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Comments
I was particularly fond of the light blue, but the red was also nice. My dad has the old winestone and the current red is IMO too light.
-juice
Mark
At first I was disappointed, but the 2 town is growing on me. The 2 tone Green looks great. Well all of them do...
"Thank you for visiting the Subaru Web site and for your interest in Subaru products! We appreciate you taking the time to contact us. We are sorry to hear of your disappointment. We have been advised by our Regional Office that although the Cable Subaru franchise is no longer a Subaru entity, next closest authorized Subaru dealership in the area is:
(dealer name removed)
Norman, OK
(phone # removed)
Distance 28.0 miles
Although we do require that a Subaru dealer do warranty work on a Subaru vehicle, owners can have maintenance work done by any reputable service shop in the area or can do it themselves.
The Regional Office has also advised that there are no immediate plans to open another Subaru dealer in the area. Again, we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. I hope this information is helpful. Thanks for the opportunity to be of assistance. If you need any future assistance, please feel free to contact us again.
Best Wishes,
(name removed)
Subaru of America, Inc.
Customer Dealer Services
E-Contact Group"
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I'm glad they wrote back, but it is a dissapointment. I can do oil changes and tire rotations. Things of that nature, but it is going to plain suck to have to drive down I-35 where there is always construction and traffic to have any warranty work done when almost every other dealer known to man is within 10 miles (and much easier to get to). I realize that 30 miles doesn't sound to bad, but it is pretty solid traffic both ways regardless of the time and there is a ton of construction all the time. Frankly I don't want to even venture down there to even look at the car.
To bad a base Legacy Wagon fits the role I'm looking for (at least initially it seems) right now better than any other. The dealer issue alone might be enough to drive me to the Mazda 6 wagon (dealer's probably 5 minutes away). I know it sounds whiney, just a little dissapointing.
So do you think Subaru has a MUCH better stereo available that the dealer can easily install, or failing that, do you think a standard aftermarket stereo will fit/look ok?
(Surpised that a nice stereo, maybe with MP3 capability is not at least an option)
Now for the nit-picks. I can't believe Subaru didn't provide a telescopic steering wheel. I could not find a comfortable driving position in either the Outback or the Legacy. Also, the center armrest was too low. I was not able to rest my arm on it while holding the steering wheel. And I have to agree with earlier posts that foot room beneath the front seats is non-existent. Leg room was adequate, but where are the rear passengers supposed to put their feet? What's up Subaru? It seems like the quality of the materials have improved, and the turbo models are likely to scream. But what is the point if the driver and passengers are not comfortable? These issues will likely be deal breakers for me.
As for power, I have the base 165 hp 2.5 l, it is more than enough in all situations. Plus, it delivers 27-30 mpg with the 5 speed.
John
Bob
I wish there was one that close. Nearest Subaru dealer to me is 185 miles. Still that is better than Acura. If I need to go to a dealer for my Integra it is over 300 miles, and not even in the same state.
kev: SubieGal said there would be a template available for sale from Japan that would allow any double-DIN sized stereo to fit there. You may want to ask about it.
carman: the center armrest will be a popular option, I bet. It's neat, it's taller to begin with, and then it folds out upward and slightly forward. I'm 6' and in the up position it was perfectly suited for me.
OH BOB DON'T TEASE ME!
In 2 days we settle on the beach condo. Eh, it's just a condo, who cares? Forget it and get the GT, right? ;-)
-juice
Mark
You're not the only one who wishes for telescoping steering. We are legion among Subaru owners. Foresters have the same problem. Tall drivers choose between locked elbows and leg room. Agree with you and others on the tight rear OB seating. And I thought Foresters had it tight in back. But I think of it has the price I pay for more leg room up front (which I found in the base model 2005 vs 2004).
Beware if you move up trim, though: 4 way power seat on the passenger side make for tighter fit over the manual seat. Must be a deeper holes for the manual seats. Cheaper is better if you're a tall OB driver.
Jake
Shortly after the current generation Forester was released Subaru Australia's website provided us a very useful pdf, detailing major upgrades between first and second generation Forester to the drive train, suspension, body contruction along with an overview of the intent of each change. This was a Subaru document not a review by a third party.
Anyone know if anything like that is available for the new generation OB? Anywhere (in English)?
