Subaru Crosstrek and Chevy Trailblazer

[DitchPanda]

So I'm looking to finally get some new vehicles and these are the two I'm looking at. We are currently driving a 2010 Kia forte and a 2005 Chevy Silverado. I was wanting a new pickup but honestly since I don't pull a boat or camper I can't justify the cost considering I could get both of the above vehicles for the same cost as 1 truck. So I'm thinking of trading in my truck for the Subaru then trading in the car for a trailblazer for my wife.Does anybody have experience with the crosstrek or the newer generation trailblazer? If so what do you think of them? 

[MediumMouthBass]

19 hours ago, DitchPanda said:

Does anybody have experience with the crosstrek or the newer generation trailblazer? If so what do you think of them? 

DISCLAIMER: Not every new car is a dumpster fire, and some people love their new vehicle and it gives them 0 issues. But today thats about a 30-70 or a 50-50 split on if you get a solid car, or something that shouldve never made it out of the factory, let alone be sold to a customer.

And take my advice below with a grain of salt, and do your own research on whatever vehicle you want to buy. Reddit, youtube, and vehicle specific forums are all good ways of doing so.

 

If made after 2020 or if you value your money, run the other direction. And im a huge Subaru/Chevy guy.

I love my Baja, and will love my future C5 Corvette even more.

 

The old stuff has its issues, but are very reliable if maintained properly. Theres a reason cars from decades ago are still on the road, as back then things were made to last.

Now they are only made to last a few years to get you to buy another one. Kind of like modern appliances....

The new vehicles are needing to be towed back before even getting home. Do some research into their recent issues. They raised prices 25-100% and lowered quality to 0.

 

Subaru Crosstreks use their Eyesight technology, that numerous people have said several times that their vehicle stopped in the road automatically for no reason. Windshields are cracking constantly, even after being replaced a week before. Then theres the transmissions, even though their CVT transmission is the best there is, its still a CVT transmission.

Honda ruined their reputation in reliability by going to a CVT within the last year or 2, constant issues with them. Plus people are coming out to their locked cars being unlocked, these cars rely on way to much tech. (this was more so a Crosstrek/Outback thing).

 

Chevy has also become a disaster within recent years, well all of GM actually.

Their new trucks are their biggest pile of garbage, the 2500hd and up dont have as many issues, just the screens glitching and needing to be taken back for a fix. However the 1500's and then the Duramax's are having so many issues its unbelievable. Seriously do some research on the road GM is on currently. If there trucks are having these issues i can only imagine the rest of their line of vehicles being similar. Then with the EPA threatening and forcing them to get rid of any reliability left, aka going to newer, smaller, unproven engines to save 1mpg....

 

Im a huge car enthusiast, (or whatever we are calling ourselves these days). This is the absolute worst time theres ever been for vehicles, between their prices and their quality, well lack there of. Every brand is having issues, although some not as bad as others. Toyota redid their engines (on behalf of the EPA) for their Tundras, they recalled them in the hundreds of thousands because they were exploding. 

Stellantis (Dodge, Jeep, Chrystler, Ram) is on the verge of either making it, or going bankrupt. As they for some reason thought they could charge 100k for the cars they were selling for 50, and lowered quality at the same time.

 

And to add, there have been more people than there shouldve talking about how parts of their vehicles have been assembled incorrectly, or not even hand tightened when they were supposed to be torqued to spec happening. Its a quality control nightmare for most companies these days.

 

Sorry for how long this is, and that its all doom and gloom. But this is the current state of new modern vehicles in America.

[DitchPanda]

5 hours ago, MediumMouthBass said:

DISCLAIMER: Not every new car is a dumpster fire, and some people love their new vehicle and it gives them 0 issues. But today thats about a 30-70 or a 50-50 split on if you get a solid car, or something that shouldve never made it out of the factory, let alone be sold to a customer.

And take my advice below with a grain of salt, and do your own research on whatever vehicle you want to buy. Reddit, youtube, and vehicle specific forums are all good ways of doing so.

 

If made after 2020 or if you value your money, run the other direction. And im a huge Subaru/Chevy guy.

I love my Baja, and will love my future C5 Corvette even more.

 

The old stuff has its issues, but are very reliable if maintained properly. Theres a reason cars from decades ago are still on the road, as back then things were made to last.

Now they are only made to last a few years to get you to buy another one. Kind of like modern appliances....

The new vehicles are needing to be towed back before even getting home. Do some research into their recent issues. They raised prices 25-100% and lowered quality to 0.

 

Subaru Crosstreks use their Eyesight technology, that numerous people have said several times that their vehicle stopped in the road automatically for no reason. Windshields are cracking constantly, even after being replaced a week before. Then theres the transmissions, even though their CVT transmission is the best there is, its still a CVT transmission.

Honda ruined their reputation in reliability by going to a CVT within the last year or 2, constant issues with them. Plus people are coming out to their locked cars being unlocked, these cars rely on way to much tech. (this was more so a Crosstrek/Outback thing).

 

Chevy has also become a disaster within recent years, well all of GM actually.

