Skip the SUV: You Need a Subaru Outback for Only $15,000

by Gabrielle DeSantis

This is the epitome of the anti-SUV life: the Subaru Outback. Despite the absurd used market, Outbacks are cheap and plentiful should you be looking to buy, according to a recent study by iseeCars. The model is plentiful because it’s just so damned popular. Even the word “Subaru” conjures images of the lifted station wagon for most consumers. Sure, a few outliers may think more about the excellent WRX/STI models, but to most Americans, a Subaru is an Outback, full stop.

The Subaru Outback is a steal at any price

2014 Subaru Outback | Sebastian Feval via Getty Images

The Outback is wildly popular for a reason. It puts into effect a tried and true formula for auto sales success. All-wheel drive, fuel-efficient engine, comfortable interior, and plenty of cargo capacity. This exact formula has given rise to many of the most popular SUVs on the market, like the brand’s own Forester model. Add to that a consumer-friendly price point, and you’ve got yourself a winner.

The story is no different in the used market. The Outback formula has been the same since cavemen were scratching images of the vehicle onto the walls of caves after hunting a mammoth. Speaking of mammoth, size and cargo capacity are two of the Subaru Outback’s most desirable traits. These traits are what make the vehicle such a safe purchase, too.

Supply is plentiful

Subaru's logo on the hood of a car covered in snow
The Japanese brand’s logo | Robert Alexander Getty Images

Production numbers for the big wagon are high. In the last decade, it was rare to see production numbers dip below the 100,000 mark. So, you’ll have no trouble at all finding a model that can fit your budget. Prices can be all over the place, but a bargain can be had around the $15,000 mark. Speaking of bargains, it’s time to talk about the pricing on certain Outback models.

Per the iSeeCars study, models made right around 2014 can regularly be found for roughly $15,000. This one here can be had for a hair under $14,000. This isn’t the only example either. Finding one of this vintage is easy, even in this market. Of course, be sure to ensure the car has been properly maintained, regardless of mileage.

You don’t need the SUV with a Subaru Outback

A green Outback on a trail
Outback models hold up well to abuse | Vander Brug via Getty Images

There’s clearly plenty of upsides to Outback ownership. So much so, it’s easy to see why so many people choose them over SUVs of similar age and mileage. Offering similar storage capacity with a smaller overall footprint makes the brand’s star pupil a no-brainer over just about any comparable SUV. Best of all, plentiful availability and strong reliability help make Subaru’s Outback wagon a strong candidate for beating the used market craziness.

RELATED: Proof the 2021 Subaru Outback Is the Best Station Wagon for Your Family

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Would You Buy a $140K Remastered Classic Mini Cooper?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

While modern Mini Coopers certainly have style appeal, the classic ones arguably have them beat. And with a modern restomod touch, classic Minis can deliver the same kind of performance as new ones. But performance and modernity always have a price. And in the case of the David Brown Automotive Mini Remastered, it’s a six-figure price.

David Brown Automotive’s Mini Remastered gives classic Mini Coopers a Singer-style treatment

David Brown Automotive Mini Remastered | David Brown Automotive

Calling a restomod company ‘the Singer of [insert car]’ is edging close to cliché territory. But in the case of UK-based David Brown Automotive, it’s rather appropriate, Top Gear explains. After releasing the Speedback, a retro-bodied Jaguar XKR, DBA turned its sights on restoring classic Mini Coopers. Or, as the company calls it, ‘remastering’ them.

To build a Mini Remastered, DBA takes an original Mini Cooper and “replaces nearly everything,” Road & Track reports. It gets reworked reproduction body panels fitted to better-than-original tolerances, additional chassis bracing, and the A- and C-pillar weld seams are filled in and smoothed. And it gets a new grille, side mirrors, and wiring, as well as LED lighting.

However, perhaps the biggest difference between a classic Mini Cooper and a Mini Remastered is the interior. It features four hides’ worth of leather and the original knobs are replaced with burled-aluminum replacements. And the vintage-looking dashboard houses modern HVAC cents and a center touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Plus, there’s Bluetooth, multiple USB outlets, power windows, central locking, a stop-start button, and even a cupholder.

The DBA Mini Remastered uses the donor car’s four-cylinder engine and four-speed transmission. Both are rebuilt during the restomod process, though. And by the end, the 1275cc engine makes 71 bhp and 88 lb-ft of torque. It’s good for a claimed 11.7-second 0-62 mph time and a 90-mph top speed. That doesn’t seem like much until you remember that a 1988 Mini only had 42 hp.

The limited-edition Mini Remastered Oselli Edition “is a miniature marvel,” Hagerty says

A gray-and-red David Brown Automotive Mini Remastered Oselli Edition goes around a track
David Brown Automotive Mini Remastered Oselli Edition | David Brown Automotive

However, if the ‘normal’ DBA Mini Remastered isn’t sporty enough, the company has some limited-edition models. The Monte Carlo, for example, has an enlarged 83-hp 1330cc engine. And then there’s the Oselli Edition.

