May have to replace...

[upstatedoc]

...the '04 MDX with something that gets waaaay better mileage.

It needs to have 4WD/AWD and be able to fit my single-stage snowblower in the back.

Looking at the Subaru Forester, anyone have any suggestions?

[TSi+WRX]

^ You'll need to go with the non-turbo, if gas-mileage is to remain respectable...

I've been told that the non-turbo, even when saddled with an automatic, still returns with pretty good in-city pickup, likely due to the gearing - and that it feels decently peppy.

[stray444]

^ You'll need to go with the non-turbo, if gas-mileage is to remain respectable...

I've been told that the non-turbo, even when saddled with an automatic, still returns with pretty good in-city pickup, likely due to the gearing - and that it feels decently peppy.

Yeah my cousin has the first generation (1997-2002) Forrester in 5mt and it get around 20mpg.
I'd drive one.

I can't stand the new Forrester though, too SUV-ish.

[upstatedoc]

Yeah my cousin has the first generation (1997-2002) Forrester in 5mt and it get around 20mpg.
I'd drive one.

I can't stand the new Forrester though, too SUV-ish.

^^ The EPA ratings for the '09 Forester are 20 city/ 26 hwy.

The MDX gets 19-20 hwy.

[PMoth]

Blame ethanol content for poor gas mileage and increased fuel cost. Better for the environment, but worse for our pockets. I pray for the day we get an "public" ethanol station here in northern CT.

On topic:
That Forester is a pretty good choice. I can't really think of anything German that will give you >= fuel economy. How's the RDX with fuel. I know it's turbocharged but I would imagine that it is better on fuel than the MDX. It's also probably $10-15K more than the Forrester.

[hockey005]

u could get the new WRX STi cuz thats awd and a hatch

[PMoth]

u could get the new WRX STi cuz thats awd and a hatch

Trunk isn't big enough to hold the snow blower. Plus, that car is a dog. By far the worst STi I've ever driven!! They can't even sell them here in CT. I've seen em for 3K+ below msrp.

[hockey005]

i no the new STi's and Evo's suck....subaru and mitsubishi completely ruined 2 of the greatest cars on the road

[xXCriticizeXx]

i no the new STi's and Evo's suck....subaru and mitsubishi completely ruined 2 of the greatest cars on the road

indeed. I test drove both and IMO the 05 STI was/is the best and the new evo just doesn't compare to the older one.

[PMoth]

indeed. I test drove both and IMO the 05 STI was/is the best and the new evo just doesn't compare to the older one.

Actually, 06 was the best year (suspension wise and overall feel) for the track enthusiast of the STi here in the States. 04s were the most tail happy because of that generously variable diff ratio. 05's were more reliable than 04's because they weren't blowing and locking rear diffs like crazy but they limited the rear torque bias. 06 had the revised front with noticeably less cabin noise and body resonance. It also shared suspension bits with the Spec C, and it felt awesome. 07's were the most power capable because of the revised turbo, heads, and better ECU. But unfortunately, the Spec C suspension components were changed. I had a deposit on an STi limited because it was an awesome car. For 08, the car is supposedly lighter but the engine has been severely neutered in stock form. Reduced redline and totally unresponsive characteristics. The ride was pretty comfortable in comparison to other years. I was just totally unimpressed having driven the e46 m3 10 minutes prior.

On topic:
So far, it's still looking like the Forrester is the best choice.