|
aaronbchandler
Aug 29, 2012, 4:53 AM
Post #1 of 42
(13531 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Aug 29, 2012
Posts: 1
|
Alright Im having a little trouble deciding whether or not to trade my FJ in for a used but newer Subaru Outback. My climbing plans include lots of driving in town to the gym and interstate travel for weekend climbing. I just need some help deciding if trading in my 4x4 fj is a good choice or not??
(This post was edited by aaronbchandler on Aug 29, 2012, 4:54 AM)
|
|
|
|
|
AZwolf
Aug 29, 2012, 5:48 AM
Post #2 of 42
(13509 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jul 12, 2012
Posts: 19
|
I'm thinking that the better gas mileage on the subaru makes a difference, but they both kind of suck for that. If you aren't going off road then I would get something that gets a lot better mileage like a toyota corolla, but if you need something that says "I'm a climber", which both the models you mention suggest, then you should get the Honda CRV which gets 25MPG combined and you can keep the 4x4 if you want.
|
|
|
|
|
USnavy
Aug 29, 2012, 5:52 AM
Post #3 of 42
(13505 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Nov 6, 2007
Posts: 2667
|
aaronbchandler wrote: Alright Im having a little trouble deciding whether or not to trade my FJ in for a used but newer Subaru Outback. My climbing plans include lots of driving in town to the gym and interstate travel for weekend climbing. I just need some help deciding if trading in my 4x4 fj is a good choice or not??
|
|
|
|
|
marc801
Aug 29, 2012, 2:21 PM
Post #4 of 42
(13435 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Aug 1, 2005
Posts: 2806
|
aaronbchandler wrote: Alright Im having a little trouble deciding whether or not to trade my FJ in for a used but newer Subaru Outback. My climbing plans include lots of driving in town to the gym and interstate travel for weekend climbing. I just need some help deciding if trading in my 4x4 fj is a good choice or not??
True to form, rc.noob is generating some distinctly odd responses. A question about an FJ vs Outback and someone is seriously suggesting a Prius wagon????
|
|
|
|
|
jeepnphreak
Aug 29, 2012, 2:58 PM
Post #5 of 42
(13422 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jul 29, 2008
Posts: 1259
|
OK first your post is of no value to anyone that might be able to help you. let get some clarifcation first.
1. where do you live? city, burbs, mountain top?
2. climate, are you cruzing S cali, or are you in Alaska driving over 10 feet of snow?
3. Are you trying to decide to trade you FJ because you dont want to spend so much on gas? is your current FJ paid for or are you still doing payments?
|
|
|
|
|
wonderwoman
Aug 29, 2012, 3:06 PM
Post #6 of 42
(13416 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Dec 14, 2002
Posts: 4275
|
we recently got an outback. We have an inflatable mattress that fits in it perfectly, so we can drive somewhere late at night and crash out in the back if we can't make it to a campsite.
I don't know a thing about the Toyota, though. But I can tell you that I am happy with our outback. It suits my climbing needs and spends the weekdays parked since we are public transportation commuters.
|
|
|
|
|
granite_grrl
Aug 29, 2012, 3:30 PM
Post #7 of 42
(13396 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Oct 25, 2002
Posts: 15084
|
aaronbchandler wrote: Alright Im having a little trouble deciding whether or not to trade my FJ in for a used but newer Subaru Outback. My climbing plans include lots of driving in town to the gym and interstate travel for weekend climbing. I just need some help deciding if trading in my 4x4 fj is a good choice or not??
How often do you use 4x4? How often do you do serious off roading?
It is nice to have a vehicle you can sleep in, but very few people actually go on roads where you really need an off road vehicle.
|
|
|
|
|
ObviousTroll
Aug 29, 2012, 3:31 PM
Post #8 of 42
(13394 views)
Shortcut
Registered: May 29, 2012
Posts: 90
|
Since when do climbers need 4WD to get somewhere? I understand it might be desirable in some certain few occasions, but be honest; how often do you have an offroad 4x4 approach to your local gym? My guess is you don't get outside very much so you don't know if you'll need 4WD or not to get to the crags. The answer is no.
You also can't compare an Outback to an FJ. FJ was built to be over the top, and Outback was meant to be eco-class dirt runner. The question is do you have the money for the FJ's gas?
Then buy the Outback.
|
|
|
|
|
wonderwoman
Aug 29, 2012, 3:44 PM
Post #9 of 42
(13376 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Dec 14, 2002
Posts: 4275
|
ObviousTroll wrote: Since when do climbers need 4WD to get somewhere?
