I graduate in 6 days (found out I got a B in my history class, which is good considering I was worried I was gonna bomb it and not graduate... guy graded on a curve
), and both my EA Subarus are as good as sold.So once they're physically and legally sold, I get a new car.
And while the original deal was that I get an 08 FXT Sports... welll... I've been shopping.
I test-drove a 2002 Saab 9-5 a while back, 71k, Aero, VERY nice car. None of the traditional Saab issues (no sludge, turbo didn't blow smoke out the tailpipe, etc.). I know it's basically an Opel Vectra platform, but the engine at least is a B235, a 100% genuine Saab engine. Plus it still had all the little Saab quirks that I like: ignition on the floor, etc. Saabs are quirky like Subarus (or like Subarus USED to be anyway
), and they appeal to me, at least the 00-05 9-5's do.But my grandparents wouldn't even cosign on it with me, because the deal was they wanted me to have a new car, and they wanted to give it to me. Fair enough. It's a generous offer, and I would not only be foolish to turn it down, but it would in a way be disrespectful to them also.
So... I test-drove another car today, one I've had my eye on since it came out...
... the Honda Fit.
Before anyone starts with their ignorant and trite Honda-bashing, Hondas are good cars. Period. Their engine technology is among the best in the world, they're good on gas and for the environment, and IMO, they are far more charismatic than Toyota.
So, I took a 5spd one for a spin, and found a few things I liked and didn't like.
- It doesn't have a &%$#WQ!@#$%^&* temperature gauge! Whiskey Tango Foxtrot?!? Yes, I understand the overinstrumentation of the 80's is gone, but still, at LEAST a temperature gauge!
- It has drum brakes in the rear. I detest drum brakes. Poorer quality, yet more difficult to maintain. Sure the car doesn't need big brakes, but I think drum brakes need to go the way of the carburetor and distributor.
- It is DBW (drive-by-wire). I personally LOATHE DBW, because I'm always 5 steps ahead of it. But the Fit has one of the most responsive DBW systems I've ever driven. Subaru's, Ford's/Mazda's, Saab's DBW is FAR laggier than this car's was. I'd still prefer it be mechanically connected, but this is the most tolerable DBW car I've ever driven.
- Ya know, I admire the little car's spirit. It IS decently entertaining: it handles good, the interior is useful yet modern (and made with quality), I personally like its styling, etc. But the car has NO power. I mean, at all. I know it's only a 1.5-liter with 109hp, but it's only moving a 2400lb car. My Legacy is not a fast car, but it would run circles around the poor little Fit. The sales guy had no problem with me wringing it out a bit, and I think it's because even wringing it out didn't do much. Granted, the car had 12 miles on it, and an extra person in it, and I know it's a Honda and there's tons of aftermarket support out there for it. But I truthfully wonder how willing I'm going to be to merge onto a highway with it.
I still am drawn to the car for some reason. My inner voice is suggesting it to me, and my inner voice is rarely wrong. But some of my issues with it are normally deal-breakers. More time is needed to think about that one. So, that's my review on the Fit.
I also swung by the Suzuki dealership to look at an SX4. I also liked the SX4 upon its arrival, so it's on my list too. The SX4, aside from having selectable AWD, also has a temperature gauge, rear disc brakes, a 2-liter engine with 143hp, and is slightly cheaper than the Fit. I sat in it while they looked for the key to move the Reno from behind it so I could drive it, and while it's not a crappy car, I can still tell that it doesn't have that extra touch of quality the Honda has. And going by the reliability records of Suzuki, it really isn't a quality car like Honda is. I'd still say Suzuki is better than a domestic, but it is essentially the worst Japanese car. I will say this though, the shifter of the SX4 feels meatier than the Fit shifter.
Unfortunately, the clowns lost the key to the Reno, and I couldn't take it for a test-drive. They offered me an automatic, but I declined. I want to drive the car as I'm going to buy it. So they have my number, and they'll probably call me next week. I might go back, although that was a red mark as far as I'm concerned. Need to get your sheeot together guys.
I was also considering a Nissan Sentra Spec-V, but when I found out it was made in Mexico, my interest soured really quick. At least the Fit and SX4 are actually assembled in Japan (i.e. their VINs start with J).
So, what about Subaru, you all ask? Wasn't I a Subaru guy at one point? Yeah, although I must confess: owning 3 Subarus while working at a Subaru dealership and missing your ex-girlfriend who has two Subarus of her own... it burns you out. No one can show me anything Subaru-related and elicit an enthusiastic response out of me anymore. Basically, been there done that.
Nevertheless, there is one glimmer of hope. The next-closest Subaru dealer has a leftover 06 FXT Limited. It's not a Sports, but it is a 5spd, and it is currently one of 3 Forester XT 5spds in Florida (the other two are in Jacksonville, which is 2 hours away, and they're both 08 Limiteds, which run close to $30k, which is more than my grandparents want to spend). The MSRP on this 06 is $28k something, but there's a lot of dickering power in the fact that it's a leftover 06.
The things turning me away from the Forester are this:
- Like I said, I'm honestly Subaru'ed out. The only reason I'm keeping my Legacy is because of its sentimental value, not necessarily because it's a Subaru.
- Yes, it's a turbo. I've bitched and moaned for years about sucking air, and now I finally have the opportunity to have it force-fed to me. But if it's a turbo, I'm going to drive it like it's a turbo. And that's going to cost me a lot of money in gas (not only because gas is $3 a gallon, but because EJ255s require premium), and means I risk getting speeding tickets. I will probably also catch a slight case of the mod-bug with the Forester too, which is something I honestly need to avoid right now.
Other things that I'm taking into account:
- The Fit would actually be $20 MORE a month to insure than the Forester!
- The SX4 will come with a college grad rebate
- The SX4 has a 7yr/100kmile powertrain warranty.
Clearly, since the car is being given to me, I'm getting the best deal with the Forester. I'm considering that. But like I said, I think I'm getting a little burned out on Subaru.
CN: Graduating college, EA Subarus essentially sold, test-drove Saab 9-5 and Honda Fit, and looking at Suzuki SX4. All have their strengths and weaknesses. Also have an opportunity for leftover 06 FXT, but kinda feel like it's time to move on from Subaru.
So, now, any thoughts or comments or suggestions? This will be my first new car, and I plan, like always, on keeping it until it runs no more, so I need this decision to be a good one.
