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Subaru Impreza Outback Sport & TS

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Comments

  • bustanuttbustanutt Member Posts: 12
    i would think you have to expect a better deal... 17k for a 5 spd sounds high, i've seen ads in nj area mid to high 15k plus the infamous $495 del fee... did your 17k include that? have you tried any other dealers in area?? or try e-mail dealers. last year i had a chance to buy 98 obs at for @ 16.3 (yeah - i should have done it)...

    thanks for the ne info - maybe i'll just have to visit ct & check out the foliage :)
  • bustanuttbustanutt Member Posts: 12
    just saw another ad in nyc for 99 obs 5sp for $14,995... of course you do have finance 80% but still that sounds much better than 17k good luck
  • adeaton1adeaton1 Member Posts: 1
    I've been shopping in the Philadelphia area for a 5-spd '99 OBS. I've been to 3 dealers. They seem to want to GIVE away the ones on their floors. Though, I'm looking for a silver one, and they're putting on the pressure that they'll have to pay $300 for a driver....whatever.
    Anyway, the lowest quote I got was $16,483 for 5-spd with anti-theft, cargo net, and tailpipe cover. Is there anybody in the NJ/NY area that has gotten one for less? How much? Anybody purcahsed from the Wilke dealer in Philly?
  • lundjolundjo Member Posts: 3
    I bought a 99 OBS in September and I love. The only problem I've had so far is with fogged/frosted windows. The defrost takes forever to clear the front windshield and does nothing for the side windows. The rear defrost works fine on the hatchback window. Has anyone else had similar experiences. It seems a little dangerous.
  • MiroMiro Member Posts: 15
    Does your OBS have a/c? Remember that it a/c is not only for summer, it absorbs moisture too. Turn it on full blast, the fog will disappear fast.
  • ryanjillryanjill Member Posts: 8
    Yes, I figured the dealer cost of the 1999 OBS at $17,5, including destination. Salesman's final offer of $17,1 (after deducting $750 dealer incentive and adding 2%)included the $495 destination fee; everything I've read indicated that fee isn't negotiable.

    I'm told a Utah dealer will sell a 2000 OBS w/ few options (mats & tailpipe cover) for $17,6.

    If I project the resale values of base models of the 1999 and 2000 OBS into 2003 (using Intellichoice depreciation figures), and subtract those values from the initial selling prices estimated above, the loss in value due to depreciation is about $1300 worse for the 1999 than for the 2000. This difference goes to zero if the 1999 is discounted to $15,9. Since the 1999 I was looking at had more options, $16,3 feels like a fair total price (inc. dest.) for a 1999 to me. But the salesman says he's confident he can sell the 1999 to someone else for more than $17,1, and he'd rather match the Utah dealer if I order a 2000. (6-8 weeks delivery)

    So, I guess it's either travelling to the East Coast where there seem to be better deals on 1999's or faxing around to see if I can do much better on a 2000. Local (in Michigan and Ohio) supplies of the 2000 MT seem quite limited.
  • ramonramon Member Posts: 825
    Could it be that your front defroster is not working? Mine was not working before. But it's been fixed under warranty since and so far I don't notice it working slow. I seen worse before. However, turning hte a/c helps alot too. But man, during winter with the a/c on..... burrrr....
  • MiroMiro Member Posts: 15
    A/C not only cools, it also dries (you know this right?) Who says you have to keep the temp setting on cold? Just increase the setting from blue(cold) to orange(hot). How to defog quickly is mentioned in the owner's manual.
    Ever notice Civics have a tendency to fog up? To resolve this, Honda set the a/c to turn on automatically when directing the air flow at the windshield. So driving with it on in the rain or winter actually makes sense.
    I mention the above because I've "been there, done that".
  • ramonramon Member Posts: 825
    What was I thinking about?! Never had to resort to turning the a/c on to defrost the windshield.
  • hwilson22hwilson22 Member Posts: 2
    I searched the Owners Manual pretty well for my '99 Outback Sport Wagon and see that it looks pretty simple to add the filter unit which is located above the front passenger foot area. Does anybody have any experience with this? Are there aftermarket air filters you can buy for that?
  • bustanuttbustanutt Member Posts: 12
    -ryanjill
    Have you tried something like www.dealernet.com to see if they list any inventory closer to you??

