We've been driving AWD Subarus since the very early 1990s - no better reasonably energetic and economical vehicle with the ability to handle any road condition running All-Season radial tires. Other cars may look sexier; but when it comes to just driving through 2 feet of snow....well!
I always swore to be an AWD Subaru driver, but after an accident and not the patience to shop around, I got a Toyota RAV at CarMax. I drove a Subaru first, and it was OK, but when I sat in the Toyota, it was much more comfortable. Comfort over loyalty.
Funny you should write this just as I’m feeling a longing for my BMWs. And yes, I love my little manual Mazda hatchback, but I miss the prowess of the BMW.
We let it go at a difficult time, when John and I didn't have the time the energy to troubleshoot the transmission issue it developed at 247,000 miles. If we had had space to simply park it for a few months, we could have done that, but alas.
You're very kind. Reading the Car and Driver of the 80s and 90s helped me learn to write as much as my voracious reading did! I've never written for them, though.
There is some psychology to a car type. I used to always buy white compact and subcompact cars, because I knew that the color was more visible on the road. But I was always getting bullied, passed, etc., even if I was going the same speed. It was infuriating to be passed, only to see the car slow to my speed or less after it was in front of me. Which created a passing game that was infuriating. They usually didn't even realize they were doing it -- they just assumed that a smaller white car needed to be passed, and then zoned out, automatically slowing in front of me.
I finally got a dark blue subcompact. Right away I noticed a difference. It cut the behavior down about 50%. People are strange, aren't they?
Also, are the formerly popular "cat amusement videos" still around? Some people kept them on all day while at work so that their cats could watch them. Perhaps Whitsun has elite tastes and bores at goldfish?
I drive a very aged 4Runner- it turns, it parks, it works in snow and off-road, has taken me cross country and in wild places in the mountains and desert. I could not love it more.
We've been driving AWD Subarus since the very early 1990s - no better reasonably energetic and economical vehicle with the ability to handle any road condition running All-Season radial tires. Other cars may look sexier; but when it comes to just driving through 2 feet of snow....well!
I always swore to be an AWD Subaru driver, but after an accident and not the patience to shop around, I got a Toyota RAV at CarMax. I drove a Subaru first, and it was OK, but when I sat in the Toyota, it was much more comfortable. Comfort over loyalty.
Funny you should write this just as I’m feeling a longing for my BMWs. And yes, I love my little manual Mazda hatchback, but I miss the prowess of the BMW.
What happened to the BMW? Natural causes, I hope? I lost my 2006 Element last spring and I grieved like I lost a pet.
We let it go at a difficult time, when John and I didn't have the time the energy to troubleshoot the transmission issue it developed at 247,000 miles. If we had had space to simply park it for a few months, we could have done that, but alas.
Shoot, it's too early to type on my phone and I have typos.
I'm sorry to hear it. That must have hurt. But 247k! It's a good innings.
Have you ever written for Car & Driver? Consumer Reports auto edition? If you haven't, you could! Enjoy your eclectic tastes, and watching Whitsun.
You're very kind. Reading the Car and Driver of the 80s and 90s helped me learn to write as much as my voracious reading did! I've never written for them, though.
There is some psychology to a car type. I used to always buy white compact and subcompact cars, because I knew that the color was more visible on the road. But I was always getting bullied, passed, etc., even if I was going the same speed. It was infuriating to be passed, only to see the car slow to my speed or less after it was in front of me. Which created a passing game that was infuriating. They usually didn't even realize they were doing it -- they just assumed that a smaller white car needed to be passed, and then zoned out, automatically slowing in front of me.
I finally got a dark blue subcompact. Right away I noticed a difference. It cut the behavior down about 50%. People are strange, aren't they?
Also, are the formerly popular "cat amusement videos" still around? Some people kept them on all day while at work so that their cats could watch them. Perhaps Whitsun has elite tastes and bores at goldfish?
I always very much enjoy when you write about cars.
I drive a very aged 4Runner- it turns, it parks, it works in snow and off-road, has taken me cross country and in wild places in the mountains and desert. I could not love it more.
That BMW is one good-looking car.
I now drive a very elderly Sebring convertible; I always went for sporty over hefty, but I'd make an exception for your ride. 😁
I love my Mazda 3, but how did you get one with a stick shift? I miss shifting.
I bought it from a car enthusiast friend out east. He'd bought it new. Mazda is one of the few car makers who still make some stick shift cars