[PA Engineer]

I have a 2003 Subaru Forester and live in the hills outside of Pittsburgh. Our driveway is 330 feet strait up (most people would call it a mountain).

During the winter months we put on studded snow tires (separate rims).

I have no complaints. I expect to get another 100K miles out of it and fallow the maintenance schedule. At 100k I replaced the struts as a result of wear and tear in Western PA.

A couple of caveats now. There is substantially more road noise (especially with the studs) than other vehicles. AWD is not the best for mileage performance. Finally, many of the new cars have electronic parking breaks. Our mechanic thinks Subaru will reverse this and go back to the hand break. The hand break can be used like a boat anchor when going down very steep and slick hills. It allows you to inch down without losing steering. That is an important consideration if you are driving in very hilly terrain.

Finally, according to other Freepers I must be a lesbian. I admit it. I love women. I've been married to a very fine women going on 29 years.

P.S. Foresters retain their value. It is very hard to snag a used Forester deal.

[newb2012]

“Finally, according to other Freepers I must be a lesbian. I admit it. I love women.”

If this were true, there is no way I’d be able to buy one. LOL

[toothfairy86]

I also live in western PA. Had a Subaru Legacy from 1995-2007. Then, got a Honda Civic. The Honda doesn’t cut it, even with snow tires. Bought a 2014 Subaru Crosstrek last year. I drive about 35 miles into Pittsburgh for work. I still keep the Honda for running around locally in the warmer months.

[AFreeBird]

Studded tires are legal in PA?