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I completely understand that some people are more than satisfied with the power of the base 2.5 and don't want the firmer suspension of the XT, but I for one am glad Subaru gives such a distinct choice. Everyone should drive each of the flavors (base, XT, H-6) to truly see the difference - it is eye-opening.
I will tell you that I am paying dearly at the pump. I average about 21mpg overall (5EAT). Even so, its the price I pay for having fun.
-mark
I think the handling is great. The biggest difference is the 16" wheels and tires, more than the suspension, I think. I upgraded the tires (stock ones stink), and it handles quite well, but not as well as the 17" that come on the 2006, I bet.
Subaru Expands and Strengthens Legacy® and Outback® Lines for 2006
Anyone who knows more about this? Maby it is only the USA manufactured cars which have 175 BHP? Sweden get the cars from Japan as far as i know....
:confuse: ">
(similar to the fact that US outbacks only got the Navigation option in 2006 whereas in Sweden it was available in 2005, right?)
I still don't get why so much variance in the global product mix.
-juice
Either way, enjoy!
Mark
What I like:
- Smooth power on tap when needed
- Seems to accelerate effortlessly
- Turbo whine has a nice note to it
- Ride is comfortable and well-balanced for my tastes - stiffer than a lot of family haulers, but softer than my previous BMWs
- Finally having a car without low-profile tires makes driving over SF city streets and the crappy freeways we have out here so much more pleasant
- Cloth interior looks and feels great
- Stereo performance meets my needs
- Gas mileage is OK given that I'm pretty smooth with the accelerator - typically average 23-24 mpg, which are my calculations and not based on the computer, which generally reads about 1-1.5 mpg high
- Utility capabilities are outstanding. I can throw in my road bike without taking off the front wheels with back seats lowered. I've also got a Yakima rack system which easily mounts to the factory rails.
- I added the JDM armrest, which was a big improvement over the stock armrest given the added storage space and the more forward position. However, it's still not as far forward as I would like and probably needs another couple of inches.
What I don't like:
- Mystery rattles seem to come and go. First it was my passenger side door panel, then my rear view mirror, and last night I heard something near the steering wheel column. They're tough to troubleshoot since they're intermittent and never seem to surface when the car is at the dealer. One of the joys in buying a new car is that everything is nice and tight out of the box. Just wish it would stay that way a little longer.
- Clutch is finicky and if not treated just right, emits a bad smell, especially during slow movements on an incline (driveways, parallel parking in the city, etc.). I've been driving manual tranny cars for 20 years now, and have never had any of these issues. I've probably stalled this car 5-7 times already, more than my previous few cars combined over the last 5 years.
- Climate control sucks. Just give me a plain jane hot and cold system with A/C. When it's hot, I'll turn on the A/C, and when it's cold, I'll turn up the heat. But don't prevent me from just letting fresh air flow through the vents. When the temps are in the mid to upper 60s, I have a hard time keeping the cabin comfortable without opening the windows or turning on the A/C. At this temp range, all I want is some fresh air! To the product marketing guys at Subaru - save the added costs of a fancy dual-zone climate system and put that money elsewhere, or give it back by offering the car at a lower price.
- Clearance at foot pedals with my size 12 feet is terrible. I have to pick and choose which shoes I wear so I can properly operate the pedals. Next step for me is to just remove the underpanel which is getting in my way. Never had this problem on any of the other cars I've driven over the last 20 years.
Some miscellaneous ramblings:
- The car handles well for what it is, but there are times when I miss that perfect balance of a BMW. LGT would be better in this regard but it's a trade-off I was willing to make.
- Steering wheel mounted radio controls a la L.L. Bean sure would be nice. This is supposed to be a driver's car, after all, so why not take the extra step and include this feature in the XT so I can keep my hands on the wheel where they belong?
- Turn signal indicators on the dash are mounted too high. They should be placed over the temp and fuel gauges instead. At 6'1" with my fairly upright seating position, I can't see them unless I scrunch down a bit.
- Telescoping wheel would also be a nice addition to allow us drivers to get the optimum fit. Like I said, give me this and the steering wheel radio controls instead of a dual-zone climate system that doesn't work.
