Subaru XV Crosstrek

[WormGod]

So, considering trading in my '09 STi this weekend on a Crosstrek (better known as the XV). Heck, what a cooler thing to ask myself, "Do I want to drive the VX or the XV today?"

If I do go through with it, I surely will miss the STi. She is essentially light track ready with a tune, track suspension, complete aftermarket turboback, and just plain fast and fun (roughly 360hp now). But, after 70k miles commuting around the Capital Beltway with a manual 6spd tranny that is absolute torque, I need something easier and more comfortable. My left leg, which was rebuilt after a nasty accident years ago, is simply not getting better with old age, and that hard clutch is taking it's toll. I LOVE stick, but I think it's time to hang up that mantle. :(

The hardest thing will be the hp tradeoff. From 360 to roughly 170, and on an automatic CVT tranny (could opt for the 5spd manual, but that only comes in the lower end model, and again, there's that stick vs leg thing). However, the XV has some damned nice options, and for the price, I imagine all of them to be a good deal.

Already researched and been talking on an XV forum concerning "possibilities". Yes, there is a spring lift option. Yes, folks have scaled up their tire size on the CVT and been having success (not THAT big of course). And yes, I have some wild plans for a new project car.

So, from this....

http://www.motorworldhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/varis_subaru_wrx_small.jpg

https://i.chzbgr.com/maxW500/5168906752/h67A73415/

To this....

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2013-subaru-xv-crosstrek-review.jpg

Fingers crossed....

[tom4bren]

Wormy,

Good luck wit da trade. Hope it works out for ya.

I recently switched back to a stick after 7 years of driving an automatic. I don't have the knee probs that you speak of but I'm kinda regretting the decision ... at times. I too love driving a stick but at times in the DC traffic, it's a royal pain. Yesterday it took me 2.5 hours to get home from work & a conservative estimate is that I pressed the clutch in approximately 1000 times. I was over 20 miles into my commute before I ever got into 5th gear.

IMHO - yer making the right choice.

BTW, love the rims on the XV pic you posted.

[Scott Harness]

I've had my eye on those.I love Subaru's DON"T want car payments though

[Triathlete]

I am kind of liking this Subi powered beast! (https://www.factoryfive.com/kits/project-818/) :)

[evillecutter]

its like your switching from being a teenager to a grown up

[nfpgasmask]

I really like the new style wheels on those. I saw one the other day and it simply looks good. Good luck with your decision.

Bart

[vt_maverick]

We're looking hard at the Crosstrek, Outback, or Mazda CX-5 as our next vehicle, assuming we don't go used to save some depreciation costs. Have you read about the hybrid Crosstrek though? Not terribly significant gains in MPG, but it does add 13 HP and 48 lb-ft of torque to make the performance more acceptable. There are other goodies as well, like better spring rates and steering ratios. Take a look at this article:

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/alternative/1306_2014_subaru_xv_crosstrek_hybrid_prototype_fir st_drive/

So maybe wait a few months on the hybrid to appear before buying?

[vt_maverick]

There's a diesel version already for sale in the Euro market, so maybe they'll bring that here too. Also crossing fingers for a turbo version...

[eternal21]

With a modded (FBO + tune) '06 STi in the household and a 6 puck to go along w/it, I know what you mean about your left leg getting a workout *lol*.

[nocturnalVX]

?.. and a 6 puck to go along w/it...

What is that?

[Mile High VX]

My son just bought the CX-5 and loves it. My neighbor just bought the XV. It's much smaller than the Mazda and for my son's needs he made the right choice.

[WormGod]

Pulled the trigger. Traded in the STi and rolled out in a '14 XV. !@#$ing night and day. No more launches. No more flatfoot shifts. No more teenage girls whistling at me. But it was well worth it.

