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Subaru Legacy/Outback 2005+

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Comments

  • movedormovedor Member Posts: 65
    If you want to, yes you can.

    I got the same same trim (2006 2.5i Limited, MT) but different options (hitch tow, all-weather mats, sub-woofer), for $25500 - $1000 = 24500, on the last day of September. The dealer was very pressured to meet my price to get the sale. I got about $600 (MSRP) worth in options with no additional costs as well (so I think ;) ). At that time was a very good deal.

    If you are up to the hassle, wait to make a counter-offer on during the week close to the end of the month. Since during the week they have not much to do, you will have all their attention, and also because of the end of the month, they are pressured to make the sale.
  • occkingoccking Member Posts: 346
    Very interesting... I have a 2.5 I ltd, 27,000 miles since Jan 1 last year. I knew I would need a new set of tires at some point this year, so purchased a set of triple treads in August of this year and just had them installed last week. Only a 100 miles on them so far so can't say much about them yet.

    Goodyear had a sale in August I got the entire package, mounted balanced, full road hazard warranty, etc., for around $528. I had checked prices for Tire Rack & they would have been even higher after paying shipping charges.

    I think I will like the tires very much, and they will get a good test this Sunday when I drive to Montreal (from providence, RI area) Interestingly, I am very familiar with the tire place you mentioned as I am originally from Springfield, MA & do a lot of business with the Sonoco Paper mill right across the street from Rucci's.

    My major concern after reading tons of messages on Tire Rack's web site is will the gas mileage decrease with these tires. To date, I have been averaging around 26 mpg on outback since I purchased it. Rarely ever under 21, sometimes as high as 28 on long trip. The trip computer is inaccurate, as they are on most vehicles & usually registers about 10% higher than actual. Otherwise pleased with vehicle except that each headlamp has burned out on me during the past month. I hope I am not seeing a trend here...
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    If the rebate is just $500, it's a no-brainer, get the 06. Resale alone will help you recover that $500, potentially more.

    I usually wait for a $1500-2000 price difference before I'd bite on an outgoing model.

    -juice
  • rsorganizersorganize Member Posts: 131
    Glad to be of help.

    Peace.
  • oldgrumpyoldgrumpy Member Posts: 11
    I just ordered a new Legacy GT Limited today and was told that the tires that now come with the car are Yokohamas instead of the Bridgestones. Any truth to this?? I sure hope so!
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,356
    Yup. My friend recently bought an '06 2.5i limited, and it has Yokos I think. Definitely not the Bridgestones (RE 92?) that used to come on it, and are the tires I have on my Scion.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • zman3zman3 Member Posts: 857
    I just bought an 06 3.0R Wagon today. It needs to come from a different dealer through a dealer trade, but I did notice that the 06 2.5XT Ltd OB on the show floor still had the Bridgestones on them. Maybe Legacy's are different, or maybe it's the luck of the draw.

    Karl
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    The 06 Legacy 2.5i has Yoko Advans, which are an all-season/performance type of tire. I am pretty sure the GT still comes with the RE-92 tires, which are a higher performance all-season. But honestly, I have not seen an 06 GT yet.

    Craig
  • zman3zman3 Member Posts: 857
    As stated in a post above, if all goes well with the dealer trade and there is nothing obviously wrong with the vehicle, I will be the proud new owner of an 06 3.0R Wagon come Monday night. It is silver in color with the auto dimming mirror, sub woofer and shock sensor. I will have to add the armrest extension on my own. I just couldn't justify the $3000+ bump for the LL Bean model. Leather and sunroof are not worth that much to me. Neither are the wheel mounted controls.

    Now a few questions:

    1) I thought I had read that the arm rest extension is just a simple screw-in mod. Is this true?

    2) I have not bought a new vehicle with cloth seats since my 98 Outback. Do I still need to ScotchGuard them or have things changed in the last 8 years?

    3) Do the Bridgestone tires really suck in the snow or not? I assume that is what is on my car although I have not seen it yet.

    4) Anyone know of a good resource for trying to sell my old winter tires for the 98 OB? They are nearly new and they will not fit the new car.

    5) I don't think I will buy one, at least not yet, but is there a good online source for Subaru extended warranty comparisons?

    6) Do the Subaru all weather floor mats fit well and are they worth the price, or should I buy aftermarket?

    7) Is the oil filter on the H6 as easily accessible as it is on the older 2.5L engines? I've never needed anything to raise the car on my 98. I hope the new ones are just as easy.

    Whew!

    Thanks for the help everyone. Maybe now I will be more involved in the forums, other than letting others know about head gasket and piston slap issues on the older model.

