BRAINTREE, MASS. (11/23/2011)(readMedia)– While most Massachusetts drivers like the Subaru Outback wagon for its spacious interior and all-weather-capable all-wheel drive, Kelley Blue Book says the vehicle’s resale value should also grab customers’ attention. The most popular vehicle at Subaru dealerships this year, the 2012 Outback earned the title of Best Wagon in the recently announced 2012 Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Awards.
Kelley Blue Book awarded vehicles in 19 individual categories, singling out the best-of-the-best when it comes to holding value over the course of five years. Choices were based on a number of criteria, including current vehicle and sales data, market conditions, competition within vehicle segments and future economy predictions. According to Kelley Blue Book’s estimates, the 2012 Subaru Outback is expected to retain 58.3 percent of its value after three years and 38.7 percent after five years of average use, meaning families should get a healthy return when it comes time to trade in for a new Subaru.
“All Subaru vehicles hold their value well, but the Outback stands above the rest with its family-friendly resume and reliability,” said Bob Cameron, general manager of Greater Boston Subaru dealership Quirk Works Subaru. “The Outback was rated higher than the Audi A4 wagon and the BMW 3 Series wagon, proving that a luxury brand name doesn’t always mean a superior product.”
Subaru has consistently evolved the Outback throughout its four generations, creating a vehicle that combines the capabilities of a midsize SUV with the fuel economy of a full-size car. That combination of performance comes from the Subaru BOXER engine, which displaces 2.5 liters and produces 170 horsepower. With its continuously variable automatic transmission, the Outback can return 29 mpg on the highway, an impressive feat for an all-wheel-drive wagon. There is also a six-cylinder engine available with 256 horsepower that returns 25 mpg on the highway.
Power and fuel economy are important purchase considerations, but when it comes to families, cargo space is typically a deal breaker. The Outback has always been known as a vehicle with plenty of storage space, and the latest model continues Subaru’s emphasis on utility. Even with all its seats occupied, the 2012 Subaru Outback has 34.3 cubic-feet of cargo room, and that capacity expands to 71.3 cubic-feet of available space with the back seats folded flat.
Those that want cargo space and capability in a smaller package will likely see the appeal of the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek when it joins the lineup late next year. Previously known just as the Subaru XV, the small extra-capable wagon will be based on the body of the new five-door Subaru Impreza, but will feature a higher ride height, new wheels and protective cladding on the wheel arches and rocker panels. The vehicle is seen as a replacement for the Impreza-based Outback Sport that was discontinued for the 2012 model year.
“Subaru has served Massachusetts families for decades with useful, capable and reliable wagons,” Cameron noted. “While other automakers have turned their back on the wagon, Subaru has continued to produce spacious vehicles capable of swallowing mountain bikes, ski gear or Christmas presents with ease.”
About Quirk Works Subaru:
When Greater Boston Subaru lovers are looking for quality Subaru service or the best deals on new and used Subaru models, including the Legacy, Forester, Impreza and Outback, Quirk Works Subaru is where they travel. Quirk’s skilled service technicians, plus an extensive inventory matched by a knowledgeable and friendly sales team, have made them a top Boston Subaru dealer. Their wide selection of Subarus is online at www.quirkworkssubaru.com, and customers looking for more information can find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/QuirkWorksSubaru, call them at 877-624-9954, or stop by their showroom at 442 Quincy Ave. in Braintree, Massachusetts.
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