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After 10-years of driving my 2001 Ford Taurus LX though brutal windows, hot summers and really bad roads in general.. NY/NJ/PA combined driving area. I decided this year, its time to upgrade.
Looked at most of the Japanese and Korean models (honda, kia, mazda, hyundai, nissan, toyota and mitsubishi), I wasn't really impressed with any of them.
Looking for a sold AWD vehicle with solid reliability and decent fuel ranges. I tend to keep my cars for 8-10 years on average, so it has to make it to 150k+. My Ford is at 117k and literally falling apart---too many issues to list.
It wont make it though another winter.
Long story short, test drove the 2013 Subaru Impreza and the 2013 Subaru Legacy, loved them both, met all my requirements and was affordable.
Would you get a new 2013 Subaru, knowing its going to drop 5k as soon as you leave the lot, or save some cash and get a comparable 2010-2012 Subaru model for 1000's less. I didn't want to spend more than $20k tops, but that doesn't seem possible with a brand new one.
From what i understand, if you maintain your subaru, it will go 200k+ easily.
All the maintained Subarus I know of (more than a dozen, less than fifty) have either hit 250k miles or are well on their way with only the smallest smattering of issues. 250 though, seems to be about the point where they start nickle and dimeing you.
Personally, I'd go with the smaller car (Impreza), and I don't buy new. There are SO many used cars out there that are near to perfect/new without the premium for the "privilege" of driving it off the showroom lot. It's really not hard at all to pick a good used example, just have a specialist/independent mechanic check it out first ($80~200, depending on location and thoroughness).
I personally would buy new and wait until early 2014 to buy a 2013 model
You won't have the choices you normally would but you can find brand new left over models months after the next years models start to arrive. Dealers will be giving them away. We were just looking at a left over 2012 forester about two weeks ago.
To answer the question on model. I'd go legacy. Not a fan of the new impreza.
Both are nice, solid cars, and you won't go wrong with either, but if you can get a Legacy, you'll probably appreciate the extra size, power, and the ride. The new (for 2012) Impreza is very nice also, but obviously it's not as big and doesn't have as much power. The Impreza got some substantial improvements in 2012 when it was redesigned. The Legacy has been around for a while, but it's a good solid platform.
Maintenance may be more of a factor, as it's all wheel drive, but if maintained, the car will retain a better resale value than a garden variety car like the Taurus.
A new base model Legacy could be had for under $20k, but it would probably be the base model without heated seats, or an automatic transmission. With an automatic and heated seats, more like $23k (expect to pay around $1000 under MSRP as a rough figure). There is 0% financing right now on remaining '13s.
I wouldn't really hesitate to buy one new or used. New is nice because you get 4 "free" oil changes (which cost somewhere around $90 apiece), plus 3 years of warranty and I think 5 years of powertrain warranty. Although those things may not offset the savings of a used car, they're something to consider. Given the intended length of ownership, I would lean towards a new one. If you buy a new one for $23k and keep it 10 years, vs buying a 2 year old model for $17k and keeping it for 8 years, the cost difference of the purchase only, per year over the length of ownership, is a few hundred a year.
The advantage with the Legacy is that the model has been around for a while and if you buy one that is 2-3 years old, it will be comparable (not identical) to the brand new ones, in both looks and features. Buying used you could probably get more options for the target price. Just a few things to consider.
The legacy is slightly bigger and can be had with a v6. Everything else is pretty much the same. The flat 4 model may have a turbo as just about any flat4 subie comes with one.
2010 Legacy with 30k miles is solid/like new. 32+mpg on highway, 22-24 in town etc. on regular with auto/4. Stick shift will be harder to find and no better mileage. Most Legacies(?) in this era will not be turbo. A big, likable, but unspectacular car, good in winter esp. w snow tires. Rarer 6cyl and turbos will have more power, lower mileage, use high test (I think...).
Legacy compared to Impreza, is likely nicer on highway or with more/larger/older people because of size. If mostly in town driving the Impreza may be 'better' notably in maneuverability/parking...and maybe a bit better mileage? ... but the Legacy isn't THAT big and is fine around town.
2011-12 Legacy same basic car, could have some factory warranty, and would be similar or better...but the 2010 has been good and could be cheaper. Find one with the winter seats/mirrors for PA. Verify appropriate maintenance was performed.
See what you can find about how well the CVT trans held up over high mileage...it was new in 2010...similarly if the old head gasket problems have really been cured. AFAIK neither is a current problem. Others with more mileage can contribute their experience.
Look for Subaru forums for owner problems/experiences using your friend Google. All in all either would likely be a good car for your purpose...
Honestly, I would get the Legacy over the Impreza. It is such a more substantial and better finished vehicle overall than the Impreza.
My wife and I bought a 2013 Outback (wagon version of Legacy basically) and briefly considered the '13 Forester (which is an SUV-ified Impreza for the most part). When we were shopping, I was shocked at how much better the finish quality was on the Outback, both in interior look, quality, and feel, but also how solid the vehicle felt, how well it drove dynamically.
After that I would say new or used is up to you. I suspect Subaru dealers get a lot of direct to dealer incentives on Legacies and Outbacks, and with some negotiation I think you could probably get a new Legacy for a great price.
(PS, I used to own an Impreza WRX too, and loved it. I am not hating on the Impreza line and platform mates... I just think if your comparing both, and willing to pay for either, and both fit your needs, you get a lot more for the dollar with the Legacy).
Saw a 2011 Subaru Legacy 2.5 i Limited today, it had 60,000 miles on it, the dealership wanted $16,400, i was thinking closer to $12,000 with all those miles, they wouldn't budge.
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