The Mini Remastered Oselli Edition is named after racing engine tuner Oselli, Autoweek explains. And the company collaborated with David Brown Automotive to produce this restomodded Mini’s engine. That engine, incidentally, is just as hopped-up as the rest of the car.

Oselli bored the engine out to 1440cc and fitted numerous strengthened and lightened parts. As a result, this classic Mini Cooper has 125 hp and 113 lb-ft of torque, Hagerty reports. That goes to the front wheels via a reworked five-speed manual and a limited-slip differential. As a result, the 1741-lb Oselli Edition has a sub-8-second 0-60 mph time with carburetors. There is a four-speed automatic option, but only with a 1380cc engine.

A side view of the Sabelt front seats and gray dashboard of a David Brown Automotive Mini Remastered Oselli Edition
David Brown Automotive Mini Remastered Oselli Edition front interior side | David Brown Automotive

In addition, the Mini Remastered Oselli Edition has Bilstein shocks, AP Racing brakes, a performance exhaust, and 13” Enkei wheels with grippier tires. And inside, there’s an Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel and aluminum pedals. Plus, it has all the accouterments of the ‘regular’ Mini Remastered—and electric power steering.

And for the track aficionados, there’s a two-seater Mini Remastered Oselli Edition. It loses the rear bench seat but gains Sabelt bucket seats with four-point racing harnesses and a roll cage. And there’s an optional extra fuel tank.

The net sum of all this is a car that feels alive beneath you, Hagerty says. It rotates easily, seemingly dancing around the track. And everything from the steering to the exhaust peppers you with feedback, Hagerty reports. In short, it’s up-to-date old-school fun.

Is it worth the $140K asking price?

Given its upgrades, the Mini Remastered doesn’t come cheap. And the Oselli Edition is even more expensive. A ‘standard’ DBA classic Mini Cooper restomod starts at the equivalent of $105K, R&T reports. Meanwhile, the Oselli Edition costs roughly $140,000—and DBA is only making 60 examples.

That’s a significant amount of money for a classic Mini Cooper. For that price, you could buy a Porsche 911 or several 2021 JCW GPs. However, that’s the appeal of restomods: vintage style with modern tech and performance. It’s why vinyl has a tremendous following—especially remastered albums.

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RELATED: Bring a Trailer Bargains of the Week: Mini Cooper JCW GP

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The Longest-Lasting Car Brands Shouldn’t Surprise You

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Buying a new car can get expensive. Chances are then that you want your next car to last for a reasonably long time. Say, 200,000-miles or more. If that’s the case, then you’ll be pleased to know that iSeeCars has sifted through the data and revealed its picks for the longest-lasting car brands. And the car brands that iSeeCars highlighted? Well, they really shouldn’t surprise you.

Six of the longest-lasting car brands are American

After analyzing more than 11.8 million cars sold in 2020, iSeeCars set out to determine which brands had the highest percentage of cars to reach at least 200,000-miles. iSeeCars further analyzed its data to determine what the longest-lasting car brands are.

After sifting through its data, iSeeCars found that six of the longest-lasting car brands are American. While 1.0% of all vehicle models reached 200,000-miles, 1.1% of Ram models sold in 2020 successfully achieved 200,000-miles. According to iSeeCars, the longest-lasting Ram is the Ram 1500. In fact, 1.2% of Ram 1500 models sold in 2020 have already surpassed the 200,000-mile mark.

Ford (1.4%), GMC (1.4%), Cadillac (1.5%), and Chevy (1.5%) also found themselves among the longest-lasting car brands. According to iSeeCars, each of these brands offers long-lasting SUVs and pickups, contributing to their above-average ranking. In fact, iSeeCars reports that models like the Chevy Suburban, Ford Expedition, Chevy Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Chevy Silverado, and the Ford F-150 have all proven themselves to last longer than the average vehicle.

Honda knows how to build reliable, long-lasting cars

Now, American car brands aren’t the only brands responsible for some of the longest-lasting cars. As it turns out, Honda was also included in iSeeCars’ list of the longest-lasting car brands. And for good reasons too. In fact, based on iSeeCars’ data, 1.6% of Honda models sold in 2020 successfully reached the 200,000-mile mark.

As for the longest-lasting Honda models? iSeeCars determined that of all the models that Honda sells, the Honda Ridgeline and the Honda Odyssey last the longest. While 3.4% of Ridgeline models sold in 2020 reached 200,000-miles, 2.9% of Honda Odyssey models did the same. Compare that to a 1.0% average for all vehicle models, and those figures are pretty impressive. 

Toyota is the longest-lasting car brand reports iSeeCars

Toyota Land Cruiser Heritage Edition | Toyota

As for the top spot on iSeeCars’ list? Well, with 2.0% of models sold in 2020 having reached 200,000 miles, that honor went to none other than Toyota. Though, that shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. Based on iSeeCars’ data, on average, 1.0% of vehicles sold in 2020 reached 200,000-miles. Toyota was able to double that figure with long-lasting cars like the Toyota Land Cruiser, Sequoia, 4Runner, Avalon, Highlander Hybrid, and the Toyota Tacoma. 

