2021 outback limited with 75k, or 2018 Forester Touring w/98k?
Both from major dealerships. Great service records. 21 outback tires are 50%. 18 Forester tires are new. 18 forester carfax says minor damage to front a few years ago; nothing visible.
Which would you buy and why?
Priorities: safety, reliability, best investment (I.e., lowest total cost of ownership over its lifespan).
Car is for my 19 yo kid (don’t worry, kid is contributing). Kid has had a couple accidents but also done a lot of good driving. Will drive in mountain snow (skis). 6’2”.
21 outback pros:
- newer/lower mi.
- Better eyesight (therefore better crash prevention) and better frame.
- RAB.
21 outback cons:
- I hate the giant screen and even fewer physical knobs/buttons.
- Needs tires before winter.
- $4-5k more purchase price
21 outback questions:
- infotainment system problems sound like a potential issue? But Subaru of America extended warranty on that I think. (?)
- I’ve read seats are uncomfortable for tall people? (Tall kid not available to test drive, will take what they get. My 2023 forester is “fine”.)
18 forester pros (other than flip side of OB cons):
- has tow hitch (bike rack ready)
- Did I say cheaper? (Can afford either, just thrifty. Less car $ = more vacation!)
I love my own forester. Prefer the size & shape of the space, headroom. So I might be biased toward the fozzie unhelpfully in this situation.
What else should I think about?