Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Options
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
If you are looking for a softer ride you may want to skip the GT altogether as it comes with a sport-tuned suspenion (versus non GT models). I wouldn't buy an Outback and throw 45 series performance tires on it, so I am not sure doing the opposite to a GT model makes much sense either...
Make sure the overall diameter stays within 3% of the original. That's the industry standard, and 3% isn't much.
24.5 - 24.6" on 215/45-17
24.9" on 205/55-16
I don't tow anything, and most of my driving is generally flat land commuting.
Anyone know if Subaru transmissions tend to "burn" or discolor the oil, or am I headed for a problem!
Thanks in advance for any help.
I suspect cargo room is either on par or exceeds that of the Odyssey. The LGT is a nice machine, and it was the only year it could be had wiht a turbo in wagon form of the '05-'09 generation (which is definitely most visually appealing iteration to date).
That said, my family just moved from a Caravan to a Forester. In the standard configuration, passenger space is comparable in terms of leg room, etc., even though the Forester's front seats do not have quite the upright stance of the van. We gave up a lot of cargo space, but we did not use it all that often in the van, and we can make up some of that by using the roof rack more frequently along with a hitch-mounted storage tray. Considering avg. fuel economy is 6-10 mpg better than the van, and the AWD of the Subaru is multiple classes above the van's, I'd say it was a tolerable move.
If you're keeping the Honda, perhaps you get the best of both worlds?
That's more than any Subaru offers behind the first row! Even the Tribeca.
So you will sacrifice some space, no question.
Having said that, newer Subarus have grown significantly. The 2009+ Forester is a lot roomier than its predecessor, and the new 2010 Outback feels huge as well.
Try them out. The Forester has a nice fold-down arm rest, plus a fold out cup holder at the base of the seat. This keeps 2 kids separated so they don't fight, plus you get 2 cupholders and some space for their toys. We have 2 kids (ages 7 and 10) and it's right-sized. Cargo room is a lot better than a mid-size sedan, but can't touch a minivan's. Still, it's enough for the 4 of us most of the time.
The Outback is similarly roomy.
I still do road trips in our van - can't beat the space. But when it's snowing we know our Forester can take the 4 of us anywhere in comfort.
Scott is speaking specifically of a 2005 Legacy GT wagon, so the new models really don't do him any good.
Cheers!
http://www.lamin-x.com/
Thanks.
They show their 40 mil product for exactly this application - looks worth a try!
We were one of the unfortunate owners of a '98 with the head gasket problem, before subaru admitted it we had moved on though. I've read most of the posts on here the last couple of days and there don't seem to be any grave issues with this model and it's a lot less than I can get a comparably equipped 2010 model for (about $26+) and local dealers aren't really discounting much.
I'm going to call the dealer tomorrow with a couple of questions but thought I would post them here as well.
It doesn't have the "homelink" garage door opener and we really do like that on our other cars. I've still got the old transmitters but I was wondering if the "homelink" on Subies is on the sun visor like my Maxima or built into the overhead like our Lexus?
He's got a "gold plus" extended maintenance program, I can't figure why they did this, they almost never put 8,000 miles a year on a car and they usually trade every 3-4 years. Is this transferrable and if so is it free to do so or is there a charge? I have a feeling it's a charge thing since dealers make a lot of coin on extended warranties.
Thanks in advance
easypar
The warranty is transferable, but I am not sure if there is a fee involved. I don't think so, as the warranty follows the car, but I do think the person who purchased the warranty has the option to cash out the prorated value of it if the car is sold while the warranty is in effect; as such, perhaps there is a transfer fee? The Subaru website should offer information on warranty transfer.
I do think there is a small fee to transfer the warranty. We sold a 2002 Legacy with a 7/100 warranty and I paid it when I sold it, but it was negligable, $25 IIRC.
The buyer was delighted and said that was one of the main reasons he bought the car.
Yes, and the fee is actually $35, I just checked.
Call 800-SUBARU3 and ask if they can help out at all, but be nice. 109k miles is a whole lot.
1-800-SUBARU3 (1-800-782-2783)
I have come to the conclusion that Subaru engines are unreliable. Look at the Forester XT (and Outback XT) turbo engines imploding in '08 and '09. And the head gasket problem was supposed to afflict the '96 to '98 Outbacks but obviously involves other years, too.
I would shop for an independent mechanic - they might be able to do much better on price. I wouldn't give your dealer any more business since he is being unsympathetic and not at all helpful to a loyal customer.
Even the diety-like Hondas and known to blow head-gaskets. I had to replace (at my cost) the head-gasket TWICE in a honda Civic. This was BEFORE 90K miles.
When all the antifreeze blows out tailpipe on the highway at -10F... it makes quite a steam-show!! Everyone behind you backs WAYYY off when their windshield suddenly gets covered with slimy antifreeze.
The O2 sensors died a couple weeks after that....I suspect they dont like getting coverd with antifreeze either.
You are really expecting too much and are being unreasonably harsh on Subaru.
Thanks for your time!
By then the gaskets were much better, as were the wheel bearings, common issues with 2002 and earlier models. Check those things anyway.
Turn the radio off and test drive it with the windows open, listen for any odd noises in the suspension while you drive in a figure 8 (safely), feel the steering. Pop the hood and look for any sign of oil leaks or stains on the the block and on the front and rear main seals. You may need a lift to do this properly (or pay a mechanic).
Basically inspect it as you would any big investment. It's out of warranty, so make sure it's perfect when you buy it.
The good news is problems should be easy to spot - oil stains, noisy wheel bearings, lack of smoothness in the steering or suspension are all tell-tale signs.
It's easier to spot these on a Subaru because all 4 wheels are linked together by the powertrain.
Good luck.
I suspect there is something not right.... My 2006 Baja (based on the Legacy) has GREAT cooling and above-average heating. (albiet it only has to cool/heat half the space as the Legacy wagon)
Can you better describe the problem? Do you sense that it is lack of airflow... or is there plenty of air but not enough coldness/heat in the air?
If an airflow problem, check if her car has a cabin-filter... has it been cleaned/changed lately?
See if there are any signs of rodent nests in any of the HVAC tubing, perhaps blocking the air flow.
Recalls are for safety related items.
The Federal Government doesn't care if you bought a crummy car. If your car takes off on its own, spontaneously combusted, or can't steer, they step in. If its someone not standing behind their product, its why we have a free market.
I find it interesting that some people expect the government to "protect" them from every annoyance in their life. In the end, those people will be sorely disapointed. (The politicians only care about your VOTE so they can keep spending your money.)
However, there are TSB (Technical Service Bulliten) which are intended to cover the items which do not rise to the level of a "Recall". You can review the 'open' TSBs against your specific vehicle at several websites.
An automobile manufacturer is not obliged by law to inform you about TSBs... The consumer must research these themselves, print them out and TELL the dealer about it. I have had good luck getting dealerships to work with me once they know I am informed about the problem.
True but a TSB isn't an extended warranty. If a vehicle is under a manufacturer's warranty and is brought in for service, a TSB can be applied. If the vehicle isn't under warranty, sometimes a dealer/manufacturer will do something for good will, but for the most part, the customer has to pony up for the repair.
I think a lot of people don't know about TSB's. I've got a 2010 Legacy with an annoying squeak in the front seat. When the dealer mentioned that there's a TSB out there for a very similar issue, I found it in one of the of TSB's on the Subaru website. I also found one or two others that may be applicable to my car's performance, but unfortunately, the dealer will only apply a TSB if you report a problem that can be specifically related to it (so we made something up :-) ).
From now on, I'm checking the TSB list periodically...