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Comments
My insurance broker does not have the ratings yet and in order to rate, they need the VIN...unfortunately, no GT wagons in our area yet from which to pull the VIN.
My gut tells me the GT, with the turbo, is going to be rated somewhat more performance, and therefore have higher rates. I could be wrong though.
Thanks in advance.
Cheers.
That's a good deal (with Liberty Mutual, now TD insurance or something)
Post your impressiuons of the 3.0R when you see one.
Thanks, JP
When I was buying my P5 I also got a quote on a WRX. The WRX was $100 or $200 cheaper per year to insure. I found that strange. Then again, a Porsche Boxter S was only $600 more per year.
EDIT: of course this one posted...it was short!!!
Saw the 05s last Friday at the dealer. They had a range of OB trim levels including one 3.0R...can't recall if it was white or silver. It is a nice vehicle and I immediately noticed the increased ground clearance of the 05s over my 00 OB. However, to be honest, not of the of the ext colour choices sent my heart racing. They had the white, silver, light blue and the moss green on the VDC. The green seemed much lighter than what I've seen in the pics.
Interior is very very sharp on the OBs. the Cloth was tasteful on the 3.0R, but I must say, I am not keen on the black interior. It will show ever speck of dirt and dust. After my first black vehicle with black interior, I vowed it would be my last...simply due to the maintenance req'ts to keep it looking somewhat clean. The taupe was very nice, but I only saw it in leather. Wonder of the 3.0R has a taupe cloth option? Hope so. to be continued.......
OK, also noticed that all the 3 litre OBs had the signal markers on the mirrors, where as all the 2.5 litre Legacies and OBs, base and Ltds, did not.
A Silver Legacy 2.5i Ltd. was being driven out of the storage lot to be PDI'd. I thought it was a really good looking vehicle. I imagine I will be truly taken with a GT. The rear chrome tail pipes on the Legacies add a touch of class and "richness" to the rear.
Unfortunately, no GTs or XTs. A GT Sedan is available at another dealer, but think I will wait until the GTs are in so I can drive a 3.0R and GT back to back, probably in a couple of weeks.
Nicholas
In general, I think Subaru should kill the two tone thing, or offer the Allroad or Forester X matt unpainted cladding, the contrasting painted shiny cladding does nothing for me....
With all the anticipation, I was generally a little underwhelmed by the actual cars, esp side and rear views. Test drive needed.....
Anyone know which OB models will be offered in monotone (monochrome??) in Canada. I'd like to see a gold, red and a black model in person before making a final decision on color. I think mono color is available on the OB 2.5i and XT, not the 3.0R, maybe on the VDC, but I could be wrong
JP
Just after I posted my dealer called to tell me "my car" was in and I could come drive it. It is/was a willow/moss canadian only 3.0R wagon. Impressions in a minute but can answer my question (spec sheets now available).
Canadian Monochrome Outbacks: XT and 3.0R VDC only. Non VDC 3.0R and 2.5i models only in the two tones.
So what did I think of the Outbacks and the 3.0R in particular. Firstly, the dealer has changed policy and now sales staff must go on test drives. So no more 4 hour trips to the mountains....Hence my drive was brief and a little distracted.
Firstly, the highs.
The H6 feels strong off the line and willing to rev, I went a little over 4k rpm a few times (the car had 50 kms but was not PDI'd) and it built power impressively. Shifts in auto mode were barely noticeable. Smooth and linear as others have said. Didnt really test the handling but the car feels really solid and planted. As for the cabin and controls, huge improvement. Everything works with a smoothness and solidness that has been lacking in the past. Finishing and materials are first class. Climate control and stereo good, taupe interior very nice (if you like taupe, more of this later). A lot of people will like this car, and at msrp of 38995, it seems affordable if not exactly cheap.
After the H6, I sat in an OB XT LTD with black interior (the only OB XT model available in Canada). Wonderful. Loved the seats, MOMO wheel, guages, moonroof, understated hood scoop.....I was allowed to start it, but no drives yet. It has the boxer 4 rumble, a good thing.
