The short version of this blog is that we just bought a brand new 2011 black Subaru Outback. We're really excited to have a car but also to own such a new and fancy car.
We left behind our old 2001 White Subaru Outback/Legacy and our black 2003 Impreza Outback because we didn't want to import them into the USA. It's a huge hassle and we didn't love either of those cars enough to go through all that paperwork.
We went through this buying process quite thoroughly. We each made up a list of the things we needed in a car, and came up with the possible makes/models to research. The priorities for us were AWD/4WD, big enough for a car seat and the passenger in front to still have leg room (this is one thing the Impreza didn't really allow), a big enough cargo space for the chariot to fit into (also, this was a close call with the Impreza), the best fuel economy possible. Other options we considered a 'bonus', such as tinted windows so the sun doesn't get in Rachel's eyes or heated seats so Meggan doesn't freeze in the winter.
We came up with the following models to research: Subaru Outback, Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota Hybrid Highlander, Honda CRV, Nissan Murano, and Mitsubishi Outlander. Sadly, there are no VW models with AWD in the last couple of years. Also, sadly, we cannot afford other options like the Audi wagon. Anyway, the Toyota and the Nissan were more expensive so they were ruled out quickly. The Honda did not drive well and was smaller, without getting better fuel economy. The Mitsubishi we just didn't like as much. So we quickly found ourselves choosing between the Santa Fe and the Outback.
Interestingly, the Santa Fe has a V4 and V6 model and the V6 model drives much better with more guts and yet no worse fuel economy. Go figure! And even though the manual transmissions don't actually give you better fuel economy anymore, we both agree that they are more fun to drive. The Subaru Outback has a PZEV model (partial zero emissions) and a regular model. The PZEV model, although it doesn't improve the fuel economy, is a bit better for the environment and significantly reduces the smog rating. Sounded good to us.
A cost comparison of what was available around this area left us with the conclusion that it wasn't really worth buying a 2009 or 2010 when we could get a 2011 for almost the same price and no miles. So we decided to go ahead with a manual ruby red Subaru Outback at our local Boulder dealer. It was a 'Premium 2.5i', which means it comes with heated seats, windshield wiper de-icer, side mirror defrost, and nicer wheels than the regular 'i'. But it sold before we made up our minds. Darn! So then Jason worked some internet magic comparing what was available at most dealers in the state. We found a black one we could get in Aurora, and the agent came to the house, picked us all up (the dealership was 45 minutes away), and drove us down there Friday night to buy it. Rachel was very patient and crawled all around the showroom while we finished the paperwork.
Jason thought of his Dad during this whole adventure because Ray would have loved the wheeling and dealing for the small things. Jason did a good job of negotiating a great price, adding a rear bumper cover, and making them promise not to put on any dealership stickers, decals or license plate covers.
So we spent Friday night playing with Rachel at the dealership while they got everything ready to go. We have a temporary tag for 2 months until we register it and get a real license plate. At that time, we'll have to decide what CO state plate to get, and if we want a personalized plate. Rachel fell asleep on the way home since it was a late night for her and she had a runny nose, but we quietly enjoyed the new car smell and all the new buttons to play with as we drove home.
I'm sure this car will be full of many more adventures that we'll tell you about.
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