My wife is due for a new car and we've decided to get a 2015 Subaru Outback for her (we have two small children). Now the dilemma...which car to keep as our backup.
Car #1: 2000 Ford Taurus Station Wagon
Bought in 2008 with 90k miles on it (currently it has 140k). We've used this car as our primary travel car.
The Good: It can consume nearly 80 cu ft with both seats down and 38 cu ft with them up. Gas mileage has been around 25 mpg for city/highway average. This car has the DOHC V6 which gives it good power for passing. It's very comfortable. No major maintenance has been needed.
The Bad: No LATCH system. No head restraints in the rear. Safety systems are now 14 years behind the times. Clear coat is separating on the hood and the roof.
Car #2: 2004 Subaru Forester XT (Turbo 2.5L I4)
Bought new for my wife in 2003 currently has 114k miles.
The Good: Powerful engine, rated at 240hp but feels much faster. Paint is in great shape even though this car spent it's entire life outside. Recently had the radiator, timing belt, water pump and one rear bearing replaced (the weak point of the car I am told). Interior is in great shape, very thick leather. The beauty of AWD! It does have the LATCH system. 2004 safety systems (curtain air bags).
The Bad: This car has a huge sunroof which Subaru cheaped out on and used a regular sunroof motor (ie cannot handle the load). That motor burned out in 2006, we fought with SOA and received a 50% discount to replace the motor...we dare not open it since. Assume that turbo replacement is expensive, true?
The interior is small and cramped, we never take it on trips due to size, hard/stiff ride, and rock hard seats. 19 MPG on premium.
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It's a tossup on reliability. Both cars did well in there day. Ford always had AT issues, however, this car has the more reliable AT that came with the DOHC. Subaru Forester's are known for reliability but bad wheel bearings. Neither has any rust.
We've been leaning toward the Taurus has our goto as it has all this space allowing us to get slightly smaller (read no big SUV) cars and use the Taurus for our hauling/vacation needs. Due to the outdated safety systems, those days will come to an end eventually (both kids are in car seats still). Having said that, space is not a primary need to keep or discount either car.
If I had my way...the third car would be a 2006 - 2008 Mazda MX-5. Just sayin!
So, which one would you keep and why?
Car #1: 2000 Ford Taurus Station Wagon
Bought in 2008 with 90k miles on it (currently it has 140k). We've used this car as our primary travel car.
The Good: It can consume nearly 80 cu ft with both seats down and 38 cu ft with them up. Gas mileage has been around 25 mpg for city/highway average. This car has the DOHC V6 which gives it good power for passing. It's very comfortable. No major maintenance has been needed.
The Bad: No LATCH system. No head restraints in the rear. Safety systems are now 14 years behind the times. Clear coat is separating on the hood and the roof.
Car #2: 2004 Subaru Forester XT (Turbo 2.5L I4)
Bought new for my wife in 2003 currently has 114k miles.
The Good: Powerful engine, rated at 240hp but feels much faster. Paint is in great shape even though this car spent it's entire life outside. Recently had the radiator, timing belt, water pump and one rear bearing replaced (the weak point of the car I am told). Interior is in great shape, very thick leather. The beauty of AWD! It does have the LATCH system. 2004 safety systems (curtain air bags).
The Bad: This car has a huge sunroof which Subaru cheaped out on and used a regular sunroof motor (ie cannot handle the load). That motor burned out in 2006, we fought with SOA and received a 50% discount to replace the motor...we dare not open it since. Assume that turbo replacement is expensive, true?
The interior is small and cramped, we never take it on trips due to size, hard/stiff ride, and rock hard seats. 19 MPG on premium.
--------------------------------
It's a tossup on reliability. Both cars did well in there day. Ford always had AT issues, however, this car has the more reliable AT that came with the DOHC. Subaru Forester's are known for reliability but bad wheel bearings. Neither has any rust.
We've been leaning toward the Taurus has our goto as it has all this space allowing us to get slightly smaller (read no big SUV) cars and use the Taurus for our hauling/vacation needs. Due to the outdated safety systems, those days will come to an end eventually (both kids are in car seats still). Having said that, space is not a primary need to keep or discount either car.
If I had my way...the third car would be a 2006 - 2008 Mazda MX-5. Just sayin!
So, which one would you keep and why?
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