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Subaru Outback?

Discussion in 'General Automotive Discussion' started by dream34, Jul 18, 2006.

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  1. dream34

    dream34 Karting

    May 31, 2005
    247
    New Orleans, La.
    #1 dream34, Jul 18, 2006
    In the next few months it looks like I'm going to be in the market for a new ride for the wife. Since we are planning to have a child in the next year or so I'm looking for something that has plenty of room (we also have 2 dogs, a 30 lb mutt and a BIG dane/lab mix), gets decent gas mileage (she will be commuting), is fairly safe and rugged (we do a bit of camping) and comfortable on 300-500 mile road trips. Anyway I've been poking around and the Outback seems to fit the bill and is acceptable to the wife. It also seems that anything in about the same class is about 5-10k more, with not much to justify the higher price tag. Any thoughts?
     
  2. Buffarino

    Buffarino Guest

    #2 Buffarino, Jul 18, 2006
    My wife drives a 2004 Outback and it's been a very good car. It has the base engine and gets 24-26 mpg around town and 30 or so on the highway. It's also the best foul-weather car I've ever driven, including an Audi with Quattro and multiple 4WD SUVs. They are very safe as well.

    It's not an exciting car, but it's a very dependable, solid car that gets good gas mileage. We've only had 1 warranty issue in just under 3 years.
     
  3. Driversource

    Driversource Formula Junior
    BANNED

    Nov 8, 2003
    428
    Houston, TX
    #3 Driversource, Jul 18, 2006
    Depending on which motor you get, it can actually be quite a pleasant car to drive. The base NA 2.5i is adequate, and gets great mileage, but may leave you wanting for acceleration. The 2.5 turbo is very quick, and depending on your right foot, can get decent mileage. I think you can still get it with a manual transmission as well. The 3.0 flat six is very smooth, plenty of power, not sure on the mileage. I've driven all three, and would probably pick the 3.0 for myself for a daily driver/utility car. I have a Legacy GT, which is on the same platform and uses the same interior and has the same 25. turbo motor as the Outback turbo. I've been very happy with it.
     
  4. fanatic1

    fanatic1 Guest

    Nov 1, 2003
    561
    columbus
    Full Name:
    philip
    #4 fanatic1, Jul 18, 2006
    We have an 05 Subaru Forester. VERY SAFE, VERY DEPENDABLE car. Can't go wrong. Excitment is lacking, but that's not why we bought it.
     
  5. fastliz

    fastliz Formula Junior

    Jun 22, 2005
    439
    Palm Bch County, FL
    Full Name:
    Mike
    #5 fastliz, Jul 19, 2006
    I'm a big Subie fan, having owned an '02 WRX and an '04 STi (still have it). They are solid cars and a good value. Once you have (true) AWD, it's hard to go back to anything less.

    Mike
     
  6. idloveaguinness

    idloveaguinness Formula Junior

    Nov 3, 2003
    684
    LI NY
    Full Name:
    Kevin Landry
    #6 idloveaguinness, Jul 19, 2006
    I have an outback sport....It's a rugged, dependable, practical car - which means that I love it and hate it for all of the same reasons. Not sure which flavor ($) you are going with - but the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot are something you may want to consider as well. With a 2 dogs, a baby (and associated gear for both) along with your stuff, you may find the outback to be the smallest size to consider....IF it pulls double duty as a commute car and family trip bus. In fact, it might be too small. Around town you'll be fine, but I think you'll find the Legacy based Outback too small for even a weekender unless you use a cartop carrier.

    Think of it this way: The two dogs will take up the entire back / wagon area with perhaps a small suitcase or duffell or two, but no more since you can't pile stuff on top of man's best friend. The baby will be second row center - leaving you with .75 of a seat on either side (those infant carriers take up more room than you think) leaving only a bit of seat space and floor space for luggage, baby stuff - let alone a stroller or kid carrier. You will, at miniumum, need a large roof carrier to make up for the room lost to cabin occupants. Add CAMPING gear and forget it. We pack pretty lightly, and with one child (now we have three, gulp), a small dog, camping gear and all other stuff for a week of car camping we filled our Pilot to the brim, including a 20 Cu Ft. cartop carrier and a bumber/hitch carrier.

    Whatever you decide....good luck with your decision - and the baby.
    Regards,
    Kevin
     

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