I got a copy of the invoice when I picked up my GT Limited Sedan today and it says the car is certified for sale in all 50 states. come down to LI and buy it! I paid $500 over invoice.
Finally! My car was shipped from the Boston POE, delivered to Metric Motors (Commack LI) yesterday and I picked it up this afternoon! GT Limited Sedan, Atlantic Blue, 5EAT, spoiler, sub woofer, alarm, mats & compass. $500 over invoice and I have a copy of the invoice. As a bonus they ordered the interior air filter kit ($31 cost). Now if I could only found out how to score the maintenance coupon. This is the second Subie I have purchased in 12 months. Any suggestions out there?
I am 3 days into ownership of my 2005 Legacy GT and loving every second. The only problems are that it's not broken in yet and I don't have enough time to drive it right now :-( It is truly an awesome car.
I am still familiarizing myself with all of it's features. One big question I had is with the stereo. I would love to be able to hook my Ipod directly to the stereo (through Aux RCA jacks, for example). I have a device that broadcasts the Ipod's music through certain FM frequencies but 1) It loses fidelity and 2) static is usually present. Therefore, I would like a direct connection. Does anyone know if the Macintosh stereo has auxiliary jacks in the back of the head unit? If this is unknown, does anyone know where I can get technical info on the stereo? Any other ideas on directly connecting an Ipod are welcome as well.
BTW: I forgot to mention in my earlier post the details of my legacy purchase. - Sedan, Silver w/black interior, 5MT - Purchased at Martin Subaru in Sicklerville, NJ - Purchased at $600.00 over invoice - Short throw shifter (purchased at invoice). - Popular equip. package (purchased at invoice). - Subwoofer (purchased at invoice).
It is very rare that the factory head units have RCA inputs or inputs of any type. The exception being an input for a CD changer, but with the headunit already being a changer already I doubt it will.
Wireless FM broadcasters are horrible (low volume, poor sound quality). The solution that worked for me was a wired FM modulator. Audiovox makes a very good one for about $50.00 and intallation is very simple.
I agree that this is the only way to go (for lack of better options). However, the 05 Legacy/OB use a non-standard antenna connector on the radio, and we would need an adapter to wire in an FM modulator. Anybody know if such an adapter exists??
Alternately, I suppose it would be possible to splice into the car's antenna wiring but this it not an easy thing to do with the unknown type of co-ax cable in the dash....
I like the new Outback. I currently drive a Nissan Frontier with limited slip-diff but not 4 X 4. On a resent trip to the mountains I came across a partially washed out road and I could not proceed. Mainly because I was alone and I knew that one of my rear tires would be completely in the air and that would doom me. I know that a 4 X 4 would have made it easily. The road is in southern AZ and it is designated as a 4 X 4 road. Not a rock crawling road. What can a Outback handle? Pictures would be nice. A replacement for my truck would be the 2005 XTerra 4X4 or the 4Runner 4X4, I'm just tired of the truck ride.
What kind of clip/system are you using to attach your cell phone to the car? Does ProClip (www.proclipusa.com) work well for this car? Anything else that you like?
Fear not, the way things are going you will have company on the fence for at least another 3 months, maybe more. I finally saw my forst '05 on the road yesterday. It was an OB XT in the champagne gold - very nice! I tried to follow him, but wound up passing him on the highway:-). It looks just as good from the front as the back.
I've seen pics of Outbacks getting around on trails, but I don't have them up on the web. I kept losing web sites at the dot coms would go bankrupt (homepage.com, then I forget the name of the other one).
The new 2005s handled the rock/sand in the Vegas desert nicely, though we didn't really push them.
They had an off road trail climb course but it was only opened for use the following day, we were BUMMED that we missed it. I saw it though, and it's more than any Outback owner would ever throw at their Subie. So Subaru had confidence in it.
This comment summed it up for me: "For folks who really love to drive, but need the functionality of a wagon, this one should be at or near the top of you shopping list. "
And the most uninformed comment: "Hood scoop is silly, extraneous ornamentation".
Wow! How can she say that the Legacy is not a good value compared to the competition? The Legacy's price ends where those other models she listed begin.
I personally like when she said, "Doesn't have any personality". Sheesh, did she drive the right car?
I've seen several in No. Virginny--mostly champagne (unless it's the same person ) but no VDC's. No VDC's on fitzmall either. Are these in short supply or just not too popular below the Mason-Dixon?
I haven't seen many new Outbacks dreiving around up here yet either. I feel like I am the only one with this car! Its a nice change from my Corolla. But of course every where you look there is an old Outback up here.
