Considering a New Subaru.. Help?

[Tylerhartman]

Hi, I'm Considering a new Subaru here in a few mouths as the one i have isn't in the best shape lol. It's not set in stone or anything but what should i go with? I've been thinking here are the few I'm thinking of.

04/05 Subaru forester XT or maybe just a X/XS
00-04 Subaru outback H6/H4
Or just a 96-99 Outback like i have now just in a better shape?

Any car i get will be in a AUTO transmission.
I understand the Turbo, and the H6 Need 91/93 Octane fuel, and Turbo needs synthetic Oil.

But what would be your best bet for a 17 year old teenage? I'm looking for Fun, Space, practical, reliability, Safe, and i like messing with like my legacy now with mods so i'd like a semi modifiable car too, Power kinda that's not that big of an issue for me but i sure wouldn't mind the XT It's music to my ears (With an exhaust System) :smt020

What would you recommend?

[bulldozer24]

since you are only 17 you should probably stay away from the turbo, it costs more to maintain, higher insurance rates, and those teenage hormones can get you in trouble, If you want more power you should probably go with an H6 outback. Anyway a turbo car with a auto trans is just blasphemy!

[Huffer]

But what would be your best bet for a 17 year old teenage? I'm looking for Fun, Space, practical, reliability, Safe, and i like messing with like my legacy now with mods so i'd like a semi modifiable car too, Power kinda that's not that big of an issue for me but i sure wouldn't mind the XT It's music to my ears (With an exhaust System) :smt020

What would you recommend?

Forester. You'll pack a ridiculous amount of fun gear in there, you have a slightly higher ride position on the road, it's based on the Impreza platform and no-one can deny the coolness of a lowered, rumbling Fozzie.

[harrymaneuvers]

I would say forester too but as bulldozer24 said, you will want to stay away from turbo. Not ideal for your first or even second car if you dont have a mechanic in the family... not because they break... but because they are just a little more complex than your EJ22


If you want to be different, get an H6 outback sedan... not too many people rock those.


Contrary to what bulldozer24 says... I would say that for YOU (considering your age), if you were to get a turbo ANYTHING, the automatic would keep you in line WAY more than a manual. Its fun to romp through the gears on a Manual where as I feel like I am abusing the car in an automatic.

You will never get the same performance from an auto turbo car that you would get with the same mods on a manual turbo car so even if you did decide to mod, you wont be able to obtain crazy power without spending tons of money.

[subie/legacy]

I myself believe a manual car is safer and more fun.
That brings me to wonder why only an automatic transmission?

[Wiscon_Mark]

I myself believe a manual car is safer and more fun.
That brings me to wonder why only an automatic transmission?

I would agree with this. When driven properly, a manual transmission is not only more fun, but it gives you more control.

Plus you're locked into a 50/50 power split all the time with a manual. I consider that much safer than 90/10 until slip.

That being said, if I could find a BD/BK/BG without rust, I'd buy again, every time. Not that simple to find one around here though.

[bulldozer24]

Contrary to what bulldozer24 says... I would say that for YOU (considering your age), if you were to get a turbo ANYTHING, the automatic would keep you in line WAY more than a manual. Its fun to romp through the gears on a Manual where as I feel like I am abusing the car in an automatic.

I was just expressing my dislike for the automatic trans, but the auto will keep a teen in check more than a manual would. Personally I would take the forester because i have worked on a turbo subys before but like harry said beware this is not the same as working on your ej22. Also if you take it to the dealer to get it worked on you WILL PAY for it.

[subie/legacy]

[quote="subie/legacy":30ec5nr4]I myself believe a manual car is safer and more fun.
That brings me to wonder why only an automatic transmission?

I would agree with this. When driven properly , a manual transmission is not only more fun, but it gives you more control.

Plus you're locked into a 50/50 power split all the time with a manual. I consider that much safer than 90/10 until slip.

That being said, if I could find a BD/BK/BG without rust, I'd buy again, every time. Not that simple to find one around here though.[/quote:30ec5nr4]

