plnelson

It's time to replace my 2003 Forester with something new. My main requirements are:
(1.) Truly superior all-wheel drive performance. I hike, snowshoe and xc-ski in NH and Vermont mountains so I'm often on steep, poor-quality rutty roads with lots of snow, ice, and mud. My Forester with winter tires does excellent on these. Also see this:Subaru AWD Uphill Comparison Test - YouTube
(2) Extremely good safety - both avoidance (brakes, visibility, handling, etc) and crash-test. The 2013 Forester was one of the worst crossover SUV's in NHTSA side-impact and pole-crash tests. (scored a "2" in side-pole) The Forester is strong in front-end collisions but I don't worry as much about those because I'm extremely safety conscious when I drive, but I worry about getting T-boned at an intersection by someone else.
(3) Excellent long-term reliability and ease of maintenance. I like to change my own fluids, filters, belts, and lights as much as possible so I want a car that has good access for these things.

I'm looking at the Forester, CRV, and RAV4, and might consider other models if they meet my requirements. I'd like to stay under $26K. I usually manage to buy no more than 1% over invoice.

Thoughts? Thanks in advance.

Mr Car Guy

Subaru is known to have the best AWD systems available.

I also searched MSN for safety on Subaru, CRV & RV4. Subaru is again the best, it gets the best rating available.

I don't know where you are finding side impact information. Why don't you compare other vehicles with this source?

EDIT: Found that only some of the vehicles have this information.

You are going to be hard pressed to find an excellent safety rating and excellent AWD. If you have a bigger budget then you could consider a Touareg @ $32,000, gets a 5 star side impact. I know they have a computer assisted AWD similar to Subaru. Of course it only gets 14-20 MPG!


I don't like VW, worked at several dealerships and know many dealer techs. I think Subaru is a much better vehicle.

Search MSN.com > Autos > new & used car research > Choose a make

You can find reliability and safety info there.

__________________

1999 AWD Jimmy
1995 AWD Jimmy - RIP, 1989 AWD Jimmy - RIP

I try to learn from other peoples mistakes that I gave advice to.

Mike

If you want "truly superior AWD" then go Subaru or go home.

Having driven a newer Rav4, i wouldn't have it on my list.

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plnelson

I did. It's the NHTSA's website Home | National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) The videos are pretty impressive, too. From the looks of it I'd say the Forester driver in the side-pole test got pretty well creamed.