Subaru Legacy/Outback 2005+

beanboy

Sigh... I feel the decision is going to be a tough one.

-B

bblacha

Another thing. (Sorry guys if I'm exceeding my reasonable-posts-per-day but it was an exciting day!) My dealer, Austin Subaru-Infiniti, has a big beautiful Infiniti showroom and a little dingy Subaru showroom. Well, I found out the Subaru shop will take over the Inifiniti building! My first Subie was bought at Liberty Subaru (NJ), a one-car showroom that felt like a trailer. These 05's are heralding quite a change.

rsholland

there are no tow hitch listed for the Legacy, yet it is listed for the Outback in the "Accessory" pull-down menu. The '05 Legacy brochure also does not list a tow rating this year. I'm wondering if they don't recommend towing with the Legacy for MY05?

Bob

njswamplands

i bought mine from liberty subaru. people were very very nice and i didnt care what the place looked like. i just want to be treated with respect in my negotations which they were.

bblacha

salbaby1972

It's about time!

Subaru is taking it to the next level...

chassol

I know this an oddball to throw in here, but the remote lock and security system have (to me) an unbelievable distance that that the remote works. I've had mine work everytime from over 100' away (line of sight). I'm going to see how far this thing will work. We also have an 04 FXT and that system sometimes does and sometimes doesn't work from 50' away. I'm amazed at the distance this new system works at. Will let you know more when I've had more time to play with it.

camry

Hi everybody, I new subie, just bought '05i Legacy station wagon around $2,3000 for my wife.
4 speed auto transmission w/ sportshift
wheel lock set
auto dimming mirror/compass
subwoofer/amplifier
floor mats, all weather
langage cargo
Black clor
This wagon looks very nice, I like it, but my wife does not like wagon, she like camry car. I work at a university 5 minute on foot, so most time my wife drives the car. I want to sell this new car around $2,1500, do you think this is reasonable? Any suggestion will be appriated.

frog

As far as the leg feeling a bit like a glove, I would say I agree. My 04 is a little tight being 6 ft with long legs. I think it is basically a car where as the forrester, for example, is a small van. I guess the good thing to be said for the leg is it handles like a car(mine has great steering feel) vs. a taller car which will give more leg and head room and greater visability. I think the taller car would be my preference around town and in defensive driving situations, not to mention approach and departure angles, where the lower car would be my choice at speed, where the ride would be improved by dynamics and aerodynamics etc...

luck11

I installed a Viper Autostart/security combo in my OO mdy Outback and I can easily start at over 500 ft, and open locks at 300 ft. Still 100+ feet for a standard system without a high-range receiver is pretty good.

nygreg

Outback going in the opposite direction this morning. Atlantic Blue. I flipped out - it was beautiful. Envy.

Greg

vincentwang

Considering 05 Legacy wagon base model, which transmission is better, 5MT or 4AT? The 5MT will always perform at higher RPM at the same speed, is that mean the Engin will be more durable on 4AT?

I also notice the AWD system is different on these two, so which is better? And what's the difference mean?

Thanks in advance.

jthorsen

Does Subaru offer the "hill holder" feature (I think that's what it was called) on the new Legacy/OB manual transmissions? Doesn't help for stop and go driving, but it at least alleviates the fear of rolling backwards when stopped on a hill...

rsholland

Nope, that's only on US-spec Forester models.

Bob

bblacha

Funny... that's the same way I'm making the stick-shift acceptable to my wife. Though I told her the Hill-Holder is more likely to stall, but she prefers that: "better to annoy the drivers behind you than to run into them."

legacy191

I will try to find it and send it to your link...

Tony T

kens

The difference in RPM between the 5MT and 4EAT is negligible in terms of engine life. My recommendation for the base 2.5L engine is the 5MT to make the most of it's power.

The AWD system on both will work great in rain and snow. My opinion is that the 5MT power is split 50:50 all the time so it's better suited for sporty driving. However, the 5MT is a reactive system. The 4EAT is mostly front wheel drive until needed, but the system attempts to be proactive by changing torque splits based on a variety of driver inputs.

