We could use some help deciding what to get....

[ABPOS]

Hello there,

 

We started looking for a new car about a month ago and when we drove an Impreza, we fell in love with the idea of a Subaru and I like how that one drives a lot.  We live in the North and really like the idea of AWD and the safety of it.  However, I feel kind of frustrated with my search for a couple of reasons. 

 

First off, we really feel we need to go new because both of our kids are allergic real bad to pets and if a previous owner had one, it could be a bad deal.   So...  we're trying to keep the price as close to 20K as possible and of course the Impreza was the first logical choice. 

 

Well, I really like the ride and feel but we are a family of 4 who takes trips at times and I feel like the 5 door doesn't have a good amount of space, unless you're going to fill up the back window.  And the 4 door trunk is smaller than our Ford Focus, even though the Focus is a slightly smaller car.   I'm not sure what to do. 

 

We drove a more baseline Forester today but I felt that the front seats were kind of uncomfortable.  They lack a slope to the rear and in the more base models you can't adjust the seat like in the premium.  So I felt like I was slipping forward and my undies crawling up my... well, that's TMI, but that's how I felt in it.  I'm not sure we can afford a premium in that model.  I do really like the car in all other ways though. 

 

So I guess our last option is a more base model Legacy.  Which we need to drive.   Some local dealers do seem to have stock of Legacies around 22-23K and that's probably a price we can afford.  However, I'm a little leary of the first year run of any car.  And then in my studying them I found a website that there were several members that had a problem with water getting in their cabins on the drivers side.  And possibly too much water in the engine compartment, making a bad smell.  Supposedly like an electrical smell. 

 

Obviously it can't be every car that is suffering from this, but it has me a bit concerned.  Both the sales guys I've talked to have said they haven't heard of any of these problems. 

 

So.....  I would love to hear if anybody owns a 2015 Legacy and how it has performed.   And if there are any other thoughts anybody has to help, I'm open to hearing input.  I'm not sure if I should get a Premium Sport Impreza and get a car top carrier or just fill up the rear window with stuff on trips.  Which doesn't seem ideal to me. 

 

Thank you in advance and I appreciate any input!!!

Edited April 5, 2015 by ABPOS

[gbhrps]

abpos,

 

With children, the most obvious choices are the Foresters and the OutBack Wagons, just to be able to cope with all of the stuff that needs hauling to grandma's and hockey practices, etc.

 

Personally, I've owned 4 OutBack Wagons since 1997, one of each generation, and they are downright unbeatable in snow and ice, if properly equipped with good snow tires. Add to that the additional space you get, as well as the reliability of a Subaru and  you can't go wrong. As I've stated, I've owned 4 of them, and I will own more. (I spoil my wife with a Lexus, she's had four of them, but the Subie is the car of choice in bad weather, or when we need to carry lots of things.)

 

Your best bet is to go used by two or three years with low mileage, and a car that screams "pride of ownership" by the previous owner. Let him pay for the depreciation, and you can get far more car than you would normally be able to afford if going new.

 

In your case, test drive several of the model you prefer to narrow it down to Forester or OutBack, say.

 

Then shop the dealerships in your area to find one that fits your needs, and is a one owner/carfax/the whole route. Then get the dealership to verify from the previous owner that it was a pet free car. Get the dealership to give you the previous owner's contact info, so that you can verify it yourself, and then speak to the owner yourself.

 

Don't know about your state, but here in Ontario, Canada, the dealership can't give you the previous owner's contact info, without asking the previous owner for their permission to do so. If you can get it, and get satisfaction that the car has been pet free, you may be further ahead in the long run. I'm not certain of this, but you may be able to write the guarantee of a pet free car into the deal. (verify with your lawyer to be sure) Good Luck in your hunt!

[ABPOS]

I hear what you're saying, but we will likely not go used.  I hear this argument and it sounds good in theory.  But every time I look at a used car with low miles, it's never more than a grand or two lower than it's new counterpart.  I can usually swing that difference.  For the most part.  I suppose it might put a better equipped model into our price range.  Like a Forester with adjustable seats. I'm not really sure what one could get a used Outback for.  Might also help put us where we can get one.   I really don't want to buy used though.  It always concerns me. 

 

I'm getting excited reading about the Legacy.  And I have no doubt it would suit our needs for space.  It would be replacing a Chevrolet Impala.  Which might have a bit bigger trunk, but I doubt we'd feel that the Legacy's trunk is too small.  The Impreza is the one that is giving me pause as far as space goes.  I love everything about that car BUT the trunk space in either the 4 door or 5 door.  Which is kind of a big issue for us. 

 

I would like to think I'm being a bit overcautious about the issues with the Legacy I've heard about.  But I also don't get a whole lot of feedback about it whenever I bring it up to dealers and salesmen.  So.... either it is a super remote issue, or there is a cover up.  I'm hoping it's the former. 