Their new trucks are their biggest pile of garbage, the 2500hd and up dont have as many issues, just the screens glitching and needing to be taken back for a fix. However the 1500's and then the Duramax's are having so many issues its unbelievable. Seriously do some research on the road GM is on currently. If there trucks are having these issues i can only imagine the rest of their line of vehicles being similar. Then with the EPA threatening and forcing them to get rid of any reliability left, aka going to newer, smaller, unproven engines to save 1mpg....

 

Im a huge car enthusiast, (or whatever we are calling ourselves these days). This is the absolute worst time theres ever been for vehicles, between their prices and their quality, well lack there of. Every brand is having issues, although some not as bad as others. Toyota redid their engines (on behalf of the EPA) for their Tundras, they recalled them in the hundreds of thousands because they were exploding. 

Stellantis (Dodge, Jeep, Chrystler, Ram) is on the verge of either making it, or going bankrupt. As they for some reason thought they could charge 100k for the cars they were selling for 50, and lowered quality at the same time.

 

And to add, there have been more people than there shouldve talking about how parts of their vehicles have been assembled incorrectly, or not even hand tightened when they were supposed to be torqued to spec happening. Its a quality control nightmare for most companies these days.

 

Sorry for how long this is, and that its all doom and gloom. But this is the current state of new modern vehicles in America.

Maybe ill just quit my job and work from home! Seriously thanks for the info, ill do research and see what fits for me. I have reached out to a buddy at work about his cross trek plus a buddy that owns an outback and a forester and my grandfather that just traded in an out back, all have had nothing but great things to say. As for the Chevy trailblazer my wife really wants one but I've heard mixed things. May try and talk her into a Toyota Corolla cross instead, reviews there seem positive.

[MediumMouthBass]

7 hours ago, DitchPanda said:

Maybe ill just quit my job and work from home! Seriously thanks for the info, ill do research and see what fits for me. I have reached out to a buddy at work about his cross trek plus a buddy that owns an outback and a forester and my grandfather that just traded in an out back, all have had nothing but great things to say. As for the Chevy trailblazer my wife really wants one but I've heard mixed things. May try and talk her into a Toyota Corolla cross instead, reviews there seem positive.

Again alot of cars are coming out of the factories in great condition without issues, but the ones that arent are also making it through, like never before. You really have to do extensive research to know what to look for. And inspect any car you are interested in for any known issue to rule them out. Now unless you are or have a mechanic with you, you cant rule everything out, but just test and check as much of the vehicle out as you can.

 

Subarus are still very good, as they and most of the import brands are having better quality control/reliability, but theres still a bunch known issues sadly.... And the cars that are on the lots can go either way once you buy them (this is for all imports today). Although id say its more like 20-80/30-70% there have been alot of times it went 40-60/50-50% for these based on different forums i go on. But theres alot of factors and variables that go into that. (These percentages are across all imports, more than likely youll get a good one, or one with minor issues, but the chance to get a bad vehicle is higher than ever, again just do some research and go into it knowing what to look for)

Toyota is also very good too if you dont buy their new inline 6 or 4 cylinder unproven and issue filled trucks. Their cars are still great (except for the GR series, which is their performance line. They void your warranty if you go over 85MPH)

You might just have to travel a bit farther to find a certain model/color/trim in stock, since most Toyota vehicles are sold either before they arrive or get sold the day they get to the lot. Since they allocate less vehicles to the US vs other countries, also because of this negotiating on price will be the hardest for this brand.

Honda is great if you can find one thats a leftover with an automatic instead of cvt transmission.

Mazda is getting surprisingly good reviews after making a comeback from ditching Nissans transmission and making their own. (Although alot of reviews about the uncomfortable seats).

Hyundai/Kia are either the best car youll ever own or the worst as the reviews say, but their reviews are really split. Stay away from any Hyundai with a turbo, their transmissions keep getting recalled.

 

Buy from a reputable dealer as they will be a significant help if any vehicle has an issue.

 

Stay away from any domestic car brand, sadly these guys have destroyed themselves.

[detroit1]

 Panda, don't worry about it and buy what you want. If we all listened to reveiwers and forums nothing would sell. pay no attention to mmb....

[gim]

12 hours ago, DitchPanda said:

May try and talk her into a Toyota Corolla cross instead, reviews there seem positive.

Given a choice, I’d select the Toyota over a Chevy Trailblazer nowadays. That wasn’t always the case.

 

Proximity to dealer should be a factor too. I wouldn’t want to drive 2 hours to get service done.

[Kev-mo]

A friend bought a new Crosstrek a month or two ago and she loves it. She was driving a Nissan Rogue. Do your research and yeah the disclaimer/a bunch of the stuff MMB said. 

[BigAngus752]

Regardless of what you buy it could be the most reliable vehicle you've ever owned or it could be a lemon.  You can read US News and Edmunds to get better odds, but the best advice I would give you:

1. Buy something you can afford

2.  Buy something you (and/or your wife) like. 

3.  Buy from A DEALER CLOSE TO YOU.  Whether the dealership is close to your home or your work, buy from someone near you.  What you don't want is a car that needs repairs, even if covered under warranty, and try to get into a nearby Chevy dealer when you bought it from a different Chevy dealer 100 miles away.  Huge difference in service taking a car under warranty to the dealer you bought it from, even when you just need an oil change.  