    Karl
  • uberwagonuberwagon Member Posts: 3
    I just got a 05 GT Limited wagon 5sp----my 5th Legacy!!!!
    I've owned a 90 L wagon, 96 GT wagon, 98 GT sedan (modded!)
    99 Outback wagon and the 03 Sp Ed wagon I traded in for the
    05 GT. The new car is amazing! My only gripe is the truck-
    like shifting. I just ordered a STI shifter and Momo knob,
    I hope it helps. Does anyone know what the install time is
    for the shifter?

    I was thinking about a 06 but no 5sp for the wagon?? CRAZY!!
  • uberwagonuberwagon Member Posts: 3
    oops---I guess that makes the 05 my 6th Legacy :D
  • erk5erk5 Member Posts: 21
    Does anyone know WHY Subaru decided to do this? The lack or rarity of a manual is an annoyance common to Lexus and Mercedes, but never to subaru. I planned on possibly purchasing an 06 GT wagon next year, but that may change. Unless subaru comes to their senses for 2007, looks like my list will be cut to the a3, rsx, and new civic si.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Karl: congrats, I'm envious! ;)

    uberwagon: 6th? Holy cow! You should earn a loyalty reward or something. Congrats.

    Reason for cancelling the manual on the 06 wagon: stupidity.

    -juice
  • dsattlerdsattler Member Posts: 135
    Yes, armrest extension installation is a couple of screws and five minutes. It made a big difference for me, and was worth the money.
  • thenorthfacethenorthface Member Posts: 20
    Where do i get this armrest extension? Price?

    What do you guys think about the headlight performance on outback -05 -06 ??
    This time of year we have pitch black 18 hours a day here in northern Sweden...

    And i will get my -06 Outback in just a few days now! :D
  • raybearraybear Member Posts: 1,795
    I'm sure it's an accessory you can get from your parts department. Congrats on the car!
  • sweet_subiesweet_subie Member Posts: 1,394
    yes, it is a big help esp if you are over 6ft
  • zman3zman3 Member Posts: 857
    Dennis:

    I am considering the WR's for my new Outback. Either that or another set of wheels/tires. Do you have an opinion yet on the WR's? Have you had them before? I would be keeping them on all year and I am a little concerned about wear during the summer, despite the 50K tread warranty.

    Thanks.

    Karl
  • kmcleankmclean Member Posts: 173
    Nordface:

    Aren't you still allowed to install extra driving lights on your cars - usually on the bumper? When I lived in Norway I had a set of long-distance (pencil beams) and a set of mid-range driving lights exactly for this time of year. What I really needed was a 10-liter reservoir for my windshield washer fluid. I remember this time of year well - we were always so happy to see the first snow (that would reflect the artificial lights), plus the freezing over of the Oslofjord, so we could ski among the islands.

    Cheers from Seattle (not quite as dark as Sverige)!

    Ken M.
  • itseditsed Member Posts: 17
    Just a suggestion, but I would order the Euro/Japaneese center armrest extension vs the US market one. It actually has an extra storage compartment built into it thats very handy. You can mail order one for around 150 bucks, and it intalls just as easily and is a perfect fit. Many have also done this and been very satisfied. There are pix of it on the other boards we cant link to on edmunds.
  • zman3zman3 Member Posts: 857
    OK, I picked up my 06 3.0R wagon today. I have already found my first issue/confusing feature.

    Can someone with an 05 or 06 Outback check the seat belts in the rear seat? The anchor point for my center seat belt is outside of the buckle for my rear passenger side seat. In other words, the rear passenger side seat belt has to pass over the top of the middle seat anchor in order to be buckled. It seems like they should be switched around so as not to interfere. I can not seem to switch them, there is not enough slop in either piece.

    Does this make sense and can someone help?

    Thanks.

    Karl
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I drove a rental car that had its windshield washer fluid freeze up, that was a mess! In a blizzard, too. It was hard to believe the engine heat couldn't melt it, of course a base Mercury Tracer wasn't exatly making a lot of anything! :D

    -juice
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Karl,

    First of all congrats on your purchase!

    The seatbelt locations sound right. It's the same way on my LGT wagon. Why it's set up this way, I don't know. Perhaps there is some minimum distance needed between where the two ends anchor in the seat.

    As for the Scotchgaurd, I'm sure it would help, but I never used it on my cloth seats. I just don't like the thought of having a chemical constantly rubbing off on me and my passengers. I just keep a box of wet wipes in the car to clean up any spills immediately. The other extreme is to ban eating and drinking in your vehicle!

    Ken
  • thenorthfacethenorthface Member Posts: 20
    Hi Ken,
    Yes it is allowed to install extra driving lights on the bumper. I am thinking of a set of these six:

    Ultra Six ramp

    I could replace two or three lamps with xenon if the standard 100w is not enough, but it is quite expensive.

