Automotive
2004 Subaru Outback XT 2.5 Turbo
My parents owned three Subaru Outbacks, which were some of the best sporty/utility vehicles available before Subaru succumbed to the modern movement to gigantic SUVs. My daily driver for a few years was a 2004 Subaru XT which makes 243hp with an H4 2.5L turbocharged engine with a five-speed manual transmission. I have not driven a car that handles better on low-traction surfaces than the Outback, this is mainly due to it having limited slip differentials both front and rear.
This was an incredible car to use in my late teens due to its power and utility. Memorably, my friend bought a V6 Mustang and let me test-drive it. Both the power and handling of the Outback were significantly better than his “muscle” car.
2001 Porsche 986 Boxster
One of my current cars is a 2001 986 with a 2.7L flat 6 which makes 213 hp. When I got the car it had a bad rattle and grinding sound. I replaced the motor mount which fixed the grinding. It took me six months to find out that the rattle was from a few golf balls under the passenger seat.
1986 Ford Mustang
My dad’s ‘86 Mustang that I helped him get running. The end goal was to get it track-ready with twin turbos, but it is low on the triage list and at least it runs.