Fully loaded, minus the upgraded security system and remote start. SO very comfortable! Subaru is finally taking the extra step to improve interior and it shows well with the XV. Nice leather, intuitive dash design, full touchscreen, quite a bit of steering wheel integration control, FINALLY insulate against road noise (HUGE plus!), etc etc.

Now of course, at roughly 150hp, it's hardly a work horse. On the CVT, traffic merging is painful. Very painful. Coming out of a tuned STi though, I am probably just spoiled. I will get used to that. They were calling for 2 days of snow this week, but it was called off this morning. Shame.... would have loved to have broken her in FAST, heh.

In all, I got a great deal. $20k on my trade in, all put down towards the $27.8 (haggled down from $29.5). A few more bells and whistles thrown in too.

Now.... let the check book come out, more research ensure, and the fun begin. ;)

[vt_maverick]

Congrats! What color did you get?

One comment my wife made was how much better the XV would look if it had cladding that came up higher on the doors, similar to the Outback (or VX of course). Given how reluctant Bushwhacker (was that the company name Gary?) was to make those flares for the Forester, it's hard to imagine anyone would make an aftermarket version. But I wonder if a good Line-X shop could do the doors up to the scallop line and have it match the existing plastic? Something to look into maybe.

For comparison:

XV:
http://racphoto.com/booliesblog/wp-content/images/2012-12/_7D_5348_1200.jpg

Outback:
http://cars-list-db.com/icim/subaru-outback/subaru-outback-02.jpg

VX:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3282/DSC009841.JPG

[WormGod]

I got the Ice Silver Metallic. Wasn't my first choice, but seeing it in person sold me. A very deep silver with blue flake in it.

Agreed, some higher cladding type would be pretty slick. Not likely that I would Line-X it. I can live with what it is.

Sadly, someone at my work said it reminded them of the Aztek. I guess I can see "a little" resemblance, but not enough to agree. I may poison him at lunch.

[newworld2010]

So, considering trading in my '09 STi this weekend on a Crosstrek (better known as the XV). Heck, what a cooler thing to ask myself, "Do I want to drive the VX or the XV today?"

If I do go through with it, I surely will miss the STi. She is essentially light track ready with a tune, track suspension, complete aftermarket turboback, and just plain fast and fun (roughly 360hp now). But, after 70k miles commuting around the Capital Beltway with a manual 6spd tranny that is absolute torque, I need something easier and more comfortable. My left leg, which was rebuilt after a nasty accident years ago, is simply not getting better with old age, and that hard clutch is taking it's toll. I LOVE stick, but I think it's time to hang up that mantle. :(

The hardest thing will be the hp tradeoff. From 360 to roughly 170, and on an automatic CVT tranny (could opt for the 5spd manual, but that only comes in the lower end model, and again, there's that stick vs leg thing). However, the XV has some damned nice options, and for the price, I imagine all of them to be a good deal.

Already researched and been talking on an XV forum concerning "possibilities". Yes, there is a spring lift option. Yes, folks have scaled up their tire size on the CVT and been having success (not THAT big of course). And yes, I have some wild plans for a new project car.

So, from this....

http://www.motorworldhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/varis_subaru_wrx_small.jpg

https://i.chzbgr.com/maxW500/5168906752/h67A73415/

To this....

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2013-subaru-xv-crosstrek-review.jpg

Fingers crossed....


I was in the same boat when I bought my 2010 Kizashi, even though I preferred stick shift , but because of D.C traffic had to go with Auto, I at least have paddle shifter , does VX come with it?

[WormGod]

I was in the same boat when I bought my 2010 Kizashi, even though I preferred stick shift , but because of D.C traffic had to go with Auto, I at least have paddle shifter , does VX come with it?

By VX, I assume you mean, XV, heh (I too am having a hard time getting used to VX and XV). Yes, the XV has paddles. I use them religiously in traffic. Sadly, being CVT, and the "gearing" being, well, hardly gearing, down shifting in traffic is hardly down shifting. So, I have become one of those brake light zombies.

