While this is not necessarily a diving question - I do notice a lot of 4WD Subaru and similar when I am in Cape Ann. As I commute a bit on I-95 I am thinking of getting a new car with some decent mileage and decent traction during those slushy, icy Cape Ann/Gloucester days.
So, does anyone drive a hybrid Prius, or have I got-out-of-trouble stories revolving around a Subaru? I did take my VW out there during Feb. to go diving and while it's not the greatest, it did OK on the roads.
I have a Forester and mostly like it, but won't be buying another one. It's the "oatmeal" of SUVs. It's not interesting or exciting and isn't appropriate for special occasions, but it's generally pretty good and is consistent.
It's big enough to pack SCUBA gear for two and has no problems in muddy grass or small rocks, but once you reach it's limit, that's it. Three divers isn't an option, and you can't really tow anything bigger than a small flat trailer. It's OK in a little snow, but doesn't have the ground clearance for a lot. It has plenty of power to get you on a highway, as long as you're not towing anything and haven't loaded it up with people and gear.
At 100K miles, mine has had an insatiable appetite for parts (brakes, rotors, CV joints, exhaust parts including cat converter) as well as a never ending stream of sensors (O2, knock, etc.).
If you do mostly city and highway driving and minimal off road or bad weather driving and will get rid of it before 50K miles, it's a nice little car, although it is pricey @ $27K if you want the sunroof.
You could do worse, however I think you could also do better. I'm looking at Hyundai, Honda and Toyota for this winter and will probably check out prices in February, when the dealers around here would give you their mother if it would get a car off the lot.
Terry
