Best Used Cars from 1998 and up… (The S’s)
Continuing from our list of the best used cars from 1998 and up, we come to the letter S of the manufacturers alphabet:
Scion tC-
Scion xB-
Evey now and then a manufacturer takes a chance and comes out ahead. Unlike the failed Toyota Echo in 2005, the 2004 introduction of the Scion xB was a hit. While this car tends to either be loved or hated, if you don’t mind all the controversy and mixed facial expressions you’ll receive while driving one of these, the xB is actually a well made Toyota with a healthy after market following for those who like to “dub” their vehicles out.
The xB is Toyota’s 5-door wagon offering that is obviously curbed for today’s youth who like to be just a little bit different from everyone else. Starting at $8,000 for a 2004, on up to $14,000 for a new model, you can put yourself behind the drivers seat of one of these, but don’t think that you’re going to get off that easy if you plan on doing some upgrades.
The performance and appearance modifications is probably what is supplying the butter on top of the bread when it comes to Scion sales. This is a given in the performance department when you realize that an exotic 1.5 liter, 103 horsepower subcompact is not going anywhere too fast without a few goodies bolted on to its boxy, yet eccentric frame.
But even if you’re not into all that glam, bling, and guts, the Scion had plenty to offer right of the showroom floor. It comes with anti-lock brakes, traction control, air conditioning, power everything, tilt steering, rear wiper and privacy glass, with factory upgrade options singing to the tune of fog lights, spoiler, alloy rims, and of course a “boom” system satellite stereo system.
If you don’t like following the crowd… this car is a ready made black sheep of the flock!
Subaru Baja-
Subaru Forester-
Subaru Impreza-
Subaru Legacy-
So far we have focused a lot on performance, interest, and fun… but we need something for the practical side in us all, and Subaru takes care of that with its Subaru Legacy. In 2006, the Legacy earned “Best Pick” in both front and side-impact tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The wagon version of the Legacy could practically be the poster child for practicality as it is the epitome of safety, cargo space, convenience, appearance, usefulness, and all wrapped up with the reassurance and all-weather capability of an SUV crossover.
This car does its best to take on all the roles a vehicle should ever be asked to do and offers them in a convenient price range of $1,000 for a second generation on up to $30,000-plus for a new fourth generation model.
Whether you like the sedan or the wagon, the late 1990’s models (second generation) came with a stout 2.2 liter engine with a modest but reliable 137 horsepower. The Legacy GT and LSi received a slightly more peppy 165 horsepower 2.5 liter engine stacked with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic.
The third generation models from 2000 to 2004 proved to be the best all around all-weather performers, but if you crave performance, then the 2005 and up (fourth generation) Legacy GT will be more to your liking. With the Legacy GT, the practicality is slightly overshadowed by its turbocharged 250 horsepower and 250 ft-lbs of torque.
We guess practicality is stomachable when you’ve got 250 ponies stampeding underneath your lead foot…
Subaru Outback-
(…to be continued)
