Wondering what everyone's thoughts are regarding the Gen4.5/5 Liberty GT? I'm currently looking at test driving either the Gen4.5 or Gen5, both manual and 150k-ish.
This will be a family car and hopefully one that our kids can learn how to drive manual in. This is reasonably exciting as it will be the first "enthusiast" car that I will buy. Over the years we have driven all sorts of family and fuel-friendly, auto eco-boxes. I currently have a track motorcycle and remember growing up in the 90s lusting after the Evo 5, 6 and specifically remember dreaming I'd take the STi over the Evo simply because it had the closed-ratio 6-speed box.
I won't be tracking the car and for the day-to-day driving that I'm using it for, I'm not overly concerned about power differences. From what little I've read, I understand that the Gen4.5 is more spirited/performance-oriented, and the Gen5 is more mainstream/comfort-focused (e.g., the electronic park brake).
My criteria (and questions) are ranked as follows:
- Reliability and cost of maintainence
- Shift-feel: I've read that the Gen5 doesn't shift as positively as the Gen4.5?
- Comfort/Space: Which one is better for the occasional family day-trip?
- Handling: Gen4.5 wins here?
- Fuel Economy: Going to assume not much difference?
- Considering all the above (and the fact that I'm in this forum), there isn't any compelling reason to consider a WRX instead?
What would you guys recommend? Either way I can't wait to drive both gens to see what they're like!