Thanks,
Jake
PS Juice, Bob: As I recall from the FXT board, you have likely read the pdf I refer to above. During your test drives of the 2005 OBs, did any of your hosts have any information like we saw for the FXT and FXS at the Subaru Australia website in 2003?
Bob
Sat in new 05OB Friday and drove around lot. Auto. Very plush and danketty inside... impressive. Felt european. Still on the small size inside which I liked. There were no manual 05's available. Drove the 35th ann. 04 manual and the 04 auto GT. Bought the manual for just over 19. Very happy with acceleration, looks etc.... as was said earlier.. lacks telescoping wheel and usable armrest.
If I were more patient I would wait for another year and buy the 05 manual........ still a win win win situation in subieland... cheers!
- Overall, I still like the OB (after looking at three dealerships). Great looking car. Overall quality very good. Lots of utility (just what I want). Ergonomics are good to very good, especially the radio and heater controls (unlike my Audi).
- The rain gutters do not work. We had lots of rain yesterday. When I opened the door of an OB that had been sitting the rain all day, about 1/2 cup of water poured down from the roof onto my shirt sleeve and pants. I tried the other door; same result. This might not be a problem in Phoenix or the Australian outback, but it's a problem in Seattle. Silly design defect on a car at this level and sophistication.
- Dark interior plus odd interior/exterior color combinations are an issue. The problem is that that OB XT only comes in a limited range of exterior colors - black (shows dirt), white (yuck), red (too bright and shows dirt), blue/gray (yuck), gold (hmmm) and silver/gray. I think the silver/gray combo is great, but it only comes in one interior color - black. (They call it "Charcoal", but it's BLACK.) The cloth interior has light gray accents, which softens the starkness of all the black. OTOH, the leather interior is black everywhere. It's a bit depressing. I wish Subaru had made the center seat sections medium gray like the cloth interior. That would look very nice.
- The non-telescoping steering wheel and short arm rest are known issues. Fortunately for me, being short, I could find a comfortable steering wheel position. The steering wheel itself is GREAT! Especially with the leather covering. I checked out the arm rest. Yep, it's too short for me. I'll be buying the extension.
- Others have commented on the lack of footroom, so I checked it out. With the seat raised, the rear footroom is fair at best. Since I don't plan on hauling anyone more than a few miles, so that's not an issue for me. BUT... In the LL Bean, the footroom does NOT exist in the left rear seat! I mean NONE! It turns out that the subwoofer/amp takes up that space. Looks like I won't be getting that option!
- The seats are still a big problem for me. I had hoped that the sport seats would be better, but it was not to be. Even the sport seat has the same problem. Depending on the angle of the seat back, the top cushion (see red line in pic below) presses into the center of my back about half way up. My upper back doesn't even touch the seat!
Taller drivers might not have this problem, but it is VERY uncomfortable for me. This looks like a design or manufacturing defect. Before I buy an Outback, I'd have to have the seat re-padded. I haven't a clue on feasibility or cost.
To summarize, the OBXT looks like the exact right car for me. But the seat problem and the interior color are giving me pause.
Question - Has anyone had Subaru seats re-padded? Results? Cost?
Thanks and regards,
Dan.
Why not? Can your CD player play MP3? Real MP3, not MP3 burned on CD as "normal audio".
Krzys
Base model loaded with goodies: heated front seats/windshield/mirrors (who cares? I live in the desert :-), power driver's seat, 6-speaker stereo w/CD, cruise, 4 side curtain airbags, titanium/wood trim, plush upholstery/mats, trip computer, rear spoiler, etc.
I've test driven everything recently (Toyotas, Hondas, Saturns, etc., all sizes/shapes), did my homework, used a spreadsheet, and still each came up short on something. Spotted an 05 Outback (literally just off the truck). The test drive blew me away...this is NOT my father's Buick!
Things I liked: New styling, especially the back end, and the interior is much more luxurious and sleek than in the past (classy wood-grain trim, sleek titanium console, very nice/comfy upholstery). Lots of standard items that used to be optional (aka, costly) equipment . The price is a steal for all the amenities.
Things that could be better: The 2.5L base engine is peppy, but could stand a few extra hp's. The plasticky gray body cladding is sporty, but seems a bit fragile (lots of rocks on the freeways out here in "contruction land")...time will tell.
