You know.....I think AWD it over rated.....I've had no problems getting around in my 97 accord during this blizzard and there are so many diffrent vehicles I'd consider for 27k.....although Julius....none offer the space and speed of the Forrester XT...

 

what's to be had to be less than 27K - more like 25K

 

Hmm, maybe I am just too much of a Honda guy but at 100k thats when I think they are new! I usually don't buy them until they get 75k~100k because timing belt service scares owners I guess. I usually get another 4 years of life out of them. I guess I should be glad I never bought a VW!

 

i actually just did the timing belt service myself. what a PITA that was but saved over 400 by doing it myself.

 

Sweet!

 

I assume you're looking at new Subaru's? The older Legacy's and Forester's are 2.5 non-turbo and light on the power. I had a 2000 Legacy GT Wagon and it was pretty good outside of the power. Double sunroof and nice interior.

The best deals have to be on the Subaru Baja. The SAAB 9-2 is just the Impreza Wagon (I had that too). The Forester is a good mix of all the Subaru's into one. The new body panels are quite attractive and has the power to boot.

 

what do you guys think of the looks on the forester?

 

I like the Forester, Julius. I just don't know how it'll measure up against the standard of a "car." I think of the Forester as a crossover wagon/SUV.

 

from all my readings in the subaru sites - you can practically swap in all the STi suspension parts into the Forester making it handle like an STi

 

Sounds good!