    I like your accounting re 99 vs 2000 except that if you plan to put on a lot of milage - that would effectively lower the $1,300 difference a bit, no?
  • ryanjillryanjill Member Posts: 8
    -bustanutt
    Thanks for the tip. Unfortunately, dealernet is turning up null results when asked to search for 1999 OBS, though I can look up individual dealers' inventory. I'd been searching my area the slow and tedious way, with Subaru's dealer locator, concluding there weren't any other 1999 5 spds in Michigan listed in the internet inventory, and that 2000 5 spds are also in short supply (and mostly seem to be silver, whereas I'd prefer red). But dealernet has given me a lead on at least one other local 5 spd from a dealer whose URL is screwed up at Subaru's dealer locator site - so thanks!

    I'm a low mileage driver, so I didn't take high mileage into account. Adjusting for inflation (vs. present value) would also reduce that $1300. It was just a ballpark way to try to "impose some structure on the problem" as my stats profs say to try to see at what price(s) the 1999 is clearly a better deal than the 2000.
  • jmg48jmg48 Member Posts: 2
    Hi...there've been several references here to Subaru dealer incentives and customer rebates in the past few weeks, but I haven't been able to find any concrete info online about them. Can someone point me toward a source?

    I'm shopping inthe Maryland/Virginia area, looking at 1999 Outback Sports...a quick posting would be really appreciated...I'm on a limited timeframe. Thanks...
  • bustanuttbustanutt Member Posts: 12
    -jmg48

    check edmunds home page - or even autobytel - My current understanding is $850 on 99 obs - but it seems that it's either rebate OR incentive depending where you live - I have heard but can't confirm there may be both or some combination.

    Also look through some of the Subaru threads, I thought I saw something about people getting Foresters in MD and they sounded happy - good luck

    -ryanjill

    I hope that one works out - the other thing I've noticed in dealernet is that you sometimes have to put in just impreza vs impreza wagon to get all the listings...also they seem to have links to some dealer pages that seem faster than suby's locator... continued success!
  • ryanjillryanjill Member Posts: 8
    Car Deals Vol 9, Number 20, October 13, 1999 lists only $750 for this model to customer or dealer, varying by region or model. The organization I paid for this info, which probably wouldn't like me posting it here and so shall remain nameless, noted that CarDeals can pick up about 80-90% of incentives, capturing most national deals, but not all the regional offers. The organization also said not to worry about dealers lying about customer rebates, although they probably will avoid revealing their factory incentives. I also e-mailed Subaru directly to ask if there was a customer rebate in Michigan; they answered that they're not doing any financing or rebates directly to customers on this model and that I'd have to check with individual dealers.

    It sounds like there's no way of getting at regional discount information directly, but several sources recommend getting at it indirectly by faxing multiple dealers. The ones getting special incentives tied to region or sales levels will presumably offer you lower prices, assuming of course, that you've demonstrated in the fax that you know the real cost of the vehicle and the options you want.
  • bustanuttbustanutt Member Posts: 12
    -ryanjil

    You (we?) just don't seem to get any breaks :(

    I found carsmart through snap.com yesterday, they seemed to say $500 reb or $500 inc... I may just go 97 used...

    Anyone else with thoughts, experiences, better luck??
  • ryanjillryanjill Member Posts: 8
    -bustanutt

    No, just more bad news. Talked to the Michigan dealer today; he says they sold the 1999 for $1200 off STICKER, i.e., they convinced someone to pay $18,1 (a thousand more than his last offer to me!). So the dealership made $600 over invoice + the $750 dealer incentive.

    Eastern Pennsylvania looks to have a bigger supply of 1999s than Michigan or Ohio (although only few have cruise control -- why?). Anyone have an idea whether dealers are more eager to deal there? Northwest has cybersavers to Harrisburg this weekend, but the price would have to be really good to make it worth the hassle -- definitely below $16,5!
  • ramonramon Member Posts: 825
    It seems like the 99s are snapped up pretty quick eh? I guess it's you guys who are facing the competition and not the other day around. 18,100 for a 99 models is quite steep. Hmm....do you really need cuirse control? Is it auto you're looking for? I picked mine up in May for 23000 Canadian loonies. It was cheap then. It was going for about 24,500 MSRP then. Why don't you want a MY00 ones? You don't like the wings?
  • bustanuttbustanutt Member Posts: 12
    -ryanjill

    sorry for delay - but I have an idea - can we sell suby's in Michigan - sounds like way to get rich!!