The not so highs:
Back to the 3.0R. A lot of this is personal preference, but here goes. I grew up with stick shifts and have never owned an auto. But I liked the 3.0R on paper, and wanted to like the H6 with 5EAT/Sportshift. But to be honest, flicking the shifter back and forth to shift up and down instead of through a gated transmission, coupled with the lack of mechanical resistance from the clutchless shifter, was a little dull, and I soon went back to auto mode, either in S or in regular D. The disconnected feel of the transmission was I think highlighted by the quiet, uninvoled way the H6 does its thing. You cant hear it, and you can barely feel it through the butt dyno. All in all, though it was quicker than the H4 in my 5 speed forester, it was much less fun and lacked "personality". BUT, I think if you already like autos, this tranny will work for you, and overall even for this now confirmed 5-speeder, the 250 hp 5EAT H6 of 2005 is a way better drive than the 2004 H6 with the 4EAT.
Additional issues.
The backseat toeroom thing reported by others is real in all OB models. If you have large feet and big boots (winter boots anyone - it snows here), it's a problem. Wonder why they did this and what the fix would entail. Raising the seat would affect headroom in the models with a moonroof. It's not an issue with the 04 Forester, hope the 05 with the power driver seat is OK.
Colors. The more I shop and look, the less I like two-tone. The two tone just seems too busy and broken up on a car that has basically really good lines that are more appealing to my eyes than the old model or the new legacy. As for the interior, I now officially dont want taupe and dont want the plood (plastic wood). Black/gray with a splash aluminum please. Enough said here as it's all very subjective.
The parking brake location and angle just seems odd.
These are the main gripes so far.
So I now I've narrowed it down to a Subaru wagon with a turbo 5 speed in a monochrome color with some light off road ability (hence no GT). It's now the FXT or the OB XT, will let the bank manager (wife) help with this decision and the color. There's a $7K price difference between base FXT and the OBXT, or $5500 if you compare with a FXT PP2 (leather). So looks like odds of 7-1 for the FXT.
So I told them to sell my 3.0R. The next guy up for a drive was at least 70 - maybe closer to the H6 demographic
JP
PS: Dear Subaru of Canada - any chance of the base model OB XT coming here in 2006. If so I can wait (I think).
I presume there were no GT Wagons to be driven. I echo your sentiments on the two tone....just not doing it for me this year. My current OB is the Winestone with gold cladding. It was the only colour I liked for the 00 my. I too am leaning towards the monotone look and thus likely towards a GT, because like you, the XT Ltd is simply more $$ than my wife could accept paying for any vehicle.
Curious about your thoughts on the taupe. Appreciate your reasoning on this. I too thought the black was sharp, but maintenance is my concern, especially with a small child in the back.
Oh yes...the PLOOD! I forgot to mention this in my post....is it me, or does it look like it was painted on with a cheap brush? I was willing to give it the benefit of the doubt as I was peering through dirty passenger window.
The rear toe room. I heard the seats do not adjust upwards this year..is this correct? i like to keep my seat at almost max height due to my leg length...it provides greater support. As a result, toe room doesn't seem that bad. Will the GT driver seat adjust upwards?
JP
Any other garage and this would have been a 5 min. job.
Still not sure why they had to take it off the rim to fix a small nail hole in the tread!
If there is ANY other garage or maybe a friend that does rustproofing or somewhere like Apple Auto Glass that does it that would be my advice. C T is a great place to get your parts from>
I use Krown for rust proofing. Comes with guarantee and the stuff works. They drill holes to access pilars etc and they get the stuff everywhere, except the inside of the roof. They plug the holes with removable plastic plugs. At $99 /year, it is a worthwhile investment.
Alternatively, go to CT and buy the spray cans or the big jugs of Rust Check....it is essentially the same stuff and apply yourself with a spray bottle. Its a messy job, but I did it for my 91 Talon, and after 8 years, only had a small spot of rust on the OUTSIDE of the rocker panel. Applied once per year.
