When I decided to trade in my gas-guzzling, completely impractical, hard to park, and just over the top-powered Ford F-150, I knew that I needed something that was roomy, got reasonably good gas mileage, and looked good. I've always liked the look of the Subaru Outback Wagons, but I just didn't know if a "station wagon" was something that I was ready to buy. You see, as someone who grew up in the 70's, my childhood was filled with memories of riding in the family wagon, and eventually as I got older, hating that car, because it was, well, a station wagon.

What really interested me in the Outback, was the fact that it had lots of room, had all wheel drive, as well as the "Sport Shift" feature, which would come in handy during the one or two times a year that Washington get a dusting of snow, and everything comes to a grinding halt in terms of transportation. That, and the fact that it was sporty, and I could easily haul around my four small dogs, as there is a nice area cargo area behind the back seat. I also knew that I my purchase was going to have to be a used Subaru, as I simply refuse to buy a new car because of the high cost (the 2008 Outback is about 28k) and the depreciation rate once you drive it off the lot.

Tell us what you got...
After an afternoon of haggling with the car dealer, I was able to get a 2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i wagon with an automatic transmission, Sport Shift, and a cloth interior. Because of cost and fuel economy, the "luxury" Outbacks, such as the Turbo and LL Bean Addition, were not in the cards for me. The dealer also included a liner for the cargo area, as well as a cover for this area. I was unable to charm them into giving me a Subaru pet divider, which at $280.00, was something that will always be on my wish list. I should mention that I have tried to use an aftermarket pet divider (which uses tension rods for adjustment), but my dogs were able to defeat this contraption within a few trips to the local dog park.

The included options for my Outback were CD/Radio with MP3 line in and optional satellite radio, A/C, roof rails, power locks and windows, heated seats, cruise control, front and side airbags, 60/40 folding back seats, and seating for five. The 2.5 liter engine puts out 175 horsepower, but is surprisingly powerful and has good pickup when a tricky move is needed in traffic. The fuel economy is rated at 22 city, 29 highway. I have yet to take my Subaru on a highway only trip, and I've found that I average about 23 mpg. From what I've read, the lower mileage is due to the all wheel drive, which tends to make the car work harder, even during "normal" driving. The standard warranty is three years or 36,000 miles

So how does it drive?
Quite well, I must admit. Living in Washington, it rains here quite often (if you want the weather to change, wait an hour), so I have came to appreciate the all wheel drive, along with the Sport Shift, which is activated by moving the gearshift to the left, allowing you to "manually" shift through four different gears, all without using a clutch. It takes a bit of getting used to, but after a few tries, is actually pretty fun in addition to being very useful in snow, rain and adverse conditions. The seats are quite comfortable, and the drivers seat has a number of electronic adjustments (the passengers is manual). Interior cabin noise is minimal, but I have noticed a rattle in the dashboard at around 60 degrees from time to time (which I'm going to have the dealer look at when I take the car in for an oil change).

Along with being surprised at the peppy engine, I'm also very pleased with the amount of stuff I can cram in my Subaru. I regularly mow my mom's lawn, so I'm easily able to get an edger, blower, and all of my gardening gear in the back without folding down the seats. This in addition to a medium sized kennel, so my dogs can come along with me. No worries about the back cargo area getting dirty, as the cargo liner does a great job of keeping dirt and grime confined to one area, and can be removed and hosed out easily. The Subaru Outback does come with a standard roof rack, and if you want to haul around your bike, kayak, or just about anything under the sun, Subaru has an exclusive partnership with Yakima Racks.

Happily ever after...
Unless this car is stolen or wrecked, I plan on having it for many years to come, as they are notorious for getting 200 to 300k before they encounter serious mechanical problems. I'm quite happy with my Outback thus far, and for once, I'm really looking forward to driving it in snow, as I'm confident that the all wheel drive will really make driving to the ski slopes a stress free experience.

Amount Paid (US$): 19,500
Condition: Used
Model Year: 2007
Model and Options: 2.5i, Outback, AWD, Auto