    The windshield washer fluid is really something car makers have forgotten about. The only car i've had wich was good at this was a 5-series BMW with 10 litres tank for this and an extra intense-wash mode from another tank!

    Today we have just a little snow, but it's really nice outside and about -10 celcius.

    How do Subarus manage really cold weather? Like -35 celcius? I am afraid the frameless windows will freeze attached to the door lists....
  • zman3zman3 Member Posts: 857
    Thanks Ken.

    The seat belt anchor location just plain sucks. My 6 year old has a hard enough time buckling the seat belt with his booster seat in the way. It will be even more challenging now that he has to navigate around another buckle. Oh well.

    Other than that, and the single rattle from the rear, the car seems so vastly superior to my 98 Outback that I am very pleased. I'm sure I'll find more warts but the H6 is very smooth and relaxed.

    Thanks again.

    Karl
  • sweet_subiesweet_subie Member Posts: 1,394
    can you tell me where i can find this info of buying euro/jpn armrest extension ? i am really interested.
  • itseditsed Member Posts: 17
    We cant link directly here, but do a search for avo turbo world, look on their online shop under subaru legacy parts and you should find it.

    ed
  • riverrat3riverrat3 Member Posts: 10
    I'm very interested in the armrest extension as well. I just drove home in a 2006 Outback 2.5i Limited 5MT, with the taupe leather interior.

    I found the armrest extension on the avo turbo world site, but they list it as only being available in "Ivory White".

    Any idea where to get one that matches the taupe leather interior? Or is such an item even available?

    Thanks in advance!
  • itseditsed Member Posts: 17
    I believe the ivory white and taupe are probably the same, but i couldn't say as i have the black interior. If you go to the website withe legacy gt as the name and do a search there you might be able to confirm one way or the other.
  • sweet_subiesweet_subie Member Posts: 1,394
    avo turbo site looks same as US spec. no storage inside
  • riverrat3riverrat3 Member Posts: 10
    Sweet_subie, I will have to respectfully disagree, if we are looking at the same thing:

    AVOturboworld > Legacy > Legacy 2004+ > Accessories and dressup > scroll down to the last item.

    I have the images pulled up side by side, and the AVO one is clearly different than the one shown on the "Accessories" page in the 2006 Outback brochure, which I have a hard copy of and is also available online as a PDF.

    The AVO version certainly LOOKS like it has a pivoting lid, although the description does not mention it. It would be great to hear from someone who has actually bought one of these.
  • cptpltcptplt Member Posts: 1,075
    the only scotcguarding you need is about 2 cans of 3M Scotchguard from Walmart and about 15 minutes! there is nothing special about what the dealer does you can't do for a fraction of the price!
  • itseditsed Member Posts: 17
    I have the JDM armrest purchased from AVO and it does indeed have a second storage compartment. It latches so you can either open up the whole thing accessing the original console space, or you can just open the top part, which is perfect for storing a few cds or a cell phone, or whatever. Comes in handy for me as I have my sirius starbase installed in the cubby. Plenty of guys on another forum have installed this part for the same reason. It should be standard as far as I'm concerned. I have no idea why the US market, which loves storage, doesn't get this.

    ed
  • zman3zman3 Member Posts: 857
    Thanks for the response. I was not about to pay a dealer for any of that extra stuff, I was more or less wondering if even putting Scotchguard on myself would make any difference or not. I don't know how long it lasts realistically, or if car fabrics may be treated some other way by the manufacturer already.

    Karl
  • cptpltcptplt Member Posts: 1,075
    I think it probably helps esp with kids, I have been doing it ever since we had kids, how long does it really last I have no clue!
  • zman3zman3 Member Posts: 857
    P.S. Did you see my question in post 8266 about the WR's? I would appreciate any input.
  • lilengineerboylilengineerboy Member Posts: 4,116
    This is just a guess, but could it have to do with stricter California emissions regulations? There is no 2006 Audi TT sold in California becuase of this, I don't know if there is some type of tuning issue, or if they see the sedan and wagon as different vehicles that have to be independently certified, or if the GM/Toyota influence got to them.
    I too hope they change their mind, but right now I'm just thankful we have our 05 2.5i wagon 5spd.
  • harrydogharrydog Member Posts: 6
    I bought one of the Euro armrest extensions and am very happy with it. The extra storage is handy and it was very easy to install. It cost me about $130 shipped from Cheam subaru in England.
    Go to LegacyGT.com forums. In the Member's Classified section look at the thread titled Goup Buy: Euro armrest extension w/storage. You may still be able to get the group buy price. If you want an armrest extension, this is the one to get in my opinion.
  • harrydogharrydog Member Posts: 6
    Hi Karl.
    I bought an '06 3.0R wagon in early October. I can answer a few of your questions.
    1) Yes it is a very easy install. I ordered one of the JDM/Euro extensions because they have additional storage. Took a week to get from England. there was a group buy over at LegacyGT.com which you may still be able to take advantage of.

