In an ideal world, there would be a car that had it all for the northwest lifestyle, like maybe cargo space for shopping or leisure activities like camping or skiing.  As long as we're talking about camping and skiing, wouldn't it be nice for this fantasy car to have the stability of a burro? But since this is our fantasy car, let's also ask it to have the pep and pickup of a racehorse for the freeways, with a smooth suspension for when the road ahead is windy and precarious.  On the topic of precarious situations, wouldn't we also want our fantasy car to have all the latest safety features? And as long as we're reaching for the stars with this fantasy package, how about we also demand value out of our vehicle: for one thing, it'd be great if our car didn't cost the arm and leg that we're keeping safe in it.  And maybe for that price, we'd like the car to last a long time, maybe not have super-high maintenance costs, and hey, just for giggles, could we get reasonable gas mileage, too?

Here's a little secret just between us: that car exists and it's a Subaru. Okay, it's not actually a secret, according to sales figures from two local dealerships. Arguably the most popular model, the redesigned Forrester, boasts all the features of that dream car we were imagining, with an extra roomy interior that seats five. The base model, the 2.5i, starts at under $23,000.

When considering between makes, consider the value of the Subaru: standard all wheel drive makes it a natural for all the varied terrain of the region. And while other cars may have this feature (Audi springs to mind) cost comparisons clearly put Subarus into the "more affordable" column. And those costs aren't just the initial price tag of  the vehicle; service on European makes can be quite spendy over the long haul, and many models develop issues as they age.  Subarus are notorious for aging gracefully, with many owners boasting over 200,000 miles.   

There's also something to be said for the versatility of Subarus.  Each model has its own strengths, to be sure, but even the workhorse Forester, which seats 5 comfortably still can get 32/24 miles per gallon and moves comfortably from the icy roads on winter slopes to the winding roads of Highway 101.  And forget about getting that Euro sportscar on the track: a legion  of racing enthusiasts have been singing the praises of the speed and performance of the WRX for some time now (careful not to hit the gas too hard on your modified Subi: Washington Highway Patrol aren't big fans of speeders.)

Ultimately, whether you choose a basic, all around Subaru like the Outback, or a sportier model, you're likely to live the motto: "Enjoy life, stay safe, love every mile."

For more information, contact:

Hanson Motors, 230 Canlate Loop SW, Olympia, 360.352.6835, hansonmotors.com