For picture reference, this is identical to what mine was:
2007 Sports XT SGM (Sterling Grey Metallic I think)
Turbo, 5 speed Manual
"Sports" was a factory styling package that was sort of STI inspired.
Only major con when I owned it:
Front doors are frameless windows, windows get smudges from finger prints, and the sealing around the side mirrors isn't the greatest and people have issues with whisteling noises. Mine had it, but I didn't own it long enough to fix it.
This generation especially are modded. They do look good lowered, but I agree, stock height for actual off road use makes more sense to me. With a second set of wheels+tires for off road adventures, I'd say it would be one of the best single cars to own.
I hate that the 2009+ are SUVs and not wagons. I would never want the SUV style. I would perhaps go older [pre 2004-2008] body style. But the first generation is getting a little old [1997-2002/3]
Just curious - you got a budget in mind? Depending on that will dictate the amount of options you have.
Older Honda CR-Vs come in AWD. Not sporty, heavy soccer mom influence....but hey, if you want a dependable AWD car, these would be worth considering. Ditto for an AWD equipped Honda Element.
As for Subies, I really don't have any experience/knowledge with Foresters. Where I work, we have a few company owned vehicles, one of them is a 2006 Subaru Outback XT. 2.5 Turbo, slushbox, AWD, room for 4 comfortably plus good cargo room. I'm not responsible for the maintenance duties of the work cars here so I can't tell you the good, bad, and ugly. What I can tell you is that the Subaru is my first choice of cars if I have work travel to do (other options are Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Mazda MPV van, and a Mazda 5) because I love how it drives and is comfortable for a 200-mile jaunt. Pictured below is a similar example of the work Subie. I don't care if the thing screams lesbian, I love driving it...
As I mentioned, the one at work has the turbo 2.5L, they also came with 2.5L N/A power as well. Subaru offered manual gearboxes for both too.
Jon
Older Honda CR-Vs come in AWD. Not sporty, heavy soccer mom influence....but hey, if you want a dependable AWD car, these would be worth considering. Ditto for an AWD equipped Honda Element.
As for Subies, I really don't have any experience/knowledge with Foresters. Where I work, we have a few company owned vehicles, one of them is a 2006 Subaru Outback XT. 2.5 Turbo, slushbox, AWD, room for 4 comfortably plus good cargo room. I'm not responsible for the maintenance duties of the work cars here so I can't tell you the good, bad, and ugly. What I can tell you is that the Subaru is my first choice of cars if I have work travel to do (other options are Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Mazda MPV van, and a Mazda 5) because I love how it drives and is comfortable for a 200-mile jaunt. Pictured below is a similar example of the work Subie. I don't care if the thing screams lesbian, I love driving it...
As I mentioned, the one at work has the turbo 2.5L, they also came with 2.5L N/A power as well. Subaru offered manual gearboxes for both too.
Jon
I've become slightly obsessed with Vanagons though, and the ability to nearly live in it is attractive to me. The issue is Vanagons keep going up in price. And I'm talking 1980-1991, not split windows and not even bay windows.
The 4WD syncro models on the low side are around 20k for something driveable, and on the high side people are listing them for obnoxious amounts. Hell even a NICE 2WD model is around 20k. Supply -> Demand. If it's a rolling sleeping quarters, and I could afford it at the time that it were to actually happen though, I think I'd be happy with a Vanagon. But then who knows, maybe when the actual time comes I just realize I want a Toyota with a camper and call it a day: https://archive.is/J7q0b
Agreed on most points about Subarus. The Outback XT is basically the same car as the Forester XT but I've heard are actually better in some ways.
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