A Snowboarder’s Car, Finally

09' Subaru Impreza Outback Sport

I recently got a new toy. The perfect car for next winter, and many to come, an 09′ Subaru Impreza Outback Sport. I’m super excited that I won’t have to stay home on a snow day (from snowboarding, not work) and that I don’t have to throw money at car repairs for a long time. My old car was a Dodge Intrepid, rode comfortably, but horrible in the snow and too big for me. I had constant problems with it, so this new one was in the works for a while. I actually saw the redesigned 08′ in a 2007 AASI magazine and decided I wanted it then. So, yeah, a long time coming. It came standard with the crossbars, heated seats, upgraded sound system and audio controls on the steering wheel. I have the all-weather mats (a necessity) and the i-pod interface which all came with a little extra discount since I’m an AASI member. I love it so far on dry and wet roads and can’t wait to test it in the snow!

Subarus and Snowboarding, Oh My!

As a member of the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI), I receive newsletters, magazine and clinic invites and info. Now, I got the Early Fall Snow Pro in my inbox and instead of doing work, I read. This year, in an effort to raise money for snowsports education, AASI and PSIA are trying to raise money by having a 50/50 raffle.

First Prize…A Brand New 2009 Outback Sport!

I’ve been dreaming of owning a Subaru for a few years, and am aggressively paying down my debt and saving so I can get rid of my Dodge Intrepid and get my dream car. Someone in my complex just got the Subaru Outback in black, and I want to steal their car. But, I won’t. I’ll drive my grandma car around for another year or so and I will definitely be buying a raffle ticket for this contest.

If you don’t know what AASI or PSIA are, go here and if you love skiing and snowboarding, you might as pass on your passion to someone else.

Subaru vs. Toyota

You should know what that means, if not, I can’t help you. My current car, a poorly made 2004 Dodge Intrepid, has been giving me problems since I got it. Excessive oil sludge build-up, antifreeze leak, flat tires and the list keeps going. It seems like it’s going to dig me deeper than I thought. It was given to me, so no payments, just insurance. But the repair costs seem never ending. I change my oil regularly, but the brilliant people at Dodge/Chrysler build shitty cars. End of story.

I’m taking it to a cousin who is going to tell me whether to have a bonfire or hold on a little while longer. In the mean time, I’ve been looking into my finances and some cars. It has come down to Subaru or Toyota. Opinions anyone?

Subaru I’m a fan of what they represent and the pretty reliable cars they build and stand by. Also, you can get a lot of car for less.

Toyota also builds reliable cars, and I have 2 family mechanics that live by them. They offer AWD, but at a higher price tag.

Subaru or Toyota?

My thoughts were Subaru Impreza 5-door, Toyota Matrix or Toyota Corolla. I would like to stick with Subaru, and preferably used, unless I could get some super crazy deal like $0 down, 0% and use my AASI discount toward a new 08, but back to reality.

I don’t have money to put down, or what I do have I would like to keep as my little cushion. Little as in like pin cushion.

Last resort…can anyone start a car fire so I’m not at fault and my insurance kicks me some $$$?