u/Ill-Topic-1010

I’m looking at new Forester premium hybrids. Are any ad ons worth paying for? One dealership had theft protection in their quote for like $400.

I’m looking at 2026 forester premium hybrids and the lowest out the door price I’ve found, after dealer discounts, is around 37,500 (includes taxes, fees, etc.). I’m in NY so taxes are high. Financing is 3.9% for 48 months. Does this seam like a good price or has anyone seen lower?

I’m also curious if the upper trims are worth it or if the premium is good enough for a few grand less.

This is my first time buying or leasing a car (I’ve mostly lived in cities and didn’t need a car) and I can’t decide! I’m looking mostly at hybrid crossover SUVs (Subaru Forester, Honda CRV, Mazda CX50). Here are some factors:

- My wife and I have an infant and could potentially have another kid in a couple years, at which time might need a bigger car
- My wife is currently unemployed but hopefully will find a job within the next year, at which time we’ll go from one income to two and theoretically able to afford an upgrade
- Our monthly expenses are pretty high now with daycare, mortgage etc. in a HCOL area with just one income
- We live in the burbs now and would likely need a 12k miles/36 month lease
- I have very good credit and would aim to put zero money down at signing

This all screams lease to me, but I also know leasing is not financially sound and it would be nice to own a car. What would you recommend?

I found a 2026 new version for $37,500 out the door in the Boston area. Seems like a good deal (mostly seeing 39k OTD), but wanted to confirm with the experts?

My Crosstrek lease is expiring soon and I’m seriously considering getting a 2026 forester premium hybrid (buying or leasing depending on the deal). The main reason is more room for a rear facing car seat and cargo space.

The so so reviews online are scaring me off a little. I already know the infotainment system sucks, and it’s not as efficient as some other compact SUVs. For anyone who has the hybrid, what has your actual experience been?

What’s the better car for mostly suburban driving with a newborn in a rear facing car seat and lots of his stuff in the trunk? Currently driving a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek and looking for something with a little more space (also looking at the forester hybrid).

I understand it may vary by car model but is it worth spending a few thousand extra for hybrid? I mostly do suburban driving in a dense area, 20ish mile highway drives and 2-3 200 mile road trips a year.

I felt fairly good about my financial situation before having a baby, but now that we have an infant I am constantly stressed about our finances. Between daycare, having to buy a new car, and all the regular child expenses, I feel like it’s hard to stay liquid enough to keep up.

For context, we’re a middle to upper middle family, though currently with only one income, and own a house in a very HCOL area (still paying off mortgage). Decent savings in retirement and taxable brokerage accounts, but the checking account and HYSA are running low.

How do people who don’t make crazy high incomes set themselves up for financial success after having a baby?

Note I feel completely ridiculous stressing about this when so many people are actually struggling to get by. But nonetheless it’s stressing me out trying to stay ahead of the game.

I’m a 3.5 adult who has been playing for years and currently plays recreationally 1-2x per week but am not seeing improvement. I am considering finding private lessons - I know they are super expensive but am thinking it might be worth it. I’m sure it depends on instructor quality, but has anyone had success (or not) with those?

Can anyone recommend a good place/instructor not too far from the Plainview/Syosset area? This is for a 3.5 adult looking to improve. Outdoor is preferred.

I’m going through the car buying process for the first time ever as my Crosstrek lease ends in about a month. I’ve been monitoring the online sites like Edmunds mostly for CPO but also new cars. Now I fear the dreaded time has come to actually go to some dealerships. Help!

For context, I’m mainly looking for comparable cars and even the newer version of the Crosstrek. I don’t want a basic model.

We are a family of 3 with a newborn, plus a small dog, and potentially having another kid in the next few years. Live in the suburbs with a driveway and drive about 10-12k miles per year. Likely looking to buy CPO, or maybe even lease if the price is right. For buying CPO, I’m hoping to stay in the $28k-32k range all in and would consider financing under 3%. Currently leasing a 2024 Crosstrek, which I like a lot but lease is ending in a month and I have a couple issues with it: 1) Rear facing car seat creates little room for the passenger seat; 2) No AC vent in the back, which isn’t great for babies in the summer.

I’ve never purchased a car before and would love some advice/recommendations!

So far these are on my radar just from general internet research:

Subaru Crosstrek, Forester or Outback
Honda CRV
Mazda CX5

My Crosstrek 2024 lease is ending in a 2 months and I can’t figure out what to do next - buy a new car, buy a certified pre-owned car, or lease? I’d likely go for the updated Crosstrek or a comparable car such as the Mazda C5 or Honda CRV. If buying, I’d almost definitely go the financing route. I’m leaning towards the CPO route. For background, we live in the suburbs and didn’t reach the mile limit on the current lease as neither of us drives long distances to work.

Side question - does anyone have those cars mentioned above and can share feedback one way or the other?

Good racquet for a 3.5-4 player in his 40s?

My 2024 Subaru Crosstrek lease is ending soon. I like the Crosstrek premium and am considering buying or leasing a newer model, but what are comparable cars that I should look into too? In terms of price, safety, size etc. We are a family of 3 with a newborn baby, if that helps.

Does anyone have good experiences with any child care places near Plainview/Woodbury/Syosset? I’ll likely need it when my newborn is 6-7 months old and we both return to work. So far I’ve heard of Primrose, Bright Horizons and Miss Debbie’s.

It seems like every daycare place here is insanely expensive…

Does anyone know of any groups in Long Island catered to dads on paternity leave or new dads in general? It doens’t have to be a support group per se, but just something to connect new dads to meet up with their kids in the park or something, grab a drink, play tennis/golf, watch a game, or whatever. I see lots of groups for new moms but not dads. Basically looking to speak to humans that aren’t my newborn or wife once in a while I’m off work this summer haha. I’m in the Plainview/Syosset/Bethpage area.

We have a one month old. We wake him every 3 ish hours, change diaper, feed him (he takes about an hour to finish eating), and change diaper again. Maybe we do 5 min of tummy time. Then it’s back to sleep until the next wake window. So basically we only ever bond while he’s eating - is that normal? Are others finding time to actually chill with their newborn?

Anyone have a hit first Mother’s Day gift for their SO? Looking for something last minute, the little guy arrived 3 weeks ago and I lost track of time. It doesn’t have to be anything big, just something that shows thought and that she can keep.