[AA9ZZ]

I am looking seriously at a 2012 or wait for the 2013 Equinox. My other option is the new Subary Impreza Five door. Sell me on the Equinox over the Subaru. I see positives with both. When will the 2013 be released?

 

[NoobNox]

Well, I've never been a Subarau kind of guy...but I assume when you say "5 door" you mean the Outback? If so then I'll list the positives for both based purely on specs..

Outback postives vs Equinox-
1. The MSRP is lower, however it all depends on options that are important to you.

2. Subaru is known for their excellent AWD system

3. Lower curb weight and overall size (handling should be good, and garage height won't be an issue)

4. Manual transmission available

Equinox positives vs Outback-
1. More recent redesign, 2 years ago vs 4 for the Outback...more visually striking inside and out. (subjective)

2. More power (182hp vs 170hp) yet higher EPA rated fuel economy

3. More rear seat legroom and cargo space with seats folded

4. Nearly 2 inches more ground clearance

Basically it comes down to which one meets your needs best, Like I said I'm not a Subaru guy, (never owned one) but I know they have a reputation for being a little utilitarian, however that seems to be changing in recent years. Subaru also has an excellent reputation for reliability/build quality. If I were you, I would visit both dealerships and do extensive test drives of both..

 

[scottb]

for 4 cylinder towing capacity on outback 2700 lbs vs equinox/terrain 1500...

admittedly i am prone to buyers remorse...but i have terrain and kind of wish i had gotten outback...mainly for towing capacity...someone reminded me that outback is mine sport ute and terrain and equinox are crossovers...

subaru web site shows following for ground clearance (inches)

outback 8.7
equinox 7.8
terrain 6.9

 

[NoobNox]

for 4 cylinder towing capacity on outback 2700 lbs vs equinox/terrain 1500...

admittedly i am prone to buyers remorse...but i have terrain and kind of wish i had gotten outback...mainly for towing capacity...someone reminded me that outback is mine sport ute and terrain and equinox are crossovers

Even though they are sometimes listed as competitors, I consider them different types of vehicles. The Outback is essentially a wagon (or estate depending on where you live) with decent offroad/good all weather capability, and the Equinox/Terrain are better people haulers. I bought my Equinox with that in mind...if I really had something to tow I wouldn't choose either the Nox or Outback for that chore.

 

[scottb]

i mostly agree with above...i added ground clearance in my last post in this thread.

problem i have is that i haul my boat like twice a year and i only go like 2 miles...not much...but dealer told me both 4cyl and 6 had same chassis and tranny. which is not true...

 

[NoobNox]

i mostly agree with above...i added ground clearance in my last post in this thread.

problem i have is that i haul my boat like twice a year and i only go like 2 miles...not much...but dealer told me both 4cyl and 6 had same chassis and tranny. which is not true...

Same chassis, different tranny.

 

[AA9ZZ]

What about cost of operation for the Equinox? Four or five hundred bucks for every 15 or 20K for the Subaru service is outrageous. What is the service schedule for the equinox like?

 

[k9kuz]

Phil, I see we are 'almost' neighbors. I did what you are doing, plus looked at others from Honda, Mazda, Toyota, Hyundai, Ford, etc. My goals, in order of importance, were: 1. ability to climb my hilly driveway in winter. 2. Lots of space for my electronic gadgets, especially in center console area. 3. Ride quality. 4. Price.
It wasn't hard, the Equinox won easily. So:
1. for my winter driveway - V6 and AWD.
2. lots of room in the console (Yaesu).
3. ride comes close to xyl's Lexus.
4. discounts, plus GM supplier/employee/relative discount.($1250); and the best by far, trade in for my old toyota (beat the others by $2K).
Very pleased with the rear seat room, much better than Lexus. But wish the luggage area was wider.
Mounting new Diamond dual-band fold-over next week with permanent roof top mount. Power leads are run for 2 rigs. Looking at options for HF: mag mounts do not perfectly line up with flat spots in roof; and the roof rails are a bit too big for the bolt-on mounts. I'll come up with something.
I am extremely pleased with the fuel usage: 17 mpg city and 24-26 hiway at 65., now with 3K miles.
As for maintenance:
Let's look at the Corvette: oil change every 5K ($70). Then nothing until about 40K, when you change anti-freeze ($80). Tranny fluid at 100K. A couple of air filters along the way. That's about it for scheduled maint. I am not a believer in tire rotation, brake inspections, etc.
PS: bought my EQ in Indiana, ordered it with the exact options/colors etc.

 

[NoobNox]

What about cost of operation for the Equinox? Four or five hundred bucks for every 15 or 20K for the Subaru service is outrageous. What is the service schedule for the equinox like?

Seriously? The actual figures will vary by where you live/what things you do for yourself etc....but using the maintenance calculator on Edmunds the upcoming 20k mile service on my Nox is estimated at $163.52 before tax.

 

[grometsc]

I am looking seriously at a 2012 or wait for the 2013 Equinox. My other option is the new Subary Impreza Five door. Sell me on the Equinox over the Subaru. I see positives with both. When will the 2013 be released?

Most are talking about Outback...You are looking at Impreza 5-door wagon

http://autos.yahoo.com/subaru/impreza/2011/2-5i-5-door/

Just drive one of the non-turbo 4-bangers with the 4-speed and you will purchase something else. I wanted a turbo-charged Forestor (this is my first N/A engine in years), the automatic they use is something similar to what I would drive in a mid 80's car (cannot get the manual w/ turbo lol). Then add the interior...The interior of the Nox won me over vs what I was looking at.

Nobody should really have to "sell" you over to this side if you actually compared the cars ;D