- Seat memory (that ties in the left and right side mirrors) is another useful feature when you have power seats, especially when there are multiple people driving your car.
- Maintenance costs could add up, but before I make such a blanket statement, I need to do a bit more homework. When I had my car in for the 3750 mile oil change (which ran me a reasonable, if a bit high, $40), they told me that the next service at 7500 miles would be about $195. Then the 15k miles service was even more than that (something like $300-$400 as I recall). I may need to price shop a bit at some different dealers and figure out what they're charging me for and what is really needed.
I agree with all your observations. You can pull that panel under the dash to get more room. As far as I can tell, it's only there for noise reduction on the 05+. My previous Outback did not have one.
I think you are paying too much for maintenance. First off, only use the 3750 mile interval if you fall under the severe service schedule. Most of us fall under the normal schedule which has 7500 mile intervals. Unfortunately, dealers love to perpetuate the myth that you need to chaneg the oil often, which only pads their pockets. While the H6 model requires a 3000 mile oil change, the first scheduled change for the 2.5i and 2.5XT models is at 7500 miles (under the normal schedule).
The 7500/15000/22500 mile service stops call for an oil/filter change and tire rotation. I do my own service (which runs about $10 and 2 hours) but my dealer charges $15 for an oil change and $30 to rotate/balance the tires. So that would be about $45-50 tops.
The 30K stop includes more stuff (air filter and some fluid changes). The XT won't need plugs at 30K, which saves a good chunk of labor time.
I'm at about 22,000 miles on my XT, and have spent about $20 on maintenance so far.
Craig
Our first Suby. We like it a lot. One concern: it's not so easy to tell, when you start the car at night, that the headlights aren't on. We just about got crunched by a semi when the driver saw no rear lights and couldn't see that half front light in his mirror. His fault and mine, but watch out for that; establish a habit of turning the headlights on when you get in the car late in the day. I'm trying to.
Is this your first car with daytime running lights? It's easy to make that mistake with DRLs. I normally have been reminded when I couldn't see the gauges. On my OB XT, it has the electroluminescent gauges which are on all the time, so it can be even more of a problem. My wife's Acura is the same way. I can't tell you how many times I have seen her pull into the driveway at night with no lights on, and always try to give her heck about it. She's been doing OK lately. I really think manufacturers should have some sort of buzzer for cars with DRLs and/or electroluminescent gauges to help remind drivers. Both our OB XT and Acura have a teeny "headlights on" indicator, but it's a lousy indicator compared to seeing blazing gauge lights.
Craig
Like people have said in the past, they are two very different engines. The H6 Outback was nice and smooth. The 2.5GT?? Holy cow, was that car fun. When the time comes, I may have found my new car. It is a bit boring below 3K rpm, but above that, hold on!!
At some point I will take a more extensive drive, but after about a 10 minute romp I came away very impressed.
Of course, my point of comparison is a 98 OB with the auto and 2.5 NA engine.
Karl
Just something else to consider if reducing the turbo spool-up was of top priority.
Ken
Ken
During the day, I simply turn the guage lights up to max (on the '05 XT, there is a button next to the clock; I believe they removed this and simply let the dial adjust brightness on the '06).
Being your first Subaru, I am not sure you know this but on Subarus, when you turn the car off, the headlights turn off as well (note: be careful of parking light switch above the steering column. If you turn this on, they DO stay on all the time, even when the car is off).
Best of luck with the new car.
-mark
I used to valet park once a week while in college. Edmunds does not have a little devil emoticon, though. :shades:
Subaru owners were always great tippers!
-juice
It sounds like the CD player in this vehicle will NOT play CDs burned with MP3 music files.
What are my options for modifying or replacing the stock CD player so I can play my MP3 CDs? I've read here about FM modulators, but that sounds like an imperfect solution.
One post mentioned something about the CD players in the 2006 vehicles having an extra output jack that the 2005s did not have.
Is this true? If so, what options does it open up for giving the player MP3 capability? I am most interested in simply playing MP3 CDs, I do not have an iPod (yet), but the ability to hook up an iPod would be a nice feature to have, if and when I get one.
I find it VERY LAME that Subaru (1) specs a CD player without MP3 capability, (2) makes it apparently very difficult to remedy this deficiency, and (3) integrates the player into the dash in such a way that you can't replace it with something better.
