snowblind

I am reading up more, and it looks like the older (late 90s) have 2.2 engines.. ? how are these? no balls compared to 2.5? worse gas mileage? also, how does the 2.5 SOHC compare to the 2.5 DOHC ? (power, MPG, reliability). brad

Hi- Although I love my 4x4 toyota truck, I'd like to get something with better gas mileage (and airbags). I am pretty set on a subaru as it seems to be about the best mpg for an awd vehicle. I've considered the rav4 or crv but they just dont seem to fit me. Although I am leaning towards an outback wagon, I would consider a forester... I just dont know enough about either to make up my mind yet I guess. Which has more space from the dash to the tail? e.g. with the seats down, can you put longer things in the wagon or the forester? what if only the back seats are down? I am a windsurfer and like to keep my gear in my car (instead of on a roof rack ready to get ripped off)... the boards are around 8.5 feet. Could I put a few boards along the passenger side (with seats down)? Do either/both have split rear seats so that someone could sit behind the driver when the right-side is full of gear? Can you sleep in either (comfortably) by putting the seats down and then able to stretch out? which would be more comfy? I drive 'off pavement' in baja 1-2 times a year and there are often nasty rocks on the soft-dry dirt. Which is better suited for this, the wagon or forester? I think this is mostly a tire issue, but from the 2006 specs online, the outback wagon has MORE ground clearance than the forester? which has a higher load bearing capacity before it bottoms out? which is easier to 'beef up' so it can carry a bit more (need lots of water out in the desert!). What year should I target? I dont need super fast, so the 2.5 non-turbo engine is fine (and its the best MPG). I read that the 2001 2.5 had a HG leak problem and that was all cleared up in 2002. I probably would spend around 10 grand and it looks like it might be hard to get a 2002+ for this price. Should I target a 2001 that had the HG service? what about pre-2001 with a different engine? what about trannys? any issues with either the manuals or autos? are there any option/trim packages that I might want to target? Also, I am in the SF bay area... so if you know of something for sale....... thanks! Brad