Anyways, I've had my Outback since Wednesday. Its great so far. I just wish I had a longer drive to work to enjoy it. My office is only about 8 miles from my house and it only takes about 10 minutes to get there. Just sitting in the car is relaxing! I could take a nap in it. Still getting used to all the little luxary features my Corolla didnt have, like volume buttons on the steering wheel. The drive is so quiet and smooth! My husband is amazed how big the tires/rims are. Bigger than his Blazer. I wish I could take off work today to drive around.
The only thing I dont like so far is the gas mileage. But I guess I knew what I was getting into with the H6. I think it will be worth it though.
Just kidding. A poorly written article deserves criticism whether or not it complements a car.
For instance, Warren Brown wrote a great review of the Forester, but when he said "I thought it had a six" I felt he went too far and I criticized him at the time.
The H4 is fine but it doesn't feel anything like the H6, especially in power delivery.
That is, the same standard I applied to her negative comments.
If she was positively disposed to the vehicle and prattled on about sororities while neglecting to discuss the real substance of the vehicle and seemed to err about the pricing of "similar" vehicles, I would find the article equally uninformed.
BTW, if you review some of the postings about vehicle impact testing and braking, you'll see I have no problem with substantive issues.
Had a wide open stretch of freeway on my commute in today- so I pegged my accelerator to the floor (briefly- maybe 15 sec)- this engine pulls hard well over 100mph! I think it's rev-limited at 130- which this car has no problem hitting i'm sure (considering how close I came to it!). Very stable, feels firmly planted to the ground, and quiet at this speed. Much more fun than trying to do this in a Lexus (drives like a boat).
I almost wish I could turn the volume up on the engine. I like to drive listening the the engine rev but you have to concentrate in this car because it's so quiet. But being so quiet it's nice the other 95% of the time, so it's not really something to complain about. ;-)
Just passed 1600 mi, almost at it's 2 month birthday. Maybe I'll give it an oil change. ;-)
Wow! What a car. I can't wait to go home for the day to drive. Here is a very preliminary list of things I like/dislike:
Like: -Power, really suprising especially coming out of a 1.6 civic -Interior quality is Audi quality (my parents have an allroad) -5EAT is a nice compromise since my wife would not let me get a stick, I like the fact that I can downshift using the steering wheel controls even if its not in automanual mode. -Very responsive handling -Did I say power?
Dislikes: -Under light throttle, once the engine hits 3K rpm there is a surge of acceleration which is not intended. I have already begun to anticipated this and will let off the throttle when I get to that point. -Attention that it gets. I have already had someone try to race me in a E36 4door M3 (presumably with the 3.2L). Rather get him out on the racetrack someday instead. I don't buy a car for straight line speed anyway.
About the article: If she offered accurate and truthful commentary I would repect her-but read a few more reviews and you will see she is clueless.
That surge at 3K is the Turbo kicking in- which is presumably why you bought the car? It's what makes the car fun. I had a passat wagon and thought the turbo-4 was more fun than the v6 even though it was a little slower.
A smoother engine would be the 2.5i or for more horsepower the 3.0 H6 (but a lot less torque)
Get used to people wanting to see what you can do and let them speed by. We've got nothing to prove. ;-) (It is fast though!)
Have fun- good luck trying to stay below 4K for the first 1000 mi!
I'm sure if the woman was gung-ho about the Legacy GT, then the husband would have negative comments. I only pointed out a blatant mistake. I thought her opinions about there being plenty of competition was fairly accurate.
I also find myself straining to hear the Legacy engine and exhaust note. It's kind of funny -- I lower the volume on the stereo when I'm about to stomp on the gas. It's cool to hear the turbo kick in -- it's barely perceptible, but it's there.
Congratulations! I'm sure your impressions are going to be quite different coming from a Civic! Just wait until the bad weather begins. You'll actually be looking forward to driving through rain, sleet and snow!
I agree about the 5EAT. It still retains enough fun for this stick driver but also keeps the wife happy.
The 5EAT does amplify turbo lag, but not nearly as much as say the WRX. Give it some time and the TCU will better adapt to your driving style.
Getting an M3's attention is flattery, IMO. And wise choice to save the racing for a racetrack.
Let me get this straight... You're saying Paul Leinert is the brother of Jean (Lindamood) Jennings?
Regarding Ms Leinert's report. I agree that the styling of the 05 Legacy is a little conservative (which is okay with me) but I wish she would have driven the Subaru before she wrote about it (her report makes me think she never took it out out of the Meijer parking lot).