Of those models, the Toyota Land Cruiser lasts the longest. In fact, 16.3% of Toyota Land Cruiser models sold in 2020 reached 200,000-miles. That figure is nothing short of impressive. As for why the Toyota Land Cruiser lasts for so long? As iSeeCars Executive Analyst Karl Brauer explained, “The iconic and indestructible Toyota Land Cruiser is engineered to last at least 25 years, even under the harshest of driving conditions, as it is relied upon in many developing countries where off-road driving is the norm.” 

“Toyotas account for the majority of the top ten longest-lasting cars and is the most represented automaker, validating the brand’s reputation for building enduring and reliable vehicles.”

iSeeCars Executive Analyst Karl Brauer

How to help your car last for 200,000-miles or more

If you want your car to last for 200,000-miles or more, Consumer Reports has a few tips worth keeping in mind. The first is to buy a vehicle that has a reputation for reliability. Fortunately, with iSeeCars’ data in hand, doing so is a pretty manageable task. 

Next, you’re going to have to take care of that precious new car. In fact, when it comes to making a car last, Consumer Reports explains that while choosing a reliable model can certainly help, what’s most important is keeping with the vehicle’s maintenance needs. So that oil change? If you want your car to last, you better not miss it.

RELATED: Is the Toyota Land Cruiser Bulletproof?

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Toyota Suffered Huge Losses in This Contest for Best Family Cars of 2021

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Automotive review sites frequently have conflicting opinions about makes and models. Whether it’s Toyota versus Honda or Ford versus Chevy, everyone has a favorite. A recent example is Good Housekeeping’s “The Best New Family Cars of 2021.” Despite numerous other vehicle reviews touting the Camry as the best midsize sedan for nearly a decade and a half, GH snubbed it and every other Toyota model except one. What gives?

Only one Toyota model made Good Housekeeping’s list: the Avalon

Good Housekeeping‘s “The Best New Family Cars of 2021” lists 24 models. It also includes everything from compact sedans to pickup trucks. Several makes made GH’s list, but a few others didn’t. Of all the ones that didn’t, it’s surprising that only a single Toyota model appears on the list: the Avalon.

“For the sixth straight year, experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute joined forces with Car and Driver to honor the best vehicle options for every type of family — all tested by our engineering and parenting pros,” the review begins. The thing is, Car and Driver published a review giving the 2021 Toyota Camry an overall score of 8.5/10. In all fairness, the review site gave the 2021 Avalon an overall score of 8.5 as well.

In addition to GH awarded the 2021 Toyota Avalon, it also lists the 2021 Hyundai Sonata and 2021 Honda Accord. But unlike the Avalon, the Sonata earned an overall score of 9/10, and the Accord received 10/10 — making those choices pretty reasonable.

GH said this about the 2021 Honda CR-V: “Safety and the CR-V go hand in hand. It features notable collision-prevention tech, scoring a five-star crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, among other honors. The pleasant ride and the composed driving feel are hard to beat.”

GH is also impressed with the CR-V’s fuel efficiency despite its power and strong acceleration. However, upgrading to a higher trim for an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration doesn’t seem like a plus to us. This is because the 2021 Toyota RAV4 offers Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Amazon Alexa compatibility standard for a starting MSRP of $26,250, Toyota shows.

Plus, the Toyota RAV4 crushed the Honda CR-V in sales. “Despite the similarities between the two vehicles, the 2020 Toyota RAV4 sold significantly better than the 2020 CR-V, Good Car Bad Car reports. Last year, Toyota sold 430,387 RAV4 units, while Honda sold 323,502 CR-V units, Good Car Bad Car shows,” we wrote in a previous article.

“According to Car and Driver, the total number of Toyota RAV4s that consumers purchased throughout the year decreased by 2 percent, while Honda CR-V sales dropped 13 percent.”

Why GH picked the Avalon as the best full-size sedan

As for why GH loves the 2021 Toyota Avalon, the author writes, “As more families opt for the practicality of SUVs, the Avalon offers the alternative of a larger sedan. Efficient and enjoyable, it strikes a nice balance between value and quality, with smooth and nimble handling.”

They go on to explain that the Avalon boasts plenty of standard comfort features and driver assists, which the RAV4 also offers (go figure). “It’s one of the few vehicles whose base models have enough to satisfy the majority of drivers,” the author continued. Of course, this is exactly why the Camry and RAV4 are top sellers.

When shopping for a new vehicle, many consumers perform a Google search to see what reviewers are saying. We advise our readers to do their best to find reviews that reveal more stats and figures than opinions and preferences. This holds especially true with car reliability reports.

RELATED: This 2021 Toyota RAV4 Flaw Could Really Annoy Your Family

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