What are people's opinions on the new Outback? Anyone driven it? I have a growing family, and while I absolutely love my 6 year old R53, and would hate to give it up, the realist in me knows that soon I'll have to upsize when it's time for new wheels (soon).

I've thought about upsizing to another "fun" car like a WRX or a VW GTI, but somehow I think I wouldn't like them as much as my MINI in terms of fun factor. I've also decided that while the others would be no substitute, I could get a MINI Clubman S and replace the R53 with it, but it's not as practical as I'd probably need, however I can offset that with my wife's car.

Now obviously the Outback would be way out in left field as far as fun factor, but my thinking is that at least it would be awesome in practicality, and great for winter mountain trips, and a great family car... Also, I could keep the Outback and then later add a "fun" car back to the fleet. At least I could get a manual transmission Outback too.


So to reiterate, my most likely choice is to a.)replace the MINI with another fun car, which at this point to me the only substitute would be another MINI like a Clubman...or b.) go for practicality in what I feel is a nice and pretty cool package that is the Outback. Or the wildcard...a Countryman? Sort of splits the difference, but I'd have to wait a bit longer than I'd like....

 

Our second car is a Forester and I really love Subaru. Ours is an 04 turbo and it has been a rock solid car with no problems. In fact, I was looking at the WRX if I ever decided to replace the MINI.

I'm not a huge fan of the Outback body style but that is more of a personal choice. Subaru I highly recommend.

 

Subaru's a very good brand. I come from a line of Subie's - 2002 WRX, 2004 WRX STi, 2000 2.5RS, and my fiance has a 2006 Forester LL Bean. Very reliable, GREAT in the snow, ok on gas (not great, but only because of the AWD). Would like to get another one some day but I am very content with the Mini

 

I miss my 06 WRX wagon so much. I didn't realize how much I liked it and how nice it was till I'd been without it for a while. And I bought it new, so I didn't have to put up with any of the "previous owner's fault" crap.

The only quirk is making sure you rotate the tires often enough so you don't trash the AWD.