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Obviously, it was a WRX..
My advice... NO WAY!!
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Get something fuel efficient and slow.
But then take them to a driving school of some sort. Teach them the skills before they get a performance vehicle.
In summary, I'd wait 'til they had both experience and driving skills learned from a course before they could get such a car. All that only IF the child is responsible.
-juice
The teen driver issue..... well, let me say that I was also an "uber-responsible teen," according to both my peers and parents (derision by one group, praise by the other), and I did take time out now and again to have fun in vehicles (still do, and expect I will as long as I drive). Granted, I never drove anything that was even borderline WRX, but the term *slow* does not exist for a teen - there are ways around slow. I learned quite a bit about how to handle an automobile, though, so other than one foolish instance (that I will keep to myself) I have no regrets about my driving during those years. So, most importantly, you have to remember that regardless of his level of reason and responsibility, he will still be a novice driver. A WRX *can* be a dangerous machine in the hands of a novice and I would be concerned first and foremost about my child's safety. It is not primarily irresponsibility that will get a child into trouble with a vehicle - it is inexperience. The combination can be deadly and only time will address either issue (but how much depends on the family involved).
Insurance rates aside, I would not be opposed to entrusting my child with a performance car. I would, however, be very open with said child about the expectations and be prepared and willing to spend time and/or money to teach that child how to handle the vehicle appropriately before I first watch it drive away. Will he test its performance? Undoubtedly - why have it otherwise? Will he handle it responsibly and safely? That is your question to answer. Good luck!
I am still trying to understand the purpose of the WRX for your own use. Will it be mainly for commuting or for fun? If for the former, you mention you are more comfort inclined -- if so, then why the WRX? While it is better appointed than an entry level compact, it's not going to be anything close to your A6.
As for it's use as a hand-me-down for a teenage son, I would advise against it. Thinking about my own experience, the risk is when he rides with his other friends. A kid can be uber-responsible but that can rapidly degrade with peer pressure. Having a WRX is only going to invite more friends and spirited driving. I would heed to juice's recommendation of fuel efficient and slow!
As for the car you are looking at -- I would not buy it unless I was able to get a trustworthy body shop to give it a look over. Air bag deployment, three major panels replaced --- sounds like it was a fairly moderate accident to me.
If you were looking into a commuter car that was quiet and comfortable but still a Subie, how about a base Legacy sedan?
Ken
I have been talking about this with my son. He gets our concerns. Indeed, I just showed him a listing for a 2000 Legacy GT Ltd, manual - 90K mi., less than $7000. He likes it and is interested. Add a spoiler and 5-speed and the teen mind can get around the vehicle. There are a couple of 9-2x Linears around, at reasonable prices that look good, too. We are also looking at a bunch of lesser-hp, sporty cars. I think we'll be OK - a sporty, appealing car...but, safe and less tempting.
Don't know what I was thinking - it WAS fun to drive, though! Should be too old to be tempted, but maybe 57 is today's 27? (Hope so, in other ways!)
Thanks, again.
Peace.
Today 57 is entering your second childhood, and perhaps you are the one who should be buying it. Have fun!
I concur completely about not letting your son loose on a performance car like the WRX. When my son turned 16, we got him a (then new) '96 Impreza Outback. It was a great (and safe!) car for him, and had it for 10 years. Last year, at age 27, he traded it for a new Outback Sport SE. He cross-shopped a number of cars, but the Subie's combination of AWD and high vehicle content won out in the end.
Bob
Though the Mustang actually looked better after the wreck.
-juice
Yes, it is. Set aside the issues of the car you're looking at. First, check your insurance - it will be astronomical - locally it's 50% higher than our OBW. Second, it becomes wearying for longer trips. Many Legacy GT owners have "graduated" from the WRX because of the better ride and 2.5l turbo.
An Impreza RS is a nice small car that's reasonably quick and responsive, at a much lower cost.
Of course, "A man convinced against his will - is of the same opinion still."
Welcome, you are now officially old. All of you.
-juice
We're going over the break-in and other maintenace topics (and the owner's manual) while she's here for the holidays - I'll actually get to see it next Labor Day when she (in a nice turn of events) picks US up at the airport!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!
Ken in (WAY too much weird WX to describe here) Seattle
Sounds like a great deal for your daughter.
Congrats, by the way on her being in the USAF Academy. Many, many moons ago I tried to get into there but I wasn't "smart enough", although I was accepted academically at West Point instead. Unfortunately, due to an early childhood sickness I wasn't fit enough.
Then again if I had made it I probably would not have met my wife nor the Subaru crew.
Mark
They do a great job.
Questions: Am I missing anything? Were there any recalls? I've been servicing the car at my trusty local mechanic who I like. Would it be wise to use the Subaru dealer for this "major" service?
Thanks folks and have a happy New Year.
Bob in Valley Stream, Long Island
Unfortunately, Subaru dealers often pad the major services with extra work and end up charging many hundreds of dollars too much. I did the 30K service on my 05 OB XT at home for about $50 in parts/fluids. Took a couple of hours.
Craig
While not widespread, I have heard of batteries dying in the second year of ownership.
If it is excluded from the bumper to bumper I would just bite the bullet and buy a new one. If it is not excluded, I think you would have grounds for reimbursement. I think it would be unfair to expect you to go a week without a new battery.
I'm also fairly certain that the battery warranty is outside of Subaru's purview.
