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I was in a similar situation last summer, and chose the OB XT. The first time I hit deep snow in the ski area parking lot, I was really happy with my decision.....
Craig
http://www.wheelskins.com/
I have a black one on my Forester. Believe it or not I bought it in 1991 and put it on my Escort GT, where it stayed for 7 years. It's been on my Forester for 8 years and it still looks good. 15 years and almost 200k miles of abuse!
You can also find a leather shift knob, either aftermarket or the OE Subaru one, I'd get the latter. I have that on my Forester also. Even got one for my wife's '02 Legacy L.
Finally, the brake lever should be available just like the shift knob is, the trick is to find the part number. Or buy a used one if some Ltd owner goes with wood or carbon fiber.
AVLS - all but the Baja's normally aspirated 2.5l get this, I believe.
Phil: congrats on the GT!
-juice
The suspension setup makes a big difference in how these two vehicles behave. I recently had a chance to drive an OBXT Ltd while my LGT wagon was being serviced and was able to get that back-to-back experience. Each has it's strengths that come with it's tradeoffs. The LGT eagerly changes direction and gives very good feedback but you'll cringe on rutted roads. The OBXT soaks up bumps and tackles light offroading, but you'll have less confidence through turns.
How often do you drive through deep snow, go off-roading or drive on poor roads? How often do you like to go on spirited drives through twisty roads? I used to own a Forester and realized that I grossly overestimated how much I needed the extra ground clearance and light off-roadability. It's a nice thought to have that go-anywhere image, but in reality I drove on normal roads that didn't need that extra suspension travel 99% of the time. And ironically, it was during that 99% that I wished it handled better. Just some food for thought.
Ken
As an aside on the bent valve topic a few posts back...I owned a 2000 Forester which also had a bent valve which stopped me dead in my tracks on the highway. That Forester was in the shop multiple times for the 14 months I had it and it was replaced with a 2001 Forester as I invoked the Lemon Law in NJ. Subaru was exemplary in the way they handled the issue and I loved the 2001 Forester (which BTW had a nicer interior/exterior than the 2000) and here I am again looking at another Subaru, the Legacy GT.
One other comment, why did Subaru think to add navi only to the auto GT limited and not the manual? What's up with that?
I own a 2005 VDC Outback wagon. Since the 2006 is the same body style. Is it possible to add a factory GPS Navagation system to my 2005. When I contact
800 Subaru or various dealerships nobody knows the answer.
Thanks.
While die hard enthusiasts will disagree, I believe the 5EAT is a fine match for the LGT. It upshifts smoothly and quickly and downshifts are instantaneous. Over time, the 5EAT performance improves as it learns your driving behavior. I believe that the 5EAT models tested by the car magazines did not have that benefit and therefore showed less than optimal performance.
Over at LGT.com, 5EAT owners have shown 0-60 times at the dragstrip that are within one second of a 5MT. And the numbers are more consistent to boot.
Subaru's choices for the 2006 model line up has a lot of people scratching their heads with respect to transmission, navi and color.
Ken
I'd wait a little while since there are a few enthusiasts out there that just may try the retrofit themselves.
Other than that, the only options would be to take the depreciation hit on your 2005 and trade in for a 2006, or go with an aftermarket unit. I think juice was very happy with his Garmin for his 1998 Forester.
Ken
Thanx!
The factory NAV is integrated so I doubt you could add that cost effectively.
Check out the Garmin StreetPilot c series, under a grand with voice instructions and 3 models to choose from.
-juice
I just purchased an 2005 Outback 2.5i Limited and am having a similar problem. I want to integrate my iPod, but am not happy with any of the FM Modulators or Transmitters out there. I want a hard-wired solution and was considering CleanSweep. However, I'm generally satisfied with the factory radio and speakers and don't want to spend that kind of money replacing it. Also, I want to keep the look and style matching all the rest of the controls on the center console. If CleanSweep is overkill, what other alternatives are there for the 2005 Outback? Unfortunately, I just learned today that the '06 models will now have an AUX-in on the back of all the radios. I think I must have contacted every car audio company and none of them have solutions for Subarus.
Major help needed!
-Dee
Where did you hear that the 2006s now have an AUX-in in the back of the unit? That is good news.
The only other hardwire option other than a FM modulator is to hack into the headunit and create your own AUX-in. Some very clever people over at LGT.com are working on a solution. But this solution involves quite a bit more involvement than an FM modulator.
If the 2006 models do have an AUX-in, then maybe the cleanest and simplest solution is to buy just the headunit from a dealer and swap out the old one.
Ken
Can I get some pros and cons on the Outback? I have about a year to go, but wanted to start doing my homework, just in case I run across something between now than then. I currently have a 4wd Jeep Grand Cherokee with 140,000 US road miles - which may turn out to be my ride.....
thanks,
Cubby
Krzys
See if you can get parts there, just in case.
-juice
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You also see a lot of Mitsubishi Montero/Pajero trucks, I wonder if parts availability is better on those as well.
He actually rolled one of them over. :surprise:
-juice
Actually, I believe it is illegal in all States.
If your plates aren't raised numbers/letters, put a film of Rockblocker clear-bra to it.
-Dave
-juice
Bob
Bob - I like the Forester LL Bean model but I wish that came in monotone. Maybe next year?
