After a lot of research and lots of positive input from forum members, we started looking for a Subaru Crosstrek back in June. We wanted a manual transmission model so it had to be a 2023 or older. We really liked the orange ones and spent hours searching on line for a combo or that color plus manual and with acceptable miles. As weeks turned into months, we decided we could be happy with a red or blue one if we couldn't find one in orange.

Our 1998 F150 gave up the ghost about 3 weeks ago with the frame rusting out and the the gas tank falling down due to failure of the frame. So that increased our need for a second vehicle.

Found a 2021 not far away in Ann Arbor with only 29k miles on it. Premium trim level, 6 speed manual and it looked almost new. The quandary, it was what Subaru calls Plasma Yellow Pearl which in reality is almost SigForum green Outside of not our first (or second or third) color choice, it was perfect. And it wasn't white. Today we brought it home. I think we are going to be very happy with it.


New Car 2 by Brad Benzing, on Flickr

I wore one of my Burning Man sweatshirts to pick it up. It's Ann Arbor ya know. The closer asked about the plate we were transferring which is NRA LFR. Told me he liked it, that he was a shooter and considering getting into precision rifle.

Congrats, shame you couldn't find the orange. The green is a nice 2nd.

Congratulations on your new sled. I like the color.

The burning man sweatshirt is brilliant! Congrats and enjoy the new ride!

Very nice, Brad!

quote:

Originally posted by VictimNoMore:
Very nice, Brad!

Thanks. if we do Southern Ohio ARA race next june, we will try to fit a visit in. Even if it's farther to your new digs.

Two Foresters in my driveway.

Welcome to the herd - what size Birkenstocks do you wear?

2 in my driveway, sons 2 & 3 drive em too

This message has been edited. Last edited by: sgalczyn,

Now all you need is the COEXIST bumper sticker. Firearms one is OK!

I got my first Subaru (Outback Wilderness) about two years ago, and I really like it. It's perfect for how I use it. Many happy miles to you!

Congratulations on finding a rarity! 2 or 2.5 motor?

Are you a member of The Manual Gearbox Preservation Society?

https://tmgps.org

I typically don’t care for crossover station wagon style vehicles, but for some reason have been drawn to the crosstrek and like them. I am dabbling in the buy a new car territory currently, and it would be one of my options.
I know I sound like an old fart now, but vehicles have gotten so stupidly expensive!! Even the “ economy cars” like Honda civics are new mid 20’s !

Congrats on the new car. That might be the only Subaru in existence with an NRA sticker. Great color too.

Awesome, and congrats!

My son now has my 2018 Crosstrek with manual transmission. It is an excellent car. Nothing is better in the snow, and it is fun to drive. (I only let it go because the boss insisted we help out my son who had an unreliable beater. And it was white which she greatly disliked.)

Consider running thicker engine oil. Now my memory is fuzzy, but iirc the USA owners manual calls for 0w-20, whereas foreign owners manuals call for 5w-30, and it is the exact same engine (same engine part number). It ran quieter with the thicker oil, and the only spec difference was in the super cold, like below -30 degrees. Check your model year to see if this is true for you.

The Subaru paint is known for being thin, so touch up any nicks asap.

I recommend replacing the front and rear differential lubricants. The maintenance schedule calls for checking it at 30,000 miles iirc, but no interval to change it. You've done 90% of the work just to check it, so there's no reason not to drain and fill. The front diff is part of the transmission casing and shares the oil. It took a bit of research to find a lube that meets the syncro safe spec for the transmission and viscosity for the diff, but they are out there.

If you do your own oil changes, I recommend installing a Fumoto drain valve. It is a lot cleaner and easier.

Congrats!

We came very close to getting a pre-owned Crosstrek for my daughter.

What brand and model of tire is on it?

May you enjoy many happy and safe miles with it!!

Keep a close eye on oil level and fill as needed. Do not wait for oil change intervals. They tend to burn more oil than inline engines, especially the 2.5L. The newer 2.0L might be better, haven't owned one.

quote:

Originally posted by ridewv:
Congratulations on finding a rarity! 2 or 2.5 motor?

Thanks! it's a 2.0, the 2.5 was only in the Sport in 2021. Ours is a premium.

quote:

Originally posted by ridewv:Are you a member of The Manual Gearbox Preservation Society?

Nope, looks interesting. The father of the guy who owns this site for sporty car lovers is a customer of mine.

Told my wife that we need to go visit The Tail of the Dragon with it.

quote:

Originally posted by IntrepidTraveler:
Now all you need is the COEXIST bumper sticker. Firearms one is OK!

Have those, will put it between the Grateful Dead and Sasquatch stickers

quote:

Originally posted by Appliance Brad:

quote:

Originally posted by ridewv:Are you a member of The Manual Gearbox Preservation Society?

Nope, looks interesting. The father of the guy who owns this site for sporty car lovers is a customer of mine.

Told my wife that we need to go visit The Tail of the Dragon with it.

The Dragon during a snow storm in a Subaru, I like the idea!

Congrats guys. Never owned a subie. But would like to find a used Mazda 3 manual at some point. Enjoy Brad.

Sometimes things happen for a reason. Congrats on finding a proper 3rd-pedal equipped Symetrical AWD Subaru Crosstrek!