Looking for opinions

Good Morning:

I'm considering replacing an ancient (Chrysler) minivan with a
somewhat newer Subaru. We live in the mountains of BC so it seems
like the Subaru AWD would be a good idea, but I'm not very familiar
with these vehicles. I've heard that there are "issues" (head
gaskets, parts availability, clutch, and so on), and that gas mileage
isn't that great, but there seem to be lots of people who really like
the cars and there are a lot of them around this area. I'm thinking
that something around a 1998 Legacy might be what I'm looking for, one
with fewer automatic/electrical features, but perhaps something newer
would be better. I generally do my own mechanical work but I've had
no experience with Subaru's. I'd be interested in hearing some
opinions and perhaps things to watch for.

Dave

On 19 Feb 2007 07:13:28 -0800, dave.mcc (AT) telus (DOT) net wrote:

I'm considering replacing an ancient (Chrysler) minivan with a
somewhat newer Subaru. We live in the mountains of BC so it seems
like the Subaru AWD would be a good idea, but I'm not very familiar
with these vehicles. I've heard that there are "issues" (head
gaskets, parts availability, clutch, and so on), and that gas mileage
isn't that great....

Buy one!

I also live in the BC mountains and have owned Subarus since 1978,
presently having an 05 OBW automatic which is the perfect touring car
and ideal for snowy winters about town, too.

As for "issues", you have to realize that when people have unusual
problems with any make of car they turn to these forums for help so
you mainly see only complaints, not from the silent majority of
satisfied drivers. I have never had any problem with my Subarus except
with rust on the early ones - my 1978 rusted right out to the point a
fender fell off, but the engine and transmission were still fine.

As for gas mileage, I'm more than happy. It depends more than anything
else on driving style and road conditions. I drive with a light foot
and consistently get at least 8 litres/100km on long trips over
mountain passes and through towns, and sometimes as low as 7.4 l/100k,
which takes me 600 km at least on a long trip fully loaded and would
probably make 700 km by stretching it a little. But in my home town in
winter, with steep hills and rarely getting into high gear, I only get
about 15 l/100k.