Keep the 5 or...?

[Orangutan]

I'm halfway done with payments (60 months total) on my 5 Sport AT. There's a 2012 Mazdaspeed3 with tech package still on the lot, new, near me listed for $22 (sticker $27k), which I can probably get for $21k or lower. Or I can get a Subaru Crosstrek (used, low mileage) for $19.9k, most likely $19k. The 5 has been great, but I would love to have a manual hatchback. I don't need the space of the 5 any more, though it is extremely useful. On trade-in, I could get probably 11.5 for mine, with 6k owed, leaving me with 5-6k in down payment on a new car. The Speed3 would be fun, but the Crosstrek would be more practical in most respects. The 5 would probably make the most financial sense, but the Speed3 and Subaru would hold their values much longer.

Thoughts?

 

[Vasy]

The pro reviews always say that mazdaspeed is too unrefined and too powerful for the suspension setup.
That always say that ford focus handles, delivers power and drives better
I'd go with crosstrek. Friend has it, he likes his.

 

[Silentnoise713]

I'm halfway done with payments (60 months total) on my 5 Sport AT. There's a 2012 Mazdaspeed3 with tech package still on the lot, new, near me listed for $22 (sticker $27k), which I can probably get for $21k or lower. Or I can get a Subaru Crosstrek (used, low mileage) for $19.9k, most likely $19k. The 5 has been great, but I would love to have a manual hatchback. I don't need the space of the 5 any more, though it is extremely useful. On trade-in, I could get probably 11.5 for mine, with 6k owed, leaving me with 5-6k in down payment on a new car. The Speed3 would be fun, but the Crosstrek would be more practical in most respects. The 5 would probably make the most financial sense, but the Speed3 and Subaru would hold their values much longer.

Thoughts?

Wow, 2014 is around the corner!...

If you are not looking for unnecessary power (there are trade-offs), Crosstrek get the pick. Isn't this just a lifted Impreza, or what use to be the Impreza Outback? The 4WD and added ground clearance would be a nice bonus in IN.

 

[Davicho]

My pick goes to the MS3 even though I love the looks and the AWD of the Subie a lot. Why? the XV your looking at is used, in order for it to be a manual trans it has to be the base model (which you may not mind, I would), lastly which is the most crucial point for me is the lethargic engine, it is a 2.0L with only 148hp!! That means it is slower then our 5s. The 5s curb weight is about 3400lbs and the XV is about 3100lbs. If the XV had their turbo engine there would be no questions asked but at this point I'd go with the brand new and more powerful MS3. Just my two cents.

 

[hornsfan10609]

As an enthusiast I would definitely go with the MS3, you will want to mod it though so factor in a few grand extra over the next couple years.

 

[aha]

I see that you live in midwest - it was hell during winter when I lived there, I'd go for an AWD especially a Subbie in a heartbeat. The new Subarus with CVTs get great MPG and they are still at the top when it comes to AWD. Not sure how great their manual transmission is though. Btw, have you driven the Crosstrek? The headrest is very weird, it's so uncomfortable I put it in reverse even the salesman admitted he heard that a lot but quickly pointed its safety reason to prevent whiplash. I'd add a bit more for 2014 Forester but that's me or just keep the MZ5. I'd love the MS3 but that's more like a 2nd car, not a daily driver but again I'm aged

I'm halfway done with payments (60 months total) on my 5 Sport AT. There's a 2012 Mazdaspeed3 with tech package still on the lot, new, near me listed for $22 (sticker $27k), which I can probably get for $21k or lower. Or I can get a Subaru Crosstrek (used, low mileage) for $19.9k, most likely $19k. The 5 has been great, but I would love to have a manual hatchback. I don't need the space of the 5 any more, though it is extremely useful. On trade-in, I could get probably 11.5 for mine, with 6k owed, leaving me with 5-6k in down payment on a new car. The Speed3 would be fun, but the Crosstrek would be more practical in most respects. The 5 would probably make the most financial sense, but the Speed3 and Subaru would hold their values much longer.

Thoughts?

 

[thaxman]

Unless your needs have changed (you did say they did, but...) to the point that your Mazda5 is deficient in supporting your efforts, then the best answer is to keep it. The Subie and the MS3 won't save you any gas, but one offers you more on-road fun (and liability) and the other helps you feel like you live an active lifestyle (which you probably don't live or else you already would have said that the Mazda5 is not fitting your needs). So in reality the question is this:
"Should I modify my 'car image'?" And that is a very personal question.

