patrick.net

I'd vote for Subaru. As far as I know, they are still assembled in Japan, a big plus for solidity. I have a Forester and I really like it.

I know that invites scorn, but I used to have marquis luxury cars and I like the Subarus I have owned better. Plus, aside from routine maintenance, you don't really need to pay much attention to it and all the bits on mine lasted forever. I could afford just about any car I want nowadays, but really don't care that much any more. I just want something as carefree and reasonably comfortable as possible and Subaru fits the bill (Oh, and the four wheel drive. If it saves you one accident or serious jam in its lifetime, it is worth it).

They have reasonable wheel clearance, and 3500 lb towing, and I think the console screens on some are 11 inches.

Would you really want to buy a car built under Commie Worldwide dominion, where everything fails and every employee is put there as a social experiment?
To boot, they have never been more expensive for what you get.

Off the list, but I'd go Toyota 4 Runner. Might have to go used for comparable pricing to the other 3, but it's a solid car. That checks all the boxes for rough road and towing by a long shot. Only thing is I don't think the screens are that big. I really don't find a use for them. I get the suction cup mount for my phone.

On my Armada the phone is just above the steering wheel and I can operate it with my left hand without taking my hand off the wheel. Not suggesting an Armada as it's not fun driving in the city and not gas friendly, but I don't do that. More the suction suggestion.

I'm not fond of those infotainment screens. I'm a paranoid driver and can't stand it when I get a rental car and you have to run everything through it. You're looking at the center and down of the car. Your eyes are 100% off the road when operating it. I've got deer running all over, especially this time of year with harvesting. Even the occasional loose cow. Oh and other drivers are just shitty. I don't need to be looking at that screen.

If you're used to a window crank, not sure why you'd want a big infotainment screen. Not a dig, just saying those two things don't add up. I prefer cars with the knobs for heat/cool/zones. Once you memorize the car you don't have to take your eyes off the road. And get the phone off your left side closer to your face.

The only experience I've had is with the Subaru, not that specific model. I'm too big for them (tall). I definitely cannot sit in the back seat of any of the ones I've been in. Or the drivers seat doesn't slide far enough back. That's true for all Asian made cars though. I'm no giant at 6'3", but the cars are designed for 5'7" to 5'10" people at tallest. No leg room usually in the back (for me).

All Subarus are made in Indiana.

Between Japanese and Korean I would always buy the Japanese make car.

Among Japanese cars, I would find a Toyota which can go over the dirt roads. I think Rav 4 is the model for this.

I had a 1998 Toyota Tacoma which I sold in 2020; it's still running well at 300,000 miles. The guy I sold it to beats it, and it's not giving in to his abuse.

Agree on Jap vs Ko. Still don't trust Korean brands despite all the (paid) chatter about them "coming a long way". They still have many engine issues, they have a rep of being easy to steal, meaning even if the latter is not true anymore the idiots will still try and damage shitload of stuff in the process.

Some Subarus are assembled here, but Crosstrek it appears is still assembled in Japan. The wilderness models have some additional wheel clearance and look nice with their girding.



https://www.reddit.com/r/subaru/comments/x3ktus/are_japanese_made_subies_more_reliable_than/

I used to be a fleet manager for a big car rental company and can tell you that there aren't any better built cars than Japanese. Toyota is the best. Koreans have come a long way, but they still make a lot of mistakes and put out cars with failing parts. Ford sucks. Most American cars don't last long.

Ceffer says

Some Subarus are assembled here, but Crosstrek it appears is still assembled in Japan. The wilderness models have some additional wheel clearance and look nice with their girding.



https://www.reddit.com/r/subaru/comments/x3ktus/are_japanese_made_subies_more_reliable_than/

This is weird: I can swear I saw Crosstrek parked on display in front of their indiana factory among the other models they make there.

Eric Holder says

This is weird: I can swear I saw Crosstrek parked on display in front of their indiana factory among the other models they make there.

