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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.
15 Comments on “Ed Niedermeyer Returns To Automotive Journalism...”
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The pay at CC was better, when factoring in room and board.
All three of our kids moved out of the house when they turned eighteen, on a one way ticket :)
What a monster of a Mini!
My eyes! The googles do nothing!
If that photo doesn’t show the issue with new cars these days, I don’t know what does.
They got the name wrong, it should the Mini ClownCar.
Hmm, won’t let me edit. Should be, “should be”
That picture is deceiving. Go to the link to see two more photos. The Countryman looks shorter than the Subaru.
It’s the Mini – which isn’t!
Not sure if I’d term this my “return to automotive journalism,” but I appreciate the kind words. The old man was generous with his support when I needed him here at TTAC, now I’m just trying to return the favor. Plus, Portland has so many cool old cars lying around the place, I already have a backlog of CC-relevant photos.
Anyway, thanks again for noting my modest contribution… it’s good to be writing about cars again!
Welcome back to the fold.
Oh goody! I really want to hear more stories (every other day) about how Chryslers never gonna make it.
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.