 

[Orangutan]

Well it's interesting because the 5 was a compromise from the start. I'm a little too tall for it (but the steering wheel too far away, just not as bad as the 3) but our family needed the cargo space at the time while I needed something relatively efficient and the wife needed something she could drive (she's 10 inches shorter than me). I still want something efficient but I want AWD/4WD back after having it before. The Crosstrek didn't exist yet, the Speed3 was way too expensive (and small), and the Outback was out of my price range (also didn't really like it). Only the Mazda fit the bill in most respects, including price. Our family is down to me, the wife, and our two medium dogs (40 pounds and 50 pounds) now. We hike, kayak, bike, and generally go do things, especially road trips. The 5 isn't even three years old and it has 51.5k miles, with trips to across the Midwest, South, East Coast, New England, and Quebec. I like the way it drives, no complaints there, but if I can get the same (or better mileage) along with the clearance and AWD of the Crosstrek so we can go down more trails more reliably, it would be nice. The Speed3 has long been a temptation, though, and even though I know it's probably too compromised of a choice, I can't shake the idea of it.

Financially? What makes the most sense? Driving the 5 until it's dead.

 

[thaxman]

We hike, kayak, bike, and generally go do things, especially road trips. The 5 isn't even three years old and it has 51.5k miles, with trips to across the Midwest, South, East Coast, New England, and Quebec.

Well, that really puts you in the minority. But it makes a real outdoorsman's car the most practical choice.

 

[microvan]

It sounds like you know what the practical choice is. Better cargo area, built in racks, AWD, and it comes in orange! The MS3 is a fun toy, but I wouldn't want it for much more than daily driving / weekend racing. I came to the Mazda5 from a Legacy wagon because I wanted something with 6 seats, and I didn't like the Tribeca. The Legacy by far had better fit and finish than this Mazda, and it was more competent and comfortable on the highway (though the 2.5 was a dog accelerating, similar to the 5). I find the 5 very twitchy at highway speeds, the flat sides easily buffeted by crosswinds, and the high revving engine can become tiresome after a few hours at high speeds. I like it well enough for in town and backroad driving, but not long trips. One thing to consider is that your financial loss will be somewhat offset by the Crosstrek's improved fuel mileage. I also liked my Legacy for ease of loading bikes and kayaks on the roof. The 5 is much higher, and I can barely hoist a tandem kayak on the roof, and it's harder to mount some bikes. But it's better than the other minivans I was cross-shopping. Of course, the Crosstrek appears higher than the wagons Subaru offers, and is higher than the low profile Legacy I had.

 

[eyeballs]

I say go with a forester or normal impreza wagon. But....honestly you can easily have you cake and eat it too. Get a forester XT, and if you must have a manual then get one used. A late model SG turbo forester can be PLENTY fast AND handle great AND be capable off-road. Oh...and primitive makes some cool stuff if you want off-road protection. Damn, I miss my subarus.

A new impreza wagon with some off-road protection aftermarket stuff would be nice if you're worried about ease of loading the roof rack. Monster crossbar width makes it easier for the other higher vehicles (plus you can carry more!).

 

[Premacy5]

If you want more room you have to get Forester XT. I would get Forester 14XT over crosstrex or even Outback. They are pretty roomy while still maintaining good efficiency and balance.

I have older Forester XT sport with 5 speed and its almost got a unicorn status in Subaru community. They are rare and maintain value very well. The 14 XT with CVT are a lot nicer family vehicle, the 04-08 have very tight rear leg room. Subaru make capable vehicle but to me the Mazda drive much better out of the box. I have to modify a lot of things on my Subaru just to make it acceptable.

Just be warned though that Subaru AWD are unstoppable on snow but without good winter tire they are a handful to drive. They still have a driving characteristic of a RWD when equipped with unsuitable tire on snow/ice.

 

[eyeballs]

Just be warned though that Subaru AWD are unstoppable on snow but without good winter tire they are a handful to drive. They still have a driving characteristic of a RWD when equipped with unsuitable tire on snow/ice.

My experiences have been much different. More than once I took my auto-x prepped wrx on worn down summer tires through forest service roads covered in snow and ice expecting things to be tricky, but I was blown away by how easy it was. A couple years ago all the roads around here were iced over, and my forester did just fine on all seasons. As long as I could put one wheel on something besides ice, I hardly had to slow down. Subaru AWD is awesome. I cannot comment on deep snow though, as I live in the southeast.

