skthom

No kidding? I had never considered a Subaru before so I know virtually nothing about them. I'd be all over getting a $5K car! But I do need a little bit of room in the car for the wife and two kids. Aren't the older models smaller? BTW - I do plan on pulling my small utility trailer virtually any time we're not up in the snow (racing dirtbikes). So the car needs to be able to handle that. Besides the automatic tranny, are there any particular years or engines to stay away from?

I looked at the '05 Forester and Outbacks and either car fits my needs nicely. It will be abused by myself and the kids for snow sports, biking, and a generally active outside lifestyle so we really don't need or want the highest trim level. If I can find a nice clean used car, I'd be happy to spend less money. If I have to spend more than about $20K, I'll just buy new. Which years/models would you say are the best? Which years/models would you stay away from? Thanks!