Joined
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16 Posts
Hi Everyone,
It's New Year's Day and I took some great photos to post in my intro, but sadly they are too big to attach. I was able to upload a good one as my avatar. If anyone knows how I can save them in a simpler format so they are uploadable, I'd appreciate the help.
My 13.5 yr old Xterra (which I will love til death do us part) has needed a little TLC lately, like when the alternator died a month ago. That was the same day Mazda announced the first U.S. diesel would be in the Mazda6 sedan and not the CX-5. So foo-ey on Mazda!
With some fears it may be too small for longer road trips, I reserved the last car in the Dec allocation at my local dealership. Top of the wish list - I would like to be able to drive my grandma (98), mom (71), and two 60 lbs dogs - flat-coat retriever (9) and choc lab (7). We are Chinese so we are all short (no Mongolian blood). I'm the tallest at 5'2" and sometimes I even have trouble getting in when wearing a skirt. Most guys don't have such issues but maybe this info will help someone.
The Xterra is too tall for gma, mom climbing in with effort and some day will need a ramp for dogs. I also need ground clearance for clam digging on salt water beach, ski and snowshoe excursions. Also nice to have in Nov when Seattle streets have standing water. Just replaced corroded/rusted muffler and exhaust pipe on Xterra, alternator dying drove me to action. If you need combo ground clearance and lower seats I'm convinced Crosstrek is your best choice. Forester has adjustable height passenger seat in 2012s, but fuel economy not as good and styling not for everyone. I also have a shallow garage so less than 178 in (Xterra) was desirable.
I also chose the Crosstrek over the CX-5 b/c if I don't have 4WD I want the best AWD out there. Also with standard all weather package and heated cloth seats (I don't like leather), it just seemed most capable and appropriate for hauling dogs and the level of off-roading I do. CX-5 seems like it's more for people who want an SUV but their cars never leave pavement, IMO. I also met a woman buying an '04 Forester to haul around her dogs so if I don't keep the Crosstrek until it dies it seems there is a better aftermarket, especially with all the canine-related marketing Subaru does.
Have some questions which I will post separately. Really enjoying all your comments and looking forward to trading information. This is my first auto forum, BTW.
Happy 2013 (Year of the Crosstrek)!
Jodi
It's New Year's Day and I took some great photos to post in my intro, but sadly they are too big to attach. I was able to upload a good one as my avatar. If anyone knows how I can save them in a simpler format so they are uploadable, I'd appreciate the help.
My 13.5 yr old Xterra (which I will love til death do us part) has needed a little TLC lately, like when the alternator died a month ago. That was the same day Mazda announced the first U.S. diesel would be in the Mazda6 sedan and not the CX-5. So foo-ey on Mazda!
With some fears it may be too small for longer road trips, I reserved the last car in the Dec allocation at my local dealership. Top of the wish list - I would like to be able to drive my grandma (98), mom (71), and two 60 lbs dogs - flat-coat retriever (9) and choc lab (7). We are Chinese so we are all short (no Mongolian blood). I'm the tallest at 5'2" and sometimes I even have trouble getting in when wearing a skirt. Most guys don't have such issues but maybe this info will help someone.
The Xterra is too tall for gma, mom climbing in with effort and some day will need a ramp for dogs. I also need ground clearance for clam digging on salt water beach, ski and snowshoe excursions. Also nice to have in Nov when Seattle streets have standing water. Just replaced corroded/rusted muffler and exhaust pipe on Xterra, alternator dying drove me to action. If you need combo ground clearance and lower seats I'm convinced Crosstrek is your best choice. Forester has adjustable height passenger seat in 2012s, but fuel economy not as good and styling not for everyone. I also have a shallow garage so less than 178 in (Xterra) was desirable.
I also chose the Crosstrek over the CX-5 b/c if I don't have 4WD I want the best AWD out there. Also with standard all weather package and heated cloth seats (I don't like leather), it just seemed most capable and appropriate for hauling dogs and the level of off-roading I do. CX-5 seems like it's more for people who want an SUV but their cars never leave pavement, IMO. I also met a woman buying an '04 Forester to haul around her dogs so if I don't keep the Crosstrek until it dies it seems there is a better aftermarket, especially with all the canine-related marketing Subaru does.
Have some questions which I will post separately. Really enjoying all your comments and looking forward to trading information. This is my first auto forum, BTW.
Happy 2013 (Year of the Crosstrek)!
Jodi
