Do you drive a Subarau Forester or Ford Escape?

[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.

[firenze11]

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.

I bought an X-Trail this year. . .the first car I've ever bought on my own. I looked at the Element, Rav, and CR-V. But I really dislike the squashed down back end. And I had heard the Element is only ok in snow. I love love love the look of Jeep Wranglers but couldn't possibly justify the awful gas mileage.

So the X-Trail gave me the boxy look I like. Good gas mileage (not great). The option to put it in AWD on snowy and slippery roads and put it in 4 wheel lock if I have to. And I can put my bike in the back without taking a wheel off (but I need help for this) and can put it in by myself with the front wheel off. I'm sure there's a better way than I do it, though.

This is an long winded way of me saying I agree it's kind of soccer mom looking. I like something that looks a bit rougher, too. But it ended up being perfect for me right now. I hope you find something that suits your needs!

[elk]

yes...BUT..the boxer engine on the Subaru has very low emissions....

[KnottedYet]

yes...BUT..the boxer engine on the Subaru has very low emissions....

and those horizontal cylinders are just so *cute*! (they really are cute! I have a picture of the diesel engine in a perspex mount at my desk at work.)