But, it's more comfortable in any case and actually quite a nice ride. I am pleasantly surprised. Recently put on the roof rails/cross bars, hood deflector, moon roof deflector, side window deflectors, PIAA hi/lo bulbs, and painted body side molding.

A little irked that Murica was the only forsaken place on this planet that could not get the XV with HID headlamps. WTF!!!

And my search for a new wheel/tire combo with lifted Forester springs has already begun. ;)

[LittleBeast]

Sadly I do see some familiar styling cues between the XV and the Aztek. No biggie, to each their own, I am glad you are liking it, and glad you are still taking care of your VX ;-)

[vt_maverick]

Pics please. :yesy:

[WormGod]

Pics eventually. :)

The Subtle lift kit should yield a 1" lift. Though, it's simply spacers, and I am not very keen on that idea. Gonna have to play it by ear on some forums for a bit. But, this is what it looks like with the kit....

http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/attachments/f155/97394d1380903950-gillman-subaru-big-5-event-bucky-lasek-david-higgins-custom-xv-crosstreks-2.jpg

[honeyblond]

So, considering trading in my '09 STi this weekend on a Crosstrek (better known as the XV). Heck, what a cooler thing to ask myself, "Do I want to drive the VX or the XV today?"

If I do go through with it, I surely will miss the STi. She is essentially light track ready with a tune, track suspension, complete aftermarket turboback, and just plain fast and fun (roughly 360hp now). But, after 70k miles commuting around the Capital Beltway with a manual 6spd tranny that is absolute torque, I need something easier and more comfortable. My left leg, which was rebuilt after a nasty accident years ago, is simply not getting better with old age, and that hard clutch is taking it's toll. I LOVE stick, but I think it's time to hang up that mantle. :(

The hardest thing will be the hp tradeoff. From 360 to roughly 170, and on an automatic CVT tranny (could opt for the 5spd manual, but that only comes in the lower end model, and again, there's that stick vs leg thing). However, the XV has some damned nice options, and for the price, I imagine all of them to be a good deal.

Already researched and been talking on an XV forum concerning "possibilities". Yes, there is a spring lift option. Yes, folks have scaled up their tire size on the CVT and been having success (not THAT big of course). And yes, I have some wild plans for a new project car.

So, from this....

http://www.motorworldhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/varis_subaru_wrx_small.jpg

https://i.chzbgr.com/maxW500/5168906752/h67A73415/

To this....

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2013-subaru-xv-crosstrek-review.jpg

Fingers crossed....

Wow! This Subaru XV Crosstrek is awesome:) Good luck with your trading transaction WormGod! I really like this vehicle too:)

[vt_maverick]

Pics eventually. :)

The Subtle lift kit should yield a 1" lift. Though, it's simply spacers, and I am not very keen on that idea. Gonna have to play it by ear on some forums for a bit. But, this is what it looks like with the kit....

http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/attachments/f155/97394d1380903950-gillman-subaru-big-5-event-bucky-lasek-david-higgins-custom-xv-crosstreks-2.jpg

Looks like front bumper wheel well trimming may be in your future to get bigger tires. How ironic... don't you think? :)

[LittleBeast]

The Subtle lift kit should yield a 1" lift. Though, it's simply spacers, and I am not very keen on that idea. Gonna have to play it by ear on some forums for a bit. But, this is what it looks like with the kit....

Hmm, well it definitely looks better with the spacers + the mudflaps. What color combo are you going with? Stock rims? I think you could definitely pull something off that looks pretty cool.

[WormGod]

Re: Trim. Nope, not gonna go so aggressive that I have to trim the bumper cover. Meaning, wheel offset and tire size will be the major player here. I may end up on skinnier cowboy tires than I would like, but, meat isn't gonna mean much on this CVT tranny anyways. Already considering a 235/65-17. Only a hair wider/taller than the OEM 225. Still researching....

