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Comments
It is really hard to visualize what the wheels will look like on the car, but I'm thinking that the Outback would look better with a "sturdy" looking wheel.
In the less than $200 category, I like the following on Tire Rack:
ASA JA3
ASA KA3
Mille Miglia Evo 5
Mille Miglia MM11-3
Tough choice, but I have all winter to think about it!
Craig
I plan on seeing the dealer at my 7,500 mile oil change.
Dscotti and Sayword, please keep me posted on the outcome of your fume issue.
thanks
I have a 2002 OB Wagon, 5-speed, great shape (with a super in-line XM system installed), only 21K miles. While waiting for the brakes to be adjusted recently I did a *very* stupid thing and test drove the new OB XT Ltd 5-speed manual.
What a car and what a mistake to try it out! I should preface this by saying that my only complaint about my present Subaru is the power. I really do like my present OB (and am now a fully converted Subie owner), but I have never owned my own "powerful" car.... just been surrounded by them. Husband drives a BMW (next an M3), Dad always drove a Porshe. I guess I'm a wanna-be.
The bottom line is that if I'm going to trade up my car, this is the time to do it, otherwise I will drive it forever like every other vehicle I have ever owned.
Two things are holding me up (one I will admit is a little silly).
1) Really don't have the time to sell my car and as far as I can tell I will never get a decent trade-in value from a Dealer (I'm in the NYC area, BTW). Even went (title in-hand, almost on a whim) to World Subaru in Tinton Falls NJ last month, only to be massively low-balled on the initial trade in quote (11K) ...just turned around and walked out .
2) Looks like I will lose XM on the new OB . May be able to try a wireless FM modulator (but it won't sound good).
Input anyone? Has anyone else made a similar trade-up ? Worth it, etc.?
I know I'm not asking the most concrete of questions, but everytime I see one of the new OBs I get a twinge of regret that I'm not driving it....
Thanks in advance,
JT
No, you won't get the same amount if you were to sell it yourself, but it is quick and easy—and you will have a little more leverage with your dealer if you show them the CarMax appraisal.
Good luck, and I envy you!
Bob
#2, you can use a wired FM modulator, which is what I am presently using for my iPod. It actually sounds quite good, like a strong FM station. I had horrible results with the wireless FM transmitters.
Good luck!
Craig
JT, tell them to beat the Carmax offer, or you're going to another Subaru dealer.
Bob
1) No Carmax (which sounds like a *great* idea)
2) Seemingly few "reasonable" Subaru dealers.
My husband's eyes almost bugged out of his head when the Sales Manager at World said 11K. The funny thing is, we would be perfectly happy with an "honest" price for the car, I'm not looking to work anyone over.
C.hunter! Are you happy with the trade-up?
And wait, you were able to get the wired FM modulator installed in an 05 XT Suburu?? Are you using the Commander and was there a trick to having it installed? As I understand it, there is a problem with the new Antenna jack on the 05 OB and the XM receivers....
I get the feeling that I should keep at it.
If anyone has a good lead on a dealer in the tri-state area I'm all ears.
Jil
Subaru has a "guaranteed trade in value" campaign going on. It's for MY2000 or later vehicles. Basically, you are guaranteed some decent trade in value for your qualifying vehicle.
You should see if your dealer knows about it. If not, call Subaru directly at 1-800-SUBARU3 and find out.
Ken
Not knowing much more about your '02 OB other than what you've posted, I'm seeing even Edmunds has your car listed at/around 12k trade-in (e.g., wholesale) and 15k Dealer Retail.
Out of curiosity, what were you hoping to get for it?
And pls don't get me wrong; I agree that it's a crime how fast some cars lose their value, our beloved Subarus seem plagued by that, too.
Rgds,
Tim
'05 OBXTL - 5MT (and loving it)
To be honest, based on the positive feelings about this car (like your sig..), I had my husband go through another round of phone calls and got a few better numbers ...around 13.5K .
I may bite with quotes like that. I agree about the depreciation, since I had planned on keeping this car for a long time I didn't really think too much about it.
Now I just have to find the garnet red + black interior and 5MT version.
