Trading up

So my '98 gt wagon has just been giving me too much trouble, so I am going to trade her in for something newer. I am staying onboard with subaru but i just want something new. I have pretty much narrowed it down to a 2010+ Legacy, a 2009+ Forester, or a 2008+ impreza. what is everyones take and what would you guys recommend?

Here is one Legacy I am seriously considering http://www.bluespruceauto.com/2010-S...-80301/4305625

And here is an impreza im considering http://www.heubergermotors.com/used/...90826ffd86.htm

I wouldn't want a PissEV Legacy and the price seems a bit high to me, can't you find a regular 2.5i? Impreza is such a small car, if what you have and want is a real sedan stick with a Legacy. Just my .02.

Originally Posted by levihamernik

So my '98 gt wagon has just been giving me too much trouble, so I am going to trade her in for something newer. I am staying onboard with subaru but i just want something new. I have pretty much narrowed it down to a 2010+ Legacy, a 2009+ Forester, or a 2008+ impreza. what is everyones take and what would you guys recommend?

Here is one Legacy I am seriously considering http://www.bluespruceauto.com/2010-S...-80301/4305625

And here is an impreza im considering http://www.heubergermotors.com/used/...90826ffd86.htm

I guess it first boils down to what you will do with the replacement car? Can you do without the back capacity of the wagon? Do you need more room for kids? Are you looking for a change from the wagon?

I currently rarely use all of the cargo space in my wagon. I do enjoy camping and outdoors stuff like that but I don't think I necessarily need a wagon for that.

Is there a huge difference performance wise between the PZEV and non-PZEV? What exactly are the changes, and why should I get a regular 2.5i instead?

Thanks!

You might want to consider holding onto the wagon. As a secondary car, you can use it as you see fit (occasional use, hauling, etc) and put all the miles on the new one. The value to you of having a second car on hand might exceed what little you'll get for it as a trade in. Just food for thought.

I have driven an 05 and 07 WRX wagon. It is much more nimble than the LGT but does not have the MPG or HP of the LGT. I have also driven the 2.5i 08 Impreza 5MT and 4AT. The 5M is fun. Honestly, the CVT with the 5th gen Legacy is better than the 4AT. I've got an 07 Outback with 4AT and it is the weak link of a Subaru.

So a Forester with 4AT is a a problem (for me). Also, the Legacy is much more refined than both the Impreza and Forester. Both of these are noisier and the Forester tosses you around a bit more.

There is ample space in the Legacy to camp. The trunk is decent capacity. For long trips, hands down the Legacy is the winner for comfort.

As far of the PZEV, it is just a green alternative. The PZEV canister and other bits are (I think) have a 100K warranty. Not sure there is any performance or mileage difference to note.

Finally, if you settle on a 5th ben legacy, upgrade the RSB, Subaru makes a 19mm one that is around $80. If you are loading the trunk and/or have passengers in the rear, the RSB is mandatory. If MPG is a concern, the 5th gen Legacy with the CVT is a nice improvement with may averaging 28-30mpg.

Originally Posted by Hemingway

You might want to consider holding onto the wagon. As a secondary car, you can use it as you see fit (occasional use, hauling, etc) and put all the miles on the new one. The value to you of having a second car on hand might exceed what little you'll get for it as a trade in. Just food for thought.

I have an 07 Outback with 141K on it for just this reason. Great post.

Yeah a friend of mine has a '10 outback sport 2.5 with the 4 at that i had the chance to drive and I honestly didn't really like it. I can't afford a GT but I could swing a base 2.5i with the CVT. Does the 2.5i have decent acceleration or does it sound like an angry lawn mower? Also I am slightly concerned that the changes in 2010 may have added too much weight and made the car under powered? just a thought.

Does anyone have a base 2010 2.5i that can speak as to how the power is for its size?

There is a thread in the NA section dealing with thoughts on the 2.5i
My feelings on the PZEV stem from reading all of the harsh idle, recall, etc threads.

Originally Posted by levihamernik

Does the 2.5i have decent acceleration or does it sound like an angry lawn mower? Also I am slightly concerned that the changes in 2010 may have added too much weight and made the car under powered? just a thought.

Does anyone have a base 2010 2.5i that can speak as to how the power is for its size?

The CVT is much better tranny for the 2.5i over the 4EAT. The 2.5i is an angry beaver with the 4EAT. As for weight, There is not too much difference; perhaps 100 lbs. The 2010 LGT with 6MT weights 47 lbs. over an 09 LGT with 5MT. The 2010 weighs less than LGT with 5EAT. I would expect there to be about a 50lb ish gain for a 5th gen with CVT over 2009 4th gen with 4EAT.

Remember, the 5th gen 2.5i has lighter pistons and other improvements. Coupled with the CVT there is quite a bump up in average MPG. The minor weight increase does not contribute.

For the price their asking for the used Legacy with 50K on it I would consider getting a new 2013 2.5i. You can get 0% interest for 48 months right now and there are some deals on them. Mine is on the train right now and should be here late next week. I was able to get the base Legacy 2.5i with 6M for $19,222 out the door. Not a whole lot more than the used one.

Originally Posted by Bugtussle

For the price their asking for the used Legacy with 50K on it I would consider getting a new 2013 2.5i. You can get 0% interest for 48 months right now and there are some deals on them. Mine is on the train right now and should be here late next week. I was able to get the base Legacy 2.5i with 6M for $19,222 out the door. Not a whole lot more than the used one.

This, wanted to say it too but some people just prefer to buy used.
Also, the 2013 received upgrades in engine, cvt, and chassis over the previous years.

Yeah so I am a 16 year old, about to turn 17. I can't really finance a car, as it would shoot my insurance through the roof. Even 17,000 is a little high but I'm thinking I might be able to talk them down a fair amount. So purchasing a 2013 one is a little out of reach.

Plus my mom is throwing down a ton of money to buy this, and I don't think she would be okay with the idea of purchasing her 16 year old son a newer and nicer car than her 2010 Impreza.

Look at an 06-07 Impreza wagon. They are pretty nimble.

Even better look for a 2005- 2006 Saab 9.2x (aka saabaru). It's an Impreza with better sound dampening, better interior. You can get one with leather interior for a pretty price. I have often thought of trading in my 07 Outback for one.

ehh i have known 5 people who have had saabs and every single one of them had it blow up on them. Not saying the Saabaru isn't awesome but not for me. I have looked at '06/'07 imprezas and for like 1 grand more I can get '09/'10, but from this forum so far im leaning more towards a legacy.