I have 2 kids, would an Outback work for me?

[BigMattyD]

The Tribeca is a little ugly, and it is too expensive with not much more room. I need to buy a used vehicle, due to my finances, and I have had too many problens with Chrysler, both my own vehicle, and friends/family.

 

matt

[The Dude]

I'm on my second Forester, and I agree that a Legacy would be a much better choice for carrying backseat passengers. I previously owned a Dogde Caravan, and I can say that a Forester holds probably about a third as much as a minivan. However, overall a Forester is a much higher quality vehicle than a Caravan, and is a real pleasure to drive. For under $1,000, I purchased a flatbed trailer for my Subaru. I now feel that I have almost all the advantages of a full sized pickup truck with none of the liabilities. Full sheets of plywood, bales of straw, landscaping timbers..... no problem. Drop the trailer and I'm back to a fun, excellent handling car.

[Thirties]

I am getting tired of the problems with my 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan. It is a nice ride, very roomy, but not reliable enough for me. I am having problems with the electronics, and have more rust than I should. I want to get rid of it and get another Subaru for my family.

 

Does anyone with kids drive an Outback Wagon? Is there enough room for little tots and cargo room for trips, etc? Any advice would be appreciated!!!

 

Matt D

 

I love my brand new Outback wagon, but to be honest, there is not much leg room in the rear. If your kids are young, fine. If they are teenagers, you should take a test drive for sure.

[ericem]

well im sure the front seats can be moved up a little.

[Spacinjason]

I'm have 2 kids in car seats and I'm able to pack quite a bit for trips in my Baja. If I can do that, I think an Outback would work for you. It won't have the space of your minivan, but it should be ample. Like someone else said, you could use a storage container on the roof. Or if it has a hitch, use one of those hitch mounted storage racks that fits behind the car. Probably a pain to get the back hatch open with one of those though.

The only drawback to travelling in my Baja is that I don't have a cover for the back, so my gear/luggage is exposed to weather and to thieves. You would have your gear enclosed in the back at least.

Nice thing is that you won't have the mechanical problems you're experiencing with your Chrysler product. I had a Dakota Quad Cab before my Baja, and while it was a cool truck and larger then my Baja, it seemed like something was always going wrong with it.

Just my .02 cents. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

Spacinjason

'06 Baja Turbo MT:burnout:

[Ranger83]

We had 1-3 kids with Outbacks (2 97's and now an 06), and also have a 99 Caravan (not Grand) Sport and a 05 Nissan Quest (giant minivan).

 

We haven't had many problems with our Caravan and the flexibility of a minivan (folding, removable seats, walkthrough, sliding doors etc) is tough to beat.

 

The Subaru drives better, gets slightly better mileage, and has enough room for most weekend trips.

 

We also have a Yakima RocketBox. This gives another 16 cu feet for trips. If you are just getting one for the OBW I'd get a model that is wider and shorter, as the OB tailgate can be opened but hits the back of it, at least on older models.

 

The Quest is a whole nother story. It is faster and gets better mileage than the 4 cyl OBW's or the Caravan. It's actually fun to drive. Like other new "minivans" it's also huge, though. That Nissan V6 is a great engine.

 

Another guy at work with two kids just sold his OBW and bought a Mazda5.

[unverviking]

funny you ask this... Had an 01 OBW and found that it was too small with a 5 year old and an 8 month old. Traded it in late April for a Montana minivan. I like the Montana, great room, nice fold down rear seat, 8 passenger (3 captains in the 2nd row) and a nice ride. Getting the same gas mileage as the OBW. BUT I MISS IT TERRIBLY... But family first...

 

I could have gone for the cargo box ont he top, but then no place to put the bikes when camping... Still got my Subaru bike rack though...

 

Good luck to you on making your choice...

 

I thought about the Toyota/Honda minivans, too expensive... The new 07 Hyundai looks decent (not seen in person)

[BigMattyD]

My wife and I took our kids' car seats to the used car dealer today and test drove a 2003 Outback wagon with 65,000 miles. We liked it, and found that the car seats fit pretty well. We will probably need a cargo box to pack for long trips, but I think it will be fine.

 

We will probably pick it up on monday. Thanks to all who replied.

 

Matt

[ericem]

NO! problem! good luck. a new addition to the family

[subie94]

you'll have to post some pics of the new addition to the family...

[BigMattyD]

Update: We brought home the new wagon last night. I will post some pics. Everything seems great. I plan to upgrade the fluids to synthetic and add a trailer hitch and trans. cooler. Also might get a cargo box for the roof for trips.

 

matt d