[webertime]

I work for a giant in the auto industry (non manufacturer).  I talk to several dealers daily (Kia to Lamborghini) and we all shoot straight.  With that said...  DO NOT GET A TRAILBLAZER.  Crosstreks are good, Corolla is better.  

 

Regardless of brand...  no CVT transmission 

 

Post 2020 vehicles are wildly inconsistent 

 

Avoid GM 3.3 or 3.6 v6 engines

 

Avoid any Stellantis (Chrysler)

 

Avoid KIA and Hyundai i.c.e. engines

 

Kia and Hyundai EVs are pretty good actually 

 

No EcoBoost Fords.

 

Do not laugh at a Prius...

[DitchPanda]

Sorry for the delayed response. Several people mentioned making sure to buy from a dealer that's close proximity to my house and work. Shouldn't be an issue as there are 2 Subaru, 2 chevy and 2 Toyota dealers within 45 minutes of me. That said I'm leaning towards the cross trek and Corolla cross.

[GReb]

On 12/30/2024 at 2:50 PM, webertime said:

 

 

No EcoBoost Fords.

 

People always say this and I’m sure plenty have issues. However I put 200k on my first ecoboost with zero issues and am on my second also with zero issues. 

[Catt]

Having a dealership near by is important but make sure they have a competent service department.

[Randy Price]

I bought my first Subaru in October 2021 a Forester Sport.  I wanted a RAV4 but could not find a new one at that time.  I have 67,000 miles on it and not a single problem.  My son bought an Outback and hasn't had any issues with his either.

[Rockhopper]

New cars are overrated. The price alone is absurd with what they cost in the last 5 or so years.  I own a vehicle from every decade starting from the 60's with the exception of the 80's.  In the current fleet of vehicles, I only own one with less than 100k miles (2022 4runner).  I wouldn't give any of them up for a '20+ vehicle with the exception of a couple vehicles that were made for a decade or more and were at the end of the body style.  Example, my 2022 4runner.  I would also buy a pre '22 Tundra in a heartbeat if I could ever justify getting rid of the one I have.  And there is no way in hell I would ever give up my 7.3 powerstroke. 

 

BUT...if you have that new car itch and want something smaller, I would be taking a hard look at a 4runner or a Tacoma over a trailblazer. Subaru's are still good, too, for the most part. Even with that CVT transmission.  But there are definitely much better options if you buy a nice clean 5+ year old car or truck.  But you are going to pay almost as much as a new car for one, at least in my area.

[gim]

1 hour ago, Randy Price said:

I wanted a RAV4 but could not find a new one at that time.

 

My wife and I waited 8 months for one last year.

[TnRiver46]

I must be in the minority but I’ve never once worried about the proximity of a dealership. Dealerships are the absolute last place I would ever take a vehicle for repair. Only purchase 

[Darth-Baiter]

I buy new cars.  my reasoning is I seem to keep them for two decades.  so amortize the cost upfront, it doesn't seem that bad.  I pay cash up front as well, because interests I have no interest in.  

 

having said that. the Crosstrek is cool.  I love the boxer motors and we dang near drove a 2005 Forester forever.  we just got rid of it.  it still ran and looked awesome.  we got the turbo version so we got tired of buying 91 octane.   my brother just bought a Crosstrek used.  he sought and found a stick shift!!  

[TnRiver46]

My brother also drives a stick shift crosstrek

I’ve never owned an auto transmission 

[gim]

12 minutes ago, TnRiver46 said:

I must be in the minority but I’ve never once worried about the proximity of a dealership. Dealerships are the absolute last place I would ever take a vehicle for repair.

 

Generally speaking, the reason I would worry about proximity to a dealership is for warranty service.  Granted, you only generally have a warranty if you own a new or "newish" car too though, of which most mine have been in recent memory.

 

Now if I had an older vehicle with higher miles, then I'd not be worried about that.  But if you have a warranty that needs to be addressed, you almost always have to take it to where you bought it.

 

The OP is looking at new vehicles according to his first post, so warranty work may be of consideration.

[TnRiver46]

27 minutes ago, gim said:

 

Generally speaking, the reason I would worry about proximity to a dealership is for warranty service.  Granted, you only generally have a warranty if you own a new or "newish" car too though, of which most mine have been in recent memory.

 

Now if I had an older vehicle with higher miles, then I'd not be worried about that.  But if you have a warranty that needs to be addressed, you almost always have to take it to where you bought it.

 

The OP is looking at new vehicles according to his first post, so warranty work may be of consideration.

If you need warranty work, go wherever. It’s free 

[gim]

11 minutes ago, TnRiver46 said:

If you need warranty work, go wherever. It’s free 

 

If you buy a Ford, you can't take it to a Toyota dealership.

 

The last 5 vehicles I've purchased with a warranty all required me to take it to the physical location I bought it from for warranty work.

[TnRiver46]

What I meant was take it to the correct dealership wherever it may be. Because you don’t have to pay for the work/service