    I saw one msg about Philly area dealers allegedly "giving away" what's on lot (99s)... a friend told me same @ New Hampshire - but their invoice price doesn't jive with anything on the net...

    I would recommend serious online or phone negotiating before taking the flight... good luck

    -ramon
    thanks for suggestions- but @ what is loony worth in usd?? I prefer 99's for rebate/incentive.
  • ryanjillryanjill Member Posts: 8
    -ramon
    MY00 spoilers are fine, but you have to understand that my Car Talk carmascope placed me on the cheap side of frugal. :-) When I read that the MY00 changes were mostly cosmetic, not mechanical, that made me think the 1999s would be good bargain hunting territory for essentially the same car.

    -bustanutt
    And don't lose hope, bustanutt -- today all the research into dealer inventories paid off for me! I bought a 1999 5 spd in Ohio with cruise control, foglamps, and keyless entry for $16,4, minus another $200 for my 15-year-old Toyota, to come out at $16,2. A comparable 2000 would invoice at $17,5, and I don't think many dealers would accept less than $300 over that amount, particularly since 2000 5 speeds are also in short supply in my state.

    I e-mailed the Fleet Manager at La Riche Subaru in Findlay Thursday night saying I was ready to buy a 1999 with cruise control from the Subaru dealer who gave me the best price; I laid out invoice & MSRP, destination & totals, and said I knew there was 2% holdback, $750 dealer incentive and that I expected the price to reflect this plus the fact that cruise was now standard on the 2000s and the 1999 would suffer more depreciation as soon as I drove it off the lot. He called me Friday; we bargained for about 20 minutes and agreed on the price; I drove down this morning and picked it up. They were great -- all the paperwork was in order, exactly as we had agreed over the phone. I think they just really wanted to move the car this month; it wasn't a matter of huge local supply since I could only locate 2 1999 5 speeds in northern Ohio.

    For my own peace of mind, I've decided the Oregon coup (i.e., paying $15,3) must have been the result of a dealership marketing strategy to advertise & sell one car at a phenomenally low rate to pull other buyers in -- very hard for a consumer to replicate without being in the area to see the ad and being the first one through the door after it runs!

    Now I'm ready to switch gears and worry about picking car cleaners & waxes, which I never bothered to do for my poor Toyota. Any advice?
  • ramonramon Member Posts: 825
    I wouldn't start to wax or polish a new car so soon! Reason being that your OBS may be new and you should let the paint to cure for about 3 months before applying wax on it! Stay away from cleaners until it's like 2 or more years old!!! Otherwise the cleaner stuff will eat into your brand new clear coat! I recommend Meguiar's Gold Class wax. It's top notch. Im sure you can find lots of advise in the Car care section in this Town Hall.
  • bustanuttbustanutt Member Posts: 12
    -ryanjill

    Congrats!! Perhaps your success will reinvigorate my search... especially as we near the end of month! If you could just teach me to drive a 5sp I'd save @ $800, plus fuel, and have more fun! I will definitely use your depreciation point; superb :)
  • ramonramon Member Posts: 825
    It's quite easy these days. The powerful torque on the OBS would keep the car from stalling. I suggest u should take afew lesson on it and end up saving 800 bux! 2-3 lesons will do! that's like less than 100 bux!!!
  • ryanjillryanjill Member Posts: 8
    -ramon
    You're right, there are literally thousands of posts on this topic. Interestingly, a car detailer is saying it's no longer necessary to wait before waxing; the paint is already cured. I'm convinced I need to do something before Michigan starts salting the roads, and Meguire's does seem to be the second choice of the people posting on this topic. (They love Zaino's.) I also learned that my usual ways of caring for the car probably do more harm than good, since it seems to take extreme care with towels, etc, not to end up driving contaminants further into the paint. So I'm not going to go any further off topic, but do recommend those threads as being very educational, even if it's a pain to spool back to the beginning of their conversation in 1998.