Per Ken's post;...'I'm sure if the woman was gung-ho about the Legacy GT, then the husband would have negative comments'.. Ah, the old 'good car reviewer - bad car reviewer' routine, eh? LOL Owen
Swinging by the factory this weekend on my way to Purdue University to visit my sister-in-law. Haven't seen many here in Indy yet, bet that will change once I get into Lafayette-its a big Subaru town for a good reason.
in the world is the hazard button all the way on the right side of the center console? This makes no sense to me. Forget about trying to find it at night in a sea of red lights.
Obviously, I'm running out of things to complain about with my OBXTL.
After a 6 to 7 mile run and waiting to turn at a junction I noticed that the trip odo (on "A" and reading about 460 miles) changed momentarilly to read "ILL.6" This happened a couple of times and I have also seen it pop up with "ILL.5" as well. Is this some kind of on-board diagnostic ? (Remember I have the engine stutter problem) Interested in any views
The "ILL.6" is the brightness of the dash. You can control it by turning the dial to the left of the console.
However, the brightness level should not just pop up on it's only -- only when you turn the dial. It could be that you have a some faulty connection or loose dial that is causing it to come up. The dealer should be able to check that for you.
I've been out of touch (in the woods of Maine) for the last month, but I was able to pick up my 2005 Outback 2.5XT Limited (MT) right before I left. This is one fine vehicle, imho the best overall performer on the market for under 30K. The power is always available, the ride is smooth and quiet, and I've found significantly better fuel economy than expected (ave. 26.1 mpg for the first 1100 miles; 75% highway driving). I opted for the short shifter--a good choice--and the sub-woofer, also worthy. The clearance of almost 9" negotiated with ease all of the rough dirt roads I faced in Maine.
Please check out http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/NCAP/Cars/2005SUVs.html It has the 2005 Outback side test from NHTSA - 5 stars. For Outbackers, I think this may allay the concerns of the previous marginal 2005 Legacy tests.
The two tests are incredibly different, and I'll bet the Legacy sedan earns 5 stars in that antiquated NCAP test as well.
Almost 900 miles on our 2.5i 4EAT, and the car is simply awesome. I smiles for miles each time I drive it. Those alloys do get dirty quickly, though, LOL. Trip computer says that we're averaging 25.5 on this tank (fair mix of city/hwy), and thats been coming up since day one.
September 18-19 It’sa shootout between the Acura TSX, Audi A4 1.8T, Subaru Legacy 2.5GT, and Volvo S40 T5 as we compare a quartet of 30 Grand Sporty Sedans. ...
I completed my first oil change on my LGT wagon today at 3360 miles. It's actually the 2nd oil change as I had the 1st one at the dealer around 1000 miles.
A few observations: - The 6" of ground clearance requires ramps. I miss the days of just scooting right under the Forester. - The oil filter has a small access door that can be swung out after removing some plastic tabs. The tabs are very easy to remove -- a half turn of a screwdriver and they pop out. - The oil filter is right by the exhaust manifold and it's smaller than than the filters used on other Subies. The OE filter is not rubberized on the outside so it's hard to grip. - The OE oil filter is painted black and has the words "Engine" written across the bottom. That's not a bad idea to help first timers. - The manual calls for 4.2 quarts, but it took 4.5 quarts to hit the "F" dot on the dipstick. - The old oil looked relatively good -- an amber color. My old Forester would come out pretty dark even with the same change interval. - The underside of the Legacy is fairly well covered up. It's pretty clear that Subaru spent some time improving the airflow under the vehicle as well.
I filled her up with regular dino, Castrol GTX. My plan is to switch to synthetic on the next change.
No photos since the following link pretty much sums it up.
Comments
I am 3 days into ownership of my 2005 Legacy GT and loving every second. The only problems are that it's not broken in yet and I don't have enough time to drive it right now :-( It is truly an awesome car.
I am still familiarizing myself with all of it's features. One big question I had is with the stereo. I would love to be able to hook my Ipod directly to the stereo (through Aux RCA jacks, for example). I have a device that broadcasts the Ipod's music through certain FM frequencies but 1) It loses fidelity and 2) static is usually present. Therefore, I would like a direct connection. Does anyone know if the Macintosh stereo has auxiliary jacks in the back of the head unit? If this is unknown, does anyone know where I can get technical info on the stereo? Any other ideas on directly connecting an Ipod are welcome as well.
