A little Off Topic

[WOLF_RIVER_MIKE]

Hi ya'll, I would not consider asking this question on this forum...but... I'm going to try and justify in the fact that the ultimate decision will seriously cut into my saw purchacing ability. My car died on me last week and unfortunately I live to far from work to ride a horse or a bicycle. I have been looking at used Subaru Outback wagons. I commute 125 miles (total) daily and need decent gas mileage, (rules out the 1 ton I really want) and the all wheel drive would be a plus in the rain sleet and snow, don't ya know. One drawback, the dealers are 3 hours apart from me, and knowbody in my area knows anything about them. Kinda like a Dolmar, ya know. From the reviews I've read, the drivetrain is the outstanding feature that seperates, not to go into detail.(checkout autotrader.com). Consumer Reports loves them, both new and used.
Any opinions before I sign away some years? Thanks_wrm

 

[sedanman]

I used to work on Subarus, if you get an automatic buy a service contract. A five speed is nearly bulletproof. Also avoid the '96 '97 2.5 litre look by '98+up all the kinks out.

 

[WOLF_RIVER_MIKE]

sedanman, I'm looking at a '99 model Legacy Outback. Automatic, as have been all I've seen in my region.

 

[sedanman]

The '99 automatic is the first year for new model trans, very fragile. Problems include delayed engagement into gear, differential failures, and sudden catastrophic failure! Only good for about 22mpg max on the highway.

 

[treeclimber165]

How bout a Ranger? In '97, I sold my last 'work truck' and bought a '94 ext cab with the 4 liter and auto. It's got over 90K on it now and I've only had maintenance items to replace. Burns less than 4 oz. oil between oil changes (5k miles). Durable lil trucks, 16-20 MPG depending on how I drive. Hauls over 1200 lbs easily, but not every day. Bought tires, brakes, battery, trans filter and U-joints in the last 5 years.

 

[ClearH20Scott]

Hello Mike, sorry to hear your TEMPOrary gave up the ghost.
I agree with SEDANMAN, flat four subaru's with manual
tranny's are good machines. What finally killed your Ford?
Busted timing belt wipe out the valvetrain?
1989 and 1990 AWD Tempos are somewhat common up
here. 4-Banger and a 5 spd, 30 mpg, close to indestructible.
Late 80's Corolla All-Trac wagons are great also, again
look for a 5 spd. Hard to go wrong with anything that says
Legacy on it.
Long Live the 357XP.

 

[WOLF_RIVER_MIKE]

replaced the cv's at about 150k. had to walk away from her at201k. too bad so sad. really don't know, had been driving w/an open exaust for a whilee, so lound you could'nt hear much. One Monday I went out an went to work, sounded different. Kind of grindy, off and on. Well this went on and Wednesday, was on my way home, and pulling away from a red light. it felt like I was dragging somethin. got out and looked, nothing. got back in and pulled her off the road and said goodbye, 201k miles.

 

[ClearH20Scott]

Sounds like you got your money's worth if nothing else.
My daily round trip is 105 miles. Won't buy anything with
less than a hundred rounds on it, just isn't worth it.
The poor cars just get beat into the ground. Besides, then
I can squirrel away dough for the inevitable saw purchase.
How is that 357 treating you? I'm curious what bar and
chain you're running. Cutting frozen hardwood up here and
the Oregon 73LP was OK, but believe it or not, I bought a
couple of loops of full chisel Sabre/John Deere chain that
seems to cut faster. Almost looks like a low profile chain.
Woke that 357 right up. I was unhappy at first, the 357
cut as fast as my Shinny 488, not anymore.
Does your machine have limiters on the carb? Mine does
not.

 

[WOLF_RIVER_MIKE]

Well boys, I did it. Bought a 98 Subaru Forester today. The car was taken on trade at Lexus dealer. The trader was from NY state. The car has 42K on it and boys if you needed a definition of "mint" condition, you could use this car as an example. Very nice ride, comfortable. Bought the car for 2K below blue book for this area. Thanks alot for advice and support. -Mike

 

[sedanman]

Stick or automatic? The '98 has a tougher automatic than the '99+up, they lightened the trans at the expense of durability (now THAT has a familiar ring to it doesn't it!). Good luck with the "new" car, long may she run!

 

[jsikkema1]

Forester

Now thats a fitting name- "FORESTER"
that is what made the sale- wasn't it... LOL

Did you get the skidder attachment?? I think I seen one that slides right in the the trailer hitch receiver...
Maybe you can give the "moutain pig" a run for its money ehh.

Jeff

 

[WOLF_RIVER_MIKE]

I'm curious what bar and chain you're running

Hey ClearWaterScott, I'm running a Widsor (Milan, TN) 20" bar and Oregon 72lg. The Widsor 20 takes a 70 dl chain? for whatever reason, so it's probably an inch? shorter than an Oregon bar @ 72dl. I love the saw, Walkers put there slick-up on it and belive me brother, the saw will cut! Ya'll be careful up there -Mike

 

[homelite360]

get a 3/4 ton wihta diesel. it will give you 20+ mpg and you will have your 4x4 and decient gas mileage with some hauling capacity.

 

[WOLF_RIVER_MIKE]

Stick or automatic?
Auto, might have been nice to of had a manual but like I said there's not too many Subarus in the area to choose from.

Now thats a fitting name- "FORESTER"
True, true, The car is black, probably my least favorite, especially on gravel/dirt roads but wasn't going to walk away from a deal because of color.

get a 3/4 ton wihta diesel
Homelite, I have a 75 Crew Cab 1/2 Ton, still in pretty good shape. Would like to have a 1 Ton dual deisel, but depreciation would kill it at 125 miles/day.

Thanks boys for your advice and support -Mike

Ya'll be carefull