Re: Color. Considering I have the Ice Silver, I am a bit more limited in what colors will work well. Definitely not black. I am not a fan of full black wheels. i may look at either gunmetal or hyper black, both which have a nice midrange between black and silver.

[WormGod]

So it has begun. Spring has sprung and checkbook in hand....

I am working with Primitive Racing in OR to build the mightiest of weakest Crosstreks. :p

Just ordered some items to lift her and get to work....

1" Primitive strut spacers
1" taller King springs
Primitive rear subframe spacers
Primitive shock extensions
Primitive brakeline brackets

Next up....

Team Dynamic 15x7 wheels

http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--Ik3-01GT--/671699213089779631.jpg

General Grabber 225(215)/70 tires

http://www.offroaders.com/tech/AT-MT-Tires/images/General-Grabber_AT-Section.jpg

Mall crawler 2.0 is officially in the works.... :D

And yes, I know, I fail.... still no pics of my Crosstrek. After it looks less like a family wagon and more like the one below, I will....

http://www.subcompactculture.com/2014/05/the-primitive-racing-subaru-xv-crosstrek.html

[bartmanS4]

Get those pics up when you have the new wheels etc on. Too bad they don't offer the turbo diesel version in the USA eh?

[WormGod]

Get those pics up when you have the new wheels etc on. Too bad they don't offer the turbo diesel version in the USA eh?

If only.... us Yankees get robbed of everything. They didn't even put HIDs in these for the states....

[WormGod]

Update:

Project is off the ground....

Yesterday, installed subframe spacers, brakeline extenders, shock extenders, and King springs. Ran into a snag with my front strut hat blocks, so I have to sit and wait for the "correct" ones to be shipped to me.

I did mount and balance the wheels and tires and put them on for a quick look. From the looks of it, I MIGHT have to get a 5mm wheel spacer for the front wheels. Will depend on alignment.

But, in all, looking good so far and it's getting there. No pics until complete!

[nfpgasmask]

It's gonna look good, Noonan! You have good taste when it comes to mods. I think you understand balance and subtlety, which imo, is very important when modding a vehicle.

Bart

[tom4bren]

... balance and subtlety, which imo, is very important when modding a vehicle.

& offset ... offset is important too!!!

[WormGod]

& offset ... offset is important too!!!

Heh.... not on this curb hopper. Offset is -8mm from stock, but I went with a thinner 215 over the stock 225 tire. Had to cut that corner in order for the taller diameter to fit the well.

A fun project though. Snags are a PITA, but I rather I get them now than when I am all done and cruising down the road.

[WormGod]

Bah, so I got my correct spacers in but sadly, the good folks at IAG can only squeeze me back in, at the earliest, on Aug 7th. Kinda bummed about that. Had I not hated working with struts, I would do it myself.... but then again, it would still need a performance alignment anyways. *sigh*

In any case, gives me a chance to brainstorm more ideas and above all else, drive the VX more. Been driving it almost every day since last Wed. Sure dont miss how it siphons gas, heh....

[don moore]

sorry..hey Gary any word on a vehicross in the new fallout?

[WormGod]

sorry..hey Gary any word on a vehicross in the new fallout?

You been reading game tabloids again? ;)

[LittleBeast]

Worm, not to take anything away from Fallout, but did you play the Destiny Beta? I played the Alpha a few weeks back and then played the Beta quite a bit as well, and I must say I am thoroughly impressed! Never have I seen a game integrate amazing first person shooter mechanics, RPG elements, MMO events, campaign, co-op campaign, character/class customization & upgrades, weapon/armor/abilities/ships customization & upgrades all into a seamlessly functioning whole unit. I am blown away with what Bungie has done with Destiny, and just wondering your official/unofficial thoughts?

