Wednesday, April 13, 2005

Tune Ups

Subaru's Baja best for light hauling, pretty good mileage

By Tom and Ray Magliozzi

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DEAR TOM AND RAY: I recently bought a house, and now find myself constantly needing to haul things. I have been thinking about getting a small pickup truck, but whatever vehicle I get will become my main, everyday vehicle, so I'm being very careful about this decision. I love the idea of having a pickup. It would come in handy at work, as well as around the house. The only thing I hate about the idea is the poor gas mileage. I currently drive a 1995 Honda Civic, and can't imagine what I'd be spending on gas if I got a pickup! What if I put a hitch on the Civic and bought a small-size trailer? Is this a good idea? -- Maryanne

RAY: Not really, Maryanne. It won't take much weight to put a serious strain on the little Civic engine. Even a good-size mother-in-law could do it.

TOM: But you're right to be concerned about the downsides of a pickup truck. Besides the lousy, truck-like ride, most of them are big, heavy, high off the ground and drink gas.

RAY: But you might be the perfect candidate for a Subaru Baja, the spiritual successor to the Chevy El Camino and Ford Ranchero. In other words, it's half-car, half-pickup-truck.

TOM: It's based on the very popular Subaru Outback wagon. It has four doors, and seats four comfortably. It has standard all-wheel-drive and a durable, four-cylinder engine that gets pretty darned good gas mileage. But instead of an internal cargo area in back, like a station wagon, it has a small pickup bed in the back.

RAY: The great advantage is that you basically get to drive around in a car, not a truck.

TOM: The only disadvantage is that, well, it's pretty ugly. But you didn't say anything about not wanting an ugly vehicle in your letter, Maryanne.

DEAR TOM AND RAY:

I have an '88 Geo Prizm that I got for my 16th birthday from my parents. I just put hubcap spinners on the car. Is this lame? My mom says they make it look like I'm trying to draw attention to myself. I think they look cool.

--Matt

RAY: Well, if I were driving an '88 Geo Prizm, I certainly wouldn't want to draw any attention to myself. So, I understand your mom's concern.

TOM: I don't think you should care what anybody else thinks, Matt. The question is what do you think? If you like them, leave them on. I happen to think they look cool. Throughout the ages, teenagers have always looked to make fashion statements that their parents disapprove of.

It's part of the process of growing up and declaring your independence. If my kid decided to get spinning hubcaps instead of piercing his schnozola or wearing spiked green hair, I'd be thrilled. And your mom should be, too.

Write to Tom and Ray Magliozzi in care of King Features, 888 Seventh Ave., 2nd Floor, New York, N.Y., 10019. Or e-mail them at Car Talk web site at www.cartalk.com.