Older Subaru for college kid?

[Anonymous]

DC has saved up enough for a car but needs to drive it back and forth to college in New Hampshire. I want them to be age so I’m helping them shop. I’d like them to have a Subaru but am wondering about the dependability of older models (2004-2009). Any input?

[Anonymous]

With a 14 + year old car, every one will be an individual. Some cars that age have been aggressively dealer serviced and could be in great shape. Others will be on their last legs. Even for something in good shape, major mechanical and structural parts (engine block, transmission, suspension) have a finite service life.

[Anonymous]

Reliability as they age isn't a strength of Subarus. If you're going older, I'd go with a Toyota or Honda. Although 2004 is really pretty old: maybe consider a cheaper car that's newer?

[Anonymous]

Our 2004 Subaru sucked.

Get a reliable car and put winter tires on it. Fwd with good tires is fine.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't go older than 2011; the older ones may lack some of the more advanced safety systems. That said, my older son started college in a 2004 Forester and had a serious weather related accident. Car was totaled; kid had a mild concussion but was otherwise fine. The 2004 didnt have the side curtain airbags and those might have prevented the concussion. His next car was a 2011 Legacy; he's still driving it. Just put my youngest in a 2011 Outback. My advice is to have a good and trustworthy Subaru mechanic. Let them have a look at any car you're thinking about buying

[Anonymous]

Get a 2014-2016 RAV4 or Subaru with AWD and some snow tires.

[Anonymous]

We are in the process of replacing our 2008 Outback. The pros are that it is the best weather car I have ever driven (grew up in New England and lived in the west a 10,000 feet a for a bit). It is also a tank so I would like its odds in an accident. The problem with Subarus is that the radios, switches, washer pumps, etc. are crap. Has been the case for years (last one was a 1997). There are also constant issues with gaskets and other things that break down and cost thousands in labor charges because of how difficult they are to replace. On both this one and the prior one we have just dealt with oozing oil and other issues because we didn't think the money was worth it to fix it.

I would not put the words "Subaru" and "reliable" in the same sentence.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are in the process of replacing our 2008 Outback. The pros are that it is the best weather car I have ever driven (grew up in New England and lived in the west a 10,000 feet a for a bit). It is also a tank so I would like its odds in an accident. The problem with Subarus is that the radios, switches, washer pumps, etc. are crap. Has been the case for years (last one was a 1997). There are also constant issues with gaskets and other things that break down and cost thousands in labor charges because of how difficult they are to replace. On both this one and the prior one we have just dealt with oozing oil and other issues because we didn't think the money was worth it to fix it.

I would not put the words "Subaru" and "reliable" in the same sentence.

IDK.. but in places like in the Sierra mountains, there are tons of old Subarus still being driven around. Subarus have great resale value for a reason.

A crosstrek would be good for a college student.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn’t want my college DC driving to and from New Hampshire. Long drive with lots of traffic and bad weather.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn’t want my college DC driving to and from New Hampshire. Long drive with lots of traffic and bad weather.

NP. You are adorable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn’t want my college DC driving to and from New Hampshire. Long drive with lots of traffic and bad weather.

NP. You are adorable.

DP but why be obnoxious like that? PP expressed a view— if you want to say it’s not realistic to expect the kid to take the bus to Boston or be without a car on campus or whatever feel free but PP was not being snarky or rude and you might think you sound clever but you just sound annoying.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn’t want my college DC driving to and from New Hampshire. Long drive with lots of traffic and bad weather.

NP. You are adorable.

DP but why be obnoxious like that? PP expressed a view— if you want to say it’s not realistic to expect the kid to take the bus to Boston or be without a car on campus or whatever feel free but PP was not being snarky or rude and you might think you sound clever but you just sound annoying.

PP to whom I responded is a child raising an infant. In most of this country kids drive much longer distances than to New England. Plus, it's beyond ignorant o express concern about the weather between here and there without having even a basic understanding of what the weather is like in New England for months on end.

[Anonymous]

Subaru Outbacks fill the faculty and administrator parking lots at New England colleges & boarding schools. Attractive due to AWD (all wheel drive) which is safer in bad weather such as ice, snow, and rain.

Consumer Reports publishes and sells a magazine for about $14 or $15 that rates used cars for all makes & models.

Some models of Subarus had specific issues for a few years & these issues will be detailed in the Consumer Reports magazine.

Edmunds is another resource which is available online.

[Anonymous]

Son has a 2017 Forester Touring. Has been the worst one of the bunch and we’ve had a 2005 and 2015. Latest issue is that is doesn’t start without a jump despite having a new battery. We won’t be buying any more Subs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn’t want my college DC driving to and from New Hampshire. Long drive with lots of traffic and bad weather.

NP. You are adorable.

DP but why be obnoxious like that? PP expressed a view— if you want to say it’s not realistic to expect the kid to take the bus to Boston or be without a car on campus or whatever feel free but PP was not being snarky or rude and you might think you sound clever but you just sound annoying.

PP to whom I responded is a child raising an infant. In most of this country kids drive much longer distances than to New England. Plus, it's beyond ignorant o express concern about the weather between here and there without having even a basic understanding of what the weather is like in New England for months on end.

doubling down on being a douche I see. Good on you, even if your argument makes no sense.