[WormGod]

Worm, not to take anything away from Fallout, but did you play the Destiny Beta? I played the Alpha a few weeks back and then played the Beta quite a bit as well, and I must say I am thoroughly impressed! Never have I seen a game integrate amazing first person shooter mechanics, RPG elements, MMO events, campaign, co-op campaign, character/class customization & upgrades, weapon/armor/abilities/ships customization & upgrades all into a seamlessly functioning whole unit. I am blown away with what Bungie has done with Destiny, and just wondering your official/unofficial thoughts?

Yep, I am buddies with the lead animator at Bungie and he was generous enough to throw me a code. I played a bit of it, but never really got much time in there. I liked where it was going and what it was doing, but I never was one that got into shooters. The RPG/co-op elements are a great touch, but I still just felt like I was playing Halo with stats. I will most certainly pick it up when it ships and give it a Golden shot. Maybe its just too soon for me to really put much judgement on it. Seems like they are going for the Borderlands recipe and trying to add more ingredients. ;)

[webdog]

I have both XV and VX. XV for just over one year and just took a 1000 mile trip. Very Comfortable, 31.5 mpg overall, smooooth. Less torque than VX. My wife loves the XV but also the VX. XV great in snow and ice with Blizzaks last winter. I won't be taking the Subaru to Moab like the VX. Both should be issued to all Americans along with a pickup.

[WormGod]

Happy to announce, my lift is completed and Project XV is rolling along well. Nice, solid, stiff ride, though a bit bouncy. Quite used to that since the VX is much the same. Certainly turns some heads. Hope to get it cleaned up and get some decent pics this weekend (Subaru community has been busting my chops bad).

Webdog, glad you are enjoying it. It has yet to let me down in any weather condition and is quite a comfy car. Has the power of a HotWheels, but it handles its own. I was getting a solid 33mpg, but with the 215/70s and my Yakima rack, I am down 27. Price you pay, heh.

[VXorado]

A lift on an XV!? Got me curious...

[Hades]

Did you swap in forester/outback springs, or actually make your own kit?

[CrzyFool]

PICS OR GTFO.

Also I can't believe you traded in the STi for an XV! If I hadn't been away from this forum for two years I could have talked you out of it!

Good to see you're still at Bethesda. Was at Quake Con a few weeks back and saw your people and DOOM. :yeso:

[WormGod]

Yep, meant to grab some pics this weekend. Even threw my DSLR in my car to do so. Intention was to drive down to the local orchard and snap away. Alas, after my trip to Starbucks, I got lazy and just went home. SRY.... :(

In any case, IAG, the kick *** Subie specialist shop around my way, did snap a pic for their FB page. They did my springs and alignment, and were pretty interested in tackling the job since they had not done an XV lift yet. If you have FB, here is the link. Its really an awful pic, but it gives an idea of what I did.

https://www.facebook.com/IAGPerformance/photos/a.224255610980157.54961.185264628212589/705544902851223/?type=1&theater

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/t1.0-9/10514657_705544902851223_4466297020229104268_n.jpg

I'll get'em soon. Promise.

The kit is a custom setup. Primitive Racing makes, as far as I know, the only real functional kit:

King springs
subframe spacers
front strut spacers
brakeline extender brackets
shock extension brackets

And I picked these up on my own:
15x7-40 Team Dynamic Rally wheels
215/70 BFG Mud Terrain KM2 tires

[vt_maverick]

It looks like you could fit bigger tires if you trim your cladding. :p

[Hades]

Love the rally wheels, and quite an aggressive tire for the car.

[WormGod]

It looks like you could fit bigger tires if you trim your cladding. :p

Trimming would be IMMENSE. I already rub slightly in the back, and the front is utterly close. Sadly, the trim locations are rather structural, so that aint gonna happen. :(

Would love to see some fat arse 31x10.5s under there though. ;)

[vt_maverick]

You know somebody'll do it, may as well be you. :yesy:

[JHarris1385]

Sweet 27s you have there!