Thanks,
Jil
Are we all talking about the same year - 2005? My air intake is in the right front just behind the grill so the fresh air passes over the engine on its way to the passenger compartment vents. The plastic housing was very hot when I felt it. I checked our other car, '97 Benz, which has auto climate control and the fresh air intake is back by the front wiper blades.
Don
I think you're describing the air intake for the engine, not the passenger compartment. Facing the car, open the hood, it's right there on the left hand side -- a big black plastic duct that takes a right turn into a big box?
I believe the air intake for the passenger compartment is located by the wipers. Check out Page 4-17 in the owner's manual.
Ken
-Nate
SO, in summary, the XT tires are not as bad as the NASIOC crowd might claim, but they are not the best either.
The Outback 2.5i models get the old style RE-92 that I had on my 02 Outback, and these were decent tires in my experience.
I think you must be taking a beating with the pressure that high. I run about 34F/32R myself. Anything much more than that and the ride gets pretty rough.
Craig
CRaig
And wait, you were able to get the wired FM modulator installed in an 05 XT Suburu?? Are you using the Commander and was there a trick to having it installed? As I understand it, there is a problem with the new Antenna jack on the 05 OB and the XM receivers....
You can do it if you are willing to cut the antenna wire coming out the back of the radio and make a custom adapter. Basically just need to connect some standard Motorola-style antenna coax connectors in to mate up with the RF modulator. I would imagine that any good stereo shop can do it.
Step 1) cut the connector off the back of the radio, and connect it to a male antenna connector. This will go from the car antenna harness to the RF modulator:
http://members.cox.net/craig.hunter/radio/IMG_1005-01.jpg
Step 2) connect a female antenna connector to the wire coming out of the radio (that you just cut). This will connect the RF modulator into the radio.
http://members.cox.net/craig.hunter/radio/IMG_1002-01.jpg
Of course, you can reconnect everything without an RF modulator if desired.
Radio Shack sells the antenna connectors. In my case, I had a short 14" antenna extension cable laying around and just cut it in half to use the two ends. These cables are fairly common.
Craig
The fresh air intake is at the base of the windshield, where the wipers are.
Craig
When you hit a sharp bump on any surface, the tires emit a "boing" sound. On concrete, it becomes continuous....
Craig
I very much appreciate the info, thanks!
I had heard "mutterings" about how to do this, but no detailed info.
I've done all the radio installations on my car up until now, but I think this time I may go for the high-end installer route. Does the FM modulator sound OK?
So much for my "quandry", I listed the car on Autotrader and Craigslist last night, I'll leave it up for a little while and then probably just trade-up!
Jil
If you have done stereo installs before, then this modification should be cake for you. We can give you details on how to get the radio out, which is the hardest part. You can attach the new antenna connectors with the radio out on a workbench, it just requires good soldering and/or splicing skills.
Craig
-Dennis
The A4 has been a great car. My wife drives it most of the time and states that its the best car she has driven.
However, you pay a price for the Audi name.
From reading all the posts here and the reviews I should be getting a great car also in the subie GT. This car will join my 2004 Forester XT in the stable.
Thanks to all for the informative posts that helped me make my decision.
Now the gestation period begins for our new baby.
Keep all the great information sharing coming.
Don
I absolutely love my Outback XT Limited 5MT. I am smiling ear-to-ear everytime I drive it.
The only thing I am disapointed with is the automatic climate control, but I am learning to live with and work around its deficiencies.
Ken
Congrats!
Craig
"I'm not even complaining about the ....:
To me,It sounds like your complaining. I say, make these formal complaints to Subaru. I, too, have suggestions on easy ways to make the Legacy a "premium" vehicle. They are not there yet.
I know of some fixes for some of those minor problems:
wacky floor mat holder- Replace with floor mat holder from MY04 Legacy, it is less wacky
low arm rest- Subaryu sells a arm rest extension.
Other things, like turbo lag, are just the way things are. All turbo's have turbo lag. The more boost, the longer the lag. A smaller diameter turbine would spool up faster, but you would lose some boost pressure (and horsepower). If you have an automatic trans, that also slows turbo response.