    -bustnutt
    I agree with Ramon; take some lessons in a manual. If I hadn't traded in the Toyota, you could have practiced in that! ;-) Good luck hunting; this next week should be great for making deals.
  • lundjolundjo Member Posts: 3
    Thanks for the a/c info.

    FYI - I paid $17,000 for mine in Chicago (auto, mats, tailpipe cover). Probably could have done a little better with a little more persistence, but I think it was a pretty fair price. The dealer was easy to work with.
  • guillaumeguillaume Member Posts: 1
    Hi !
    I am hesitating between a Jetta (probably GLS) and a Subaru Outback sport. That may seem two very different cars but they have more in common that may seem: subcompacts, about the same price tag, fun to drive, good reliability records, attractive looks, well equipped. Of course the Subaru has 4WD and mini-SUV type space in the back. Jetta has its German craftmanship going for it. Anybody is interested in voicing an opinion? I am looking for the tie breaker!
  • giellisgiellis Member Posts: 1
    Since 99 OBS pricing is the order of the day, I just paid $16,476 for a red one, with keyless entry, alarm, floormats and a cargo net. It's a 5spd. This price included the 495 delivery charge, but not tax and tags.

    This was at Flemington Subaru in NJ. The dealer has one white one left (the one I test drove) which is essentially base, and thats it for the 99's.

    I probably could have done better, but since my 93 Chevy Beretta broke this morning, I kinda wasn't in the mood to really push.

    Gary
  • ramonramon Member Posts: 825
    OK first off are you going for the VR6 engine? That would put your cost ahead of the OBS. My roomate has the Jetta GLS VR6 which has all the luxury you can think off - leather this leather that, 16" wheels, spoilers, V6 engine, yada yada.... that put his price like say almost 7000-8000 more than my OBS in Canadian loonies. With that kinda money, I can put so much toys in my car that I can run circles in any Jettas. A base GLS has a dinky I4 engine which pumps ou 115hp I believe. And unlike Passat and Golf, the Jetta is made in Mexico. So not too sure about the quality there. I like my OBS a whole lot because it has a Rally heritage and a strong chassis for further performance mod. Besides, how many Jettas do you see for each OBS you see anyways? However if you like the VW for it's European touch then go for it cus I have to say the OBS is no Honda or Acura quality in terms of interior design. Oh, my roomate complained that the Jetta is tight inside. I hope to try out his Jetta one day and see how it handles. With that much money he dumped in, I sure hope it does on par if not better than my OBS.
  • slickrick1slickrick1 Member Posts: 12
    Back in April, I was in the same boat you are. My choice...neither. I ended up getting the Legacy L sedan. I preferred a sedan to a wagon, but more importantly, I preferred the Subaru's 2.2L boxer to the Jetta 2.0L 115hp engine. I also loved the Subaru's AWD. As far as I'm concerned, if at that time the Jetta had AWD and their 1.8T, I'd be driving a Jetta. With the Legacy L sedan, I got my sedan with the engine and AWD I wanted.

    My advice to you is to drive both and then consider what you want and need. I live in western PA, with a fair amount of snow, but a whole lotta hills, so AWD and ABS were important to me. Depending on where you're from, those may not be quite as important. I really don't think you can go wrong with either one.
  • ramonramon Member Posts: 825
    If the Jetta were to come with a 1.8T I believe that would place it's price range much higher than the OBS.
  • pgs1pgs1 Member Posts: 2
    I have heard that the impreza will have a complete redesign for MY2001. This will be available sometime in early 2000. Does anyone know if the Outback Sport will be redesigned as well? If so, any info on it? Spy shots? I would apreciate any information. Thanks
    PGS1
  • bustanuttbustanutt Member Posts: 12
    I have not heard (nor looked for)anything, but it can't be far off... Forester will be updated for 2001 (see topic #1120 - spy shots included).
  • ramonramon Member Posts: 825
    I'll believe when i test drive it. I doubt that the Impreza line will get a turbo or flat 6 as the Legacys and Outbacks will be getting them in 2001. So that year ain't the big thing for Impreza. SOA/SOC pls proof me wrong!!! I saw the spy pix of the OBS. Looks almost like a miniature version of the 2000 Outback. If you go to the yahoo OBS newsgroup, I believe there is a picture of it there.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I've heard that the Imprezza gets a full update for 2001, and that the 2.5l engine will become the standard engine, with the 2.2l dropped entirely from the SOA line. Also, the RS will be replaced by a 205hp WRX edition.

