Amber has a 2002 Subaru Forester that has reached the end of its usefulness. She wants another crossover with AWD that compliments her active lifestyle and is comfortable for her 90-pound dog. With a budget of around $35,000, what car should she buy?
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Here is the scenario.
I have 2002 Subaru forester that’s reaching the end of her life. Looking for AWD suv type car. Leather seats preferably. 4 doors. I am pretty active and do Trail running, hiking, backpacking, hanging out at the lake, ice skating, xc skiing, baking. I also have a 90lb dog that often rides with me. I’m looking to spend about $35,000
Quick Facts:
Budget: up to $35,000
Location: Mammoth Lakes, CA
Daily Driver: Yes
Wants: AWD, space for the pup, leather seats
Doesn’t want: Anything with 2WD
Expert 1- Tom McParland: Change It Up, But Not Too Much
Given your active lifestyle and the fact that your dog is in the car, you are a prime candidate for another Subaru given the brand’s marketing style. While another Forester or even an Outback would be a fine choice, you may want to change it up a little bit.
My suggestion would be the Mazda CX-50, it’s a chunkier more “rugged” version of the already popular CX-5. Mazda has taken a page from Subaru’s playbook and made AWD standard on all their crossovers in addition to loading up their cars with all the modern tech and safety features you would expect. Unlike the Forester which only offers one engine, you can either choose between a standard four-cylinder or a punchy turbo motor. Either engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, which seems to hold up a little better than the CVTs in the Subarus.
While there are plenty of CX-50s at sub $35,000 finding one with leather seats means you need to be looking at the lightly used market, and even casting a wider net. Here is a well-equipped 2023 Meridian trim with the upgraded Turbo engine and only 17,000 miles right at your budget threshold.
Expert 2: Andy Kalmowitz – Stick With What You Know
Amber, Tom isn’t wrong here. I’ve driven the CX-50, and it’s a wonderful little crossover that’ll certainly do everything you’d ask it to do, but getting one with all of the features (namely leather seats) doesn’t come cheap. You’re going to have to dip into the used market for one.
On the other hand, if you want something new, I suggest looking for further than the modern version of your current car: the 2025 Subaru Forester. Sure, it won’t be as luxurious or sporty as the CX-50, but it’s still going to do everything you need it to do. Plus, you get to stay in Subaru’s ecosystem, and those guys know how to have fun.
I recently drove the new Forester up and down a million different dirt roads and trails in western Montana, and that thing could keep up with the best of them when it comes to off-roading thanks to Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD and X-Mode off-road settings. On top of that, the Forester is a lot more refined than it was before, and it’s got better tech (if that’s what you’re into) Sure, it’s 2.5-liter flat-four motor isn’t a performance champion, but it’s good enough for what you’ll probably be doing with it.
The news keeps getting better because you can pick up a Forester Sport with a big screen, leather, 19-inch wheels and all the safety tech you can think of right around your $35,000 budget.
Amber, buy another Subaru and thank me later.
Expert 3: Bradley Brownell – Get Zee German
I am a Cayenne convert. Ever since buying our 2013 Cayenne Diesel last year, I’ve been enamored with the car’s incredible abilities. They’re comfortable, have tons of room, are easy to drive, surprisingly capable off-road, and great for long road trips. Buy the nicest one you can find in your budget, and you’ll have a great car for a good long time. This particular example, a 2019 Cayenne S, is $34,500 on eBay, but you can probably find one locally that will do everything you need it to. They come in all kinds of flavors, so surely you’ll like the taste.
Expert 4: Collin Woodard – Gas Mileage Is Overrated
I’m sorry to hear about your Forester. As the owner of a 2008 Forester that’s also doing its best to die on me, it sucks that such a practical car just doesn’t want to live past 200,000 miles. Thankfully, newer Subarus don’t have the same reliability issues, so you’d probably be perfectly happy with a new Forester or Crosstrek. While I agree with Tom that this is the perfect time to change things up, I’d suggest going in a different direction than the Mazda.
Instead, why not buy one of the most reliable, durable vehicles you can get your hands on? Something with a V8 that will last well past 200,000 miles even if you occasionally forget to change the oil on time. Something you can drive pretty much anywhere in comfort while also towing a boat or travel trailer. And no, I’m not talking about Bradley’s Porsche. I’m talking about the Lexus GX.
A brand-new Lexus GX starts just under $65,000, so that’s definitely out of your budget, but if you go used, you can definitely find one in your price range. For example, here’s a 2019 Lexus GX 460 with 59,000 miles on it that’s listed for $36,512. Even if you have to get creative to find the right one, you’re going to love it. You probably won’t love the gas mileage, but just think of all the money you’ll save on maintenance and repairs. And all the adventures you’ll be able to go on with your dog. Come on, Amber. You know the Lexus is the right choice.