I took the plunge and bought a two-tone champagne/gray base model -- gorgeous!
Great dealer: 21 Bell Subaru, 2141 E. Bell Rd., Phoenix, Arizona
Jake: they were really lacking in the area of documentation, they didn't even have brochures for us! We basically "crashed" a party meant for dealers and got brochures and spoke to some of the reps there. But no - no documentation at all, not anything.
Dan: rain gutters are rare now that people demand so much quietness. In fact they have an accessory for that overseas and don't sell it here because Americans found they made too much wind noise.
BTW - the Leg GT and the OB XT do *not* have the same seats, the GT's shoulders are taller and the seat is shaped differently. Maybe try one of those? We are all shaped differently (I was comfy in the VDC).
All my CD players will play audio CD-Rs but not MP3s. To me just being able to play MP3 CDs would be a huge bonus.
kmartin: congrats!
-juice
Keep us posted.
Bob
I agree about the telescoping steering wheel. But with an automatic, I think you have a little more latitude in seating position (no clutch). Obviously, YMMV. Good luck with your driving position test.
Regarding the Legacy vs OB, I agree. I like the looks of the OB much better. I think the US bumper is the issue. It makes the Legacy look a little "snouty". But on the OB, it looks nicely balanced. Overall, I think the OB looks very nicely balanced.
I agree on the taupe interior. It's very nice, especially in the LL Bean edition. If I could get an XT with the XT seats, but in the LL Bean coloring (two-tone green exterior and two tone taupe interior), it would be the perfect combo. Unfortunately, the XT only comes in less-optimal color combos (IMO). :-(
Regarding the MP3 player, if you are right about an MP3 player input, I haven't a clue why they don't put this in the XT. I think a lot of people who appreciate the XT engine would also appreciate the MP3 player. I'd pay extra in a flat minute for an MP3 input in the radio.
Regards,
Dan.
Keep in mind Subaru changes the colors almost every year, I'm sure they'll have 2-3 new colors next year. I kinda like the new opals, which replaced mostly metallics.
-juice
The "rain gutters" I was referring to are compared with the '04 Outback. I'm not talking about the 1/2" wide monstrosities in older cars. Look carefully and you'll see a little channel over the window. It's a bit wider in the '04 than the '05. When I opened an '04 model sitting right next to the '04, no water came down. Open the '05... SPLOOSH! Not a killer issue; just an irritant.
Regarding the seats, the XT and GT look like they have the exact same seats, but different from the standard OB seats. Look in the '05 OB and Legacy brochures and you'll see that the OBXT and Legacy GT seats look the same. The '05 GT that I sat in had the exact same seats as in the brochure. And it had a similar (but not exactly the same) upper back issue as the standard seats.
Everybody's back is different. For others, it might not be an issue. For me it's a deal-killer. If the back can be repadded to be comfortable, I'll probably buy one. If not, then no Subaru for me. For me, it's that important.
Regards,
Dan.
Bob
I stand correct regarding the seats. It's just the ones in that photo appear to be different, maybe my memory is failing me.
Call your local upholstery shop. Most places will install leather for $900 or so. I'm sure re-contouring the seats would run far less than that.
-juice
It's amazing how many tall guys drive Miatas, and what they will do to be able to fit.
Go for the base GT or XT, more headroom and less weight, ultimate performance!
-juice
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Yep, replaced the door handle with a nylon strap, removed the crush plate in the steering column, replaced the seatback cushioning with an inflatable bladder, and put high density foam on the rollbar to serve as a headrest. It worked.
I removed the top and just used a full cockpit tonneau cover.
Anyone test driven a GT yet?
-juice
Ken
Cheers Pat.
One BIG problem: it doesn't appear you can get the factory-installed sunroof (a must have for me) unless you move into a model with leather (completely unacceptable to me). Is the dealer wrong on this?
I got the old "oh, we can always install a sunroof" line...which I guess is a great thing for someone who isn't interested in that beautiful, oversized factory unit and doesn't mind some goon taking a recipricating saw to the roof of their brand new car. I, however, do not fall into that camp.
Mazda offers the cloth/roof combo on the 6 wagon, so I can't be the only wagon buyer with the anti-leather/pro-sun position. Or am I?