Safest/Least expensive vehicle for "mountain roads"

[Anonymous]

I'd like to buy a car for my young adult child who is a student at WVU. The roads there are very hilly, narrow, and not always in great shape. He will mostly just be using the car for things like errands/grocery shopping/coming back home on breaks. He is able to walk/take the school's buses for getting to class. His residence has ample parking, so that is not an issue.

I'm definitely open to something used, as long as it's reliable and safe. I'd like to stay under $20,000.

I'm mostly used to suburban driving with wide lanes on relatively flat, straight roads. Honestly, when I've gone up to visit him in the past, I've been terrified driving there so I'm really not a good judge of what's a reasonable vehicle.

Is anyone here familiar with that area and have a suggestion? Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Used Subaru

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Used Subaru

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Used Subaru

And other vote for a used Subaru!

- Outback and Crosstrek owner, Mom of 2 college students

[Anonymous]

Thanks!
We were leaning towards a used Crosstrek, but I was curious if there were other options I wasn't thinking of. When we are up there, I definitely notice a lot of Subarus!

[Anonymous]

Don’t get the Crosstrek unless it has a manual transmission. The automatic transmissions in Subaru’s made since 2011 are junk.

You’d be better served by a pre-2010 Forester.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks!
We were leaning towards a used Crosstrek, but I was curious if there were other options I wasn't thinking of. When we are up there, I definitely notice a lot of Subarus!

I've heard that the Crosstrek is underpowered -- I'd look at the Forester instead. A 2017 should be doable for under $20K

[Anonymous]

I would get a Rav4 TRD, sufficient off roading capability, not expensive, and ultra reliable.

Suburu transmissions are notorious, and their boxer engines have had problems lately.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks!
We were leaning towards a used Crosstrek, but I was curious if there were other options I wasn't thinking of. When we are up there, I definitely notice a lot of Subarus!

I've heard that the Crosstrek is underpowered -- I'd look at the Forester instead. A 2017 should be doable for under $20K

most Subaru's are underpowered. My 4 cylinder outback sucks on the interstate, but does fine on dirt roads in Vermont

[Anonymous]

FWIW, we have not had any engine or transmission problems with our 2012 Subaru Impreza. Great little car that handles well on mountain roads and light snow.

[Anonymous]

Consider also investing in quality snow tires instead of all terrain. Kind of a pain to change and store but really solid on windy, snowy roads. We especially like Bridgestone Blizzak.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks!
We were leaning towards a used Crosstrek, but I was curious if there were other options I wasn't thinking of. When we are up there, I definitely notice a lot of Subarus!

I've heard that the Crosstrek is underpowered -- I'd look at the Forester instead. A 2017 should be doable for under $20K

PP/Mom with Crosstrek and Outback (both automatic). The Outback has a bigger engine and is more responsive but it’s a heavier car and drives accordingly. (I’m not a “car person” but I love driving and spend hours behind the wheel in my career...pardon the verbiage).

My Crosstrek sips gas. It doesn’t allow me to fly off the mark at red lights and goes zero-60 in about ? 30 seconds! Who cares? I’m not racing! It’s not as stereotypically slow as a Prius and I can safely get up to speed to merge or make lane changes on the Beltway.

My DS20 learned to drive with the Outback - he loves this car precisely because it has “pick up” and w/o much effort , you’ll look down at your speedometer and you’re over the speed limit. The Outback is surprisingly and deceptively fast! Just FYI.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks!
We were leaning towards a used Crosstrek, but I was curious if there were other options I wasn't thinking of. When we are up there, I definitely notice a lot of Subarus!

I've heard that the Crosstrek is underpowered -- I'd look at the Forester instead. A 2017 should be doable for under $20K

PP/Mom with Crosstrek and Outback (both automatic). The Outback has a bigger engine and is more responsive but it’s a heavier car and drives accordingly. (I’m not a “car person” but I love driving and spend hours behind the wheel in my career...pardon the verbiage).

My Crosstrek sips gas. It doesn’t allow me to fly off the mark at red lights and goes zero-60 in about ? 30 seconds! Who cares? I’m not racing! It’s not as stereotypically slow as a Prius and I can safely get up to speed to merge or make lane changes on the Beltway.

My DS20 learned to drive with the Outback - he loves this car precisely because it has “pick up” and w/o much effort , you’ll look down at your speedometer and you’re over the speed limit. The Outback is surprisingly and deceptively fast! Just FYI.

may sure you get the 6 cylinder outback if this sounds appealing. the 4 cylinder is the same engine as the rest of the lineup jammed in a heavier car

[Anonymous]

This is the scenario that Subaru design their cars for. This is the end of your search.

[Anonymous]

The SUV fixation on DCUM is really beyond rational.

My sister in-law went to WVU so I've been to Morgantown many times - the entire drive from the DMV is on the interstate and there is nothing you'd need to do on a day to day basis as a student there that requires you to be on a windy mountain road - trust me your son can get to the grocery store and every bar and fraternity in town without driving on a windy, snow packed mountain road. In fact it is a pretty typical college town in that most of the stuff can be reached on foot or bike.