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Comments
If it were me, I'd get the factory tint since no film is ever going to be as good as the glass itself.
One thing I've noticed with the 05 Leg wagon/OB is that the side windows in the cargo area also have the black ceramic dots on the border. Unfortunately, window film doesn't adhere very well to these dots so the end result is a whitish ring in the rear windows -- something that wouldn't be a problem with factory tint.
Ken
The GT runs a much higher boost turbo than the Volvos so that might explain the affect of mid-grade.
I'm also in CA and I only use 76 or Chevron gas. ARCO is tempting due to their low prices, but I don't trust their gas in a high performance engine.
Ken
Let me know if it works for you.
Ken
-Dennis
Ken
I've been told that tinting or privacy glass is not available for these cars at this time. I'm also told that my Outback XT Ltd. side windows come with a slight tint to achieve an 8.4 UV penetration level, but this is not the privacy glass that is equipped in SUVs.
Avi
regards,
kyfdx
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So if anyone of this wonderful family wants to make this gal feel truly welcome, let me know. I'd be really thrilled.
Make sure the temp setting is dialed down all the way to 65 before running fan only. Otherwise, you'll be mixing in heat with any outside air.
Ken
I know what you mean about the smiles, I just stomp on the gas, hold on to the wheel and a huge grin appears. (It works for my kids too!)
Just watch the 4K during breaking (good luck- you'll need it!)
tom
Yes the stuttering does occur at low engine speeds - starts at 1500 rpm and doesn't finish until about 4500 rpm. I fully agree with your view that a TSB should be released. (GT sedan MT)
Pete
Interesting info - I have always used top grade fuel and have not noticed any difference between suppliers (Shell, Mobil, Exon etc). I wonder what effect adding an octane booster to the fuel would have ? (BTW I live in Mass)
Other observations, stuttering is :-
1)Much worse when engine is cold
2)slightly worse going uphill
3)slightly better going downhill
4)is absent on a first pull away from exit ramp after a highway run of a few miles
Pete
I also have one which is for delivery before 11/1/04. The first one to reply at the above e-mail gets it.
Phil
So when you go from one company's gas to another, the gasoline itself is probably the same- just different detergents added (which can be a big difference also) but something to think about. ;-)
I haven't noticed any stuttering, and I've run nothing but 91 octane. The engine has no problems revving whether cold or hot, sunshine or rain. Maybe some people have faulty ECUs? I don't know just how widespread the problem is or if it's limited and your dealer just doesn't know how to deal with it yet (they're still new cars)
Hope you get it taken car of. It's a shame a car like this should have stuttering problems.
tom
john
john
I have the same issue with my 2005 legacy gt limited wagon. I tried the sequence suggest in a previous message (turn temp to 65 prior to turning off the a/c and sent vents to face) and it worked reasonably well for awhile then seemed to warm up over time, especially at slower speeds. Don't quite understand what's going on, but would like fresh air without the a/c cycling constantly. Let me know if a solution is found or if you need a letter written. My email is djowens@u.washington.edu
Dave
Just a thought....
-KarenM-
-Brian
They're not trading the actual maintenance coupons, they are trading the coupon to get the maintenance coupons! That coupon is blank, anybody can send it in. Once you receive your coupon booklet, it is specific to a VIN/owner.
Craig
Makes sense?
Avi
-KarenM-
-KarenM-
http://members.cox.net/kamartin/2005outbackreviews.html
Bob
Of the types of AWD available (Continuous, Active, or VTD), which is the best? Does one system have a distinct advantage over another, specifically in terms of traction (i.e. snow)
I only want an auto transmission, so I realize Continuous is out. I was considering either the 2.5 Limited Outback or the 3.0 R sedan.
All Subarus with 5-speed automatics (5EAT) have VTD, and Outback 3.0R VDC Limited wagons (not the sedan!) also include VDC (electronic stability control system) which offers an additional degree of safety.
Bob
We are looking at the '05 Forester and '05 Outback. The Forester has EXCELLENT crash test results and perfect reviews everywhere, but no side curtain air bags. The Outback, which has not had full crash tests, does have side curtain air bags. Also, The Forester is probably due for a face lift in '06 and the Outback is new (re: technology AND looks; for what that is worth).