-juice
I am looking to replace the OEM tires on my 2005 Outback VDC. I have had tire balance issues through the last 30K miles of driving. I believe these problems have actually damaged the tires, making the problem even worse. At this point, I am tired of constant re-balancing and poor ride and am ready to start over.
I have previously been a SUV driver and always went with Michelin's for replacement. I believe previous comments on this board recommend other brands. As a SUV driver, I am also unfamiliar with "performance" tires.
What does the group recommend for a good all-season comfortable and reliable tire. Snow performance and ride are probably my most important features. Price is not as critical.
Thank you!
We replaced them with Bridgestone Turanza LSH tires and have been amazed at the difference. Great ride and excellent handling in rain...no problems in snow so far.
We asked the experts on this forum and at Tirerack....I also plan to replace the Michelin's on our '03 Camry with the Turanza's..that's how much I like them.
Good luck.....Doug
Craig
Craig
I get the sense Subaru does this over and over again, while Audi a little suspect, but over the long run I want to know a little about comparable fit and finish, rattles, tight driving/handling, comfort of the ride. Test drives in cars off the lot don't say a lot about how I am going to feel 50K in.
Also, your opinions on the dealers, techs, service in general are welcome.
Thanks a lot for the advice.
You will find an abundance of Subarus.
-juice
Thank you
You can if you want to, though. If you know a steep hill is approaching you can use a lower gear for easier climbing.
The tranny would catch up to you, but humans can think ahead.
-juice
-r
I went to 5 tire dealers at lunch today. Basically, I had 2 tires that came up recommended most frequently, though I have not seen reviews on either.
1. Nokian WR-V... This is a scandinavian tire that is known for strong traction performance, especially in winter conditions. Does anyone have any reviews on this. Is is quiet?
2. Firestone Affinity LH30... This is apparently a new tire from Firestone. It was highly recommended over the Touranza by both the Firestone and independent dealer. I guess it is either a good tire, or Firestone is providing really good kick-backs on it this month. It is also rated for 70K miles, much higher than most tires in this class. As a previous Explorer owner with tire blowout history, I question my sanity in giving Firestone any money; though I would hope that they have improved their methods since that debacle 6 years ago.
I appreciate everyone's thoughts!
By being gentle on the car and varying RPMs during the first 1000 miles, you are adding a margin of safety to make sure that everything has seated properly. By now, your tires probably have shed it's molding layer and the brake pads fully bedded.
My recommendation is to just sit back and let the RPMs vary every now and then and enjoy your roadtrip on your new car!
You may want to think about an oil & filter change at 1000 miles, which would fall in nicely at the end of your trip. It's not mandated by Subaru, but I, along with other owners, like to make sure that all the break-in residue is out of circulation.
Ken
-Enjoying some spirited driving and I don't want my RPMs to drop below a certain level
-In bumper-to-bumper traffic so that I get engine braking as well as keeping the transmission in a low enough gear to quickly change lanes
-Going down a long downhill stretch and I want to control engine braking
Otherwise, I just keep it in drive and enjoy.
BTW, unless you are very experienced, acceleration is often slower with manual shifting on an automatic rather than just letting it do it's thing. ;-)
Ken
In other words, you can ask a bunch of Audi owners and you'll get a mixed bag of responses with respect to reliability. Some have had great experiences while an equal number have had terrible ones relative to the average. In contrast, that distribution seems tighter with Subaru. Most everyone seems to have a similar experience.
Also, keep in mind that Audi repairs costs are quite expensive once you leave the warranty period.
Ken
Subaru should be cheaper getting you there.
Krzys
PS Why do you compare Outback to A4 and not Legacy Wagon? 3.0NA engine vs 2.0 T and not 2.5T. Just wondering.
The Subie will just have a lower cost of operation after that.
-juice
They does??
How 'bout this:
juice does need a grammar checker? :P
-juice
I don't know, but they don't get nearly as good reviews on Tirerack... Though they are about 30% cheaper...
regards,
kyfdx
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I also have the Nokian WR on a Windstar and the older model NRW for my Legacy winter tires. They are not as good in winter as true "ice tires" like blizzaks but still pretty decent - live in Chicago burbs . I think the Turanzas are probably quieter than the Nokians but then they aren't snow traction rated either. If you need good winter traction and don't care about "performance" the Nokians are a good way to go and saves having to change tires in winter.
Costco can get the Turanza LS, IIRC I paid about 130 for the LS V.(only reason I got the V rather than H speed rating is I'm planning on using them on my WRX one day when my Legacy dies - if ever!!)
I have recently been given a 2002 A6 3.0 sedan to drive on company business, replacing my base 01 Outback. The cars both have around 140,000 miles on them, both have had all the required maintenance and both were driven with care.. While the Audi is a performance car verses a much more utilitarian vehicle, it certainly isn't twice the car the Outback is although it was twice the price. The Audi has had some maintenance problems. The Outback has had no problems outside of normal wear and tear. Everything on the Outback still works. All accessories, all lights all latches, everything. On the Audi, the cup holder does not retract anymore, some of the dash lights are out, the climate control switches back and forth to Celsius and Farenheight on its own. Nothing serious, but for $45,000., I would rather have two Outbacks.
My 96 Outback ran perfectly when I traded it in for my 2001 and I would have traded the 2001 in for a new one if I hadn't got the company car. I may keep the 01 for ski trips to Vermont. The Audi has quatro, but it blew a water pump today and I'm not sure I want that to happen on a cold night up north.
Thanks for the opportunity to rant.
Bob C