2024 Subaru Outback

We bought a Subaru Outback in 1998 ... and 20 years later, bought a 2018 Subaru Outback. While I typically keep cars for decades, it's a cool story why I replaced the 2018 after only 6 years - scroll down to read how I surprised and helped out my Mom.

As mentioned, I typically keep cars for decades ... so why replace the 2018 after only 6 years? It's all about helping out my 81 year old Mom.

She really likes her 2015 Subaru Outback, but it has 125,000 miles on it. Yes, she still drives a lot (and well) with golf, hiking, gardening, bridge, shopping, coffee shops, and running the grandkids around. So while it runs great, that's getting up there in the miles. We have talked about her getting a new car ... but after driving the loaners, she doesn't like all the electronics and BIGGER screens ... plus she REALLY likes the CD player. And yes, I did point out the safety features, but she finds those distracting, so it's actually probably is NOT safer for her.

So I called her up one evening and said I "know" someone with a 2018 Subaru Outback that was in tip-top shape with only 45,000 miles and had been meticulously maintained ... would she be interested?

She said that sounds pretty good ... but asked if it had a CD Player. I said I had no idea but I could "quickly text them" to find out ... as I ran out to the garage to look (had never used it) and then told her I "heard" back that yes, indeed it did have a working CD player ... which yes, I subsequently tested to confirm that it actually does work!

She says "that sounds GREAT!"

I told her this car was in a hail storm a few years ago, so a buncha small dents, but strictly cosmetic - is that OK. She answered "I don't care."

I tell her that it has a manual rear lift gate whereas hers is power - she replies "I prefer the manual."

I said it's blue instead of her current color which is red - she replies "No problem ... this sounds like exactly what I want - can I get it?"

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I reply "you have driven this car Mom ... " ;-)

Long pause ... as she is initially confused what that means ... and then realizes I'm referring to my car!

She says "that sounds REALLY GREAT!"

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I tell her there's some logistics involved as I have to order a new car and then drive the 2018 from Colorado to Washington State. I mention that I would probably do some snow skiing on the way and also stop by Redding, CA to see my son Kyle - Google Map Link.

She asks what will happen to her 2015 Subaru Outback. I tell her that I happen to know a possible buyer in Redding, CA who might drive up with me and pay cash ... ;-)

She likes the whole plan and says lets do it! But I say think about it for a few days/weeks ... and after some further discussions (she likes it even more), I order the 2024 car. It comes in a bit early on April 2nd, and I hope to start the drive around April 15th ... so delivery to her house may actually occur on her 82nd birthday! ;-)


Manuals and Maintenance Log and videos from 2024_08_27


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