Need purchasing advice for senior parents from experienced Subie owners

[Carshopper51]

Hi All,

This is my first post on the forum. If this thread is not in the correct place, please feel free to move it to the correct place!

I am in the midst of helping my senior parents in their 70's (very active - more than me) to purchase a new vehicle. My dad refuses to purchase used vehicles, so a used car is not an option!! They are back to back Honda owners since the 80's. Their Accord is 13 years old and it is time they purchase. They are not pleased with the current choices of Honda and do not feel the quality is once what it used to be years ago. My dad has been reading the April car issue of Consumer Reports and Subaru's are reported quite positively. Through my research, I found the Subaru Outback was suggested for Seniors. After reading a lot on the subject I think it might fit many needs they have.

It is for the following reasons I think the Outback would fit them well. Please correct me if I am wrong on the following accounts:

* Higher elevated seats for easier access on older bodies
* Good visibility to eliminate fewer blindspots
* Priced decently so it won't break the bank
* Decent gas mileage (thought 2013 seems better)
* Plenty of storage space to carry lots of groceries from their trips out of town to military commissary or carry plenty of luggage for trips

They thought waiting for the 2013 might be a good idea. They liked the better gas mileage and the fact that a back seat air conditioner would be available on the newer model. We live in the deep South, so it is terribly hot and humid for months on end and they carry a lot of people around to various organizations. With that in mind, we have just happened upon a 2011 Outback Limited that is still new on the lot that apparently has not sold yet. I am not sure why though. The salesman claims there is no damage (have not seen it yet). They will take $3000.00 of the sticker price of $30K to $27K. Do you think this is a good price and good move? The KBB site says it should be at a target of $26.5K with a $29K sticker. It is confusing to them and me whether to wait for a 2013 model with improvement in some areas or get a good price on one that is older. Also, this will be their last vehicle, based on age and how long they keep vehicles.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

[DrCloud]

"Deep south?" Is there really a need for AWD? There's a premium to be paid, after all.

Alternatives could be smaller or mid-sized SUVs with FWD -- high seating, good visibility, etc.

But your list is solid if the AWD premium isn't an issue. You might also have them drive a Forester to see what it's like for them. HPH

[subiesailor]

My mother is not 70 yet but not far from either. She is crazy active plays competitive tennis 3-4 days a week and loves to do bike rides and go camping with us. We bought her a 2010 Legacy to replace her old Nissan Altima. She did all the shopping then told me what she wanted and I went in and did the deal.

She wanted good space for 4 adults a large trunk, a car that had good driver seat adjustments and positioning - she wanted heated seats but wasn't crazy about leather.

She had her choices narrowed down to the Subaru Legacy and the Toyota Camry. She picked the Legacy because it was FAR cheaper - the trunk was finished - her words apparently Toyota cheaped out on the plastic paneling in the trunk of the camry.

My mother packs her big comfort bike with over sized wheels in the legacy with seats folded down by her self. Her words not ideal, but not difficult and workable for the few times a year she does that. If she starts doing more event rides she is going to have me install a hitch and she will get a hitch rack for her bike.

She like most people kept saying I don't need AWD! But in the end the price difference between the Legacy and Camry not to mention heated cloth seats was sooo big she said the decision was a no brainer.

30,000 miles later you ask her about the car and she says "I freaking love it!" Her first winter which involved an early morning 30-40 minute 20 mile commute to work was one of the more brutal winters she's had to drive to work in. After a couple of months I asked her what she thought if she got the right car. Her response was Oh YES! This thing is glued to the road even in some of the really horrible conditions I've had to drive in.

After her first trip with it to Oregon she now uses the term "My car carves the curves" A little scary to imagine old mom sporting driving gloves and ripping the curves but she's right the legacy drives and handles very nice! My 2010 OB which we purchased almost a year later drives nothing like her legacy and she has been stuck with the outback a couple of times with grand kids while we were out of town. She hates the way the outback handles ha ha.. I happen to agree with her.

If your parents don't have dogs and don't have grand illusions that the outback is some how magically superior to the legacy I would HIGHLY HIGHLY suggest you go drive one with them not once or twice but three test drives after you drive a few other cars.

AS for ability the legacy is just as capable as the outback regarding snow and crap weather and actually far better regarding handling and driving experience.

Good luck!

[Carshopper51]

DrCloud, thank you for your post. I understand where you are coming from with the idea of not needing AWD. It really is not necessary in regard to snow and ice. We definitely have bad weather a good bit, but it is rain and storms (think frequent tornadoes). If the Outback does not drive well in wind, that might be a definite minus. Any input there?

They have driven two FWD vehicles that are pricing out in this area as more than what we can get a Suburu for here. They are not popular in this area, so the price seems really good for what you are getting! The Honda CRV with leather FWD was $27K, while the Toyota Highlander FWD 4 CYL with no extra features was $30K. It seems for this area, the AWD would just be a bonus, price wise. I like the suggestion of the Forester and they are going to drive one, as well. I did notice the MPG is better on the Outback though, which is odd considering it is the larger of the two.

Subiesailor, thank you for your detailed post. You have given me some really good pointers to think about for sure. I truly loved the description of your mom!! She sounds like a true character. I find many Seniors to be amazing these days. The Camry was on their list at one point, but my mom hated the new "ugly" seats, as she puts it, due to three colors of materials they have decided to use. She also did not like the new styling. She liked the previous style. As far as the handling you mentioned, is the vehicle prone to body roll or something along those lines?