    Styling on drawing renditions I've seen is more agressive, with a more wedgy profile.

    Sounds sweet, eh?

    The Legacy gets the H-6 in the fall on automatic Limited models, but the question remains what will the Forester get? A turbo or the H-6?

    -juice
  • austriash1austriash1 Member Posts: 12
    I'm thinking of buying a '00 OBS w/5 speed... I occasionally (once or twice a year) tow a 1200 lb trailer on longish (1000 mile) trips. Does anyone here have info on how I could expect the OBS to perform (I realize the tow rating is 1,500 lbs). The trailer has hydraulic brakes.

    Also, for those with the factory hitch, how high is the top of the ball from the ground? What trailer wiring comes with the car (flat four plug)?

    I've found this forum valuable in making my decision!
  • kernickkernick Member Posts: 4,072
    I have a little over 52K miles on mine. I bought in 2/96.
    Pros:
    1) I live in the country in NH, and only got stuck once - it wouldn't go up my unplowed driveway with 15" snow. It snowplowed of course.
    2) No breakdowns or unplanned maintenance.
    Neutral:
    1) Gas mileage in the high 20's.
    2) Stereo is OK, but needs some bass.
    3) The original Bridgestone Potenza tires lasted approx. 40K miles. They are only adequate in the snow - I bought separate wheels and Blizzak tires.
    4) If you do your own oil, make sure you only put the filter on "hand-tight-snug". I used a filter wrench once and cut the gasket, losing most of my oil in the next 20 miles.
    Cons:
    1) Seats are uncomfortable on long trips. End up with a sore lower back - I need to stuff a pillow there.
    2) Road noise is high, not great for long trips.
    3) Have a paint "blister", raised - not a chip, on the hood.
    4) Brakes cost $100, not $80 at NTB. Not bad for a foreign car I guess.
  • ramonramon Member Posts: 825
    I'v never tow anything with my OBS before, and tho it's rated to tow 1500lb. I would not go above 1000lb especially if you're gonna load tha car up.
  • ramonramon Member Posts: 825
    if you go to the yahoo Impreza Outback Sport Newsgroup, you might get some good enthusiast to help u out.
    http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/subaruimprezaoutbacksport
  • eddiemadeddiemad Member Posts: 5
    I have a quick, simple question. Can the 2.5 be had in the Sport Wagon?
  • ramonramon Member Posts: 825
    Maybe 2001 when the Impreza turbo comes in and an RS wagon might take over the OBS. Who knows.....
  • jimrl8jimrl8 Member Posts: 1
    I'm looking for examples of great pricing on the Impreza OBS within the Sacramento-SF Bay Area. I've seen responses in regards to higher prices in CA compared to the rest of the country, and several price quotes in other areas besides my own. I'm interested in the 5-spd with premium- sound and security packages, fog lamps and alloy wheels.
  • christofarrochristofarro Member Posts: 1
    Hi, anyone out there?

    Been driving an 87 madza 323 for 13 years and just bought a lake property with a long dirt road. I am very anti SUV. 95% of them in Philly are a complete waste.

    Didn't like the Forrester, mostly bc of the handling but loved the Impreza outback. Am condsidering a Legacy, but the outback is out of my comfort (price range). I am also leery of buying any new car in its first year of release.

    Questions -

    1 Is it at all possible to special order an Impreza outback WITHOUT that (near hideous) hood scoop? The dealer told me no.

    2. How important is the heavy duty suspension if I will be dealing with a 0.75 mile dirt/gravel road, winter weather and no off roading, really. (Reason for query, can go to Legacy L and get bigger engine).

    3. Is the gas mileage accurate for the 2.2 vs. the 2.5 L engines (they post only a minor diff here).

    Thanks for your time!
  • jamespowerjamespower Member Posts: 42
    1. A regular impreza hood should fit and will colour match if you order in the obs color. But it's unlikely you can special order a hoodless obs, so you will have to pay twice. I can't see how you can like the overall styling concept of the obs but find the scoop offensive. I like the scoop on my Legacy GT.

