The Crosstek and Impreza interiors are very cheap and plastic-y, however, and they've been having a LOT of those CVTs fail like clockwork before 60k miles. So many that they've been forced to extend the powertrain warranties on a lot of 2010+ models to 10 years/100k.

I actually know somebody on another forum that has one Crosstek and one other Subaru (think it might be an Impreza, but don't remember), and had three transmissions replaced between them--one out of pocket since it was over 100k (second replacement on that car).

Maybe the newest ones are better. Maybe they're not. Subaru went through several iterations of the head gasket failures before finally solving that issue, so I wouldn't have a ton of confidence that they've addressed this one the first time out.

 

Jill, I see that your Matrix has the independent double wishbone rear suspension (standard on the XRS trim and models with the AWD 2.4). Were you able to notice a difference in handling between the Matrix's suspension and the torsion beam rear suspension in the Mazda3? Mazda says they went to torsion beam primarily to save money and increase cargo space, but they also say that most people wouldn't notice the difference.

 

Some of what you say here is true, but, nevertheless, a huge number of people buy or lease Subarus and are quite satisfied. With the (possible) exception of the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, depending on options, the Impreza is just about the most inexpensive way to get the security of AWD.

The head-gasket issue, BTW, was on older 2.5L non-turbos...newer engines, up all about 2015, were more likely to have piston-ring issues and oil consumption.

 

I thought it handled great. Not my cup of tea. I don’t think people will notice the change out rear.

 

Yet you criticized the Verano for its rear beam suspension, despite the fact that it had an excellent ride/handling combination...and would have had an even better one with smoother, higher-profile tires.

 

I liked the old 3 but really dislike the new one. Styling is awful in my opinion.

 

Yes, the older hydraulic-steer 335i was addicting. I liked it so much I almost bought an X-drive version of it...until the horror stories of broken fuel pumps leaving you stranded started coming out.

 

He's talking about the MAZDA3 not 3-Series

 

Yes. Thanks.

 

Thanks...didn't catch that.

 

If I remember correctly, I had criticized the comment that the Verano's rear beam suspension would go unnoticed when driven back to back to a A4, 3 Series or IS Lexus. I am not sure who suggested that. The Verano which was in the economy class was a whole different segment to those others mentioned. I am quite surprised Mazda ditched the IRS, I do not think most people would notice. Perhaps the more faithful will care. I truly do not care for the class of vehicle I am looking at.

 

The beam gives the Mazda 3 more space in the back which has been criticized for being too small in the last gen. We have a touring Mazda 3 as our beater car. It was $17k fully loaded due to Mazda trying to get rid of inventory. It handles very well and the engine is decent up to 80mph. The interior is nicer than comparable civics and corollas but I think noisier. The best part of Mazda's are that they are comparatively easier to get great deals on.

 

Interesting that you would say that, considering that Civics have a history of road noise.

 

Both are pretty loud. I guess both are sportier too though.

 

The new Civics are surprisingly quiet