Thanks in advance for any feedback!
I'm not sure how it would work with your climate control unit, but some folks with the auto climate control + standard CD player have swapped it out for the MP3 compatible H6 model. It's an expensive unit (around $600).
Another option, which I'm not sure would work with your headunit, is to tap into the CD player and enable an aux-in to play music directly from your portable mp3 player of choice. A fellow over at legacygt.com has made such a product and Craig and I have been using it with quite a bit of satisfaction.
Ken
2. Buy Transpod ( made by DLO ) at your local target for $80. or buy from www.DLODIRECT.com. This is an all-in-one: has a holder, FM transmitter (a very good one unlike others), charger, intelli power, has aux input etc.
You are all set for any car. this is a fantastic MP3 fix for my OB XT.
just curious, how stiff do you find the clutch? I have only been able to sit in a dead car but not drive one.
Does the clutch have a nice feel, and engage smoothly?
And most important, how stiff do you find it? It seems a little stiffer than some of the other japanese makes (notabley Honda and my Scion), but does it get tiring if you get stuck in traffic?
That was one problem with my old ('92) Legacy. The clutch was so stiff (I guess the return spring?) that it felt like I was driving my V8 Nova again.
I'm not really worried about the modulation, just the heaviness.
Also, can anyone comment on the value of the short throw shift kit vs. the standard linkage? I played with one of each, and the GT with the short throw felt really nice. Looked better too.
Actually, the plain black rubber boot/lever/knob on the base set up looked pretty cheesey with a tan interior. The GT ST looked much classier.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
In general I've found Subaru clutch action to be less forgiving than other makes. It's not bad by any means, but you need to be a little more exact in your technique.
Also the clutch, in my experience with other 5MT Subies, tends to be a bit more on the heavy side. There's clearly model-to-model variation, but I believe this is generally true. Again, not a two-foot job by any means, but a bit firmer.
The STS is worth the money if you really want to reduce throw lengths as well as marginally drop the height of the shift lever. However, most people forget that the STS does come with the trade off of increased vibration from the shift lever due to the use of firmer bushings. I've driven GTs with both types and I actually preferred the standard shifter.
If all you want to do is lower the shifter height, there are other cheaper alternatives out there.
Ken
It is more difficult to drive a Subie smoothly, but you get used to it quickly. IMHO it makes you better with your technique.
I've had both the standard and now have the STi STS on my LGT limited. I think the standard shifter is fine. I like my STS. It does give shorter shifts (about 30-40%) and they are a little more crisp. It's not much harder to shift either once it's broken in. I also did not notice significantly more vibration (as Ken mentioned) but then again, it's not a super short shifter either. Is it worth the extra money? It's up to your choice. Will it make the car faster? No. But you might enjoy it more.
Go drive them both, and decide for yourself! It's a great car, BTW!
good luck
tom
Note the Forester had a rubber insulation layer. Doing away with that means a slightly less "rubbery" shifter feel.
Ignore the difference in the shaft length, that is an Impreza vs. Forester thing. The OE Impreza shifter is the same length.
However, the portion of the shaft below the joint is actually a bit longer on the STi - for shorter throws. You do give up some leverage, but it also feels more precise.
See if you can try it with/without the shifter on the showroom floor. I like the snick-snick and less rubbery feel of the STi shifter, and I'm willing to give up the leverage since the feel is more direct, less insulated.
-juice
Craig
If anything, the classier look might sway me!, But, maybe a better shift knob will do the trick too...
The shifter probably won't matter. I was more concerned with how heavy the clutch was. I doubt I will be bothered by how progressive it is, since I have driven quite a variety in my time, and can get used to anythin.
As long as it isn't like a prior generation VW(engaging with your knee i your face) it won't bother me!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Do all VDC cars including the 2.5 have 45% 55% or is it only the 3.0 cars?
There are no 2.5 cars in the U.S. with VDC. Our 3.0 VDC cars are 45/55% front/rear. Our 2.5 automatic cars used to be spec'd at 85% front/15% rear, but I have not seen that specified lately.
