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Subaru Outback VDC
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Comments
I think the H6 is a great powertrain. The tranny can handle 300+hp in modified cars, so it's robust.
VDC gives you the extra safety of stability control, IMO it's valuable for novice drivers in the snow.
-juice
thanks!
Maybe for a sedan, but even that's a little optimistic. If incentives are increased.
-juice
Michael
OK, back on the topic. I replaced the tires on my 01 Outback Limited with the Bridgestone Turanza LS-H's. Great tires in the snow!!!
Where did you see rating on JD Powers on the VDC. I see ratings on their website on the Outback for the initial quality survey, but not the VDC alone.
Remember, the JDP initial quality survey says absolutely nothing about long term reliability. It is a measure of manufacturing quality control and the capability of the dealer make ready process; certainly important to avoid new car aggravations but does not predict durabilty at all.
I have a 2001 VDC with no problems at 30K miles
Good Luck,
Mike
Anyway, based on my experience with my "03 Forester, I'd buy another Subie in a heartbeat, but I wanted to make sure there are no major issues with the particular model I'm looking at.
Pathtomax, thanks for the welcome and the tire rec. I"m moving to the Hanover area, but I sure hope to visit the coast often and do some fishing!
We were not impressed by the $2900. spread at the time for the VDC and stereo. We drove the VDC in a snow-covered parking lot to feel what it was all about. I've been driving 30 years and never made a move that needed VDC activation. The LLBean also has upgraded insulation - but it doesn't matter much since the mirrors and weatherstripping (on all Outbacks) near the mirrors add wind noise.
Currently looking to replace a 96 Accord with some type of AWD car/SUV. Want a bigger car than the Outback sedan, but still seem to be waiting to see it when it comes out. 2005 LLBean at the NYC auto show didn't seem any bigger than our LLBean.
Subaru is taking too long to get their mid-size SUV to market...
Ralph
The OB Sedans are more popular in the snow belt, probably because people want the clearance. Subaru of Canada sells a lot of them.
Ralph: I'm anxiously awaiting that 7 seater also...
-juice
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-juice
My bad, you're right, it says 4DR, that's a sedan.
-juice
-juice
Bob
-mike
Around here (north NJ), many of the landscapers who do snow removal in winter have mini-plows on their riding tractors for small parking lots. If you have a 1/3-mile driveway, I'll bet you don't just have a small hand-pushed lawn mower either. A plow for your riding mower may be what you need for the small snowstorms.
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The H6 was already quiet, now there's even better NVH control. They must have benchmarked Lexus.
The auto tranny is probably the biggest improvement, the 5 ratios are close and it's not shy about shifting down, even holding a gear.
The H6 is only slightly peppier, but the tranny is better about choosing the right gear so it feels quicker.
I was impressed with how the taller suspension soaked up bumps, we even ventured off road, onto a dirt and rock path, never bottomed out once. In fact we hardly slowed down at all.
I like the current model, and if you do, think of the new one as 15% more of everything - insulation, power, etc. Very impressive.
The only catch? The tire pressure sensors were not functioning. The light was on in all the cars, but they worked fine any way. That was being sorted out, so H6 production might start later (just my guess).
Subaru has built a winner.
-juice
Bob
Maybe Patti (from SOA) has some answers. Unfortunately, she's a bit under the weather now, so it may take a little more time for her to respond.
Bob
The H6s here on Edmunds, for the most part, have been extremely reliable.
-juice
Holy cow, though, your mileage pace is unreal!
-juice
My MEDIUM fuel consume is 30% !!!!
Is this normal ? I need to buy a petrol station for this car... :mad:
-Brian
I live in Europe...
http://www.teaching-english-in-japan.net/conversion/mpg
My speed indicator is in Km/h not in Miles
How it's yours ?
-Brian
It's l/100Km !!!
30l/ 100Km its ~ 8MPG
See here: http://www.teaching-english-in-japan.net/conversion/mpg
Can you please tell me what are your numbers ?
I'm disperate.. i did not think i'll buy a Hummer ! :sick:
The first tank will be lousy, the 2nd a little better. You'll only work it up to ideal mileage after a few thousand miles (even more in KM).
My Forester reached its peak efficiency at 15k miles!
-juice
-mike
-mike
-juice
-mike
-juice
Are your local retailers going to weld up something custom for your use? As Mike made clear, there is probably no market for a mass produced class III hitch for this application. I guess they could take an off the shelf unit (OEM, Hidden Hitch, etc.), and weld in a 2" box where the original smaller unit was. Anyway, challenge them to show you what they are planning to do, and how.
Here is my concern. You understand the cars limits, and that this constitutes some kind of unnatural act. Someday you sell the car, and some nitwit hooks up their 5000lb boat, and either the hitch breaks apart, or it overstresses the mechanicals of the car. I know, not really your problem.... But I would suggest that you remove it before parting ways down the road.
Steve