    2) I think the cloth seats already come with Scotch Guard or a similar treatment. I added some Scotch Guard to mine anyway.

    3) The Bridgestone tires suck in general. I think you can get by with them in snow but if you live in an area that gets lots of snow, I'd change them.

    6) I think they fit okay, but others seem to like them alot more than I do. I'd buy aftermarket mats if I could find good ones, but I haven't seen any so far.

    7) The oil filter is under a little trap door. I use ramps when I do an oil change but it's probably accessable without them. I really dislike the plastic underbody panel though, since oil always collects on top of it when the filter is changed.
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    quote: The oil filter is under a little trap door. I use ramps when I do an oil change but it's probably accessable without them. I really dislike the plastic underbody panel though, since oil always collects on top of it when the filter is changed.

    I remove those trays and put them in storage. I should just throw them away however, if the one I still have for my ex-wife's 2000 Miata is any indication. :D

    They are very annoying and serve no functional purpose. They are there to make the car look more aesthetically pleasing and simple, just like the plastic covers on top of the engine.

    ~Colin
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    You still have that? She traded cars (and a husband) since then. :P

    -juice
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    hehe, yep it's in the corner of my garage I just noticed it last night as I packed up my CBR for the winter. she still has the car! it's been a rough year for it as she's been hit twice --minor sheetmetal dmg both times and the other persons were at fault, thankfully-- and the clutch is going... going... gone.

    ~Colin
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Slipping, or mushy pedal? Might be the slave cylinder.

    See the other thread where I foolishly mixed up a BRAKE master cylinder with a CLUTCH master cylinder. :sick:

    -juice
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    yep I saw that :) full marks for effort!

    it's slipping. the pressure plate and / or clutch disc have had it after 65,000 miles of fine womanly driving. ;)

    of course my Evo's clutch will be fried by then too. but I can excuse it away by blaming it on 275 HP.

    ~Colin
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    The one way I avoid getting oil on the plastic cover is to slowly unscrew the filter until you start getting a steady dribble from the filter. If you give it just a little more slack, it should turn into a slow, but not messy stream. I let the filter drain out completely before grabbing it with a paper towel and unscrewing it.

    Ken
  • lilengineerboylilengineerboy Member Posts: 4,116
    While I'm sure the car companies like to add to thier costs by putting meaningless pieces of plastic here and there, the possiblity exists that is there to protect something. Keeping road grit, rain, salt, snow, out of the engine compartment seems like a good idea. Also, protecting things like the oil filter from debris on the road or things you might run over seems smart as well.
    In some cars, it also directs airflow under the engine compartment smoothly to help fuel economy, and also to create a ventri effect for the air getting sucked through the radiator.
    My friend's Contour got denied a warranty claim because that piece was missing, he went through a puddle, water went a bunch of bad places, and the belt slipped.
  • riverrat3riverrat3 Member Posts: 10
    harrydog, thanks so much for the details on how to order. I just registered with the site and sent a PM to Cheam, who I presume is a rep for a dealer (?)

    This kind of info and connection with knowledge is what makes the web great!
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    Valid point on the airflow, but it's really meaningless on any Subaru that never (or rarely) exceeds 80mph. It's not a Ferrari F360, so a fully flat undertray is hardly desired or necessary.

    Regarding your friend's problem, only one place that water goes will make the timing / cam belt slip: intake. No amount of water on the front of the engine will cause a belt to slip, trust me, I've had plenty of marine applications getting more than little water in the engine bay, and plenty of musclecars that let all kinds of water everywhere in a good rainstorm.

    Ingesting water into the intake puts it in the combustion chamber, where it can't be compressed and the valves usually bend or break. This causes the timing belt to jump, because something has to give.

    Of course that wouldn't be covered under warranty, and your air intake has nothing to do with the engine undertray. :)

    ~Colin
  • kmcleankmclean Member Posts: 173
    Harrydog - I think I might have seen some decent mats in a recent LL Bean catalog - you know, since they have this "thing" with Subaru. And being Maniacs, they're used to snow and slop so it would make sense that they'd have some decent foul weather gear. Check it out.

    Ken in (snowy, sloppy, cold, dark) Seattle
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    Two data points I can add -- in aero analysis I have done on cars, the under tray has resulted in a worthwhile drag reduction at normal highway speeds in a couple different vehicles. Also, I heard a call in to Car Talk once where a Volvo owner reported slipping belts on a rany day and coincidentally, had the undertray torn off previously. So, I'd consider the undertray to be worth keeping around.

    Craig
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