Edited April 5, 2015 by ABPOS

[powderhound]

Honda HR-V will be at dealers very soon and it sounds like what you need.  AWD, ~22K, and slightly larger than an impreza.

[lstevens76]

The difference with a used car and low miles vrs a new car isn't the "asking price" its how much you can get them down in price.  If your not good at dickering ask a friend or family member to come with you who is.

 

As for the pet issue, most dealers do a full interior shampoo.  If they haven't you can sometimes put them in a position to have to do it before you pick it up by bringing up the allergies.  I.E. they shampoo the interior or you don't buy it.  And if it's a good detail shop that does it, you won't have an issue.

 

If your pushing your limits on a new car then you really should consider a used one.  

 

I can't comment on the newer models, but I own a 90 Legacy L and that car is simply unkillable in my opinion (then again I haven't, and won't, try running it out of oil or coolant. lol).

[AdventureSubaru]

You'll do fine with a legacy. If you need new, then buy new, but those of us who have done it can tell you with certainty that you can save a lot of money without sacrificing quality by buying a low miles year or so older model. My recommendation is to do good research and buy private party and avoid dealers. You can buy independentwarranties if desired, but you save more by cutting out the middle man.

 

In buying and repairing cars operate under the assumption that everything a salesman, dealer or mechanic tells you is likely a lie. I have worked in the auto industry at multiple levels and seen firsthand how much the public is taken advantage of through half truth and no truth. Most salesman don't know a lot about the cars they are selling anyway apart from describing it. You are way ahead of the curve by coming here and getting sound advice from those of us who are knowledgeable in these cars and aren't trying to make a buck off of you. Keep coming back with questions and verification/second opinions once you have your car. 

 

I'd have little worry about the quality of the 2015s as not a whole lot has changed over the years and subaru is putting out great quality. The body style has changed a little but the mechanics of it should be sound. So shop around and hunt for a good deal. Don't overlook used if you can help it, but there is something about having a new car and knowing it from infancy. If you can find a leftover 2014 model on a lot, you'll have way more negotiating power.

 

And as mentioned - negotiate! if a price is too high and you're not comfortable - walk away. Let them bid against themselves. It sounds like you are not needing the car immediately and that's a good place to be. Take you time and wait for the right car at a good price.

[dirtdogs]

We have a 2010 Forester as our family car, rock steady in snow and ice and flash flood conditions.  We pack four big dogs into the car with us, so there is *no* room in the cargo area for non-canine cargo.  We do have a roof rack but we've never used it.....found it far more convenient to put a hitch on and use a cargo carrier (one of those tray contraptions). 

That should work well for the Impreza (or the Legacy), we have one on the Prius too.

DH installed the hitch on both vehicles.

[ABPOS]

We have a 2010 Forester as our family car, rock steady in snow and ice and flash flood conditions.  We pack four big dogs into the car with us, so there is *no* room in the cargo area for non-canine cargo.  We do have a roof rack but we've never used it.....found it far more convenient to put a hitch on and use a cargo carrier (one of those tray contraptions). 

That should work well for the Impreza (or the Legacy), we have one on the Prius too.

DH installed the hitch on both vehicles.

 

We talked about this as an option, and maybe I should look into it.  I'm not crazy about having stuff outside in the elements.  Because our trips are going to more than likely be in bad weather.  Christmas, Thanksgiving, etc etc.  Do you guys use like big bins on them to put your gear in? 

[ABPOS]

The difference with a used car and low miles vrs a new car isn't the "asking price" its how much you can get them down in price.  If your not good at dickering ask a friend or family member to come with you who is.

 

As for the pet issue, most dealers do a full interior shampoo.  If they haven't you can sometimes put them in a position to have to do it before you pick it up by bringing up the allergies.  I.E. they shampoo the interior or you don't buy it.  And if it's a good detail shop that does it, you won't have an issue.

 

If your pushing your limits on a new car then you really should consider a used one.  

 

I can't comment on the newer models, but I own a 90 Legacy L and that car is simply unkillable in my opinion (then again I haven't, and won't, try running it out of oil or coolant. lol).

 

Not meant to be contrary, but you don't know my kids.  My daughter is hyper allergic to cats.  If she's in a house that has them, it's a miracle if she can even last an hour before her eyes are watering constantly, her lungs start to close up and her face starts to swell and she looks like an alien.  And this is after giving her some benedryl to offset the issue before hand.  It's just insanely bad.  My in laws had gotten rid of a cat because of this but it still took a good 5 years for her to not be affected by their house whenever she's there.  And they have hardwood floors.  Actually I think that's part of the reason why she started to not react as much is because they put the hardwood floors in.  I don't care how much you shampoo or scrub a carpet, sometimes that stuff is just in there for good. 

