Hello everyone,
I’m currently at a crossroads and could use some "banana help" from the experts here. I am debating between two Subaru Crosstreks, both with approximately 60k km (37k miles) on the clock:
2018 Crosstrek 2.0 Premium
2023 Crosstrek "Base"
The price gap is roughly $6,000 USD. I have the budget for either, but I’m wary of the "instant depreciation" hit of a newer car vs. the potential maintenance/tech lag of a 5-year older model.
My Usage:
• Commute: ~80km (50 miles) daily round trip.
• Off-roading: Light-to-moderate trail driving. I already plan on adding a skid plate/bottom protector regardless of which one I get.
My specific questions:
Fuel Economy: Is there a noticeable real-world difference? They both have the 2.0L Boxer, but has the CVT tuning improved enough by 2023 to save me money on that 80km commute?
Cruise Control/EyeSight: How much better is the 2023 EyeSight system? For a daily 80km drive, is the lane-keep and adaptive cruise noticeably smoother in the newer model?
Off-Roading: Both have 8.7" clearance and X-Mode (I assume), but is there any structural or software difference that makes the 2023 more capable?
The "Trim vs. Year" Trade-off: Am I going to regret losing the Premium creature comforts (heated seats, leather-wrapped wheel, better sound system) by going for a 5-year newer "Base" model?
What should I be aware of in terms of reliability or "hidden" changes between these two years?
Thanks in advance