Active AWD Paired with the available 4-speed automatic transmission, the Active AWD system features an electronically managed continuously variable multiplate transfer clutch. This system monitors parameters such as wheel slippage and vehicle speed, actively seeking to adjust power to the front or rear wheels with the most traction.
VTD AWDThe Variable Torque Distribution (VTD)system of the 5-speed automatic normally splits power 45% front and 55% rear to deliver a sporty feel, and electronically apportions torque for maximum grip.
Now just have to find a 5 speed someplace to test drive. Would hate to wait all that time and then not like it! Better to know up front.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
You can get the same look by just repacing the stock shift knob with an aftermarket one (Momo, for instance, is an option)
Congrats on your car coming. I think the 2.5i 5 speed is more than adequate. (but not as fun as the LGT!)
tom
At minimum, I would replace the rubber knob with something better, but the shaft on th ebase car seemed kinda thick and almost "rubbery", plus the boot was pretty nondescript. Just a lot of black rubber.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
think there is a serious weight advantage with the Honda too....overcome by serious torque advantage of the Subie!
I have an 2006 Outback 2.5 VTD AWD with the 4-speed automatic. Not an 'Active AWD' with the 4-speed automatic transmission.
It seem now when i've talked to Subaru that these cars have a 60-40 split (front-rear) and the VDC system to shift traction.
Since the new cars with 2.5 and 4-speed auto all have VDC, they also must have VTD AWD as i see it. Or am i wrong?
On the Subaru japanese page it is possible to see something that looks like all VDC cars, 3.0R and 2.5i VDC, have the 55-45 traction (rear-front).
http://www.subaru.co.jp/legacy/outback/safety/04/index.html
Well, first - thanks to RSORGANIZE for suggesting Rucki's in Holyoke, MA. They were $30 to $40 cheaper PER TIRE than all of the other places I checked.
I did try the tripletreds - Rucki's put them on for me and here's what I found: MUCH more attached to the road (Potenza 17s always felt as if they were about to loose contact). The ride for me was much too jarring (harsher than the Potenzas). Lots of rattles, really felt the road cracks.
Steve at Ruckis had been driving on the comfort treds and suggested I give them a try. I just had those put on. Here's the report: Still much more attached to the road than the Potenzas. But the ride is wonderful. I see the man hole cover, I feel a little something when I drive over it, but the tires really do some shock absorbing. The cracks in the bad Holyoke streets that were jarring in the triples don't even register with the Comforts (the small ones - yes, still feel the big ones but the CD cases in the door pocket don't rattle - like gently rolling over the bump rather than being thrown around by it). The ride is quieter in town percisely because is there is so much less rattling than I had with the triples.
Thanks to everyone for all of the help. I'll update if there's anything else to pass along.
Theo
I can buy any 06 at invoice through the fleet manager at a local dealer. I may try to see if I can save some money by taking a leftover 05 instead. The $500 rebate difference would not be enough to sway me, they would have to discount the 05 car even further. If they did discount 05's even further, are there any significant design changes that you all think I should be aware of?
I know the Legacy was modified for side impact tests, but I am not sure of any other changes to either the Legacy or Outback.
I will probably drive the car for 7-8 years and then keep it as a third car for my kids, so resale will probably not be a real big issue for me, unless it starts to nickel and dime me to death at that time.
Thanks for any input.
Karl
Really, aside from dropping some tranny choices and the addition of navi, there haven't been many big changes other than the tweaks to improve IIHS crash scores.
I think there are some minor improvements that are not mentioned like a modified key fob (less sensitive to accidental button presses), modified carpet hook, gas cap leash plate, etc.
If it were me, I'd go for an 06 model. You would be over one model year behind with an 05 and plus, any leftovers at this point probably aren't "fresh off the truck".
Ken
Decisions, decisions....
Can anyone tell me how this stacks up? Should I bite on this offer? What are my chances of doing better?
Thanks in advance, and thanks also to those who responded to my last post (RE MP3 capability).
Thanks.
Karl
Makes sense, because they don't want them influenced, and sure don't want buyers waiting a few days to get a bigger rebate!
Still, given how sales are, I will bet (and since I have one on order for Dec. delivery, have a vested interest), they sure won't go down next month, and might possibly go up (or maybe there will be a finance incentvie added).
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.