My quest for a new vehicle has led me down several roads (pun), all of them ending up in a dead end.
All the vehicles I like have either been:
fuel hogs
rated poor
not fit for hauling bikes
My last find was a Hummer H3, it did the job, but got rather poor fuel economy. Taking a look at the 30 races I have sceduled for 2006, and I knew that the 19 MPG hwy EPA rating would just not cut it.
So, I was at work and a developer I work with suggested Subaru. I had to admit I skipped this brand completely, not purposely, I just did not want to go the wagon route.
So I checked out the '06 models, and they have a highly rated SUV that has a large cargo area, AWD, very safe, sponsors Discovery, and gets 28 MPG on the hwy
Reminds me a bit of the Range Rover, a little.
Anyway, who has a Forester, how is the cargo area for fitting a bike?
It is a lot more refined than those truck like Range Rovers. I can fit two bikes in mine easily, maybe three but then the third passenger would have nowhere to sit. Turbo model is very rapid, and the new one has even more power than mine.
Ah. You have discovered the world’s most perfect vehicle ;). The turbo version (XT) is flat out fast (0-60 5.3 and 1/4 in 13.8)…it’ll embarrass most of the poseur sports coupes out there and will take a good number of sports cars as well. My biggest challenge is having to scrape my dog off the rear window every time we’re done driving around. Of course, the fun version comes with a catch…only rated at 20/23. Worth it though…
I’ve had two bikes in the back (fully assembled laying down) with the passenger row folded over for maximum room. I could get two in the back behind the passenger row as well if I really wanted. You can also get a hitch rack or roof rack for added capacity for your friend’s bikes (since you won’t care if they get messed up).
Beware the demon grocery getter - the Beemer driver won’t be able to get over it as you easily pull away.
the turbo for 06 requires premium fuel, not liking that so much, … I was actually looking at the LL Bean version for it’s moonroof, 6cd, leather, etc for about $2k more than the XT
thanks for the info, so you just remove the front wheel and tip the bike to the side? or do you lay it flat?
I lay mine flat, if you are not going for the turbo version the Outback or Liberty Wagon is worth a look, it is a bit more refined and is longer in the back. If I had my time again I may go with one of those.
I’m not too familiar with the '06 models so I can’t comment on the difference between the LL Bean edition and the XT (premium package for XT is moonroof, 6cd, leather…). Maybe its just an XT with premium package minus the supercharger? Shouldn’t cost more if thats the case.
I usually lie the bike flat but it would be easy to remove the front wheel and keep it tipped at an angle but even then it would nearly be flat. You have to remove both wheels to get it to fit behind the passenger row.
If you are sure you don’t want the XT then don’t testdrive one…ultra stealth ownage is addictive…
That makes sense. FWIW I’d buy this car without the ‘fun engine’ as well…thats just the gravy. Its practical as hell and I love how it feels (is!) small but can actually hold a ton of stuff. Turning radius is tight, you can fit into almost any parking space and the all wheel drive system seemed completely undaunted by any snow I encountered in the Sierras last year.
The seats are firm so if you like plush they might not be your thing (again, all comments are on my '04 Forester). The handling isn’t great (its not horrible either and MUCH better than other SUVs) because the stock tires (at least on the '04) are garbage even though the vehicle is remarkably light. Also, if you are looking for a refined ride this car probably won’t be your cup of tea. It doesn’t bother me in the least bit but it doesn’t feel vault-like like a Lexus or Acura. If you want to be completely isolated from the road it might not be what you are looking for. Nothing a test drive wouldn’t reveal.
Not exactly a chick magnet though. If looking for something not quite as…ummm…ugly (which is part of what I love about it)…the new Outback might be worth a gander (as Blacky said). Subies rock.
I have the 2005 XT, replacing my former WRX so I could keep the bikes inside. Two bikes fit upright with the small side of the back seat down quite nicely. Lots of room left for gear and three people. If you need more space still, throw a cargo box on top.
Lots of pictures and details in this thread: http://www.subaruforester.com/viewtopic.php?t=12377
(ok, guess you can’t see the pictures unless you are registered in that forum. Worth registering if you have a Forester and want to see what I did in detail, also has pictures showing second bike)
FWIW, Gary, I rate the Forester right behind my Element in terms of suitability for our cycling/multisport pursuits. Its a little less capable in the simple functionality department, but certainly wins the battle for interior refinement road manners. Its a little less off-putting in the looks department. I like the guy’s solution with the home-made interior rack system, well, except for the jarring orange color…and I’d keep an extra seat collar handy…but it seems eminently serviceable.
Ah. You have discovered the world’s most perfect vehicle ;).
Agreed, OT. Nimble in traffic and easy to park, yet room for a large driver and lots of interior space for it’s size. Mileage is a trade off if you get the Turbo version (XT) but it’s still better than larger SUV’s (it’s addictive - don’t test drive both if you are sure you want the slower one). Great over long distances, and since it’s designed on the Imprezza (Subaru car) platform, not prone to flipping like many truck based SUV designs.
How do you go from an H3 to a Subaru … talk about a sea change. to each their own, I guess.
Out here in Colorado, Subaru’s are the state vehicle … especially for the dreads wearing, soaked in patchouli oil set. They are everywhere, everywhere. When I moved here from Vegas a month ago I immediately commented to my wife how many you see. Seems like every third car. My brother visited from Texas and noticed the same thing … ‘hell of a lot of Subarus out here,’ he said.
Have you looked at the BMW 5-Series wagon or the Saab sport wagon (can’t remember the name). Both look similar to the Forrester but have a certain je ne sais quoi the Subara lacks. The Audi All Road is also pretty neato looking.
Me … I like my Xterra (a 2001) and my wife loveslovesloves her ass ugly green 04 Element.
you could always go the truck route … a tricked out Toyota Tacoma would look good with your Javelin riding in back.
Better doublecheck the shell height for that F-150. I have a buddy who drives an F-250 with a Snugtop shell. He puts his P3 in the back and has to remove the front wheel and the saddle to get it to fit upright. (He just removes the seatpost head and saddle.) It’s a pretty tall bike, I’m guessing he’s about 6’2".