I hope you get your fumes and hot air vent problems ficed.
Jim
Jim
I posted this somewhere else however its not getting a lot of vies; this board seems to be moving (and I see some active posters like Juice) so I'll give it a shot here.
I'm evaluating a future vehicle. I have myself, wife, and future baby to worry about. What I'm looking for in the next vehicle:
A. Long term reliability
B. Sloppy road capability (slush, plowed roads, not plowed roads, rain, etc.)
C. Don't want a 'dog' engine. I like to get up and go up till 50/60mph but I don't usually drive above 70mph when I'm on the highway and my daily commute is back roads. Therefore, my choices are self-limited to the base engines of the Subies.
D. Needs to be child/car seat friendly.
E. Cargo capacity (home depot runs, but I don't load things like dirt/mulch/etc)
Opinions?
Jopopsy
The Forester is more "utilitarian" but very sporty; the Outback is more luxurious and comfortable and very quiet on the highway. Both are child-seat friendly.
My two cents...
Try Metric Subaru in Commack. I purchased my '04 OB and '05 GT Ltd and got great deals on both.
As for the radio connection, I am using the latest Delphi Roady 2 with the wireless FM modulator and it is working fine in both vehicles. Just make sure you mount the antenna about 6" above the top of the rear window to maximize the "ground plane" effect for reception.
Ray
Looks like i'm joining Juice on the fence!! Currently have an '02 WRX wagon, and if things work out job-wise, will probably move up to an OXT. Big debate is MT or AT.
Anyway, before this new model year, when i started contemplating an upgrade (more room, leather, sunroof, etc.) i had been contemplating a used Allroad. It seems to me that the new Outbacks are much closer, albeit for $20k less, depending on options. Any thoughts?
Oliver
Bob
I think power is adequate in the CR-V but it is definitely a dog compared to the Forester or Outback, especially if you get auto trans. A test drive should make this very obvious.
In addition, the CR-V handles like a bus compared to the other two. I think this is obvious on a test drive as well.
More backseat room in the CR-V, which is a plus for many people.
I have been getting along fine with Outbacks and Foresters for 99% of my homeowner needs, in fact, with good roof racks, I rarely need anything else.
Good luck!
Craig
Thanks for the Metric suggestion, I'll check them out. After all of the reading I have done and now having played around with the numbers, it looks like I'm ready to trade-up. That's excellent news about the Roady 2 as a stop-gap. My eventual goal will be to get my XM direct-wired again, Craig has eased my mind re: whether that will become possible and I can also go the FM modulator route. (But boy, disassembling that console looks tough). Delphi is about to ome out with a new version of the Skyfi that I will try out ... has a built-in wireless modulator.
My teenager is all thrilled with the car choice (Garnet Red OBXT LTD) but you should have seen her face fall when I mentioned the potential XM problems. Husband thinks we're both insane for caring.
I notice that you have both the Legacy GT and the OB. Reading through the threads has piqued my interest in the Legacy GT Ltd wagon a bit. Any input? Basically the whole reason I'm trading up is that I really *like* to drive (guess that's the part of me that is still a Californian after 20 years in NYC). It seems that the Legacy has a little bit more of a sporty feel to it.
Darn, looks like I have to go on another test drive ;-) .
jil
Bob
If it's going to be your main vehicle and not your wife's then go for the excitement of the Subaru's otherwise your wife may like the higher visibility of the Forester and CRV and then it's more a comparison about space and utility.
The H-6 LLBean Outback will accellerate almost as well as the Audi, is just as comfortable and does not have the lag of the 2.7 liter turbo. The 2.5i Outback may be more pleasant to drive, if a bit slow, than the XT.
I'm thinking of the 05 LTD Wagon, but the guy who wrote some messages back complaining about it is somewhat disconcerting, if indeed, what he's saying is true. I really love the way the 05's look and it would be great to have significantly more power.
I'm going to give the Legacy a drive. I figure that if I'm going to go to all the effort of trading up just to get a more sporty ride I might as well go all the way. ;-) .
I sure like the new look of the OBs, though.
Jil