Sunday session, 1:30pm-2:30pm.
Got there a little early as we (myself, girlfriend and cousin) were very excited about going to this event. This gave us some time to talk to one of the people running the event (their lunch break) and to take a look around at the display cars before registering.
We were split into two groups.
1) track - you get two laps total in any two cars you want.
2) dirt - you drive an Outback (base, XT or 3.0) over a giant hill and then sideways (angle)
All cars were auto as they said the sales people burned up the clutches, lol.
We were in the track group first which is what I really wanted. I drove an Outback XT first then the Legacy GT (sedan) second. The track is something you would setup for auto-x but shorter and easier to follow. The fastest you could get a car going is 80kph if you braked at the last second on the straight. Corners were esses, 2 fast lane changes and a long radius corner. I pushed both cars quite hard through the course (and noticed one other person doing the same, thank you) and enjoyed driving them a lot.
Outback XT: This didn't feel as tippy as I thought it would and was fun to put through the course. Turbo lag off the line was obvious but once it spooled up it really started to take off.
Legacy GT: Much more planted through the corners (obviously) but still had lag off the line. Brakes felt stronger. Would be the more fun to drive car sportily.
I actually think I could have gotten my P5 around the course just as fast or even faster though. Being a short course you really don’t get to use all of that power. On a racetrack, this would have been 10 times more fun but I understand why they can’t do that.
The dirt part of the event was interesting. The hill was very steep and a person stood at the top making sure you went straight up and straight down. You needed this person, as this is all you could see on the way up. After you turned around, on the way back another person guided you along the side of the hill at an angle of approx 30-35 degrees. This was fun as it really showed its lower center of gravity.
The down sides:
1) The event is too short. One hour just isn't enough.
2) You really don't get a feel for the car in normal driving.
3) If you were excited, you forget to play with all of the controls while waiting your turn.
· These can be fixed with a test drive at your local dealer.
After, you filled out a survey and received a bag full of brochures and some shaving cream (don’t know why). They had snacks, water and pop available also. If you ever get a chance, you should go.
Sounds like fun. Too bad you couldn't open her up a lot. The infield track at Vegas Motor Speedway was much more wide open.
-juice
I need to stop procrastinating and go buy my FXT, as I have OBXT envy but cant afford the crazy Canadian price.
JP
did you buy anything yet?
2004 FXT is avail with cnd $1500 rebate if you can find one....goo deal
we are taking delivery of ours in Aug I think, hence likely an 05. Will get a test drive in a GT next week, just for kicks.
JP
I'm waiting for the dealers here in Ottawa to get the GT Wagons so I can test drive an XT, 3.0 R and GT back to back to back. Frankly, I'm really not sure how I'm going to go. Believe it or not, I'm still not ruling out the XT or the GT Ltd. My main concern is that the sunroof will be an issue with my height at 6'4". Other issue is I do not want black interior, which is the only choice with GT base, as sharp as it looks. Black is simply not practical for me, and seeing every little speck of dirt will drive me nuts. Not sure what interior colour choices are for the 3.0R. Basically, I have to get into them and test them out.
Have you seen any brochures on OB or Legacy?
I dont have a full brochure but I have a spec sheets for the 2005 OB and Legacy. If a moonroof model doesnt work with your height and you want a 2005 with 2.5T or H6 (i.e. not base) with a taupe interior - it's the 3.0R for you, in willow/moss, white/grey or gold/grey - i.e. all two-tone. Actually, these same colors are available with taupe cloth or leather in the base and LTD 2.5i wagons. If you can fit under a moonroof, you can get taupe leather in every two/tone or monochrome OB color except red in the VDC wagon.
The OBXT in Canada only comes in black leather. Funny, as in the US, taupe leather is available. Money no object, I'd get a red MT OBXT.
