[flu189]

Originally Posted by arel

flu189, you're not the first one to recommend the Forester. If I wanted an SUV, that's the one I'd get. But there are two reasons why I probably would not get one. First, I like a lower center of gravity than you get with an SUV. More stability. Second, I would prefer a sedan. A loaded sedan looks the same as an empty sedan. An SUV, like a station wagon, is great for carrying bulky things, but everyone can see what you have in the car, and what you have is more likely to get stolen.

So I think I will go with a Subaru Legacy or, if I like a smaller car, a Subaru Impreza. Hondas and Toyotas are famously reliable, but they don't have the traction of a Subaru. And American cars often have a squishy feel to the steering. And, unless things have changed, they are not as reliable as Japanese cars.

I don't think you can go wrong with any of the Subaru line, but don't being fooled by the SUV classification for the Forester. The design of the car with it's height, wheelbase, engine placement, does not radically affect center of gravity in terms of weight shift as an increased risk toward rollover. The Forester in all road tests scores very high in terms of stability. Granted, the Forester does not have a trunk like a classic sedan, but it does have the pull across cover. Now I live and work in a place where risk of thefts is minimal, but I can understand if you were to carry valuables on a regular basis then perhaps a truck feature would better suit you. The ultimate reason I originally went with the first Forester was quite frankley the price and the mechanical reliability. Both in Ak and here in Vt I have my Subarus serviced by a private shops that primarily work on them and the mechanics experience with them has been very positive. I not only live on a back road, but even if I didn't I still like that little bit of extra clearance because I just like taking back roads to explore or for the advantage of avoiding traffic. After you have been here in Vermont for awhile you will also perhaps be sucked into the allure of our maze of scenic backroads. Anyway, do the research on various vehicles and I am sure you will find something that works for you.

[OhBeeHave]

I've been in crazy snow situations 3X. My old 88 Subaru hatchback was best.

[d4g4m]

Isn't Volvo the state required vehicle?

[mustmove]

Originally Posted by d4g4m

Isn't Volvo the state required vehicle?

Volvo is old school. Now it's subarus or Piuses

[tkln]

If you go Forester, go with 08 or earlier...the 09s, while refined in many ways, are definitely much more SUV like. I love the last generation, and I think in general, it was definitely considered more of a wagon than an SUV. Subaru has gotten much more mainstream with the new Forester and Impreza, but I'm not sure if that's necessarily a good thing.

And yeah, you don't need the turbo unless you like to drive fast. I've read many reports that the base engine is actually more fun than the turbo due to the lag.

[tkln]

Originally Posted by mustmove

Volvo is old school. Now it's subarus or Piuses

Darn. Guess I'm going to be old school. Picking up my Volvo tomorrow.

[Greenteam]

Subaru has many advantages if the sight of snow makes you nervous.
Cost of ownership will be higher than most other vehicles you mentioned.
Fuel costs and basic upkeep higher as well.
If on-road safety, traction and VSC are high up on your list shop a Subaru.

I have only ever owned Honda Civics.
I use high quality winter tires and drive to match road conditions.
I have yet to have any trouble or feel at risk during winter conditions.

Research types of winter tires (Tirerack.com) is a good place to start as well as epinions.com.

Any all-wheel drive vehicle as well as FWD will get you to your destination IMO.
If you have to get out no matter the conditions then buy the Subaru.

[Sherylcatmom]

Originally Posted by Greenteam

I have only ever owned Honda Civics.

My 2006 Civic is my first Honda. I have never been so happy with a car before. I feel like I got a lot of car for the money. It handles great in every condition I've encountered, including ice, snow, hills, semi-serviceable roads, etc. Gets awesome mileage. Is extremely comfortable for me. Looks nearly new after nearly 3 years. Love our local dealership (Shearer of Rutland), from whom we get unfailingly great service.

I am not a "thing" person and never cared much about cars as long as they did what I needed them to do with reasonable efficiency and comfort. I'm almost embarrassed by how gushy I get over this Civic. In fact, I almost never use these "Smileys," but . . .

[GypsySoul22]

The one thing I have to add is that the conditions here BEAT on your car. Ours is due back in a few months (leased) and I am not sure if we will keep it our not. My husband likes it (it's a Scion). With the snow tires, it was fine last year except for the stupid inclines that seemed to permeate Quechee. (if anyone travels in Quechee in winter there are some very bad dips on Route 4/Main Street).

It's less hilly here so I hope it won't be as bad. I may just take the bus if the weather gets bad.

[mustmove]

Cars do take a beating up here and the car companies know it. 150 miles south you can lease a car for $99 a month-residency restrictions apply. The same leases are $199 or more up here in the hills. One more thing that raises the COL in VT...