Subaru Outback/Legacy Buying Advice
This is either a really bad car, a super high price or a best kept secret. Does anyone own one of these? Please share your experience. I'd be interested to know everything from speed and handling to MPG, off road driving and interior feel.
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Comments
Sedans lovers tend to prefer the Legacy GT anyway.
-juice
Thanks for clearing up preferences, the percentage figure really helps! :P
I simply wanted to see if there are any brave ones that got one. (Supposedly it has more ground clearance than Explorer)
Bob
You're wrong
And you're confusing yourself and everyone else (on purpose or our of sheer ignorance)
http://www.subaru.com/shop/overview.jsp?year=2006&model=OUTBACK&trim=30_R_LLBEAN- _EDITION_SEDAN
Click on EXTERIOR PHOTOS and you will see no Outback, but a SEDAN!!! :sick:
As to the LL Bean sedan—it's an Outback, but in sedan format. It's got the same raised suspension as the Outback wagon. Mechanically it's identical to the LL Bean Outback wagon.
Bob
She wanted an Outback for the ground clearance (lots of snow here) and wanted a sedan, not a wagon. She loves it. As Bob said, its pretty much the same as the Outback wagon, except it has a trunk that locks.
Can you tell me what was the 04 model running for at the time $? Was it always in the 30-ies? I don't see very many people buying this particular 06 sedan, could not find one in stock at any of the local dealerships, and I'm suspecting the prices (just like VW Phaeton) is to blame and it may be phased out.
-juice
Why do I want to sell it? The mileage just isn't good enough. The diesel RAV4 available here in Europe gets close to 40 mpg on the highway. It also has vehicle stability control, which the XT lacks. The one big drawback is the presence of only two front airbags in the RAV4; the Outback has six, including front side and side curtain airbags.
My concerns are twofold:
1. Is the RAV4 as safe as the Outback? (Does the VDC compensate for fewer airbags?)
2. Will the RAV4 handle snow as well?
That's an apples and oranges situation. The VDC may help keep you from having an accident, but if you should get in one, the more airbags the better. Also, keep in mind that if someone hits you, VDC likely won't help you, but airbags will.
2. Will the RAV4 handle snow as well?
Well, the new RAV4 has an on-demand system, which isn't as good as a full-time system like what Subaru offers. Having said that, I'm sure the RAV4 will get you through the snow just fine.
Bob
-juice
Go ahead and import US RAV4 as they have side airbag option.
Two things account for my desire to switch: one, I'm driving a lot farther than I thought I would, and thus consuming more gas. Two, the new RAV4 came out.
Incidentally, I would not be able to import the model I want, since diesels are unavailable in the US. The diesel RAV4 gets about 40 mpg hwy. Switching to a gas-burning RAV4 to get better mileage makes no sense, as the advantage (3 mpg hwy) is too small to compensate for the hassle of buying one car and selling another.
The Forester's 23/28 actually ties the RAV4 automatic AWD model for the most fuel-efficient AWD SUV.
The 03-05 Forester actually held the crown, with 23/30 EPA mpg. Only FWD RAV4s could match that.
-juice
KBB Search ======================
Engine: 4-Cyl. 2.5L Turbo
Transmission: Automatic
Drivetrain: AWD
Mileage: 100
Selected Standard Equipment
Air Conditioning Tilt Wheel Dual Front Air Bags
Power Steering Cruise Control ABS (4-Wheel)
Power Windows AM/FM Stereo Alloy Wheels
Power Door Locks Multi Compact Disc
Selected Optional Equipment
Front Side Air Bags Rear Spoiler
$21,535
New they went for about $24-25k with auto. I saw some MT5s for $23k. Thing is, the incentives may have expired, so the deal got worse, not better.
Run, don't walk. Buy an '06 for less.
-juice
Dealer should not charge more for 05 than for 06. The price should be much closer to used 05 than MSRP.
Follow juice suggestion.
Krzys
Either way, after thinking about my need for a "new" car I've decided that I'm more interested in a used car then a new car. I've found a 2002 WRX in excellent condition for about $17,000.00
Anyone have any advice as to what I should look out for when considering this purchase?