AWD is handy for driving in the North East. I grew up in a place where I would constantly get stuck in deep snow my driveway. Getting stuck anywhere became a non-issue once I started driving a AWD Subaru back in 1999. Before that, I would be found sliding all over the roads or attempting to push my car out of mud / snow and any combination of the two.
|
|
|
|
|
ObviousTroll
Aug 29, 2012, 3:51 PM
Post #10 of 42
(13366 views)
Shortcut
Registered: May 29, 2012
Posts: 90
|
ObviousTroll wrote: I understand it might be desirable in some certain few occasions,
TL;DR?
|
|
|
|
|
granite_grrl
Aug 29, 2012, 4:02 PM
Post #11 of 42
(13352 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Oct 25, 2002
Posts: 15084
|
wonderwoman wrote: ObviousTroll wrote: Since when do climbers need 4WD to get somewhere? AWD is handy for driving in the North East. I grew up in a place where I would constantly get stuck in deep snow my driveway. Getting stuck anywhere became a non-issue once I started driving a AWD Subaru back in 1999. Before that, I would be found sliding all over the roads or attempting to push my car out of mud / snow and any combination of the two.
I've heard this argument before and I'll counter it with a set of snow tires.
|
|
|
|
|
wonderwoman
Aug 29, 2012, 4:15 PM
Post #12 of 42
(13339 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Dec 14, 2002
Posts: 4275
|
granite_grrl wrote: wonderwoman wrote: ObviousTroll wrote: Since when do climbers need 4WD to get somewhere? AWD is handy for driving in the North East. I grew up in a place where I would constantly get stuck in deep snow my driveway. Getting stuck anywhere became a non-issue once I started driving a AWD Subaru back in 1999. Before that, I would be found sliding all over the roads or attempting to push my car out of mud / snow and any combination of the two. I've heard this argument before and I'll counter it with a set of snow tires.
We were poor. Our solution was to throw as much heavy crap in the trunk as possible, lay boards on the ground under the wheels, start shoveling as soon a possible and get ready to wake up early for the pushing.
|
|
|
|
|
ubu
Aug 29, 2012, 4:18 PM
Post #13 of 42
(13337 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Dec 17, 2008
Posts: 1485
|
granite_grrl wrote: wonderwoman wrote: ObviousTroll wrote: Since when do climbers need 4WD to get somewhere? AWD is handy for driving in the North East. I grew up in a place where I would constantly get stuck in deep snow my driveway. Getting stuck anywhere became a non-issue once I started driving a AWD Subaru back in 1999. Before that, I would be found sliding all over the roads or attempting to push my car out of mud / snow and any combination of the two. I've heard this argument before and I'll counter it with a set of snow tires.
Even with snow tires & chains I used to have serious problems just getting in/out of my driveway in WV after a snow dump, and getting around the mountains in these conditions was a non-starter. An Outback with 4-season tires fixed this. There is no comparison between AWD and 2-wheel + snow tires.
Besides, who wants to muck around with storing snow tires and swapping them all the time? I've been there, done that, and won't ever go back.
|
|
|
|
|
granite_grrl
Aug 29, 2012, 4:58 PM
Post #14 of 42
(13309 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Oct 25, 2002
Posts: 15084
|
ubu wrote: There is no comparison between AWD and 2-wheel + snow tires.
I'd be curious to compare my old Alero with snow tires vs an Outback sans snow tires. I bet the Alero would hold it's own in most situations and definity do better once things got icy (softer rubber compound in snow tires)
But I hear you about the storage. If you don't have the room it would be a serious pain in the ass. My only point is you hear people say how they need 4WD/AWD for snowy conditions, when there are alternatives that work.
|
|
|
|
|
ubu
Aug 29, 2012, 5:51 PM
Post #15 of 42
(13283 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Dec 17, 2008
Posts: 1485
|
granite_grrl wrote: ubu wrote: There is no comparison between AWD and 2-wheel + snow tires. I'd be curious to compare my old Alero with snow tires vs an Outback sans snow tires. I bet the Alero would hold it's own in most situations and definity do better once things got icy (softer rubber compound in snow tires) But I hear you about the storage. If you don't have the room it would be a serious pain in the ass. My only point is you hear people say how they need 4WD/AWD for snowy conditions, when there are alternatives that work.
All I can say is that I used to scoff at AWD, thinking that if you know how to drive in snow you should be just fine with FWD + suitable tires. But after getting stuck a few times, spinning out a few other times, and becoming sick of changing tires and putting on chains (this was on a VW Passat wagon) my wife and I decided to try an Outback. I will never go back to a non-AWD car as long as I have to deal with significant snow conditions.
Do you *need* AWD for snow? Well, I also would have said no before experiencing the difference AWD can make. I guess I feel it's similar to climbing shoes...I suppose we could go back to using sneakers...after all we don't really *need* specialized shoes for smearing, edging, etc., do we?
|
|
|
|
|
majid_sabet
Aug 29, 2012, 6:13 PM
Post #16 of 42
(13268 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Dec 13, 2002
Posts: 8390
|
FJ is nothing but a regular toyota truck.engine, transmission, most suspension parts are identical to toyota truck so buy a truck and save more money.
if I was going to buy a 4x4 again, i would look for 2006-2007 jeep liberty turbo diesel. few of them came to north America and I owned one. very powerful and great 29mpg gas saver.
ex took it
|
|
|
|
|
marc801
Aug 29, 2012, 6:34 PM
Post #17 of 42
(13252 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Aug 1, 2005
Posts: 2806
|
ObviousTroll wrote: Since when do climbers need 4WD to get somewhere?
