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The Right Car for Me | TrueDelta

In 2012 traded in my jeep patriot for a subaru outback. Outback was just totalled in accident and I am back to looking at jeeps. I LOVED my Subaru, but I also loved my Patriot! 4x4 is a must, however 70% of driving is around town, so I would like a smooth ride. What do you suggest?

Need minimum of 5 seats

Will consider both new and used cars
Maximum mileage: 75000
Maximum age: 5 years

Maximum price: US $ 25000

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Response from LectroFuel

10:48 am August 2, 2018

Don't buy a new or used Jeep! They are terrible cars that fall apart when the warranty expires. Anyone who knows about cars will say this to you. The only exception maybe is the Wrangler, but that SUV is not a good daily driver.

Except Subaru and Jeep (which have really good AWD systems), the rest of the small SUVs have an AWD system that performs similarly, so it is a matter of "which AWD SUV is the best overall." The best ones are the new Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Mazda CX-5.

If you want a smooth ride and AWD, the most recent Subarus are the best option. Their cars have a really soft suspension. My first suggestion is the 2018 or 2019 Subaru Crosstrek. It is smooth and quiet even though it is an economy car. Get the 2.0i Premium CVT with the package that adds EyeSight, blind spot monitoring, and the steering responsive headlights. That is the best trim and it comes in right around your budget. The 4WD system is very good. These have not had the problem with oil consumption nearly as much as the other Subarus. And if it does, it's as easy as adding oil.

The other suggestion is another Outback, but you'll have to buy a used one. If it were my money, I'd get a new Crosstrek. The Forester feels less substantial than the Crosstrek, so it has more noise and is bumpier.

Somebody is going to suggest the Buick Encore or Envision. You won't get the features you have on the Crosstrek in these even though they are "luxury cars." The Subaru is a better choice. Good luck and please tell us what you choose!

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Subaru Crosstrek

Response from Sea-Dan

12:08 pm August 2, 2018

The Jeep will cost you more in terms of repair and gas. You're already a Subie fan so I suggest you take Lectrofuel's suggestion & get a CrossTrek, it would be an excellent car for you. There is an excellent long term review of Crosstrek on Edmonds.

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Subaru Crosstrek

Response from Sea-Dan

4:42 pm August 2, 2018

Oops, my bad advice. Long term test for 2017 Subie was Imprezza Sedan, not CrossTrek.

Here are a couple good compros:
https://www.motortrend.com/cars/subaru/crosstrek/2018/no-mans-land/ "At the end of the day, the Crosstrek is the one of our three that most faithfully plugs the growing gap between subcompact and compact offerings. It retains the value and off-road credibility its predecessors were known for while adding modern-day driving manners, technology, and safety to the mix. Simply put, the Subaru Crosstrek does it all. It's a solid, honest little car. And for that, it's our winner."

https://www.autotrader.com/car-reviews/2016-jeep-renegade-vs-2016-subaru-crosstrek-which--255771 "As most of the above categories show, the Subaru Crosstrek is the smarter choice from an objective perspective. It can also look pretty cool, but few vehicles can match the character and distinctiveness offered by the little Jeep. It's certainly the cooler choice, but probably not the better one."

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Response from Ckniseley

7:55 pm August 2, 2018

Thank you! Lol I guess am more worried about my sound system over looking cute .

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Response from Ckniseley

2:27 am August 12, 2018

Yeah! I got a 2014 Outback today! Thank you for not letting me make the Jeep mistake!

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