BTW: I forgot to mention in my earlier post the details of my legacy purchase.
- Sedan, Silver w/black interior, 5MT
- Purchased at Martin Subaru in Sicklerville, NJ
- Purchased at $600.00 over invoice
- Short throw shifter (purchased at invoice).
- Popular equip. package (purchased at invoice).
- Subwoofer (purchased at invoice).
Thanks,
Faceoffking
Wireless FM broadcasters are horrible (low volume, poor sound quality). The solution that worked for me was a wired FM modulator. Audiovox makes a very good one for about $50.00 and intallation is very simple.
Alternately, I suppose it would be possible to splice into the car's antenna wiring but this it not an easy thing to do with the unknown type of co-ax cable in the dash....
Craig
Avi
There is no one perfect seat for everyone, but some are better than others. You have to decide for yourself.
Comfort is in the backside of the beholder. ;-)
Good luck again
tom
Fear not, the way things are going you will have company on the fence for at least another 3 months, maybe more. I finally saw my forst '05 on the road yesterday. It was an OB XT in the champagne gold - very nice! I tried to follow him, but wound up passing him on the highway:-). It looks just as good from the front as the back.
Mark
The new 2005s handled the rock/sand in the Vegas desert nicely, though we didn't really push them.
Here are some pics:
http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4288086953&p=4171032659- &idx=23
You may need to register at ImageStation first.
They had an off road trail climb course but it was only opened for use the following day, we were BUMMED that we missed it. I saw it though, and it's more than any Outback owner would ever throw at their Subie. So Subaru had confidence in it.
Maybe Jacoby got pictures, or Subiegal did. Bob?
-juice
This comment summed it up for me:
"For folks who really love to drive, but need the functionality of a wagon, this one should be at or near the top of you shopping list. "
And the most uninformed comment:
"Hood scoop is silly, extraneous ornamentation".
Ken
-juice
http://www.subdriven.com/artman/publish/article_211.shtml
-juice
Owen
I personally like when she said, "Doesn't have any personality". Sheesh, did she drive the right car?
And my apologies, if needed, to the other informed women here-no offense intended.
* = Queen Cheese at Automobile magazine.
Bob
Bob
Bob
Anyways, I've had my Outback since Wednesday. Its great so far. I just wish I had a longer drive to work to enjoy it. My office is only about 8 miles from my house and it only takes about 10 minutes to get there. Just sitting in the car is relaxing! I could take a nap in it. Still getting used to all the little luxary features my Corolla didnt have, like volume buttons on the steering wheel. The drive is so quiet and smooth! My husband is amazed how big the tires/rims are. Bigger than his Blazer. I wish I could take off work today to drive around.
The only thing I dont like so far is the gas mileage. But I guess I knew what I was getting into with the H6. I think it will be worth it though.
I've been seeing more plain Legacys on the road, not even GTs. 2.5i wagons and sedans all over the place.
Give the engine a chance to break-in, it's still green. Mileage should improve by 2 mpg or so.
-juice
Just kidding. A poorly written article deserves criticism whether or not it complements a car.
For instance, Warren Brown wrote a great review of the Forester, but when he said "I thought it had a six" I felt he went too far and I criticized him at the time.
The H4 is fine but it doesn't feel anything like the H6, especially in power delivery.
-juice
"On what does she base her (favorable) opinions"
That is, the same standard I applied to her negative comments.
If she was positively disposed to the vehicle and prattled on about sororities while neglecting to discuss the real substance of the vehicle and seemed to err about the pricing of "similar" vehicles, I would find the article equally uninformed.
BTW, if you review some of the postings about vehicle impact testing and braking, you'll see I have no problem with substantive issues.
I almost wish I could turn the volume up on the engine. I like to drive listening the the engine rev but you have to concentrate in this car because it's so quiet. But being so quiet it's nice the other 95% of the time, so it's not really something to complain about. ;-)
Just passed 1600 mi, almost at it's 2 month birthday. Maybe I'll give it an oil change. ;-)
Still putting smiles on my face everyday!
tom
Like:
-Power, really suprising especially coming out of a 1.6 civic
-Interior quality is Audi quality (my parents have an allroad)
-5EAT is a nice compromise since my wife would not let me get a stick, I like the fact that I can downshift using the steering wheel controls even if its not in automanual mode.
-Very responsive handling
-Did I say power?
Dislikes:
-Under light throttle, once the engine hits 3K rpm there is a surge of acceleration which is not intended. I have already begun to anticipated this and will let off the throttle when I get to that point.
