The Honda has always had cleaner
oil, and the Subaru has always dirtied its oil faster, while using more oil. Our 1990 Accord also had clean oil longer, and used less oil longer, than our Outback. I think you would find a clean oil trend for Accords.
Baja
I just think this is the perfect kayak car/small truck. but a 24 grand sticker price is outrageous.
Paul
subaru
My mother in law has one that has served her very well. It would not be my first, second, or third choice, but hey, to each his own.
Because they’re decent vehicles
– Last Updated: Feb-26-07 2:19 PM EST –
and you don't give yourself a hernia trying to load a yak or canoe onto a rack 6 and a half feet off the deck, like you can with an XTerra...
Although, I've used a Ford Focus wagon the last two season and had great reliabilty out of it on pretty wierd terrain..
Outback overload
I’m amzed at the number of Outbacks compared to plain ol’ Legacys. We’ve had a Legacy wagon for years in NH and never felt the need for the extra height or big wheels. Handling is better, and tires are a lot less expensive.
Although now I see that you can’t buy a bare-bones Legacy any more – they’re trying to push it “upmarket”. Arrrgh.
Seems That Way…
probably why I won’t have another Sub after this Forester dies.
sing
Forester moonroof
The Forester’s mammoth moonroof is surely a selling point. Too bad, I gotta have a crossbar across mine all the time!
Just went to the Outback
First car that wasn’t a Taurus or a Sable wagon since 1994, but they stopped them…
Reason we went Outback was because, by the time we upped the Legacy with the stuff that we really did want, it was same or cheaper, and a lot easier, to find a middling level Outback that was already set up that way. I had an old GL wagon in the 80’s, and that car did everything it needed to great without any sporting packages. But no longer around. I miss that bed though - could fit a panel of wood into it.
(psst)
(you can get it with a hardcover for 3k LESS. Just order the wagon).
autobox
That explains it a bit. I would love a 5 speed. How do you like yours?
I can vouch for the oil consumption. Maybe just me but it feels like the lower center of gravity of a flat 4 lets it corner a bit flatter…
ditto the OB
I love the dual sunroof.
Probably why it will be discontinued
Or so I’ve read.
You can get a regular truck with bigger engine and more room, 4WD even, for that price.
Depends where you are
Around here, 8" ground clearance is not overload, not by a long shot.
how are tires cheaper?
Different rim diameter?
I like the extra clearance but I got mine used. I wouldn’t have paid a premium for it.
Friend of mine had an 00 Legacy GT sedan, with 17" rims and 50 series tires. Stuck to the road like glue.
Can’t answer your question but have
you noticed how long tires last on Subarus? I bought new tires after the originals were wearing down at about 75k, but I could have gone longer. The second set (Michelin X1) lasted 80k and could have gone longer, but they were getting noisy. We now have Goodyear tripletreads on the car, and I expect them to go 80k. Our Accords and our other front wheel drive cars can’t TOUCH the Subarus for tire life.
On the other hand, I don’t push our Outback on dry pavement the way I can push the Accord. The breakaway limit for a hard turn in one direction is fine, but the double lane change maneuver can cause the Outback’s tail to wag. (Couldn’t be my technique.)
tough to say
I’ve been using michelins for the first time, which are supposed to last anyway.
I don’t believe you can rotate tires on the subaru but this may be a fallacy.
don’t hate it
– Last Updated: Feb-27-07 9:18 AM EST –
For not being as prolific as a honda or toyota these cars sure get a lot of press in certain circles. People seem to love them. Down here in lower MI some see them as liberal elite rides but travel up north and you see a lot of them carting around lower middle class and lower class blue collars. Then there's the sport compact crowd. People testify to oil usage, head gasket issues, numb shifters, premium pricing and other drawbacks; people like CFL cast stones at the owners, but you hear of people from all walks putting up with all of this to drive them. I think it is more than marketing.
It reminds me more of german cars than their japanese brethren. VW drivers will put up with the comparatively lower reliability because VWs have that feel, that perfect driving position, and identity.
Issues
I’m actually thinking about one of these for my next vehicle. Reservations though are certainly there, as it’s unclear whether or not the company has taken head gasket issues seriously, modifying something design or parts wise. Having a conditioner (aka magic potion) added to the coolant does not inspire confidence that the problem has been addressed.
Hopefully, some additional changes have been made.
risk/reward
You have to ask yourself:
Are you buying used? I don’t think the current generation 2.5 has the head gasket issue. It’s certainly stressed much more than the last one in terms of the power it produces.
What do you want to spend? Are you getting an 00 or newer? These seem to have a lower incidence.
Are you willing to pay for an inspection? There are pretty evident signs of imminent failure.
Take a look at the incidence per model year, get an inspection by a competent mechanic who knows subarus.
Risk
It’d be new or a late model for sure.
Not an issue of warning, as in the need of a mechanic.
It’s principle and the money.
Blowing head gaskets is a pretty serious issue, and except for a rare occurrence it shouldn’t be happening. It’s a real problem that Subaru acknowledges. Other than adding a “special” conditioner to the coolant, they are hesitant to provide any details on other corrective measures that have been taken. Coolant additives may help with problems from outside the cylinder, but not those deriving from the inside.
It’s something to watch, and hopefully something that’s been corrected by the company.