I am suddenly shopping for a new car after being blindsided from the side in my old Accord on a highway - totalled as a result. I hadn't thought much about what I want. I may go back to the Accord, but am interested in comments on the Outback 2.5i as an alternative. I have a 50 mile highway commute a few days a week, and do some distance driving (1-2 hours each way) for work. Critical questions:
What is the real world mileage like, particularly on the highway?
How is the comfort for a tall person? I'm 6'2" and have some disc issues that lead to lower and neck back pain.
How is it as a highway commuting car?
The Accord was a good and cheap to maintain car, but I am interested in something a little less boring but with good reliability (I push cars to the 200,000 mile range) and safety - Outback a good alternative?
Thanks,
Phelps
Good luck.
Ken in (sunny!!) Seattle
Craig
With my six cylinder mpg is only ok; my previous four was significantly better in town.
Expect excellent reliability similar to your Honda experience. My experience other than with a knock sensor problem on an earlier Legacy was zero problems. I do have the oil changed often.
Have you considered a Legacy 2.5i wagon? Virtually same as the Outback, but different suspension, no body cladding, and a few less features. If you're sticking to on-pavement driving, Legacy's a better handler and rider, I think. Rides a couple inches lower. Couple thousand less, too.
In fact, you could get a Legacy 2.5i Limited (heated seats/mirrors, 6-disc CD, nice leather interior, huge moonroof, dual zone climate control, power seat, fog lights) for only about $500 more than a standard Outback. I guess that'd be my recommendation if you're doing highway driving all the time - go for a Legacy 2.5i Limited wagon - that much time in a car deserves some creature comforts. Oh, Legacy wagon is also rated 2MPG greater than Outback on the highway.
How is the comfort for a tall person? I'm 6'2" and have some disc issues that lead to lower and neck back pain.
How is it as a highway commuting car?
The Accord was a good and cheap to maintain car, but I am interested in something a little less boring but with good reliability (I push cars to the 200,000 mile range) and safety - Outback a good alternative?
We had two 97 4 cyl OB wagons and now have a 05 Accord V6 and 06 Outback 3.0 wagon.
I'm 6'2. Some people fit. Some don't. Take a lengthy test drive. Honda Accord seats (we have an 05) are really good and wider than the Subaru.
A Legacy sedan is EPA 19/25, the Outback sedan 22/28. It's a relatively heavy car and has AWD, so they're not great on fuel economy compared to FWD cars. A V6 Accord gets better mileage and is a lot quicker and more relaxed on the highway in our use. Subaru only puts the 5 speed auto in the H6 and turbo models. The Outback is higher and more air passes underneath, so high speed highway cruising isn't conducive to good mileage.
The 4 cyl is relaxed on easy highway cruising compared to other 4 cyl cars. Acceleration is worse than almost any other sedan on the road. The H6 is much more powerful and guieter, but doesn't get great mileage - I've had a few tanks of 26 commuting, but it's usually less.
The 95-99 DOHC 2.5 engines had major problems with blowing headgaskets. A disturbingly high percentage of these vehicles blew their headgaskets but SOA steadfastly denied there was a problem. The dealer service managers know better. A Google search for "subaru head gasket problem" will put it in perspective.
Now some of the 2000-2004 SOHC cars are also popping them. SOA has extended the warranty for the 2000-2004 cars to 100,000 miles for head gaskets but is still bitterly, harshly, endlessly, roundly criticized for the way they have handled this problem on enthusiast forums.
By 150,000 miles you'll be doing a lot of maintenance. In fairness, AWD cars are heavier and more complex and will always cost more for maintenance. And the Subaru AWD system works well, with comparatiely few problems.
I bought another new Subaru in 2006 (with the 6 cylinder engine) but this was in spite of SOA, who treats American customers like they're idiots.
But, other than this one problem, the car has been relatively trouble free. So, still like my fourth Suby in 15 years!
Mark
Thanks for the detailed responses everyone! The Legacy would be a good option, but I hate Monnroffs (both because of the impact on headroom, and because it is simply a feature I dislike and never use.
Phelps
Visibility is excelent in the wagon.
Eh, I really can't think of anything bad to say about it. It used a little bit of oil the very first oil change but hasn't used any since. Bun warmers would've been nice, as would've heated mirrors/wipers maybe, but they are included in the next model.
However, they are rated exactly the same from the EPA. I guess YMMV.
I guess it speaks to the fact that the original poster really should take an extended test drive, if possible. You won't really know how you'll fit in a vehicle otherwise.
Thanks!
My only gripe is the placement of the SI drive knob, which knocked the power seat controls from their central location to a much less convenient location closer to the driver, and the controls are smaller now too. We use the power seat controls a lot, far more than I would be adjusting the SI drive knob, so it's a dumb setup if you ask me. That aspect of SI drive is definitely gimmicky. They should put the SI drive knob somewhere else.
Where are your power seat controls? On my 06 3.0R they are on the outboard portion of the seat, just like most other manufacturers.
Karl
-mike
-mike
Thanks,
CUSAFR
By the way, there was also a slight price drop for 07, so they are actually a better value compared to the 06.
You should be shooting for far more than a $2K difference on the 06 model. I have seen 07 models going for heavy discounts already.
When I say $2,000 difference, I am comparing the selling price of an 07 from Fitzmall against the price of the 06.
CUSAFR
Ken