Seahag1978 Posted January 9, 2005 Share Posted January 9, 2005 I have been wanting a Baja since I saw one a few years back. I have a '78 Brat and an '04 Hyundai Elantra GT. When they first came out, the dealers were completely rude, like they were doing me a favor by selling it to me, "Well, we only have a few and don't expect any more soon.", and so on... you get the picture. Now, for the people who have had them a while... what has been your primary use? The reason I ask is directly related to buying a used one, I would never buy a used WRX for instance (beat factor). Do you have any complaints as far as service, parts availability? Are any out of warranty yet? If so, repair expense? Any input would be appreciated! Thanks! Mary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texas S Posted January 11, 2005 Share Posted January 11, 2005 Hey Mary; Well, I have a turbo so I drive it about like a WRX owner... But most N/A Baja owners I've talked to generally use their car as a run about town kind of car. Lots of landscaping supplies, bikes, etc. in the back. You should be able to find a good deal on a used N/A Baja, make sure you look around. My only advice would be seriously consider a 5 speed, the autos are absolute dogs. Also, check out the Baja board on http://www.nasioc.com, there's a bit more traffic there. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grimmreaper Posted January 11, 2005 Share Posted January 11, 2005 Hi there I just bought an 05 Baja last November after letting my 95 Legacy sedan go to my Daughter. I also have a 97 Outback as well. I bought the Baja because I wanted the ability to carry bulky stuff the Outback could not and still have good fuel milage that a pickup can not match. So far the Baja has been flawless in operation (only 3 months in operation though), its handling is 10 times better than my 97 Outback. And when I go camping I can carry all my stuff in the back and not totaly trash out the interior like I did with my Outback. Plus I can carry all the stuff that I could not with my Outback. The only only problem I have had so far is remembering to lower the license plate after I drop the tailgate or putting the plate back in position after I raise the tailgate when I am done (a couple of nice police officers have helped me on occasion). The sunroof is nice, but I do not like the way it takes away from the headroom, tall people might have a problem with that. I tried to get a used Baja, but the only ones I could find were models that were almost as much money as the new ones, so I went for a new one instead. the ground clearence at least on the 05 is about 8.4 inches or so. I am not sure what the 03 and 04 models are. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JT95 Posted January 11, 2005 Share Posted January 11, 2005 Don't own a Baja but wish I did. Consumer Reports did not give the Baja as high a rating as other Subarus when the Baja came out, but I never figured out what their gripe was with it. I'd feel safe buying any non-tubo Baja. I can't see a Baja seeing the same use as a Chevy truck on the farm or construction site, so I wouldn't worry too much about it being roughed up from "working" more than a regular car. The ground clearance over my 95 Legacy wagon is very nice--wish I could jack up my wagon to match. I have test driven the Baja and must say that I would opt for the 5 speed, especially if I were not getting a turbo. Have you talked with a dealer? I'd be willing to bet that you could buy a new Baja for just a little bit over an 04 or 03 model. From what I hear Subaru has made more Bajas than they have demand for and they are moving really slow. The Baja sports, specifically, offer a decent discount incentive from Subaru. Car and Driver magazine reported that the Baja is moving so slow at dealerships that Subaru is planning to discontinue making it. If you aren't in a hurry to get one, I'd see what my nearest Subaru dealers have in stock and then see which particular Baja(s) is/are living on the lot longer than a sales manager wants... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Perry Posted January 11, 2005 Share Posted January 11, 2005 I like my Baja. Use it to carry kayak gear mostly, so the wet smelly stuff stays outside! :-) CR recently reviewed the Baja again and gave it a Best Buy recommendation. I have an AT NA. If I did it again I would get the manual. But, the AT gets better mileage and that is what I wanted. Trying to make up for all those years in a Grand Wagoneer. Buy a new one! Do us all a favor. Buy a new one! At the time I got mine, with the incentives in place my new one cost less than a used one. Go figure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seahag1978 Posted January 11, 2005 Author Share Posted January 11, 2005 This could be a good time to do this... car sales are non-existent around here this time of the year. I did see Subafreak's... I was impressed with it, and they really like it. I haven't spoken to a dealer for a couple of years, so they may have been knocked off their high horse. The way they talked, it was the best thing since sliced bread and they would sell them as fast as they got'em in. I'll take a major hit on my Hyundai for sure... I get hit now or later...no time is a "good" time to trade a Hyundai. OUCH! I think I might take a ride. I'll let you know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coopm57 Posted January 12, 2005 Share Posted January 12, 2005 I've only had my '03 5 speed since late December (4 weeks), and I sure drove a lot cars before I settled on it, mostly by reading Consumer Reports, and lots of Forums. I just got 23.75 mpg on my last tank, and have been driving it hard! Coming from a full size truck, we should save $700 in fuel costs this year, and it is so much FUN. I plan on towing a big Zodiac boat with it, and already rigged it to carry my tandem-length bicycle. Like Perry said, wet stuff gets to stay in the back, and that is good for me in Florida, get one for sure if you can swing it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seahag1978 Posted January 12, 2005 Author Share Posted January 12, 2005 Just returned from the dealership. '05 all silver turbo, 5 speed... nice car. Going on the web for a little ammunition for negotiations. Wish me luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seahag1978 Posted January 13, 2005 Author Share Posted January 13, 2005 I just got back from the dealership... I drove home in a '05 two-tone grey and silver 5 speed, turbo! While searching the web for price comparisons and interest rates, I stumbled upon an '05 with 5,000 miles on it that was traded in on a Ford truck because the Baja was too small for them. The $5,000.00 hit they took, offset the hit I was taking on my Hyundai and it was as if it never existed! A complete wash. Full warranty was included. What an awesome driving car! Thank you all for your opinions... I appreciate the input! Mary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texas S Posted January 13, 2005 Share Posted January 13, 2005 CONGRATS!! Same model I have! Just wait, the longer you have it the cooler you'll think it is! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seahag1978 Posted January 13, 2005 Author Share Posted January 13, 2005 I like my Baja. Use it to carry kayak gear mostly, so the wet smelly stuff stays outside! :-) CR recently reviewed the Baja again and gave it a Best Buy recommendation. I have an AT NA. If I did it again I would get the manual. But, the AT gets better mileage and that is what I wanted. Trying to make up for all those years in a Grand Wagoneer. Buy a new one! Do us all a favor. Buy a new one! At the time I got mine, with the incentives in place my new one cost less than a used one. Go figure. I just noticed your location on your profile. We visit that area (Lovettsville) twice a year. We just went down at Christmas. That last ride, driving a Hyundai through the PA mountains in the snow/rain... tractor trailers on your butt provoked this change... yikes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seahag1978 Posted January 13, 2005 Author Share Posted January 13, 2005 CONGRATS!! Same model I have! Just wait, the longer you have it the cooler you'll think it is! LOL! No need to wait... I already do! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brus brother Posted January 13, 2005 Share Posted January 13, 2005 Hey Mary, Glad to see you made it. In your own words, "There's a certain point in your life when..." . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtsmiths Posted January 13, 2005 Share Posted January 13, 2005 Went with a friend yesterday and we test drove a Baja, Turbo A/T. I liked the car a lot, but see no point in the new hard hinged bed cover. Far as I can see it just transforms the Baja into an ugly four-door sedan. The friend asked for a quote on a M/T normally aspirated rig. ALso drove by my office and my boss took a drive, she loved it and is preparing to order one also. The salesman (who I've known for serveral years ... he commutes sixty miles each way daily in a '87 GL wagon, won't give up the D/R 5spd, up to 330,000) said that for the first two years they couldn't give Bajas away, but starting around mid-December there has been a rush and now they can't keep 'em on the lot! Go figger. Me, I'll wait until they start to hit the resale market and see how they price out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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