I am going to have them drive the Legacy and Forester and see what they think. Thank you both for your input!

[gspec]

The fact that 2013 is almost out and that dealer still has 2011, I would twist their arm a little bit if you really want it. Make sure the steering wheel doesn't shake at high speed. Take for a spin on a smooth straight highway and kind of let go the steering a little bit. If you see it oscillates then it might have the steering shakes problem. Although some people said it could be a flat spot on the tires after sitting on the parking lot for a while.

I am assuming you are looking to buy 2.5 instead of 3.6R? Forester looks pretty nice/appealing, but the salesman I bought my OB from said they are supposed to put CVT on the next year model to give better MPG. If that's true, I would wait if possible.

I like some improvement they make on 2013 including the rear-seat air outlet. Also they said the handling supposed to be better. The 2012 doesn't shake like my 2010, but it still wanders. Again, I would wait for 2013 if possible.

Bottom line is, I think overall OB is a good choice for your parents.

[OBnube]

Originally Posted by Carshopper51

......it is for the following reasons I think the Outback would fit them well. Please correct me if I am wrong on the following accounts:

* Higher elevated seats for easier access on older bodies
* Good visibility to eliminate fewer blindspots
* Priced decently so it won't break the bank
* Decent gas mileage (thought 2013 seems better)
* Plenty of storage space to carry lots of groceries from their trips out of town to military commissary or carry plenty of luggage for trips

They thought waiting for the 2013 might be a good idea. They liked the better gas mileage and the fact that a back seat air conditioner would be available.... .....With that in mind, we have just happened upon a 2011 Outback Limited that is still new on the lot that apparently has not sold yet......... They will take $3000.00 of the sticker price of $30K to $27K. Do you think this is a good price and good move? !

You have hit upon the major advantages of the OB. One that might be an issue is the visibility. Some taller people have complained about the rearview mirror obstructing front vision and some have complained about the rear headrests blocking the rear view. I will say I'm 6ft and both bothered me for a short time. I even stowed the headrests away for a short time but when I replaced them I could'nt see why I stowed them in the first place. That test drive is a must.

I do not believe $3000 off a 2011 is a good deal. It is soon to be two years old and many are getting more than $3k off of 2012's before closeout season. I would expect $5-6K(or more) off a 2011. I am suprised they even have a new 2011 left. There is surely some kind of backstory to that one. I would expect $3000+ discounts to continue on the 13's but also a bump on some models with the new "eyesight", keyless start and memory seat options among others. The rear A/C vents are a great improvement on the 13's.

If this is truely their last car increased MPG's might be a major issue going forward. I don't think you can go wrong with either a 2012 or a '13. The only thing left is .....what color???

[gomjabber]

I am 45 and it seems most people I see driving the newer outbacks are at least 20 years older than me.

[WagesOfZin]

Originally Posted by DrCloud

"Deep south?" Is there really a need for AWD? There's a premium to be paid, after all.

when you frequently get thunderstorms that dump 1+ inches of rain per hour, AWD can actually be a desirable feature. my OB laughs at rain storms, and beach sand for that matter.

[Carshopper51]

I knew I had come to the right place to post questions and receive good advice. Thank you all for your responses!

gspecMake sure the steering wheel doesn't shake at high speed. Take for a spin on a smooth straight highway and kind of let go the steering a little bit.
We will definitely heed this advice. I was not aware of this issue, so we will make sure this is checked out!

OBnubeI do not believe $3000 off a 2011 is a good deal. It is soon to be two years old and many are getting more than $3k off of 2012's before closeout season. I would expect $5-6K(or more) off a 2011. I am suprised they even have a new 2011 left. There is surely some kind of backstory to that one. I would expect $3000+ discounts to continue on the 13's but also a bump on some models with the new "eyesight", keyless start and memory seat options among others. The rear A/C vents are a great improvement on the 13's.
I, too, wondered how a 2011 OB has survived without being purchased, especially with 2013's almost here. I have questioned them twice about why it is still available. The first e-mail they did not respond directly to the question, so I asked again. The second time they responded by saying it is brand new and nothing wrong. My dad is a suspicious type, so he is still questioing it, as well. Not totally convinced yet..... Also, thank you for the money advice.

gomjabberI am 45 and it seems most people I see driving the newer outbacks are at least 20 years older than me.
HA! It is good to know they will be in a majority!

WagesOFZinwhen you frequently get thunderstorms that dump 1+ inches of rain per hour, AWD can actually be a desirable feature. my OB laughs at rain storms, and beach sand for that matter.
I am glad to hear about the way it handles in rain. We definitely have rainy and stormy weather here, at times.

We are going to shop at the nearest dealership this week. I will report back when we test drive them.

[Subyblue]

Carshopper--As a somewhat senior member, I truely love the ease of getting in and out of the OB. While it is only a couple of inches higher, the raised height of the OB makes it far easier to access than even the Legacy, which was a major consideration for me. And much better than my wife's 89 Camry. In fact, my in-laws, even older, are looking at a new OB. And the AWD is extremely useful in inclement weather. You don't need snow and ice just to appreciate a Subaru.