- I think you may be changing my mind about the XV. My friend really likes it and I have been on the fence about it. I like, as long as it looks less like a wagon, which you have successfully done! LOOKS GOOD!

[LittleBeast]

Sweet 27s you have there!

- I think you may be changing my mind about the XV. My friend really likes it and I have been on the fence about it. I like, as long as it looks less like a wagon, which you have successfully done! LOOKS GOOD!

Really? I mean if I was forced to drive a Subaru then this might be one I wouldn't hate as much as the others but to me I have never seen a Subaru I actually liked at all. Sorry no offense intended, I just don't see it. They all just look like rental cars to me, boring

[nfpgasmask]

They all just look like rental cars to me, boring
:laughing: Is there any mid range priced automobile that doesn't look like a rental car today?

Bart

[WormGod]

http://t3hclap.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/L-SCHLEGS4.jpg

Rental car? Seriously? :p

[JHarris1385]

I was being sarcastic about the 27s! This same friend drives an Accord daily, but does own a TJ.


Really? I mean if I was forced to drive a Subaru then this might be one I wouldn't hate as much as the others but to me I have never seen a Subaru I actually liked at all. Sorry no offense intended, I just don't see it. They all just look like rental cars to me, boring

[tom4bren]

http://t3hclap.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/L-SCHLEGS4.jpg

Rental car? Seriously? :p

Nah, not a rental car ... but it does look like it should be driven by a high school cheerleader!!!

:):):)JUST KIDDING:):):)

[nfpgasmask]

Wormy, I think the main point here is, which you already know, ALL pales in comparison to the VehiCROSS!!! ;)

Bart

[circmand]

http://t3hclap.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/L-SCHLEGS4.jpg

Rental car? Seriously? :p

Take away paint job body kit and scoop and you have

[Hades]

My wife wants one, I like them a lot, however I really don't think they have enough power. Would like to see the xt motor in it even if its with a cvt. The 2nd gen forester is the best, but too much like a volvo for the wife.

[EVO]

My buddies got one! Loves it when its not in the shop for warranty work! I'm a Mitsu EVO 9 RS fan boy myself!! I like to make corvettes cry mommy! Although I have run into some fast one's at the track they have to be running 10's or better to catch me!

[WormGod]

Well heck, everything pales in comparison to the VX!!!! :bwgy:

I defend Subaru to the bone though. Having had a tuned out, modified WRX and STi, and now this (ya, the Crosstrek is actually quite boring to look at), none of them has ever given me any issues. Whether its ABS, broken power windows, or... or.... ah, heck, the Crosstrek suffers from oil consumption ( :p ).

In any case, I still have trade-in remorse from trading in my most fabulous STi for the Crosstrek, but a fun project is an expensive, I mean, fun project.

Yes, the Crosstrek is amazingly underpowered. Amazingly! I hate that fact, but at the same time, it would compete against it's own brother, the Forester, if it had a boost. However, it does make me wish they had a Crosstrek XT pushing at least 225hp. And with the EJ255. Which is going the way of the dinosaur.... :(

[Cobrajet]

However, it does make me wish they had a Crosstrek XT pushing at least 225hp. And with the EJ255. Which is going the way of the dinosaur.... :(
https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ2nTt747oShUmLEqZLikHnGMMw-XWlest86FHyIrOp7DOOc68dARLjNvcP

[EVO]

Yeah!! Amen! I'm tired of pouring $$$$ for the garage queen!!! LOL!! I do drive my VX all the time now, so I agree the VX WINS!!!

[circmand]

https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ2nTt747oShUmLEqZLikHnGMMw-XWlest86FHyIrOp7DOOc68dARLjNvcP

there are a few out there

[WormGod]

I can always start a Kickstarter and get a Crosstrek/STi swap project off the ground....

http://egmr.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/evil-smiley.jpg

[WormGod]

Threw in the towel....

Traded it in this weekend. No matter what fun mods I did to it, it just could not truly make me happy. So, now sitting on a '15 Subaru STi. It was just a matter of time before the power urge hit me again....

