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How much do you think
you would have to pay for an SUV that:
- comes standard with
one of the best all wheel drive systems available
- got
a 5 star crash test rating
- was
chosen by Car and Driver magazine as the best small SUV 3 years
running
- is
EPA rated 23 city / 28 highway
Maybe
$30,000? Maybe even $35,000.
The
Subaru Forester is a steal. You can get one with automatic
transmission for as low as about $23,000.
image
credit: Subaru
What
you get:
a 173
HP engine
Subaru's flat "boxer" engine, which gives a low center of gravity.
This is important to reduce risk of rollover. The net result is that
Subaru is able to offer good ground clearance without having a vehicle
that feels tippy.
antilock brakes
daytime running lights
active head restraints (front seats). These should be on every new
car, but lots of cars in this price class don't have them. They offer additional
protection against whiplash. The head restraints automatically move
forward if the vehicle is struck from the rear.
Subaru's Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame Body structure. This includes
dual side-impact door beams.
keyless entry system and antitheft security system
About
the only popular feature that's not included at this price is aluminum
wheels. You can get those for about $600 extra.
Subaru is hugely popular with outdoor enthusiasts, so you can get
about every kind of roof rack imaginable. If you like skiing or biking
or kayaking, you're covered.
You
can also get a separator to keep your dog from coming up and licking
your face while you are driving. ($240)
The
base 2.5X is the one to get. Other packages have some leather, and we
should be trying to live compassionate lives, and avoid leather.
more fuel
efficient AWD vehicles
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