 

I'm sorry if it is hard for you to understand.  I don't even understand it myself because I grew up with cats and dogs.  But if you had lived with us and seen what happens, you'd be a believer in the fact that these allergies seem like they're just crazy bad now a days.  Or can be with some kids.  I say it that way because it seems allergies seem to be more widespread in kids presently.  And some of the older generaton poo poo it like it is some thing we're being overly anal about.  Which maybe some parents are, but I wish I had pics to prove it.  A lot of it happened before we had digital camera's.  Or we forgot to take a good before and after pic.  Anyways...  My son isn't quite as bad with her with Cats, but he's allergic to dogs and cats and he's been in the ER before from not being able to breathe being around dogs too much.  So...... 

 

There is no garauntee, no matter how good you clean a car, and it's just too high of a cost on our sanity if we get a car with hidden dander, even if it is deeply hidden. 

Edited April 6, 2015 by ABPOS

[dirtdogs]

ABPOS, sorry, didn't see your question til today.  I will ask DD to join in the discussion since he may remember where we bought the gear, and all the stuff was bought online.  He installed the hitch receiver on the 2007 Prius and the 2010 Forester.  I *think* the receivers are different sizes on the two vehicles and there is an adapter involved in there somewhere.  We also use the hitch receivers with our bike rack.  But for cargo we have this tray holder, and then a large cargo bag that ties onto this tray.  The cargo bag is pretty waterproof, it stands up to rain pretty well.  There is a part of the bag that covers the zipper part.  You can load small square laundry baskets, I think Mountainsmith sells hauler type bags, or just throw in some packed duffels.  

Again, have never used the roof rack on the Forester.

 

Couple of other thoughts.  I am not familiar with the newer Impreza, but we just bought DD a 1997 Subaru Impreza Outback Wagon (teen driver first car) and I am impressed how much can get packed in that hatch area (including three dogs in a pinch).  

 

Re your kids' allergies, sorry that that is such an issue for you.  Speaking from personal experience......it's almost impossible to get that dog hair out of the car interior!  I mean, my dogs' hair is KNIT irreversibly into the carpet, the cargo floor, the cloth back of the seats, the headliner (sorry if I am getting the terminology wrong, but I think you get the idea!)  And I have a Dyson!  Using tape barely makes a dent!

[Secondside]

Hi there. Dirtdogs asked me to jump in with info on options for carrying stuff. We agree that putting a bunch of stuff on top of the car can get cumbersome, especially if you're going to need a ladder to get it down from there. I purchased from etrailer.com . They have custom hitches made for your car that just bolt into place. About $200, more or less. The same kind you can get from u-haul if you go there. Then get a hitch cargo carrier ($varies) and a hitch cargo carrier bag ( the Rola is $70). There are adapters to go from 1.25 inch to 2 inches and vice versa.(Our Subies hitch receiver is 2 in, and the carrier is 1.25in) Customer service from etrailer was pretty good when they had to replace my hitch for the Toyota that didn't fit right, they contacted the manufacturer to make one up for me from scratch.

The bag zips up to keep out water, and we've used it in snow conditions many times. With very little practice the whole thing can be placed and removed quickly. The carriers are made of iron, so pretty heavy. Watch those toes. Hope that helps

[lstevens76]

Ok, I'm allergic to cats (although I've adjusted to it enough I live with one but still have sinus issues and allergy pills).  I'm also allergic to dust and other things.

 

I am fairly certain all the newer Subaru's have cabin air filters.  

 

A good detail shop will shampoo "ALL" the upholstery after pulling the removable seats (i.e. the lower part of a back seat, etc...) to vacuum.  In a Legacy at least all that back carpet and seats where the animals would have ridden would be completely cleaned.

 

But, the other way to test is take your daughter with you for the test drive.  Go for a ride and see how she reacts.  Even tell the dealer what the problem is before you go for the drive.  They may know the previous owner, especially if it is only 1 or 2 years old.

 

What I'm trying to say is don't just through out the used car option.  I'm a parent as well so I understand the concerns, but if you can get a nicer car that would work better for your family used then do that instead.

[lstevens76]

ABPOS, 

Re your kids' allergies, sorry that that is such an issue for you.  Speaking from personal experience......it's almost impossible to get that dog hair out of the car interior!  I mean, my dogs' hair is KNIT irreversibly into the carpet, the cargo floor, the cloth back of the seats, the headliner (sorry if I am getting the terminology wrong, but I think you get the idea!)  And I have a Dyson!  Using tape barely makes a dent!

 

I can get that dog hair out with my Kirby no problem.  It comes down to the vacuum and a good detail shop with a commercial vacuum system for detailing will get that right out without a problem.