Reliability was a big factor for us (actually Other AstroKat, whose car it is). Check Consumer Reports, for example. I also drove manuals for decades. The CVT, especially with Eyesight, makes the freeway driving around here much easier.

What model years are you looking at? There was a big change for the 2018.

 

Subarus don't lose much value, so the cost delta between a low mileage CPO and new isn't that much. If going used I'd wouldn't worry about CPO personally.

 

I've been looking at a 2016 or 2017. The few I've come across, have around 30k and a few are CPOs. I like the idea of a certified vehicle in case there is an issue.

 

If you can find one that still has the 3yr warranty you can buy an extended warranty from Subaru...

 

Thanks. I will look into that.

 

As AstroKats mentioned, there was a big change beginning in model year 2018. Although the exterior looks roughly the same as the 2016-2017, the 2018 is on a whole new platform which was a big improvement from the previous generation. For example, Consumer Report's Road Test score for the Crosstrek took a big leap from 2017 to 2018 - from 74 to 87. So you might want to opt for a 2018 if you can swing it. Either way you'll be avoiding the annoying Auto Stop/Start "feature" coming to the 2020 model.

 

You should take it to an Indy Subaru shop to have a pre- purchase inspection done. It's worth the 1 or 2 hour shop rate for him to tell you exactly what he thinks of the shape both mechanically and any bugs in the electronics , as that is where the big bucks start. You can disable the start/ stop feature but you would have to do it every time you shut it off.

 

Can’t figure out how to start an inquiry, so forgive me for piggybacking off this one, I’m looking at a 2014 Hybrid with 80k, what should i look out for? Questions I should ask a Tech that would inspect it before purchase? I appreciate any guidance!

 

I believe the hybrids have 3 batteries to be checked.

 

I want to thank everyone for their help. I will post the results as I start my search.

 

Get ready for a very rough ride if deciding on crossteck
The cvt transmission is already shuttering my 2019 crossteck bucks in slow traffic. If you had both knees done I’m guessing you have significant stature, the seats are so uncomfortable and do not support much weight, no lumbar support and so much give 8n the seat you be wearing them out fast . I suggest 2016-2018 Honda CR-V , easier to get I and out of especially having both knees or just older I age. Plus better visibility in the CR-V and much smoother ride
. Try putt8ng a water bottle or cup f coffee in cup holders and see how insecure the fit is and expect making mess or just getting orated when you driv8ng and braking as your drink spills and moves constantly in the cup holder. If your olmthen you gonna have hard Tim plunging inyiunphone jack as it unreachable in the tiny center console. In the crossteck. Insight sunlight the dashboard mirrors onto the windshield making driving in right sun annoying as
You see reflection of the blacktop

 

I suggest 2016-2018 Honda CR-V , easier to get I and out of especially having both knees or just older I age.

Beware: https://www.consumerreports.org/car...ports.org/car-recalls-defects/honda-extends-warranty-on-troubled-turbo-engines/

 

6'2', 250 pounds, close to geezer (69) and absolutely no trouble getting in and out of my 'Trek or with seat comfort. My sister bought an Impreza and I feel like I'm getting into a go-kart.

 

6'2', 250 pounds, close to geezer (69) and absolutely to trouble getting in and out of my 'Trek or with seat comfort. My sister bought an Impreza and I feel like I'm getting into a go-kart.

Yup, it's great to have a car with such high seats, rather than a "lowrider", LOL!

 

About the only real difference is that the certified car will probably come with some kind of added warranty which you may value. Its unlikely that you are going to detect much during a test drive unless it misbehaves badly. I do take test drives but the thing I spend time on is looking over the body for paint repairs, uneven panels gaps and the like and avoid those cars. We once had a choice of two Forestors (same price) one with fairly obvious bad panel gaps on one side. The salesman was surprised when I took the higher mileage car , which I thought was in better condition.

We have had Subies in the family since 2001 (WRX, Forestor XT, Forestor (x2) and an XV and have just had routine servicing apart from my daughters 2007 that just got some new rear wheel bearings. We have bought certified cars, private cars and new cars and they have all proven reliable (but we do service them properly)

 

I think the eye sight features on my 2018 Crosstrek Limited work pretty well.
I purchased the car because I have just reached "geezerdom" and appreciated the safety features and greatly improved 2018 structure. Eye Sight isn't as nice as my daughter's Tesla, but it's pretty good.
The MPGs were considerably lower than expected and reported by the car's computer, perhaps more nearly similar to other AWD cars I thought it bested.
The seats have been comfortable for me and wife as far as getting in and out and long trips.
While I like the way the car handles the car seems to have motions that make it easy for my spousette to get car sick and this has been a surprise and real problem for long trips.
I've been surprised by the concern about using chains on my car, given the car's reputation for light off roading. Very little clearance between the tire rim combination and brake lines/fenders/mudguards, although honestly I found snow cables that appear to work. Haven't used them other than test them though. Probably not a problem.
I've been a bit surprised at the recent recalls and rumors of recalls for a car I purchased for reliability although "reliability" is more of a statistical thing and not an individual car thing. Even my wonderful Corolla had a recall.
My CVT transmission seems to have worked flawlessly for my 20,000 driving miles something I was a bit worried about. It shifts well, the car pulls a small trailer easily and it is easy to manually shift with the paddles...as the sky diver says on the way out of the plane "So far, So good."
I purchased a Subaru partially cause I was impressed with the safety, claims of Subaru being a "green" company, good clearance for light off roading, and good mileage/reliability. It has proved to have two of those features, good clearance/safety systems and I would say I made a mistake thinking Subaru was a "green" company and having confidence in the MPG claims. Oh yeah, it can tow a light trailer well too.
I've got an orange 2018 and it seems to draw a number of excited reviews by younger folks who like both the style and the color. My two teenage granddaughters now openly covet my car with: "Grampops you are such an environmentalist isn't it time for a new electric car? How 'bout a mid-engine Corvette for your seventies? It would sure be a safe car for me to drive to college with next year" and other nonsense. I tell them I don't have enough extenstion cords for an electric car but I would like to test drive a 'vette with 1000 hp electric motors at each wheel even if I can't put chains on it. Having driven with the oldest I'm not sure all the Eye Sight and structural integrity in the world might be enough and I'm recommending they get a used army half track to drive to school with. Ah well.