    2. All 2.2l Imprezas sold in North America are basically the same car. I'm pretty sure that the 'raised' stance of the obs is just down to larger tyres and clever styling (somebody please correct me if this is wrong). The legacy outback is however, lifted an inch or so compared to the regular legacy. If you need ground clearance, go with the forester or legacy outback. However, any Subaru will handle your dirt/gravel road.

    3. I'd say seat-of the-pants performance of the 2.2l obs will feel better than any legacy, even with 2.5l engine due to lower weight. However the main difference is in the handling and space. If you need the loadcarrying ability of a wagon, the obs only just qualifies - it is more of a hatchback, with a cramped back seat and small trunk. If you need space, go with the legacy. If you want to have the most fun, go with the obs, or better still the 2.5l Impreza RS coupe/sedan or upcoming WRX turbo (the street-legal rally car coming later this year).

    How about a used (97-99) Legacy Outback or GT - there are probably a few about by now at prices cheaper than a new obs.

    Lastly, 5-speeds are the way to go to get the most out of the boxer 4 engine.

    JP
  • ramonramon Member Posts: 825
    I own a 99 OBS and the extra 20mm (which is not much) comes from the stronger springs found on the OBS. The rest of the suspension are similar with other imprezas including the 2.5RS.
    Indeed, you would need a 5spd to harness the most power from the boxer engine. It's not that it's not capable with an auto. It's just more fun with a 5spd. I live in Soutwestern Ontario and we do get some snow. My OBS so far had no problem whatsoever going on fresh snow or bumpy condition.
    On gravel and dirt path, I don't see any problem for the OBS to handle. Most important are the tires. they are different from the RE92s found in other regualar Subarus. The OBS tires are more suited for rugged use. That is the difference with say a regular Impreza. Otherwise, with the right tires, I am sure any Impreza can handle the conditions you mentioned. I think JP mentioned the stuff which I can think of. So there you go.
  • jkporter228jkporter228 Member Posts: 2
    hi all! i am seriously looking at the '00 OBS as an investment for my next car. however, i really would welcome info from current owners of the OBS! please help me out.
    1)would you buy the OBS again if you'd do it over?
    2)what are the honest +/-'s ?
    3)is it as cramped as it could potentially be?
    4)is it as safe as the other subarus if it is considered a "subcompact"?
    5)how does it compare to the other subarus?
    6)would this fit my need for a fun, reliable, safe car? i am a 27 y.o. single, female, soon-to-be resident physician in PA. is there enough cargo space to haul every day stuff, as well as things for special occasions/trips?
    i know lots of questions, but i'd certainly appreciate ANY info you could pass along. thanks in advance and God bless!
    sincerely, jenny porter
  • ramonramon Member Posts: 825
    hello,


    1)would you buy the OBS again if you'd do it over?
    - Yes. But I would be keeping mine inhopes to turbo the car up. It was meant to be in teh first palce anyways. It's a great car. Very very unique

    2)what are the honest +/-'s ?
    - plus: Amazing handling, good storage, peppy engine with 5spd, gotta love the boxer growl, distinct look, the reflection of the hood will make u smile, everybody will be staring at you stunned... I can go on and on...oh yeah the bulletproof reliabiility of Subaru.
    - minuses : It's a driver's car. Why? Cus it's alot more expensive then say a saturn wagon or even a Civic Si! Gas is more than the average car. I can go 400km on afull tank with strictly city driving. tint the window as the summe can get hot in the car...many windows.
    3)is it as cramped as it could potentially be?
    - huh? I am the driver so I will never know how cramp the rear is. But apparenly tho the car is smaller than a Jetta the interior volume is larger than a Jetta!

    4)is it as safe as the other subarus if it is
    considered a "subcompact"?
    - It is one of the safest car you'd ever drive! The frame is very rigid. Reason being that it is the hatchback version of the World rally Championmship racer! It won the championship 3 times!!!

    5)how does it compare to the other subarus?
    - Which one? Very hard to say. Smaller than the OUtback and Legacys. About the same size as the Forester as it based on the Impreza chassis. All Imprezas are the same in size...be it sedan, coupe or wagon. the OBS has 2.2l. a 2.5l would be great but it still is a quick car thanks to it's crazy amount of torque ~150ft/lb at 3600rpm for a small car. This is a vague question.
    6)would this fit my need for a fun, reliable, safe
    - Fus is what hte OBS is all about. you haven't live until you executed a 4 wheel drift on the snow in an empty parking lot!!!! I love this car! Has lots of character.

