How to Own a Rugged, Reliable Subaru Without Breaking the Bank in Winston-Salem

July 8th, 2026 by

Finding a dependable pre-owned vehicle involves weighing overall value against immediate budget constraints. Subaru distinguishes itself in this market by providing standard features that many competitors offer only as costly upgrades. Based on recent CarGurus data, pre-owned Subarus are priced significantly lower than the broader used-car average. This positioning lets buyers acquire rugged, adventure-ready transportation without the high price tag typically associated with larger body-on-frame SUVs.

A major factor driving this enduring popularity is how well these vehicles hold their value over time. Resale-value data compiled by iSeeCars shows that popular Subaru models retain a remarkably high percentage of their original value after five years of ownership. The popular Crosstrek leads the crossover lineup by retaining 66.4% of its original price, while the practical Impreza holds 66.1% and the versatile Forester maintains 60.6%. For buyers managing a household budget, these figures provide confidence that a pre-owned purchase represents a stable financial decision rather than a rapidly depreciating asset.

For local drivers navigating the rolling hills of the Piedmont, standard capability is more than a luxury. Whether you are commuting to Wake Forest University or loading up for a weekend getaway, having a vehicle equipped with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive provides consistent traction on slick pavement and gravel paths alike. At Modern INFINITI of Winston-Salem, we offer an extensive selection of high-quality used vehicles for sale in Winston-Salem to match these diverse regional lifestyles.

While we specialize in premium luxury, our team is dedicated to helping you find the ideal vehicle for your specific daily routine. If you decide that a premium, brand-new luxury crossover is the right path for your driveway, we invite you to browse our new vehicles for sale in Winston-Salem to experience the latest in automotive refinement. To discuss our current pre-owned arrivals or to schedule a test drive, you can reach our sales team directly at (336) 767-7800. If you prefer to speak with an advisor in person and explore our inventory firsthand, you can easily get directions to our Winston-Salem showroom located on Peters Creek Parkway.

Table of Contents

Which Used All-Wheel Drive Vehicle Fits Your Family: Outback vs Crosstrek

Choosing between a pre-owned Outback and a pre-owned Crosstrek usually comes down to a family’s specific spatial needs and daily driving habits. While both models feature standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and an identical 8.7 inches of ground clearance on standard trims, they serve different operational roles. The Crosstrek is a subcompact crossover built on a nimble hatchback platform, making it highly maneuverable in tight urban spaces and easy to park. The Outback, conversely, is a mid-size sport-utility wagon designed to maximize passenger volume and cargo capacity.

For growing families, the Outback is generally the more practical choice. It offers a significantly wider cabin, providing more shoulder room and legroom in the second row, which makes installing bulky rear-facing child safety seats much easier. The cargo area in the Outback delivers approximately 32 cubic feet of storage space behind the rear seats, expanding to about 75 cubic feet when the second row is folded flat. The Crosstrek provides a more modest 20 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, which is sufficient for daily groceries or school backpacks but can feel tight during extended family road trips.

The driving experience also differs noticeably between the two models. The Outback is built with more sound-deadening materials and a longer wheelbase, resulting in a quieter, more composed highway ride that reduces passenger fatigue on long interstate trips. The Crosstrek offers a more playful, car-like handling character that appeals to solo commuters and active couples who prioritize fuel efficiency and agile city driving.

When you are ready to transition to a more spacious family vehicle, our team can help you transition smoothly by ensuring you get top dollar for your current car. You can quickly value your trade-in online using our transparent appraisal tool, which uses real-time market data to give you an accurate estimate before you visit our showroom.

Under the Hood: Comparing Engine Power and Towing in Pre-Owned Outbacks and Crosstreks

The mechanical differences between a pre-owned Outback and a pre-owned Crosstrek become very clear when comparing their engine options and towing capabilities. Most recent pre-owned Crosstrek models are equipped with a standard 2.0-liter Subaru Boxer four-cylinder engine that produces 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. While this engine is highly fuel-efficient, buyers seeking more highway merging power often search for higher trims—such as the Sport or Limited—which feature a larger 2.5-liter engine delivering 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque.

The Outback starts where the Crosstrek tops out, using the 182-hp 2.5-liter engine as its standard powertrain. For drivers who frequently climb steep mountain passes or carry heavy cargo, the Outback also offers an optional 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine. This turbocharged powerplant generates a robust 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, delivering rapid acceleration and effortless climbing power even when the vehicle is fully loaded with passengers and gear.

These engine differences directly impact how much utility each vehicle can provide. The towing capacities across the model lines include:

  • Subaru Crosstrek (2.0L & 2.5L): Towing capacity is limited to 1,500 lb, which is suitable for a small utility trailer or a lightweight hitch-mounted bike rack.
  • Subaru Outback (2.5L naturally aspirated): Towing capacity increases to 2,700 lb, allowing families to tow light pop-up campers or small watercraft.
  • Subaru Outback (2.4L Turbocharged): Towing capacity reaches its maximum at 3,500 lb, providing enough capability to pull small travel trailers or utility trailers loaded with recreational gear.

Both vehicles utilize a Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission designed to optimize fuel economy by constantly adjusting gear ratios. While this transmission operates smoothly during normal driving, higher trims of both the Outback and Crosstrek feature a manual mode with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, giving drivers temporary control over simulated gear ratios for downhill braking or added control on slippery terrain.

