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Ed Niedermeyer Returns To Automotive Journalism
by
Derek Kreindler
(IC: employee)
Published: September 21st, 2012
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Yes, dear readers, I am happy to announce the Ed Niedermeyer has returned to automotive journalism. Sort of. And not for TTAC. Ed’s essay on the Subaru Outback and the Mini Countryman is perfectly timed for reading over your Friday lunch. Check it out over at Curbside Classic and curse our fearless Editor Emeritus for installing a snot-nosed neophyte like myself into such a hallowed vocation.
Derek Kreindler
More by Derek Kreindler
Published September 21st, 2012 12:41 PM
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Interesting coincidence this; I just test drove a '99 Legacy L wagon tonight with about 70K on the clock. Two things struck me about it: how low-slung everything is (seat, cowl, window sills, etc), and how direct the steering is coming from my '06 Cobalt (electric steering and low-rolling resistance tires are partly to blame there). Yet, there's plenty of room for four and a bunch of gear. The Mini Countryman looked enough like a caricature before parking an Outback next to it. I wouldn't park it next to a vintage Mini - the comparison would be ugly.
I bought a '96 Legacy L AWD / 5 speed two months ago. I bought it to carry my bike inside (don't trust luggage racks or rear carriers). It's a cool little wagon...It's not big and clumsy, it feels fast compared to the BMW 528e it's replacing, and the awd is reassuring when you go into a turn too fast...and yes I noticed the steering feels good, even though my shocks are worn out.
Nobody likes a fat, ugly Countryman. Ahem. Now I want a first-generation Outback even more. Next spring...
Seems like every time I see a Subaru Outback there is a very unattractive female at the wheel.