I'm going to pull the trigger on a new Forester tomorrow. This is a big deal, not only am I committing to a lot of money for a car, but it's new (I usually buy used) and not a Volvo - so I've got some major paradigm shift going on.

 

The factors driving the decision were:

• Looking for something big enough to put a recumbent bike in the back because I commute halfway to work by bike.
  
• I want somthing with manual shift, dammit. Traditional automatics have to be tickled and prodded to upshift earlier and downshift later, and CVT automatics have a bad reputation. And sticks are better in the snow and I just plain prefer them. Manual shift Saabs and Volvos are hard to find, and I'm uneasy about buying one off a used car lot five hours drive away.
  
• I want it to get 30 mi/gal on the highway. This criteria and the one before rule out minivans.
  
• Looking for a vehicle that will go to 200K miles trouble-free, though I expect to start replacing stuff >150K (cooling, suspension parts, etc.)
  
• Need something that handles well and is good in the snow.
  

 

I am planning to put a set of Ipd/Rallitek anti-sway bars on it. I was satisfied that it stayed under control when I lifted off the gas in a tight turn. But it did roll more that I cared for.

 

The marque comes well recommended. My daughter had a '94 Legacy 2.5GT, replaced @ 170K with the '07 version of same.

 

Wish me luck.

Good luck. Sincerely. You have some very stiff criteria and I applaud you for that.

 

Of course you know that there are no 100% guarantees in this world, but over 25 years we've had 4 Subies in the family (all bought used) and I've been pleased and impressed with every one!

 

Let us know how it goes.