My much loved 1999 needed some normal but heavy work on two separate occasions recently, so I opted to take it to my local dealer as he offers loaners - a great oppourtunity to have an extended test drive!
The first time I was issued the new, much larger Outback, I'll admit I have a bias with it already - it's too big! I did actually find it to be nice in terms of quality inside and out, it's a tame driver tho, with that pleasant Subaru burble that you get when you get on the pedal being much harder too find. I was a bit disappointed here, the car seems abit pedestrian overall and it's tending towards a lot of gadgets on the inside - pretty far removed from my '99. Were I buying, I'd likely take a pass here, it's too big and a bit lame.
The second round of work gave me the chance to drive a new Forester which, while still bigger than my Outback seems to have retained a bit more of the spirit of what makes Subaru's great cars. The new Forester still feels like my Outback when I drive it, it can get up and go and it feels good in a turn. The interior is a bit simpler and the overall feel is more towards practicle and less to luxury - I wanted to load this car for a road trip to the Olympic Peninsula and hit U.S. 101 northbound from Aberdeen to Forks for that wonderful, twisting, untraveled beautiful road! I didn't get the chance, but I'd be a very happy buyer if I were needing a new Subaru. Mine, after a new set of shocks, struts and a replace thermostat feels great tho 185K young
It likes the garage
A little bit of my Blue Heaven, the Washington coast on 5/18/2011, a remarkably warm day, I was in shirtsleeves! U.S. 101 bliss
