Frankly, the CVT in the new Subies sucks. That transmission removes any sense of connection with driving imho. If you get a manual, then the Subies are still a viable choice.

I like Subies a lot, and my wife test drove a VX right before we bought her the Fiat. The VX was ok but the CVT combined with a fairly anemic engine made it a pretty uninvolving ride. I think the CR-V actually had more fun factor around town. On the highway though the CR-V couldn't pass a turtle with broken leg.

BRZ and WRX with 6-speeds are cars I'd own (though not as a daily driver in LA - I've gotten lazy). Anything else Subie with a CVT, not so much.

I agree. I tried a Sube Outback with CVT last year and hated it.

By "go to" I mean things like the gnd. clearance, traction system, etc. as I sometimes use an SUV as... well as an SUV.

Head room?

My 4Runner is at 200K so I'll be in the market in a few years for an SUV in this class.

Gobs. I have the seat raised about halfway and still have probably 4" of headroom or more (I'm 6'1").

Seahawk, another 50K on that Runner and you'll be ready for a diesel swap and another 500K!

Oh, I'm not selling it.

While I like the look of the Gen 3's more, my 2003 is rock steady.

I've been up all the Toyota websites, but I have to ask: What diesel swap do you recommend?

Thanks!