[Cobrajet]

Threw in the towel....

Traded it in this weekend. No matter what fun mods I did to it, it just could not truly make me happy. So, now sitting on a '15 Subaru STi. It was just a matter of time before the power urge hit me again....

Sounds like me with my new Honda NC700X motorsickle. Looked so purty sitting in my garage, but never gave me any chills/thrills on the road, even after adding exhaust, lowering kit, smoked windshield. I did get my CBR600F4 fixed, and now I'm happy as a clam.The NC700X is being shipped to Cali for my daughter to ride (or trade in, if she so deems.)

[WormGod]

This is just so much more.... YUM.... delicious....

http://liveimages.motoring.com.au/motoring/general/editorial/ge5651013168402374313.jpg?height=700&aspect=FitWithinNoPad&width=1050

[WormGod]

THIS is my puddle hopper....

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/2015sti.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/25201)

[VXorado]

Sweet Ride!!! :thumbup:

I like the new styling on the STi.

...although the XV & VX name combo was pretty epic.

[EVO]

Looks like BIG FUN!!!!
;

[psychos2]

I traded in the xv for a 2015 wrx premium this past december. I miss the clearance of the xv but the turbo makes up for it . shawn

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/HDR.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=25456)

[WormGod]

I traded in the xv for a 2015 wrx premium this past december. I miss the clearance of the xv but the turbo makes up for it . shawn

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/HDR.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=25456)

Ya, the power certainly makes it worth it. If I want clearance, I'll just back the VX out of the garage and go for a spin, heh.

Congrats.

[dallas121469]

Steer clear of the Crosstrek IMHO. I purchased one new in 2015 owned it for 8 months and sold it. Luckily I got a good enough deal that I was able to sell it without taking a huge loss. Tried it off road and it was near useless in any kind of uneven terrain. Had the tires constantly off the ground. Is wayyyyy underpowered for doing anything except getting groceries. The CV transmission is also crap if you do any kind of driving other than taking kids to soccer practice. Wheel wells are too small for bigger tires without excessive hacking. I went back to driving my '98 ZJ and am much happier.

[WormGod]

I agree partially. Mine was fun for mudding and snow, but if you wanna crawl, yeah, not the machine of choice. As for power and tranny.... well, it's the main reason I went back to the STi. From 145hp to 305. Of course, she is tuned and modded now, so 305 is even childs play. ;)

I still like the XV. If they would at least put the N/A V6 in it, or just suck it up and go with the FA20, it would help, but I also think they know that it would then compete with the Forester too much, and they don't want that.

Then there is the funky side of me which likes the newer Levorg. Can get with the FA20, but the CVT is standard. :(

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/T_uwKjGwFwM/maxresdefault.jpg

[vt_maverick]

We have a '15 Forester XT which is stupid-fast, even with the CVT. Lifted 1.5" front, 1.75" rear a few weeks ago to put on meatier Yokohama Geolandars (the factory size are low-pros and I got sick of dealing with punctured sidewalls and poor treadlife).

Any reason why you guys went with the Crosstrek instead of the Forester? Previous generation wasn't much to look at IMHO, but the newest models look less wagon-like.

[WormGod]

I personally don't like that the Forester went from a cool Fozzy wagon to a full fledged SUV. I LOVE the old XT bricks....

http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/attachments/f93/28226d1295115681-2008-forester-2-5-xt-sports-rtoblq.jpg

I had a 2012 Forester that was pretty bare bones that I did some cosmetic stuff to. It was for my "lady at that time" that drove it, so nothing too fancy since she didn't give a flying turd about cars. More the less looked somehting like this....

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/50/df/b5/50dfb58920869b3c45189507c2d12c50.jpg

The Crosstrek kinda went back to the "wagon" roots, so it appealed to me. Again, sadly the powertrain is a wet dog. :(