Very true

[Tylerhartman]

haha, Thanks for the input. I'd be doing most of the work me self with my dad if it was possible. Oil change, Timing belt, Spark plugs, tune up etc... Or am i dreaming think that all I'll ever have to do is maintain it, It's Tempting as there's two locally for 7grand if they had them in a few mouths when I'd have some more money. I'll put links to them at the end of this posting, I love my Legacy But it's been so Neglected before i got it. And i don't have my drivers license yet I'm still on my temps cause i've been in no hurry as my car isn't in prime running shape. and it's a money pit that doesn't drive or even look good I'd least like a car that looks good if it doesn't run lol. Reason for an auto.. Seem like less on your head grant i guess your less likely to do other stuff while driving if your busy driving a stick. I like how the legacys is a modifiable but I'd like some a little newer and more modifiable but i guess that last part doesn't matter that much. I guess the thought of a Turbo Subie seemed so cool maybe it isn't in my case. I just like it, WRX Power with an SUV body is how i looked at it. and I feel i wouldn't abuse it power at all. I'm in no means a crazy driver, quite relaxed driver I'd say, I don't tail gate people. All I'm saying is i don't see my self getting a speeding ticket! it's more of cost of ownership is what I'm looking at. I guess maybe the same Gen 95-99 legacy would be better or an 00-04 legacy/Outback.

http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/cto/2754333681.html

http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/ctd/2799436878.html

[subie/legacy]

My first subaru was a 96 L wagon with no service records and 270+k miles
Sold it and bought a 95 L wagon with service records, snow tires, and half the amount of miles.
Pre97 ej22 seem probably the easier motors to work on, and seem extreamly reliable in my experiance

[Tylerhartman]

My first subaru was a 96 L wagon with no service records and 270+k miles
Sold it and bought a 95 L wagon with service records, snow tires, and half the amount of miles.
Pre97 ej22 seem probably the easier motors to work on, and seem extreamly reliable in my experiance


I know.. It sucks i have the EJ25D! Head gaskets here i come :smt031

lmao :)

[Tylerhartman]

But what would be your best bet for a 17 year old teenage? I'm looking for Fun, Space, practical, reliability, Safe, and i like messing with like my legacy now with mods so i'd like a semi modifiable car too, Power kinda that's not that big of an issue for me but i sure wouldn't mind the XT It's music to my ears (With an exhaust System) :smt020

What would you recommend?

Forester. You'll pack a ridiculous amount of fun gear in there, you have a slightly higher ride position on the road, it's based on the Impreza platform and no-one can deny the coolness of a lowered, rumbling Fozzie.

I know Huffer, It's so Tempting! Your making it worst! lol. :smt022

[Dead91silvia]

I voted for the 96-99 Leggy...

Here is why:
-parts are cheap and easy to find
-easy to work on
-cheaper insurance (you are 17)
-they still look good
-less cost to maintain over a turbo car
-less operating cost

Another car to think about...
I have a best friend in MI that just got a 2001 Forester and he loves it! He sold his 240SX for it and says best thing he ever did!

Autos are not too fun to drive, but they keep me out of trouble, I have a lead foot...

So anyway, thats my 2 cents... haha... You could also do a 00-04 Legacy, but the cars cost a little more. The motors hold up a little better and they are a bit easier to work on then the twin cams in the 96-99 cars but overall cost the older car with be cheaper.

[Huffer]

When my Leg gives up, I'll be going Foz. Just sayin'.

[Wiscon_Mark]

When my Leg gives up, I'll be going Foz. Just sayin'.

My wife & I just had this discussion. She went the opposite way - she wants me to stick with the Outback.

After her Grand Cherokee gets older/less reliable, I'm gonna get her into a Forester though.

[Tylerhartman]

I know it's been while since i've posted in this thread.. But anyways I'm going to rock my legacy till a find a rust free BG/BK Auto or stick. I don't think a newer car like that would not have make sense for me. Thank you guys for talking me out of it!! BG/BK's look great as said and parts are easy to find, easy to work on i don't know what got in my head thinking i needed anything better I'm a new driver. And besides if i got a foz i wouldn't be in this great group!!

I've been watching came across a 96 2.2 A/T red BK for 2000$ rust free, and a 98 Outback Rust free, Great shape - Paint on scoop peeled 5Spd 3700$, and also theres a Blue Outback 97-98 don't remember A/T, with HG"s done and timming belt for 3750 But I'm not sure if it's rust free it's listed online.

I'm just going to keep my eyes opened. and enjoy what i have as much as i can for now...

[Huffer]

Hey Fozzie owners are allowed around here... there's just not as much for them to get into. But they're still welcome.

You're in Cinci - anything you buy is going to be better than what I have to choose from up here in Cleveland.

[Tylerhartman]

Hey Fozzie owners are allowed around here... there's just not as much for them to get into. But they're still welcome.

You're in Cinci - anything you buy is going to be better than what I have to choose from up here in Cleveland.

haha, That's good to know ;) Thanks Huffer!

[chuckthefuk]

I love turbo but if you can afford a Forester XT then why not get a Outback XT or GT Wagon?