    There's an OBS newsgroup you can go to and ask them wha tthey think. Becareful tho as their enthusiasm is very contagious....
    BTW what other cars are your choices?
  • georgedegeorgede Member Posts: 40
    Hi everyone! Just in need of comments from
    all you owners of the Outback Sport.
    I started to search for one, and as I'm finding out, its becoming difficult to get the right car. I spent a whole day trying to find a WHITE one. There are only 2 dealers here in South Florida within 50 miles or so, In Miami, theres one, and all practically have one car to show. Ok, here we
    go with questions..
    1. Does the automatic have sufficient power??
    2. Is the A/C powerful enough for the South Florida summer (150 degrees +or-) just joking.
    3. Can you add leather?
    4. How about WIND NOISE??

    Anyway, I would love to see a White one before I
    buy. The dealer near me, has a Green one which I
    will test drive tomorrow. He's asking $18,900, is
    this a fair price? I also did not drive the 5 speed, maybe I should before I decide.
    Thanks for the comments!!!
  • celeste2celeste2 Member Posts: 362
    Hey, just bought my Outback Sport last week and have had almost 7 days of sheer ecstasy! I live in hot Central Florida so you know my climate is like yours and here's some of my responses to your questions:

    1. I drove an auto Outback Sport and thought the power was O.K., but I wanted and bought a manual and it takes off alot faster from a stop I think. You can really leave alot of cars behind at those traffic lights!

    2. The a/c is a dream and yesterday we drove in I-4 about 40 minutes, in the midday heat, and it was a HOT one yesterday. My husband is a big person who really suffers in the heat but he is emphatically happy with the A/C on this car. It's great for Florida. But get the windows tinted as dark as you can stand. I had mine done yesterday and you'll want to get this done, too. Makes the car look REALLY sporty, also.

    3. Who wants leather? It's sweaty to sit on, hot, and a pain the the *** to condition and keep supple in a hot climate. Come on, the upholstery color in the Outback is just to me the most wonderfully outrageous I've seen. I mean, the stripes are wild and have tones of purple, blue and pink which are really campy.

    4. I thought the wind noise yesterday on I-4 was really minimal. Now, don't look for a big cushy Lincoln or Cadaillac, but I think the noise level is very very tolerable and the car is such a pleasure to drive!!

    5. Maybe you can get the dealer down to $18000.
    Tell him you want a base car with no options and you're no paying for anything extra, that he'll just have to throw that stuff in.

    6. Just to throw in one more comment: What a fun car to drive. Now I know what someone meant when they said the car puts a smile on their face everytime they get in it. Be sure to ACCELERATE on the corners and curves, it can take it and is such a thrill. You won't believe the feeling!
  • ramonramon Member Posts: 825
    Congrats on your new purchase. You can join a bunch of OBS fanatic at this wesite. It's a newsgroup which comprises of a bunch of owners who love the car. Truly an amazing little bugger isn't it?!

    http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/subaruimprezaoutbacksport
  • celeste2celeste2 Member Posts: 362
    Thanks for all your encouragement and input, I've been reading your comments all along and they were very helpful to me in choosing the Outback Sport. I started thinking about a Subaru around December and would take my walks at night up to the dealership nearby and look. At first it was the full-size Outback. Then my 14 year old son was crazy about the Impreza RS and we saw one up there which was nice, but clearly not quite the thing for if you have to haul any stuff. We were using an old Volvo wagon. Then, in April the dealer got a 2000 OB Sport, silver, but it was automatic. But when I saw the car it was love at first sight. I was jumping up and down and acting like an idiot. My husband just circled the car and looked and said, "yeah, I think this is it, this look like your car."

    It was kind of fun making the sales manager whine, which he did in the most pathetic way, and we almost left but wanted the car too bad and he found a silver manual OB sport. So, he had a little leverage since there aren't too many of these in Florida.

    Now I know why all the OB Sport owners are so enthusiastic, and how nice to know you're not driving one of those "clones"!
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