My return to LTL... with SAIA

6 speed. I had been under the impression that Subaru's WRX line was the only thing you could get in manual, but apparently you could get the Impreza, Crosstrek and WRX in manual. Surprisingly, there are other manufacturers that make manuals as well that aren't sports cars, but to my research, this brand was the only option with real full time AWD that I could get in manual.

 

The other upside to the manual, was that they don't offer their "EyeSight" technology on them, i.e. the lane departure, adaptive cruise and emergency braking. On the automatics, it is standard. I deal with all that crap in a tractor at work, I don't want it in my personal vehicle.

 

$20250 before taxes/tag/title where I got it from due to a $4k MFG rebate.

 

That's what I'm hoping for. I'm also gripping with the reality that I have rugrats that will eventually get driver's licenses, granted the first one will be in 8 years. If I can continuously get one of these types of models at a similar price point paid off every 5 years, I'd be able to have cars to give to each of my kids when they turn 16 that haven't been abused and are well maintained in which we know 100% of the vehicle's history. I don't plan on putting myself on the line for college debt for them at any point in the future, so the way I see it, providing all of them with a vehicle that is paid for and in sound mechanical condition to venture off into the real world to begin working will be far more beneficial.

The only downside I had with the deal was that the $4k rebate was contingent upon using Subaru Motors Finance, which rang in at 3.5%, despite a 790+ FICO. Navy Federal already gave me an approval for 1.79% on refinancing it, so I'll be doing that as soon as Subaru Motors Finance can give me account information for where to send the payoff.

 

This was a complete leap of faith to a brand I'm unfamiliar with. My wife and I have only owned Honda's and Chevys up until now. I reached out to some people I know with Subs and asked for pros/cons on it, and the pros far outweighed the cons, to the point where the cons are almost exclusively linked to the dealers.