Anything that suggests that it has lived a hard life. WRX owners, on average, are pretty hard on their cars.
Bob
any input re colours would be appreciated.
Cheers
Maxy
-juice
I have the All Weather Package with heated seats and a bunch of other extras like all weather mats and compass rearview mirror, cargo light, ashtray and lighter, cruise control etc. Automatic transmission.
The MSRP with DD was $25,698. I read that I should ask to see the invoice price and it was $24,400. I have no idea if it was the real invoice or not. I offered $23,000 and they accepted it. That included the $750 rebate and a 5.99 interest rate for 5 years. I paid a DD fee of $499 making my total price, before taxes, $23,499.
I bought it at Mike Shaw Subaru in Thornton, CO ( near Denver). Salesman was Cliff.
Did I overpay?
Hope this is helpful for the next person who doesn't really know what they should pay for a car! I think it should just be a law that dealerships have to offer the same price to everyone!!!
To those who don't know anything about buying a car, NEVER pay the MSRP price and always ask to see the invoice price. Also, go lower than you think is fair, I wish I had, they were too fast to accept my below invoice offer!!
Jill
Congrats on your new car! May it bring you many happy trouble free miles
John
-juice
Has the the Legacy GT hauler morphed into a "OB" xt..how disappointing if so even though I am considering a move to the high risers simply for ground clearance reasons, the GT Wagon...I'd hate to see them fade.
-juice
There are rumors that Outback becomes wagon and Legacy sedan only.
Krzys
-juice
However it matches SoA policy of limiting the choices.
I do not like it.
Krzys
May be Legacy wagons are really not selling well. Legacy is not marketed well in US at all. I only see ads for Forester , Outbacks and rarely Impreza.
I hope they offer an "Outback GT" (in addition to the Outback XT) that will merely be a Legacy GT wagon, but with an Outback grille.
If that happens, I really don't have a problem with the Legacy wagon disappearing. From a marketing standpoint it will be good as the only sedans will then be Legacys. Note that it is also rumored that the Outback sedan will also disappear.
Bob
Bob
IMO, keeping the LGT wagon makes more sense than the OB Sedan.
Ken
I think that's the direction SOA is moving. Otherwise, why is there no spec.B wagon? It comes sedan-only, unlike in other markets.
It seems like SOA is just falling in line with most other carmakers. There's no Accord or Camry wagon—although there used to be one years back, but not any more. It seems like only the Saab, Volvo, BMW and MB continue to offer sedan and wagons sharing the same names.
Bob
Passat is available as sedan and wagon with AWD to boot.
Krzys
PS And I thought that Subaru would like to be associated with Euro names than its brethren from Japan.
I guess there just isn't enough volume for them to be able to offer many choices.
-juice
-mike
When I had the Saab, I used my Subie for hauling things, chauffeuring the dog etc. At this age the car is far from beautiful; but it runs just fine.
Question: Do I buy another wagon? I'm also considering an Acura and a pre-owned Lexus. If I thought my Legacy would last another 50,000 miles, I wouldn't hesitate to get a sedan. Outbacks don't exactly scream sexy!
-mike
No? Hmm. I think a vehicle's appeal has more to do with color and upkeep than anything else. The lines on a Legacy or an Outback are darn fine though compared to many of the other major nameplates. It does not scream "luxury," though, so maybe that is what you are seeking.
My question is to how much time does 50,000 equate if you have two vehicles? I tend to use my wagon for everything and all but expect any vehicle I have to make the grade for whatever my intended use on any given day.... within reason! That is why I am loathe to seriously consider a sedan - they just have more inherent limitations.
Unless there is a significant pricing margin or you are dead-set on a model that does not have a wagon version, I would go for the wagon for the versatility alone.
VW currently has 2 flavours.
Krzys
Automatics- clutch pack power shifting between front and rear
Manuals- Viscous center diffy which strives for 50/50 power via a center lsd
DCCD- Center diffy electronically controlled with variable power settings and center lock 50/50
-mike