I've got three vehicles on my list that I'm going to check out at local dealerships, test drive, and then decide which to purchase....anyone with input or opinions?

-Subaru Crosstrek

-Ford Explorer

-Chevy Colorado

Subaru Crosstrek. Make sure you buy it with the manual shift. CVT transmissions suck.

It gets something between 27-33 MPG!

Posted by RescueMe1060 It gets something between 27-33 MPG!

I mention the subie because the Colorados are way overpriced and the Explorers are atypical Ford which means they're just not well built. By contrast, the Subaru is well-built, reliable, efficient, affordable and easy on the eyes... And still comes with a manual transmission.

I've owned a 2015 Crosstrek. AMA.

I have a couple of Crosstrek customers- really like the cars, both are manuals, haven't driven the auto. Don't really want to.

I'm really tiring of VWs newer stuff so I think one might be in our future. Not sure if you're allowed to own one without a golden retriever but it's worth a shot.

New style Colorado- My '99 VW Bug did a significant amount of damage to one I was hit by. I was sideswiped, and the damage to the Beetle literally did buff out with the exception of one trim screw poking through the base of the front fender. The Colorado had either $4000 or $9000 damage, I can't remember. It was a mess. Older Colorados were fucking trash, they're pretty much extinct here. Did way too many cylinder heads on those. And the brake rotors are mounted inboard of the wheel bearings. Too bad because they were an alright looking truck, and a good size.

And I have no experience with newer Explorers at all.

California Highway Patrol uses new Explorers and Dodge Chargers now. I figure they might be good vehicles for that reason alone??

Posted by RescueMe1060 California Highway Patrol uses new Explorers and Dodge Chargers now. I figure they might be good vehicles for that reason alone??

no, they get them on contract. their quality has nothing to do with state procurement. NY state police use Chargers, Tahoes, Explorers and Taurus'... the explorer and Taurus have the reputation has being fragile. The charger is twitchy at speed while the Tahoe is the 140mph equivalent of an M1A2 main battle tank. There are a couple of crown vic's holding on...


After owning a Subaru, I would own another one. Before I got sick, I was planning on trading for an Impreza, WRX or Forester.

...and no, I don't have a golden retriever.

So we rented a 2017 Nissan Rogue recently, I should say it was rented for us company vehicle for a project. This was a car I was considering buying so was pretty excited when the rental company gave us the Rogue to drive for over 2 months.


Anyhow, its a nice car but kinda hated it!
(1) the wipers have this option where it will swipe back across one last time if you turn them off. Usually the windshield is perfectly clean but that one swipe just fucks everything up!!! Now there's smudges across the windshield.

(2) probably a non issue for urban drivers, but the rear view mirror lasted all of two weeks on dirt roads before the cheap glue used to hold in place vibrated loose. Easy fix just chucked it in the center console until we were on paved roads again. However, with no mirror the sunvisors are just long enough that sun would get through the center (blinding you in the morning/evening) because that little gap.

(3) splash guard either rattled loose or is designed to detach on impact. Hit a dip at around 15mph (slightly bottomed out the front-end) entire splash guard gets ripped off and front bumper is partially detached.

(4) tire pressure warning (maybe I want lower tire pressure because of dirt roads and traction) do not need warning lights/sounds everytime I start the car!

(5) rear wiper, to small to be useful and actually clear the window for visbility. Also has a tendancy to be turned on by accident and if the back is packed with gear you will not notice it has been on for an entire day. And if theres no rain and your back window is covered in dirt the wiper just etched you back glass to hell.

(6) lack of Andriod connectability through USB. A iphone connects flawlessly and can play music (even accept calls) but Andriods phones can only connect via bluetooth. Which you cannot setup while driving, even if the passenger is setting up you have to be in park to bluetooth pair.

(7) blindspot indicator lights inside where door mirrors are located. Hard to explain but the flat area inside the car by the doors will light up to indicate cars passing you. A cool feature in concept but after a few weeks it's fucking annoying!!! The option can be turned off but this resets whenever the engine is turned off/on again. Same goes for traction control, sport mode, and some of the other settings which currently escape me. If this was a daily car I would lose my shit having to turn that off or just deal with it annoying the fuck out of me! Luckily there are usually no other cars on dirt roads.

(8) seatbelt warning noise. THe car will constantly chime until you buckle up. I'm driving on a dirt road bitch maybe I don't want my seatbelt on! Even if I'm on paved roads especially in rural areas theres usually no need for a seat belt because accidents are not likely.

(9) This may be an isolated issue, or a result of abuse, but power steering would work on/off. Not a big deal but if on an actual road in traffic could become a issue when you have to make a sudden lane change and need to really huck that steering wheel to avoid an accident. Its fine if you are aware of it and know its not working but when it occurs intermittently could it sucks. Personally wish there was an option to turn off power steering

(10) Im sure there are things I am forgetting but that's about it. Oh yes the auto locking doors even if you do not lock the doors using the remote the car will auto lock everything (nice feature for some) but when its a field car and you have gear inside it sucks if people must hunt you down to get into the car.

Hahahaha... that sounds pretty terrible!