Test drove a Subaru Baja today

[t walgamuth]

It was pretty shaggy but the local dealer is asking full retail.

I liked the way it rode drove and steered. anybody have one? With the naturally aspirated one it is rated to tow 2400 the newer ones with the turbo are rated for 3500 I believe.

I am wondering how they are on fuel economy. I am seeing from 22 to 26 IIRC.

[layback40]

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

It was pretty shaggy but the local dealer is asking full retail.

I liked the way it rode drove and steered. anybody have one? With the naturally aspirated one it is rated to tow 2400 the newer ones with the turbo are rated for 3500 I believe.

I am wondering how they are on fuel economy. I am seeing from 22 to 26 IIRC.

Just remember what they say about Subaru drivers !

[t walgamuth]

That they are really handsome and well equipped?

[Angel]

Wife and I bought a 2005 Impreza, NA2.5L 4cyl, auto trans, new off the lot.

never saw more than 29mpg in the thing. If I didnt like driving it so much I would have gotten rid of the thing (a car that small should at least break 30mpg...) We normally say 22 or 24 putting around the city.

....which is what I see in my 2001 outback earlier version of the 2.5l 4cyl).


I think you need a pretty new subaru to get more than 30mpgs. not sure how old your Baja is.

edit - removed subaru stereotype becuase it doesnt further the discussion

-John

[elchivito]

Originally Posted by Angel

Wife and I bought a 2005 Impreza, NA2.5L 4cyl, auto trans, new off the lot.

never saw more than 29mpg in the thing. If I didnt like driving it so much I would have gotten rid of the thing (a car that small should at least break 30mpg...) We normally say 22 or 24 putting around the city.

....which is what I see in my 2001 outback earlier version of the 2.5l 4cyl).


I think you need a pretty new subaru to get more than 30mpgs. not sure how old your Baja is.

edit - removed subaru stereotype becuase it doesnt further the discussion

-John

I am more familiar with early 2000 and older Subies, but I wouldn't expect to see much beyond the mid 20's, and it wouldn't keep my from buying one.
As much as I like them, I have sure never considered Subarus good looking. That Baja is some serious ugly though....
I think it would be fun to have an old Brat.

[tbomachines]

Originally Posted by Angel

Wife and I bought a 2005 Impreza, NA2.5L 4cyl, auto trans, new off the lot.

never saw more than 29mpg in the thing. If I didnt like driving it so much I would have gotten rid of the thing (a car that small should at least break 30mpg...) We normally say 22 or 24 putting around the city.

....which is what I see in my 2001 outback earlier version of the 2.5l 4cyl).


I think you need a pretty new subaru to get more than 30mpgs. not sure how old your Baja is.

edit - removed subaru stereotype becuase it doesnt further the discussion

-John

That's a major reason I didn't buy a WRX last year as well. While the AWD is nice, its at the price of 25mpg max which really does add up over time. My normal mileage (30mpg mixed) vs the WRX's max highway will save me about $500 a year (actual city mileage in WRX is worse of course, so it would be more savings). Add the rougher ride, rougher engine, and cheap interior and it doesn't make any sense. The newest base impreza tops out around 34mpg I believe (not too bad)

[Angel]

Originally Posted by elchivito

I am more familiar with early 2000 and older Subies, but I wouldn't expect to see much beyond the mid 20's, and it wouldn't keep my from buying one.
As much as I like them, I have sure never considered Subarus good looking. That Baja is some serious ugly though....
I think it would be fun to have an old Brat.

Fair assessment - my wife (not a car person) enjoyed driving the Impreza - that says a lot to me.

-John

[layback40]

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

That they are really handsome and well equipped?

Am I to assume that counts you out !?

[Air&Road]

I had to look it up to see what the Baja is. It sounded like some little four wheel drive and, of course, that's what it is.

I have been impressed with Subaru products. The opposed, liquid cooled engines seem well engineered and bullet proof. The rest of the cars seem to be up to par in today's car world as well.

If this is the type vehicle you are looking for, it would sure appear that if you found a good used example it would make a good vehicle.

My $0.02

[t walgamuth]

Originally Posted by layback40

Am I to assume that counts you out !?

You are free to assume whatever blows your skirt up.

[layback40]

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

You are free to assume whatever blows your skirt up.

I am not Scottish so I dont have a skirt.
Was thinking is the Baja your idea of a rich mans motor-home?

[t walgamuth]

Back when my kids were little, my #2 daughter came home from a friends house and started telling me that they were rich. Her friend had obviously been telling her all about it. She even told us what the mom and dad made per hour. (As I remember it they made somewhat less than we did).

Finally I asked my daughter if we were rich.

She paused for a minute then said....."we're rich in Love Dad".

Her mom and I laughed heartily and said, "yes we are".

And I still am.

[Air&Road]

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

Back when my kids were little, my #2 daughter came home from a friends house and started telling me that they were rich. Her friend had obviously been telling her all about it. She even told us what the mom and dad made per hour. (As I remember it they made somewhat less than we did).

Finally I asked my daughter if we were rich.

She paused for a minute then said....."we're rich in Love Dad".

Her mom and I laughed heartily and said, "yes we are".

And I still am.

Then you are richer than the vast majority of people. Being money rich is NOTHING. Having a loving and healthy family is EVERYTHING!

[jplinville]

Originally Posted by Air&Road

Then you are richer than the vast majority of people. Being money rich is NOTHING. Having a loving and healthy family is EVERYTHING!

Amen.

I grew up in a VERY rich family...so are my kids.