW for simplicity, Honda for reliability and resale, Toyota for, ummm, reliability and resale but ugly?...

I'd start with asking her which ones she likes; this segment is competitive enough that one of her options will likely be an excellent car.  If you're comparing to minivans or want towing capacity you're in large SUV territory; I've been shopping in that category and it's expensive, large and thirsty.

PHEV now, ten years - EV.

Posted by: tungsten

PHEV now, ten years - EV.

I agree with this - I don't think I'd make more than a 5-year commitment on a ICE car right now.  Things are changing rapidly.

I would agree with the EV, but I don't think it's the right time just yet. For us the mini van is just done and not for any image reasons. We no longer need the seven seats or the gas burning v-6. The shorter wheel base I think is what she really wants, parking stalls it seems just keep getting smaller.

That said the Mazda cx5 and the Honda crv look pretty appealing. thanks  for the input, even yours Syncro.

Posted by: FLATCH

thanks  for the input, even yours Syncro.

Just trying to do my part for the betterment of all humankind.

The CX5 and CRV are good choices.  Good gas mileage for AWD vehicles.  CX5 is a bit more refined with a quieter ride, CRV is roomier and has more cargo space.

cx5 has real tranny, crv uses rubber bands

Posted by: tungsten

cx5 has real tranny, crv uses rubber bands

Yet the 1.5L CRV, which is bigger and uses a rubber band transmission, is also faster and gets better mileage than the 2.5L CX5 with a six speed automatic transmission.

Posted by: Kevin26

I thought it was the law all mtbers must drive Tacomas

Frontier is the shit now.

I'd test drive an Impreza, good value.

New Tacoma is the worlds most expensive GoPro accessory 🤣🤣🤣

Wifey drives a '17 CRV and she loves it although the seats are not very comfy during long drives according to her. I installed continental tires on it last month since the stock hankook tires are so loud.

I just recently allowed my wife to drive regardless of the Saudis threatening our lives.