What to buy. So confused....

[hiker74]

If I were you I would go with a XV Crosstrek and add a Yakima Skybox 16 cargo carrier. This will get you great mpg and something that has off road capability. Another option would be to wait until February and nab a 2013 Forester as they may start discouinting them ahead of the new Forester launch

[subiesailor]

Pretty sure she would be very disipointed with the old forester mileage given its pretty lousy compared to what will be all the new Subaru offerings with CVT and updated engines.

I wouldn't touch the old Forester it lacks refinement that all the new offerings have - and lacks in the mileage dept also. Which seems to be something that is valued by you.

[Looby]

Originally Posted by hiker74

Actually if you want the best NAV just get a big new Android phone.

Are the maps and POIs stored internally or downloaded through the ether?
If the latter, it's a worthless pile of silicon & plastic if/when you don't have
phone connectivity or a wifi hotspot.

.

[subiesailor]

Originally Posted by Looby

Are the maps stored internally or downloaded on-the-fly? If the latter,
it's a worthless pile of circuits when you don't have phone connectivity
or a wifi hotspot.

.

Which is why the Garmin rocks for the back woods stuff and the Android running current live traffic mapping app rocks the city mapping needs.

[Gelacy]

Originally Posted by edawg

eilishp, If you car camped in a Prius, that's impressive! The amount of money put into a larger engine and towing capable vehicle is rarely ever returned so think long and hard on that one if you didn't have a hitch on your vans in the past... The math just doesn't work and if the kids are leaving the nest, then focusing on a good road car that's efficient and comfy would pay back daily. I've also car camped a bit and have driven Impreza, Forester, Outback and Tribeca so here's some ideas...

I don't fancy camping in an Impreza or XV Crosstrek... The Forester would be roomier and is actually quick and agile handling with the newer FB25 motor it shares with the Outback and tighter suspension. The mileage on the Forester for long road trips is actually pretty good if you look on fuelly.com or on the Forester forum even with the older (battle hardened and smooth) 4speed tranny... When it adds a CVT next year, it should be really efficient around town as well. The interior is pretty basic, but camping with the big panoramic sunroof on the Limited trim might just be perfect for you.

The Outback is with the 2.5i is quieter and more refined with good acceleration and AWD chops, especially in the 2013 refreshed model. The 3.6 is thirstier and I didn't feel it added much for my driving style anyway... The interior on the Limited is luxurious, but it might not hold up as well on camping/heavy outdoor use IMHO. The surfaces are prettier but not as rugged as the Forester's. Outback is built in Indiana and Forester is built in Japan and exported globally (so the Forester is a bit simpler inside but more rugged).

The dark horse candidate here may be the Tribeca, but the tea leaves say that's going to be discontinued as the market is going away from 6 cyl SUVs and they just don't sell so Subaru is sticking to it's knitting with smaller AWD vehicles.

I'll also throw out a complete darker horse which is to buy a good low mileage Honda Element with AWD. That will have lower wheel base than the Outbacks and you have to adjust to the "suicide doors", but I've owned and camped in one and loved it (especially with the moonroof to star gaze in the rear seats which seems to be perfect). Of course, since I'll be flamed by the Subie faithful, I'll just save them the trouble!

For the space the Honda Element would probably win in interior space but fails horrible in the AWD department. Honestly if you want to gaze at the new stars the new Hyundai Sante Fe is larger and is also suited for star gazing. I've yet the see Hyundai outdo Honda in terms of AWD though so I'd still stick with Subaru in the end besides going full 4x4.

[vr4Legacy]

The biggest difference between the OB and the Forester IMO is the transmission. The 4EAT is lousy to drive when compared to the CVT. Period. It's a tough and tested tranny, but I wouldn't want it.

I would test drive the XV for sure, then try the OB. If you want something in between wait for the 2014 Forester with the CVT.

As mentioned, the towing differences are nil between the two, especially considering your anticipated towing needs. IMO the only reason to consider the 3.6 is if you want more hp for daily driving fun and have the money to spend. The 2.5 is a very capable drivetrain and gets great MPG. Both handle the same.

I'lll second all the Nav suggestions. Anything portable is superior and updatable easier and cheaper.

[subiesailor]

Originally Posted by vr4Legacy

The biggest difference between the OB and the Forester IMO is the transmission. The 4EAT is lousy to drive when compared to the CVT. Period. It's a tough and tested tranny, but I wouldn't want it.

I would test drive the XV for sure, then try the OB. If you want something in between wait for the 2014 Forester with the CVT.

As mentioned, the towing differences are nil between the two, especially considering your anticipated towing needs. IMO the only reason to consider the 3.6 is if you want more hp for daily driving fun and have the money to spend. The 2.5 is a very capable drivetrain and gets great MPG. Both handle the same.

I'lll second all the Nav suggestions. Anything portable is superior and updatable easier and cheaper.

^ not to mention the portable units are far more capable for remote locations where you can purchase or join off road groups and down load additional maps and various information to your portable unit which the built in's are pretty much a no go for almost any sort of update.

[subiesailor]

I recall a hunting and fly fishing buddy mentioning he gets fly fishing hot spots added to his Garmin via some sort of Fly fishing club or site he belongs too. That sort of thing and capability is way cool and lots of fun vs the Car's built in NAV is essentially a dumb unit and will probably be of zero value to someone who really likes being off the major routes etc

[sleze]

Originally Posted by subiesailor

Which is why the Garmin rocks for the back woods stuff and the Android running current live traffic mapping app rocks the city mapping needs.

YOu can actually cache areas in an offline mode with Google Maps. Very simple and very effective.

Originally Posted by vr4Legacy

The biggest difference between the OB and the Forester IMO is the transmission. The 4EAT is lousy to drive when compared to the CVT. Period. It's a tough and tested tranny, but I wouldn't want it.

I would test drive the XV for sure, then try the OB. If you want something in between wait for the 2014 Forester with the CVT.

As mentioned, the towing differences are nil between the two, especially considering your anticipated towing needs. IMO the only reason to consider the 3.6 is if you want more hp for daily driving fun and have the money to spend. The 2.5 is a very capable drivetrain and gets great MPG. Both handle the same.

I'lll second all the Nav suggestions. Anything portable is superior and updatable easier and cheaper.

Also, the Outback has a longer wheel base for smoother on-road handling. The Forester "feels" cheaper and more flimsy than the Outback inside. The Forester has a better angle of approach.

They both have about the same internal storage (hold the same number of ping pong balls but it is arranged differently - Outback is longer, Forester is taller.

[outbackpacker3]

I would thoroughly test drive the XV crosstrek before choosing it over the outback. because it is a 2.0 liter not 2.5 like the outback. It will have considerably less power, check out this review on Kelley Blue Book

If you plan on bringing anyone with you in the car it would be good check on this. personally I haven't ever driven this car but it could be kinda a bummer if anytime you had passengers the car was sluggish. I don't know about this personally but like I said it might be worth checking out.