If the H6 3.0R came with MT, I'd buy it at $37.5K (current 3.0R price less the standard upcharge for the 5EAT), esp if it came in monochrome. But with AT and two-tone, I'd always be a little disappointed with the 3.0R. This is a big purchase for us, I dont want to be constantly envious of the XT models.
One final thought. After five months of press releases, car shows and in person walkarounds, I still dont really get the looks of the Legacy wagon. I know I am in a small minority, as most folks think it's a great looking car. I like the sedan and the OB in monochrome, but just cant get fired up about the long and low Legacy wagon. And I do typically like wagons, the WRX wagon and A4/A6 in particular.
JP
Perhaps I should look at the FXT, but I recall my wife saying she was not crazy about the styling. Speed/power are not huge issues for her....they are for me!
I really have to get to the dealers and simply spend a morning sitting in, playing with accessories and driving these vehicles. Only then can I come to a more conclusive opinion of where my preferences lie.
I'm hoping the dealers will have some Legacies on the lots by next week. When they do, I'll be there. Will post my impressions.
Cheers.
Just wondering if anyone ordered 2.5i or 2.5i Ltd Legacy already? If so, how much off/over the MSRP?
I will go to the testdrive event on the coming saturday in Delta. See you guys there.
Jay
Tested the GT sedan twice and it was impressive through the S curves and braking was good.Noticed the turbo lag on 1st straightaway but not on 2nd try. They only had 2.5i wagon to drive and it underperformed GT as one would expect but need more rides to determine if price difference,premium fuel,higher insurance costs justifies GT over 2.5i.
I would be happy in a GT for sure.Still have to test drive G35 vs TL and TSX vs Mazda 6.
Thanks
Wax: There are serveral good ones I hear about. Collinite (sp?), and the Sub maintenance board talks about another. I have been using Zaino products since I bought my 00 Outback and swear by the stuff. It is not a wax...it is a polymer polish which is crystal clear. www.zainobros.com. There are Cdn dealers. I have one 5 minutes away.
Wax contains carnauba, which in its natural state is yellow....draw your own conclusions. But it depends how much you want to spend vs shine and durability.
mcjay: we have to pay for invoice pricing here in Canada. Sources include car cost canada and you can also get them from the Automobile Protection association. Not sure if invoice pricing is avail yet here.
JP
http://www.subarurallyteam.com/Team.asp?event=DETAIL&type=Car- &ID=2
Time to get out the cheque book.
JP
2005 invoice pricing available for Legacy, Outback and Impreza lines. Sorry JP, nothing yet for Foresters. Of course, there is a charge, but well worth it if you are seriously considering a new Sube.
I still had one quote left from a pricing package for my parents from a few years ago so checked out the 3.0R pricing....lets just say there is plenty of room to play
Let me know if anyone has access to the Automobile Protection Association (Toronto or Montreal) invoice pricing and perhaps we can compare notes.
As the cars are now here, the only decision is when, likley Sept as we need to save a few more $$$$ to pay cash (wife is finance-averse).
JP
We traded in our 2000 Forester L (55MT, no AC, 100,000kms, a little tired) back in Feb just before the warranty ran out, they have the credit against our car, we were not ready to buy a new car at that point as we had just moved into a new house. We have to pay cnd $23.5k in cash to drive away the FXT later this summer.
As far as I understand, credit is provided by Subaru, not the dealers so there is nothing to bargain against with the dealers if you have cash, they dont care if you have cash or not. We may in fact take their credit for part of the balance for a very short term, 12-24 mths is usually 1.9 or less (0% sometimes).
She's all Canadian (third gen).
JP
for 4.4%.
Only thing to look forward to now is for subaru.ca to fully update pricing and specs. So much for the web helping sell the cars...
JP
On the issue of subaru.ca, ever notice how nowhere on their website can you find a telephone or e-mail contact info? I complained to the dealer and to the area supervisor about this over a year ago! Kind of pathetic not to have a customer service line to Subaru Canada. Geez, Edmunds has its own SOA customer service rep lurking their boards!
Owen