Head-to-Head: Pre-Owned Subaru Forester vs Used Honda CR-V

When cross-shopping the compact SUV segment, many buyers find themselves comparing a pre-owned Subaru Forester directly against a used Honda CR-V. Both of these vehicles have long histories of strong sales, meaning there is a plentiful selection of both models on the pre-owned market. However, they are engineered with different priorities, making each suited to a different type of driver.

The Forester is designed from the ground up for utility and outdoor capability. It features standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive on almost every trim level, whereas a used Honda CR-V typically comes standard with front-wheel drive, requiring buyers to search for models specifically upgraded with optional all-wheel drive. Additionally, the Forester offers a standard 8.7 inches of ground clearance, which easily beats the standard CR-V clearance of 7.8 inches on front-wheel-drive models and 8.2 inches on all-wheel-drive versions. This extra clearance, combined with Subaru’s specialized X-Mode traction system, makes the Forester much more capable on unpaved roads and deep winter snow.

The Honda CR-V counters with a focus on on-road refinement and interior packaging. Most recent pre-owned CR-V models feature a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 190 hp, which feels more responsive during city acceleration than the Forester’s naturally aspirated 182-hp 2.5-liter engine. The CR-V also boasts a slightly larger cargo bay and a more modern dashboard layout on recent model years.

For families prioritizing safety, both vehicles perform exceptionally well. The Forester comes standard with the EyeSight driver-assist suite, which includes pre-collision braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Honda CR-V features the comparable Honda Sensing suite. Ultimately, the Forester is the superior choice for drivers who value standard all-wheel-drive capability and a commanding view of the road, while the CR-V is a strong contender for those who prioritize highway acceleration and car-like road manners.

Common Questions About Buying and Financing Pre-Owned SUVs

Navigating the financial aspects of purchasing a pre-owned SUV can feel overwhelming, especially with varying interest rates and loan terms. When families visit our finance department, they often ask how to structure their purchase to keep monthly payments manageable. A larger down payment is one of the most effective ways to lower your monthly obligation, as it reduces the principal loan amount and can often help you secure a more favorable interest rate from lenders.

Another common question involves choosing the right loan term. While a 72-month or 84-month loan will yield the lowest monthly payment on paper, it also means you will pay more total interest over the life of the loan. Opting for a shorter term, such as 60 months, helps you build equity in your vehicle much faster and saves you money in the long run. We recommend gathering your financial documents—including recent pay stubs, proof of residency, and a valid driver’s license—before visiting the dealership to help speed up the underwriting process.

At Modern INFINITI of Winston-Salem, we work with a broad network of local and national lenders to find competitive rates for buyers of all credit profiles. To save time at the dealership, you can easily apply for auto financing online through our secure application portal. Getting pre-approved allows you to shop our pre-owned inventory with a clear understanding of your buying power.

Find Your Next Quality Pre-Owned Vehicle at Modern INFINITI

When you purchase a pre-owned vehicle from our team, you receive the peace of mind that comes with our exclusive SmartBuy Pre-Owned program. We know that buying a used vehicle can sometimes feel like a gamble, which is why we have designed a comprehensive system to ensure “Confidence Comes Standard” with every purchase. Every SmartBuy vehicle undergoes a rigorous 150-point quality assurance inspection performed by our certified technicians, ensuring that everything from the engine performance to the interior electronics meets our strict standards.

To provide extra reassurance, our SmartBuy vehicles come backed by an exclusive Modern warranty. Gold level vehicles (those under 80,000 miles and less than eight years old) receive a 12-month/12,000-mile powertrain warranty, while Silver level vehicles receive a 3-month/3,000-mile powertrain warranty, both featuring a $0 deductible. Additionally, we offer a 3-day/300-mile vehicle exchange program, a full tank of gas at delivery, and complimentary North Carolina state inspections for as long as you own the vehicle.

We invite you to experience the Modern difference for yourself. Whether you are driving in from Charlotte or commuting from Lexington, our team is ready to provide a transparent, pressure-free buying experience. To schedule a test drive or speak with a sales specialist, give us a quick call today. You can also explore our high-quality pre-owned inventory in person by visiting our Winston-Salem dealership on Peters Creek Parkway.

Answers to Common Pre-Owned Vehicle Shopping Questions

Q: What is the difference between Gold and Silver SmartBuy vehicles?

Gold level pre-owned vehicles are under eight years old and have fewer than 80,000 miles on the odometer, coming with a 12-month/12,000-mile powertrain warranty. Silver level vehicles are between eight and twelve years old or have between 80,000 and 120,000 miles, and they are backed by a 3-month/3,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Q: How does the 3-Day/300-Mile Vehicle Exchange Program work?

If you decide your purchased pre-owned vehicle is not the perfect fit for your lifestyle, you can bring it back to our dealership within the first three days or 300 miles (whichever comes first). You can then exchange it for another pre-owned vehicle from our inventory that better suits your daily needs.

Q: Do your pre-owned vehicles come with a vehicle history report?

Yes, every SmartBuy pre-owned vehicle we sell includes a comprehensive CARFAX vehicle history report. This document provides transparent details regarding previous owners, service history, open recalls, and whether the vehicle has ever been involved in a reported accident.

Q: What is Internet Value Pricing and how does it benefit me?

Our Internet Value Pricing system polls thousands of pre-owned automotive websites every hour to monitor real-time market data. This ensures we price our vehicles competitively from the start, eliminating the need for stressful back-and-forth negotiations to get a fair price.

Q: What paperwork should I bring to the dealership when applying for financing?

To ensure a quick and smooth approval process, you should bring your current driver’s license, your two most recent pay stubs to verify income, proof of residency (such as a utility bill), and your current auto insurance policy information.

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Posted in Used Subaru