All you have to do is ask and get a model that is still manufactured and assembled in Japan. My 2004 WRX was manufactured in Japan and was solid as a rock for the 16 years I had it. Never had a squeak or rattle. It was examined and tested when I traded it in and still registered pretty mint. The only thing it ever had was a gasket for the turbo at 60K, and the fan lost a setting, but everything else in the car was original (except tires of course) and it was in great operating condition.

WookieMan says

On my Armada the phone is just above the steering wheel and I can operate it with my left hand without taking my hand off the wheel. Not suggesting an Armada as it's not fun driving in the city and not gas friendly, but I don't do that. More the suction suggestion.

Nissans hurt my ass after about an hour. It's funny, but true. Pathfinder, Rogue, haven't driven an Armada longer than a test drive, but something about the seats on both the Rogue and the Pathfinder - recent models - numb my ass. Only cars it happens in. I have no problem with anything else about them.

Might just be me, I drive in a very rigid position with little slouching or lean back.

Looking more and more like the Forester. I like the small HUD display on the 2024 Wilderness, also the sunroof and the back vents for the kiddos and a little extra cargo space. Crosstrek is nice, made in Japan, but I dunno if their 2025 Wilderness trim is coming soon enough since my lease is ending in a couple of months.

I almost don't want to buy a new vehicle at this point because Toyota or Honda and Subaru signed an agreement for some trade secret sharing; word is some hybrid Subarus are going to come online that will enhance the MPG and the low end power yet moar. Maybe I'll do a 36-month lease.

Prince Harry post herewith:
I'm presently struggling with a vehicle decision in Baja California Sur.
I'm torn between Suzuki Jimny, Nissan Frontier Prox 4x4, and Toyota Hilux diesel 4x4.
The best and toughest is Toyota Hilux, but it only comes with a diesel engine, it's about $40,000.
The Nissan is in the middle, at $37,000 USD.
The Jimny is cool and is just $25,000 USD.
The basic standard/stick transmission Hilux is awesome and just about $26,000 USD.
95% of the time I won't use 4x4 drive, but I have gotten out of a jam with a Jeep by putting it into 4 wheel drive.
Off the subject, the Nissan salesgirl was the most perfect example of womanhood I have ever seen and I've seen a few.
She was like a smaller version of Rita Hayworth or Sofia Vergara's younger sister (if she had one).

clambo says

The Nissan is in the middle, at $37,000 USD.

I've had great luck with Nissan. That would be my vote. Probably couldn't go wrong with the Toyota either. I have no clue what a Jimny is and looked it up. I wouldn't touch that at that price new. I know American regulations are tougher, but it's not a road worthy car here in the states.

Also no clue about Diesel down there. Hence my choice is the Nissan. I haven't been to that part of MX but from what I've heard it's pretty rugged and rural outside of the coastal towns.

I'll eventually get to that area at some point.

Huh, this 2024 (last model year avail) Forester Wilderness is Japan Made.


Also interesting factoid about US Towing Regs. Europe typically rates 15% higher, Australia typically rates at 30% higher than the USA. Make of that what you will. Same exact Japan-made vehicles compared.

Ex: https://www.carsguide.com.au/subaru/forester/towing-capacity/2024

The US towed max is 1500lb on most Forester Trims except the Wilderness. Almost half as much

Yeah, these Jeeps are fake Macho. Just went through to see what's under $15k, just to drive something for a couple of years until the car market crashes. Badass looking 2017 Jeep Patriot High Alt tows... 1000lb and has a 150hp engine. Apparently being designed for high altitude doesn't translate into any low-end torque, or the suspension is real weak.

I can't get over the crack smoking on used vehicles. 3-7 year old models with well over 60k miles up to 120k miles, aren't 50% of the current models. Often the lower trims are only a few thousand more with no miles and the full warranty length. It's batshit crazy.

WTF would I pay $25k at 7% for a 2019 with 70k miles when I can get the highest trims on a 24/25 for well under $40k at 4%?

Well, dealers can enjoy the lot rot.