 

[thaxman]

The only problem with the latest and last gen Forester is the decided shift in target market from 20s-30s to 50s-60s. I think that's the whole reason for the Crosstek. Go with a 2nd gen (refresh) Forester XT and shop WRX catalogs for suspension upgrades.

 

[X-Tanker]

Not sure where in Indiana you are, but I was just at Tom Roush Mazda in Westfield yesterday and they had a 2012 speed3 in the showroom with $3000 OFF plastered across the windshield. I believe sticker was right at $25k. I'm sure they could be talked down some more since it appeared to be the last of any new 2012's on the lot.

As for you question, I personally would go with the Crosstrek. I've owned 3 Subarus ('02 Impreza 2.5RS, '04 Forester XT - which I wish I had kept - and '05 Legacy wagon). Loved them in the snow and never had any issues with any of them. The Forester just doesn't do it for me any more. It's more "mature" and you no longer can get a turbo with a manual. I don't have any experience with the Crosstrek, but it looks nice (I even dig the orange color) and is reasonably priced.

 

[eyeballs]

In my opinion the extra ride height and cosmetic changes on the XV are not worth the tradeoff for vehicle dynamics, bank account, and roof rack height. I doubt the extra ground clearance on the XV will make a big difference. Put a primitive skidplate and maybe even a diff protector on if there is any worry.

 

[MR6]

I have an 09 5 and a leased 12 ms3. I leased it because in truth, its not the most practical of family cars. i knew that when i got it and i wanted to be able to walk away from it clean should i come to my senses in three yrs. Well im beginning my last year with the speed and im still undecided. The car is enourmous fun and while its no 5, ive used it to haul groceries and the occasional kitchen cabinet. I also like that i can apply what i learn wrenching on both cars for the most part. Its not as harsh as the magazines say but thats a matter of personal preference and i like my cars on the stiff side. The car CAN absolutely be a torque steering monster from hell but i've learned when to expect it and how to kinda control it.

In the end, a choice between fun or practicality is tough to make. I dont envy you lol. As u can see, i caved in and have both angles covered. If i had to actually choose though, get the subaru. Your active lifestyle would suffer greatly squeezed into an ms3. The ground clearance will be an issue on trails. The dogs wont fit, period. And the gas mileage will suck becuase it just begs you to drive hard.

 

[JesseM]

If you want more room you have to get Forester XT. I would get Forester 14XT over crosstrex or even Outback. They are pretty roomy while still maintaining good efficiency and balance.

I have older Forester XT sport with 5 speed and its almost got a unicorn status in Subaru community. They are rare and maintain value very well. The 14 XT with CVT are a lot nicer family vehicle, the 04-08 have very tight rear leg room. Subaru make capable vehicle but to me the Mazda drive much better out of the box. I have to modify a lot of things on my Subaru just to make it acceptable.

Just be warned though that Subaru AWD are unstoppable on snow but without good winter tire they are a handful to drive. They still have a driving characteristic of a RWD when equipped with unsuitable tire on snow/ice.

My stepdad has an 06 XT Forester, kept outside in heavily salted area in the winter. The car is mint as far as rust goes. Great car. Turbo/engine have 150,000km and still tight. Only thing it needed for inspection were brake rotors and tie rod ends because they live on the bumpiest road in the county.

That being said, the clutch and driving characteristics do feel more truck-like. Floats like a boat over bumps, doesn't corner like a Mazda.

 

[torquelover]

I had an '08 2.5 Impreza with a manual and can't imagine how lethargic the heavier, larger profile Crosstrek with the torque-less 2.0 would be. The Forester is roomier, quieter, has a 2.5 and an extra gear in the manual trans. It's also priced pretty close to the Crosstrek.

 

[Secondtyme]

My opinion (only an opinion mind you) is to stay far away from the "new" Subarus. I own two Subies, an 04 Forester 2.5x manual and a 11 Forester 2.5 Premium manual. The 04 is one of the best cars I have ever owned, it is still going at 252K miles. My wifes 11 Forester is a good car, but is suffering because of Subarus insistence on chasing market share. All the things I love about the 04 have been surgically extracted from the 11, it drives like a 4WD Camry (and I do not mean that in a good way) The 11 also digests oil at a rate of one full quart/2000 miles, a well known and documented issue with these engines as well as the new 2.0 liter boxer. Subaru lost me as a customer when their solution to the oil use issue was to fit the 2014 MY cars with a low oil level idiot light on the dash, rather than deal with the mechanics of the problem. And for the record, an XV with the 2.0 and the CVT would make your 5 feel like a Ferrari.