Ken

chassol

in today's mail received a coupon from Subaru of America for totally free Added Security Maintenance Plan #408 for 36,000 miles (7,500 mile intervals) $800.00 value - so that means 7,500 - 15,000 - 22,500 - 30,000 - so 36,000 at 37,500??? or just 4 services in 36,000 miles. But hey it's free and the 30,000 service is $400.00 at my dealer - so for free I sent it in.

MUST PURCHASE OR LEASE VEHICLE BETWEEN JUNE 1, 2004 - SEPTEMBER 30,2004

Not sure who will or will not get this offer, but this is our 5th Subie since 1998.

vincentwang

Thanks, Kens. So, the 4AT is just a FWD with auto 4AD? That will be the same as my Escape, when slip the sensor will turn it to 4 wheel drive. Is that true?

So, what's the difference between AWD and 4WD? What's make Subaru's AWD so outstanding and special?

c_hunter

Subaru's system (on the 4eat cars) is biased to FWD, but is still AWD in the sense that all wheels are being powered. In addition, the split goes to a RWD bias on acceleration. SO it's pretty intelligent.

Other "awd" systems are FWD until the wheels slip and then they transfer power to the rear wheels. These are not nearly as good as what Subaru does.

Craig

vincentwang

Thanks.

Ok. How about like Matrix and RAV4, are they all time 4WD as they claimed?

And I know thay Subaru are very successful on racing field, what's powertrain used on racer car? Also 4WD?

Sorry I don't know much about subaru, but after test drive the legacy, I feel very impressived and considering to get one.

rellom

consumer guide
(http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/new/reviews/full/index.cfm/id- /38236#engines)

says:
Against:
Engine response (turbos), Shift action (manual transmission)
Review Updated: 5/26/2004

Is this true?

bblacha

No. This is the best shift action I've ever felt on a Subaru. It is long, not snickety-snick like a Honda, but it's not imprecise.

mutsuraboshi

Yes, the Matrix, Rav4,CRV etc have AWD, . These AWDs are modified, original front wheel powered drivetrains. Basically taking a Honda Civic slapping on a transfer case, drive axles and a rear differential. - this gives you your AWD CRV.

However,Subarus are built from the ground up with AWD in mind, no modified FWD. Engine, transmission, axles, differentials are all built for one purpose, and that is to produce an AWD system. This makes Subaru's AWD effective, light weight yet simple.

And yes, the system used in Racing (Rallies) is the same basic AWD used in road cars, with more modifications to handle the stresses of racing.

Glad to hear you have been bitten by the Subie bug. Take it from me it's a nasty bite, won't heal.:)

kens

I'm not sure about the Matrix, but I believe the RAV4 uses a viscous coupling similar to that in the manual transmission Subarus (except for the STi).

Yes, Subaru's rally car also uses AWD. The much more tame and street legal version of the rally car, the WRX STi uses a derivative AWD system.

Ken

vincentwang

Thanks for your great info.

Actually, I'm little bit worry about the durably of 5MT, cause REV is 1000RPM higher compare to 4AT at same speed. What's your opinion?

ateixeira

I got that coupon too, and sent mine to Ken. Frank had one and Dave (hypov) got two! I did register at need-desire.com when it was launched.

Ken: when you're faced with a tough choice like that, step outside and box a bit, to help break the tie.

How will you use it? Commutes? Long trips? Bumper to bumper or hilly curves?

Is your other car a manual tranny? If you have at least one in the fleet you can still get your kicks.

With kids, I wish our trip car had an auto, because we've had 10 hour trips that should have taken 7, and no clutch is *that* light. ;-)

-juice

mutsuraboshi

Durability should not be a concern with respect to higher revs, it will last, ask anyone. What should be your concern is your comfort at higher revs, especially if you do long journeys at high and constant speeds. Knowing that the '05 Subarus are quieter and give off less vibration than previous years, i say enjoy, and keep your eyes off the rev counter.
Maybe someone with an '05 5MT Legacy could comment on their experience with the revs?

mutsuraboshi

Oh,

And if you want more info/news etc. about Subaru vehicles and company, that is if you don't already know, you can check these websites.

http://www.media.subaru.com./
http://www.subdriven.com/index.html

rob_m

Has anyone in New England received the coupon offer? Rob M.

robr2

Has anyone in New England received the coupon offer?

