Hey all,

I am about to graduate from college, and commission into the USAF. There's an available $20,000 loan at 4.9% that I am planning on picking up, and using to purchase a new car. I currently drive a 89 Honda Accord LX, and while it is decent and reliable, I really would like a new vehicle.

I'm interested in something with a bit of cargo room, as I will be in the military and most likely moving my stuff all around the country. SUV's are out; I need something more economical. Sport wagons seem to be a logical choice.

I have driven a stick once, but while I would be willing to learn, I'd rather get an automatic just because I don't know if I will be in a big city and I'd rather let the car do all the shifting. In addition, my girlfriend would be able to drive the car, if need be.

I've been dying for a Subaru WRX wagon, but that's simply not going to happen - the money I had saved up to go over the $20,000 loan went other places, and I doubt I could afford the insurance.

I actually test-drove a WRX wagon in automatic, and I just wan't impressed. I wasn't about to do that brake-torque launch (hold down both the gas and the brake and then launch the car) with the dealer in the car, and just mashing the throttle was terrible. I remember making left turns across traffic and being afraid I'd get T-boned because the car would not make it across the road fast enough.

I also test-drive the 2.5TS wagon, and I much preferred the engine reponse. I know it's rated much lower than the WRX's engine, but I just liked it better.

I've also test driven a 2003 Mazda Protege5 with the Sport transmission, and this is the primary competition with the Subaru. The Protege5 felt underpowered compared to the 2.5TS, but I test drove the 2.5TS at ~1200 ft elevation, and the Protege5 at ~5200 ft elevation. That might have something to do with the P5's perceived sluggishness.

To get to the point, I'm torn between the two. Of the 2.5TS's for sale near me in automatics, none have fog lamps or roof cross bars - two features that I really prefer. I do like the Subie's AWD, as I will probably be sent to a base up north where rain and snow is prevalent. The P5's sport-shift was very entertaining - if the Subie had that, I'd have much less reservations about buying it. The P5 costs about two thousand less.

Is the 2.5TS capable of light off-road duty? I enjoy hiking, and this often requires going on rough dirt roads. No rock-hopping or anything, but would the 2.5TS beat itself to death or loosen up if I drove down dirt roads?

Is the Outback Sport wagon worth the extra $2,000 or so over the 2.5TS? The Outback Sports seem to have the crossbar and the fog lights, which I like, but I am not really willing to spend that much for lights. Is it possible to add fog lamps later?

Also, what would be a reasonable price for a 2.5TS? I am hoping to get out the door for $18,000. Is that unreasonable?

Thanks in advance!

 

do i get commission?

 

The OBS has a heavy duty suspension, 16" alloy wheels, roof rack crossbars, keyless entry, rear bumper guard, map lights, cargo tray, carpeted mats, etc.

The OBS costs about $1,200 more than TS. If you want the above stuff, it probably adds up to $1200. If you don't want it, get the TS.

I'm buying an OBS tomorrow for $17,300 including splash guards and tail pipe cover.

If you want a great price, deal with your dealership's internet salesman, not the salesman on the lot. The have different (and conflicting) cost structures. Also, talk to all the dealers around to get an idea of how low they'll go. I talked to eight.

My local dealers quoted $16,200 on the TS, with no optional equipment. Don't pay $18,000!!!. And ask about all costs, making sure they don't add a bunch of junk like "preparation" charges. It is a buyers market. New cars are not selling - that's why you see 0% financing.

 

Protege 5 wagons are wannabe wrx's...