We would have no problem getting the Forester if we believed it was as safe. Safety as you can see for these two old people is a priority.
Your help is appreciated.
My current lease is with Subaru. It had typed in 12,000 miles annual and I have proposed that my new lease should show 9,000 annual with a reduction in Cap cost. They tell me this "cannot be done". any ideas?
Bob
VTD is similar to active AWD in that it can intelligently transfer power proactively, but it has a nominal split something like 45F/55R or 35F/65R (can't remember for sure) so it has a rear drive bias which is better for handling and gives a sportier feel. I like VTD -- you can feel the car gradually transition into oversteer, and you can also steer with the throttle. Of course, this is for some extreme driving. In everyday driving you will just notice that the VTD car turns better than active AWD car when you push it a little. Active AWD tends to plow the front wheels when you make a hard turn.
Active AWD ought to give the best gas mileage under cruising (all else held equal) because it only sends enough power aft to offset driveline friction, thus minimizing AWD losses. Continuous AWD and VTD are always sending power aft so there are frictional losses to deal with.
In the snow, they are all good, especially since Subaru made a rear limited slip diff standard on the continuous AWD now. They will all react to slippage and maximize traction. I'd be hard pressed to pick one over the other in snow -- they each have minor plusses and minuses.
Does the 3.0R sedan have VDC?? That is one extra capability (stability control) on top of VTD.
Craig
And I hope you're being facetious about mid-50s being "old."
Ditto that !
Bob (59 going on 39)
I noticed my paint surface felt bumpy too, but it got smoother after I waxed the car. Still a little bumpy, but I am too lazy to clay the whole car. Many people swear by the clay bar to really make the car feel mirror smooth.
Craig
To address your concern: the Forester's regular side airbags go up higher than typical and offer head protection. So while there are not curtains, I think you will be protected just as well in the Forester (perhaps better).
As far as technology, I don't think there is much of a gap between the two cars. First, the current Outback platform was released in mid 2003 outside the US. And the current Forester was released in mid 2002 worldwide. So that's really only a year.
When we bought our 03 Forester in August of 02, I noticed many new design features from Subaru, including the painted-metallic interior styling theme, new exterior and interior styling elements, and the use of aluminum body panels in the hood, roof, and liftgate. Guess what?? These all showed up on the new Legacy and Outback. From my standpoint, the Forester is one year ahead of the Legacy/Outback (or they are one year behind) but the technology is the same.
Like I said, I would choose based on which car you like better after some thorough test drives. You really can't go wring with either in my experience.
Craig
ps: we have an 05 Outback and an 04 Acura TSX now, previously had an 02 Outback and an 03 Forester.
If the leasing company offered a 9K annual mileage allowance, then they could raise the residual, giving you less depreciation to pay, and lowering your payment.
The lowest mileage allowance I've seen is 10K/yr, and maybe your dealer could find an independent leasing company that offers that... But, if the rest of the terms aren't as good, it may not save you any money..
If you are only driving 9K/yr, then buying the car may save you money in the long run, even though your monthly payment will be higher.
regards,
kyfdx
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Rosanne
(My son's car is collapsing and he is waiting for my hand me down, so I REALLY needanewcar!
We haven't taken any really long trips with either car yet, but did drive to DC with the TSX (2.5 hours away). The car was fine, no complaints at all.
I do find the TSX seats to be more sculpted than the OB XT / Legacy GT seats. If I was any bigger, it may be a problem. As it is, they are just perfect. Interestingly, the seats in my OB XT, while much flatter and wider, have also been real comfortable.
Craig
I would have also considered a Forester XT, but have been partial to the Outback -- they have a big-car feel that you don't get in the Forester (of course that has plusses and minuses). In reality, the 05 Outback XT was replacing two cars -- my 03 WRX (mid life crisis car) and 02 LL Bean Outback. I am happy to say that it does a great job taking the place of those two very different cars.
Not to add more options, but you should also consider the Legacy GT wagon. It is closer to a TSX in handling and feel than the Outback. If you don't need the ground clearance of the Outback, the Legacy GT is actually a better choice in many cases.
Craig
Another question. I noticed that at 70 mph, the manual turned about 3000 RPM while the automatic was around 2600. Why then does the manual get better highway mileage?
Thanks