Looking for opinions

Good Morning:

I'm considering replacing an ancient (Chrysler) minivan with a somewhat newer Subaru. We live in the mountains of BC so it seems like the Subaru AWD would be a good idea, but I'm not very familiar with these vehicles. I've heard that there are "issues" (head gaskets, parts availability, clutch, and so on), and that gas mileage isn't that great, but there seem to be lots of people who really like the cars and there are a lot of them around this area. I'm thinking that something around a 1998 Legacy might be what I'm looking for, one with fewer automatic/electrical features, but perhaps something newer would be better. I generally do my own mechanical work but I've had no experience with Subaru's. I'd be interested in hearing some opinions and perhaps things to watch for.

Dave

Buy one!

I also live in the BC mountains and have owned Subarus since 1978, presently having an 05 OBW automatic which is the perfect touring car and ideal for snowy winters about town, too.

As for "issues", you have to realize that when people have unusual problems with any make of car they turn to these forums for help so you mainly see only complaints, not from the silent majority of satisfied drivers. I have never had any problem with my Subarus except with rust on the early ones - my 1978 rusted right out to the point a fender fell off, but the engine and transmission were still fine.

As for gas mileage, I'm more than happy. It depends more than anything else on driving style and road conditions. I drive with a light foot and consistently get at least 8 litres/100km on long trips over mountain passes and through towns, and sometimes as low as 7.4 l/100k, which takes me 600 km at least on a long trip fully loaded and would probably make 700 km by stretching it a little. But in my home town in winter, with steep hills and rarely getting into high gear, I only get about 15 l/100k.