Nope - just 2 e-mails offering me a $25 Visa card for test driving the Outback.

dsattler

Got the $25 Visa card offer, but not the free maintenance offer. And I just bought a 2005 legacy!

kens

Also, the difference in revs are only about 250-500 RPM. That's hardly enough to make a perceptible difference.

Ken

chassol

Also got the $25.00 offer (which I had dealer complete and I sent in) about a week to 10 days before receiving the free service offer. Hopefully yours will be in the mail too if they pulled our info off of www.need-desire.com.
I have a strong feeling the new Outbacks and Legacys are getting a REALLY big marketing push. I'm guessing you might see this info soon. Don't throw anything out from Subaru without opening it. At first I thought it was "junk mail". Also anyone receiving it needs to read it carefully. Parts say only "Outback" only the actual coupon indicates it is for Outback or Legacy.

Hope you see yours soon...............

dcm61

After receiving three email offers for the $25 test drive in the past week or two (all for the same email address), I received one in the mail today along with the free maintenance certificate.

DaveM

ateixeira

If anyone sees these in dealers, let us know. Seems like a nice little bonus for those on The Fence.

-juice

rob_m

WOW! No $25 test drive offer(s) either. It's not like they don't know how to find me. I am on need-desire and mysubaru. I am always getting either e-mail or snail mail reminding me of service on one of my two Subies. The dealer called at home the other day, wondering when I was going to bring the GT in for service (I did the week before). A salesman called me at work, wondering if I was interested in trading the GT. Maybe they assume I do not need to be enticed into buying Subaru #5.

shizumaat

Has anyone else notice that the XT doesn't get the slick chromed exhast pipes found ONLY on the Legacy GT and on the Outback 3.0R VDC? The XT is the SPORT model, why the hell did they put the cool pipes on the GT and the VDC Outback, but not the XT??

Anyone know anything about modding these? They don't seem to offer them as an accessory, I wonder if dealers could order the ones for the VDC as replacement parts and install the on the XT? Looks like the rear bumber would have to be modified too. I know it may seem like a little thing, but I'm supposed to take delivery of my new XT this week, and I just think it would look so much better with the fat pipes.

trueawd

Actually no Outbacks have the crome tailpipes. The main reason for that is to get the maximum ground clearance. They go out and curve down slightly giving the car the most clearance possible. The other not so major reason is more seperation between Legacys, especailly the GTs for there sportiness and Oubacks the more SUW/Vish vehicle.

If you look at 2004 the Outbacks all had 7.3 inch of ground clearanne yet the 6 cyl had 7.9 inches, main difference was the muffler...

legacy191

Got to drive a 05 GT LTD sedan, and a GT Wagon on Saturday. Heres the good and the bad from MPLS, MN. The wagon:

- fits my wife perfectly
- sportshift seem a little slow
- I think 245-50-17's would make a world of difference
- VSC needs to be an option
- wagon was a little tight on my big body.... 6'0 285 lbs

the sedan:

- very fast
- sportshift was right on the money every time
- still needs bigger tires
- the combo of leather and power seats works very good
- did I already say very fast

after owning three Legacy's in the past (91' sports sedan, 97' GT Wagon, 99 GT wagon, I would like to go on record to say... Where was this HP five years ago???? If all goes well we will have a Indigo Blue Limited sedan in the garage by Sept..

Tony T

mhaber468

I am in the market for a MT 2.5i wagon for the wife. Does anyone else have the same and what did you pay? Does Subaru have any incentives now or in near future? Any comments from experience on how the '05 compares to previous years?

P.S. - "MT...for the wife" is not a typo.

frog

I would join IMBA and wait six months for the invoice deal to kick in. Read up on the IMBA websight for more info. Also waiting for the rush of the new models to calm down, you will find better deals in the fall, and can wait to hear the first line of gripes and recalls before you buy. I just bought an 04 MT wagon, and they are available for around 19 before taxes. The new model is more upscale visually and has a larger wheel base and less weight, yet the 04 is worth a test drive if the styling is acceptable. I will go on record saying the 04 leg/and leg/gt wagon is IMO the best looking subi on the road, period. I am obviously a very happy customer.

dbyang

I had the pleasure of testing an 05 black gt/lmt wagon automatic. The outside temperature was 94 here in Florida, and the salesman just filled the gas tank with $6 of, I believe, non premium gas.

