Do you drive a Subarau Forester or Ford Escape?

[Raindrop]

Well, he CAN drive a stick shift. He actually had to move my Subaru..once. So, I know he's capable of it. It's just that he doesn't want to drive a stick.

Now, I taught my son how to drive on a standard transmission and every car and/or truck he's had has been a standard transmission.

I'm of the opinion that everyone should at least know how to drive a stick shift, whether or not they want to or not.

[elk]

yeah...I learned to drive in my dad's old MG...british racing green...ahhhh...

and every car I've had since is manual...but the auto transmissions are so good now that sometimes they are even MORE fuel efficient. And sitting on the highway...inching along with a stick is getting old...

I might have to go for auto next time....but I've said that before.

I think they are also getting more rare (sticks)...in passenger vehicles anyway.

[ccnyc]

I have a 2004 Subaru Forester and love it. It gets about 23-26 mpg, mostly highway driving. If I put the back seat down I can lay both bikes inside with the front wheels on. I put a moving blanket between them. Also have roof racks but putting them inside is easier.

For 2009 Subaru came out with a Forester that can hold 2 bikes upright in the back with the seats down. Unfortunately, I think it's only available in Japan.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRWmL...eature=related

[indigoiis]

Was a loyal (3 in a row over 10 years) Subaru driver until I got my Prius.

Can fit the bike (just one, though) in the back of the Prius, and the mileage rocks.

The only thing I (occasionally) miss is the awd.

[OakLeaf]

Was a loyal (3 in a row over 10 years) Subaru driver until I got my Prius.

Can fit the bike (just one, though) in the back of the Prius, and the mileage rocks.

The only thing I (occasionally) miss is the awd.

Yeah, I remember, we're twins

Okay, I only had two 'Rus over 9 years. And I miss the ground clearance as much as the AWD.

I've been really favorably impressed with the way the Prius handles on uneven ground and in heavy rain and moderate snow - much better than I expected from a lightweight 2WD car. I doubt it would be able to climb my driveway in deep mud or sheet ice, though, unfortunately. Buying that car was really conditional on us remaining snowbirds for the immediate future.

Oh, and I was wrong - the battery is NiMH, not lead. Still toxic, but not as bad.

[JennyPi]

I love the look of the Forester. However I do not own one.

Has anyone considered the Scion XB? Yes, that would be the "cereal box on wheels" but the newer one is a lot smoother and round. I bought an '08 and I love it. These cars are packed with goodies and style. The interiors are very modern having plastic on the doors. Cup holders everywhere! The back seats do not completely come out but they do come down in a push of a button. It also comes with a built in iPod outlet (and iPod extras), so naturally it has an mp3 player. Underneath the backseat theres a slim space all along the bottom so you don't trash your car. I haven't tried to fit 2 bikes but it definitely fits one (not in total standing up position). The gas tank is small and it's great on gas! The engine for all '08 Scions are now Toyota CAMRY engines! We all know that Toyota's run forever. That's what sold me. I would have gone the Hybrid route but it was a tiny bit out of my price range considering that I'm still in college Also considered a wagon, the XB has got great perks and style. I love mine.

Oh yeah. You save a lot of money when you go the Scion route. Toyota (Scion) designs are meant to appeal to the modern person (ie: modern dash, mp3 outlet, overall interior). They pack as much as they can into the car and then sell it for a reasonable price.

[crazycanuck]

THanks for all the info. Neither of these cars fit our requirements and are pondering our thoughts again..

We like the x-trail but it's too much like a soccer mom's car. We'd like something with a bit rougher image.

[Starfish]

We like the x-trail but it's too much like a soccer mom's car. We'd like something with a bit rougher image.

<knowing nod>

I know you said the Element was out...I think something about not available where you are? I am just relating to your comment above. I had a HARD time choosing my Element over getting a truck like I used to have.

Lots of things about the Element image I had a hard time with. I even spent some time thinking of license plate frames I would have to get in order to dispel some stereotypes. But, now that I have it, it is so incredibly handy for everything I want it to do, that I know I am stuck with it. I like it.

May you find both the utility and the image you desire! LOL

[crazycanuck]

May the force be with us..

We don't have to rush quite yet..We'll wait until we get back from our overseas trip & then get into it..

[KnottedYet]

Lots of things about the Element image I had a hard time with. I even spent some time thinking of license plate frames I would have to get in order to dispel some stereotypes.

What is the Element image and stereotype?

[Starfish]

What is the Element image and stereotype?

Knot, I'm going to skirt this question, because I realize I should not have posted that. In the clear light of day this morning ( ) I realize I might have started a discussion that could quickly become divisive on a lot of levels, and I don't want to do that!

[Irulan]

What is the Element image and stereotype?

me three, tell us! I know about Forresters but not Elements.

[Irulan]

well, I just got this:

As I was giving my Subaru to my son, had to replace it.
Our requirements were wagon, affordable, +30 mpg, nice trim level.
Mazda 3



I honestly don't understand why anyone buying a car today would look at less than a 30 mpg vehicle. Subarus are great and all that, but until they can bring their mileage up I wouldn't consider buying another one. I hear that if you are really, really careful you can squeak about 28 out of them, but that is not most people.

[KnottedYet]

I get 32 mpg out of my Impreza, 36 on the freeway if I stay at 65 mph. (Imprezas are the little Subies with the regular engine.)

I still wanna know about stereotypes for Elements and Foresters.... anyone wanna PM me?

[Starfish]

I honestly don't understand why anyone buying a car today would look at less than a 30 mpg vehicle.

Well, my Element doesn't get great mileage...but it is the perfect mix of everything I want my vehicle to do.

- The AWD is great in the snow.
- The low height and interior dimensions make it a snap to load my bike and keep it locked inside, without removing any wheels.
- I can sleep in it fully stretched out, also with my bike locked inside with me.
- I can stand up in it (with a hunch, of course) for pee'ing (TMI? But this is very handy) in the night while camping and for changing.
- It is a GREAT tent for when I camp...which I do alone, and like being locked in.
- I moved furniture last weekend, and the taller interior made it easy for dressers, etc.
- The non-carpet interior is easy to clean and does not pick up moisture like carpet-lined cars.
- The rear power jack lets me work on my computer as long as I like when out for working-weekends.

There are just a lot of things I really like about it. So far, it just works for me. I looked at a lot of other cars, but none had this combination of what I wanted (except the Chevy Astrovan 4WD...but mileage wasn't any better, and there were other things I didn't want in the Astrovan...although those things, on their truck chassis, are amazing, affordable, and go like 300,000 miles easily...they also have cavernous space.)