Need to replace '02 Outback Sport; seeking advice

[DanYan]

My '02 Outback Sport is starting to cost me a decent amount of money,
and I'm ready to replace it with something newer. I went to a dealer
the other day and drove an '08. It was much more different than I
expected. The ride was smoother, and the interior was quieter.
However, the body felt bulkier and I felt more "detached" from the
car. I can feel the engine through the gas pedal in my '02, while I
barely noticed any vibration in the '08. I really like feeling
connected to the road. For the 10 minutes that I drove it, the '08
just felt less fun.

Question 1: For anybody who has driven the '08 for an extended period
of time, do you get used to the new feel? I can't tell if it drove
"worse" or just "different".

Question 2: How much roomier is the back seat? I don't normally sit in
my own back seat, so it's hard for me to compare.

Question 3: What vehicles are similar to the Outback Sport? I'd like
to try a Mazda3 wagon, but I suspect that it won't be nearly as much
fun as my '02. I had driven an older Audi A6, but the A6 seems to have
a mediocre reliability record. I'm also disinterested in the Dodge
Caliber and Chevy HHR.

Thanks for any advice you have!

 

[Dano58]

My '02 Outback Sport is starting to cost me a decent amount of money,
and I'm ready to replace it with something newer. I went to a dealer
the other day and drove an '08. It was much more different than I
expected. The ride was smoother, and the interior was quieter.
However, the body felt bulkier and I felt more "detached" from the
car. I can feel the engine through the gas pedal in my '02, while I
barely noticed any vibration in the '08. I really like feeling
connected to the road. For the 10 minutes that I drove it, the '08
just felt less fun.

Question 1: For anybody who has driven the '08 for an extended period
of time, do you get used to the new feel? I can't tell if it drove
"worse" or just "different".

Question 2: How much roomier is the back seat? I don't normally sit in
my own back seat, so it's hard for me to compare.

Question 3: What vehicles are similar to the Outback Sport? I'd like
to try a Mazda3 wagon, but I suspect that it won't be nearly as much
fun as my '02. I had driven an older Audi A6, but the A6 seems to have
a mediocre reliability record. I'm also disinterested in the Dodge
Caliber and Chevy HHR.

Thanks for any advice you have!

I think you'll find the Mazda3 to be MUCH sportier in feel compared to
the Outback. Mazdas in general are more oriented towards driving fun
(zoom-zoom). As far as the back seat take a look at edmunds.com for
the measurements on your current car versus the new. I believe it is a
bit larger. Edmunds can also point out similar cars. The Audi A6 is
DEFINITELY not a similar car to the Outback Sport! There are a couple
of Kia/Hyundai cars that may be similar.

Dan D
'99 Impreza 2.5 RS (son's)
Central NJ USA