The black exterior was noticibly hotter to the touch than the white subie next to it. But the interior was not the sauna experience I was expecting.

I did not test the limits of the car, but, even with less aggressive driving, you can tell this car will be quite fun when broken in. The steering was just right. The interior noise was largely due to the A/C running on full blast. It may have been a little too quiet, especially the engine. The a/c felt noticibly cooler when the rpms were higher, and just a little too warm when idling.

There is a big discrepency in response when rpms are below/above 2500. I guess I'll just have to keep it up high(for fun and a/c).

The seats were amazingly comfortable to me(6 ft 185 lbs, 30" inseam), much more so than the non-limited wagon I sat in. It had a perfect amount of support during turns without being too hard. You didn't 'feel' the seat while driving, which the perfect feeling to have.

After the 6 mile test drive, when I parked the car back at the lot, the salesman noticed a clear, barely visible smoke or steam coming out of the hood scoop. He did'nt know if that was normal or not. Does anyone have this experience with wrx, sti, or F/xt? If so, what causes this?

Am awaiting my gt/wagon regal blue auto in July. Will keep up posted.

stickguy

probably steam coming off the intercooler?

rsorganize

Well, I ended my prolonged, masochistic decision-making process this weekend by purchasing an '05 OB VDC. Safety wins over exhiliration, after all. Brought it home 2 hours ago.

Silver (wife and son's choice of color, since willow green is not a VDC color), with all the bells and whistles. Smooth, quiet and pretty darn quick/responsive, too. I'm happy in a kind of Woody Allen-ish, existential way (I guess).

Great experience with the dealer - Stacy Subaru in Brattleboro, VT. Second car from them (wife's '03 Forrester). Terrific discount (more than $2000 off msrp), very fair trade on '99 Volvo XC (141,000 mi.) Never shopped anywhere else. Straight up...fair prices for new car/trade...easy deal. Recommend to all in WMass and So. Vt.

Also, received the Subaru offers in the mail, as soon as I got home with the new car(kind of eerie...are they telepathic or what...?!)$25 Visa coupon for test drive and free 3yr./36,000 schedules maintenance. Great bonus! Thanks SoA...nice marketing move.

Thanks, again, to all on this forum for great advice.

Peace.

urmez

I came back from one of my local Subaru dealers this afternoon and I asked the Sales Manager about the free maintenance offer that some people were receiving.

He mentioned that Subaru is sending the coupons to people who might consider purchasing Subarus that currently drive Audis, Volvos, BMW, etc. I do not know if this is part of their new marketing strategy or not but I am wasn't completely sold on his answer.

But he did mention that the current lease special, which are good till month end, that Subaru has does include free maintenance for 3 years or 36,000 miles for all customers.

I am not too proficient on lease deals but can someone please tell me if the following money factor and residual value are competitive for an 2005 Outback XT Limited:

   - Money factor- .00195
   - Residual- 57% (approximately $18,500)
   - Term- 39 months

Thanks

Urmez

purduealum91

With price tags of the fun models approaching $30k!, whats a guy to do that refuses to spend no more than $22k and still wants the fun and room. I hope this is not a harbinger of things to come. Subaru, please do not forget the college grads or those with less money.

c_hunter

Congratulations on the new VDC! Sweet car!

Craig

smokennedy

Urmez,
I don't agree with the advice you received on the 3/36000 service coupon. Mine came in the mail yesterday and I do not own any of the brands so mentioned. Being a 2003 Forester owner, I'm now contemplating the new attractive lease offers and free 3/36,000 mile servicing for an upcoming purchase or lease. Now, should I go for the OB XT or Legacy GT? Decisions.....Decisions

Charlie

ntk1

I have not seen any lease details, other than "attractive" has any one seen the figures ?