-Attention that it gets. I have already had someone try to race me in a E36 4door M3 (presumably with the 3.2L). Rather get him out on the racetrack someday instead. I don't buy a car for straight line speed anyway.
About the article: If she offered accurate and truthful commentary I would repect her-but read a few more reviews and you will see she is clueless.
That surge at 3K is the Turbo kicking in- which is presumably why you bought the car? It's what makes the car fun. I had a passat wagon and thought the turbo-4 was more fun than the v6 even though it was a little slower.
A smoother engine would be the 2.5i or for more horsepower the 3.0 H6 (but a lot less torque)
Get used to people wanting to see what you can do and let them speed by. We've got nothing to prove. ;-) (It is fast though!)
Have fun- good luck trying to stay below 4K for the first 1000 mi!
tom
It's tought staying below 4K since it revs so fast!
I also find myself straining to hear the Legacy engine and exhaust note. It's kind of funny -- I lower the volume on the stereo when I'm about to stomp on the gas. It's cool to hear the turbo kick in -- it's barely perceptible, but it's there.
Ken
I agree about the 5EAT. It still retains enough fun for this stick driver but also keeps the wife happy.
The 5EAT does amplify turbo lag, but not nearly as much as say the WRX. Give it some time and the TCU will better adapt to your driving style.
Getting an M3's attention is flattery, IMO. And wise choice to save the racing for a racetrack.
Ken
Regarding Ms Leinert's report. I agree that the styling of the 05 Legacy is a little conservative (which is okay with me) but I wish she would have driven the Subaru before she wrote about it (her report makes me think she never took it out out of the Meijer parking lot).
-Jim
I believe that to be the case. I believe their dad was also an automotive writer, or in the car industry.
This info goes back a loooong time, so I could be wrong, but I don't think so. Can anybody confirm this?
Bob
Owen
Anyone know if they do factory tours?
Obviously, I'm running out of things to complain about with my OBXTL.
Mark
Is this some kind of on-board diagnostic ? (Remember I have the engine stutter problem)
Interested in any views
However, the brightness level should not just pop up on it's only -- only when you turn the dial. It could be that you have a some faulty connection or loose dial that is causing it to come up. The dealer should be able to check that for you.
Ken
Craig
I've been out of touch (in the woods of Maine) for the last month, but I was able to pick up my 2005 Outback 2.5XT Limited (MT) right before I left. This is one fine vehicle, imho the best overall performer on the market for under 30K. The power is always available, the ride is smooth and quiet, and I've found significantly better fuel economy than expected (ave. 26.1 mpg for the first 1100 miles; 75% highway driving). I opted for the short shifter--a good choice--and the sub-woofer, also worthy. The clearance of almost 9" negotiated with ease all of the rough dirt roads I faced in Maine.
So far, so good.
Zman
It has the 2005 Outback side test from NHTSA - 5 stars. For Outbackers, I think this may allay the concerns of the previous marginal 2005 Legacy tests.
Almost 900 miles on our 2.5i 4EAT, and the car is simply awesome. I smiles for miles each time I drive it. Those alloys do get dirty quickly, though, LOL. Trip computer says that we're averaging 25.5 on this tank (fair mix of city/hwy), and thats been coming up since day one.
~alpha
Subaru Legacy 2.5GT, and Volvo S40 T5 as we compare a quartet of 30 Grand
Sporty Sedans. ...
http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=8&article_- id=8511
A few observations:
- The 6" of ground clearance requires ramps. I miss the days of just scooting right under the Forester.
- The oil filter has a small access door that can be swung out after removing some plastic tabs. The tabs are very easy to remove -- a half turn of a screwdriver and they pop out.
- The oil filter is right by the exhaust manifold and it's smaller than than the filters used on other Subies. The OE filter is not rubberized on the outside so it's hard to grip.
- The OE oil filter is painted black and has the words "Engine" written across the bottom. That's not a bad idea to help first timers.
- The manual calls for 4.2 quarts, but it took 4.5 quarts to hit the "F" dot on the dipstick.
- The old oil looked relatively good -- an amber color. My old Forester would come out pretty dark even with the same change interval.
- The underside of the Legacy is fairly well covered up. It's pretty clear that Subaru spent some time improving the airflow under the vehicle as well.
I filled her up with regular dino, Castrol GTX. My plan is to switch to synthetic on the next change.
No photos since the following link pretty much sums it up.
http://www.subaruchallenge.com/Wills/05/2005_Legacy_GT_Oil.pdf
Ken