There are quite a few areas in Utah, Nevada, other desert/canyon country states, and the Sierra where 4x4 is indeed necessary unless you want an extra 2, 3, or 15 miles of approach. Also not mentioned was high ground clearance - often more important than just 4x4 - but something that basically comes with 4x4.
|
|
|
|
|
ObviousTroll
Aug 29, 2012, 6:40 PM
Post #18 of 42
(13246 views)
Shortcut
Registered: May 29, 2012
Posts: 90
|
majid_sabet wrote: FJ is nothing but a regular toyota truck.engine, transmission, most suspension parts are identical to toyota truck so buy a truck and save more money. if I was going to buy a 4x4 again, i would look for 2006-2007 jeep liberty turbo diesel. few of them came to north America and I owned one. very powerful and great 29mpg gas saver. ex took it
He already has the FJ majid... You weren't pitching that a Subaru Outback is more expensive than a 4x4 Toyota Tacoma were you?
This topic has become worthless, if it wasn't from the start.
(This post was edited by ObviousTroll on Aug 29, 2012, 7:55 PM)
|
|
|
|
|
marc801
Aug 29, 2012, 6:42 PM
Post #19 of 42
(13243 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Aug 1, 2005
Posts: 2806
|
majid_sabet wrote: FJ is nothing but a regular toyota truck.engine, transmission, most suspension parts are identical to toyota truck so buy a truck and save more money.
majid_sabet wrote: if I was going to buy a 4x4 again, i would look for 2006-2007 jeep liberty turbo diesel. few of them came to north America and I owned one. very powerful and great 29mpg gas saver.
Edit to fix inadvertent cheese-titting thanks to Majit's dramatic formatting.
(This post was edited by marc801 on Aug 29, 2012, 6:44 PM)
|
|
|
|
|
njrox
Aug 29, 2012, 6:50 PM
Post #20 of 42
(13237 views)
Shortcut
Registered: May 12, 2011
Posts: 251
|
One of our cars is a Subaru Outback. I love it. I love Subaru, and when it's time for our other car (Honda) to be replaced we'll probably get another Subaru.
|
|
|
|
|
wivanoff
Aug 30, 2012, 1:07 PM
Post #21 of 42
(13145 views)
Shortcut
Registered: May 23, 2007
Posts: 144
|
I generally like my Outback. It's been really good for climbing/camping. In winter, going up the long hill on my way to work I just drive around cars that are stuck spinning their tires.
Not sure I would buy another manual transmission, though. Google "Subaru clutch shudder". Don't know if they've fixed this on newer models.
|
|
|
|
|
dynosore
Aug 30, 2012, 1:55 PM
Post #22 of 42
(13129 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jul 29, 2004
Posts: 1768
|
I personally love my Suburban 2wd. It gets 18mpg highway and will carry and tow more than just about any vehicle. It has great ground clearance and will go places where cars like Outbacks bottom out. I've been into off roading for 30 years, and I can assure you that 90% of the time clearance matters more than absolute traction. It definitely is NOT for ultra tight trails though, too long. With snow tires in the winter, it will plow through almost anything.
I don't get why outbacks are so popular. Bad mileage for a small vehicle, dead ugly, cramped inside, and slow.
|
|
|
|
|
wonderwoman
Aug 30, 2012, 2:37 PM
Post #23 of 42
(13119 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Dec 14, 2002
Posts: 4275
|
dynosore wrote: I don't get why outbacks are so popular. Bad mileage for a small vehicle, dead ugly, cramped inside, and slow.
It is true that it lacks the pep of my previous Impreza Coupe. However, I could not fit crap in that car - especially with a family of 3. I find it really spacious compared to a tiny 2 door vehicle (that could still plow through snow).
|
|
|
|
|
Gmburns2000
Aug 30, 2012, 3:02 PM
Post #24 of 42
(13103 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Mar 6, 2007
Posts: 15266
|
granite_grrl wrote: wonderwoman wrote: ObviousTroll wrote: Since when do climbers need 4WD to get somewhere? AWD is handy for driving in the North East. I grew up in a place where I would constantly get stuck in deep snow my driveway. Getting stuck anywhere became a non-issue once I started driving a AWD Subaru back in 1999. Before that, I would be found sliding all over the roads or attempting to push my car out of mud / snow and any combination of the two. I've heard this argument before and I'll counter it with a set of snow tires.
Or learn how to drive a front-wheel drive.
I managed just fine in Maine, NH, and MA for the vast majority of my driving life with anything from a Taurus, Neon, Matrix, Elantra...
Of course, only the matrix helps with sleeping in the back (unless it's a taurus wagon)
|
|
|
|
|
marc801
Aug 30, 2012, 3:04 PM
Post #25 of 42
(13102 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Aug 1, 2005
Posts: 2806
|
dynosore wrote: I personally love my Suburban 2wd. It gets 18mpg highway and will carry and tow more than just about any vehicle. It has great ground clearance and will go places where cars like Outbacks bottom out.
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
