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Subaru Impreza Outback Sport & TS
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Comments
-Dennis
-juice
Ross
if she's not good, I'll floor it... still is a thrill even tho' I have an automatic, because that Ganzflow just makes it kind of take off...
-juice
I didn't look at the shift boot specifically, but I was able to obtain access to it within a few minutes.
-juice
shift knob
The JC model is different. It slides on and then fastens from the side with an allen-type screw. It's not as secure.
Some stuff from JC Whitney is cheap, others are fine. I'd stick with the OE leather shift knob, which I have and cost me something like $38 IIRC. The trick is the bottom mates well with the shifter boot (snaps on), and universal replacements usually don't (the base is often thicker and does not match up well).
-juice
-juice
He probably could put on that shifter boot, too, as long as you get one that is known to fit. He's had my center console out a few times already. AND taken off my shift knob (I practically panicked the first time he had all that suff apart until he showed me how quickly he could get it all back together.)
-mike
I ordered a 20mm sway bar and then I specially ordered some bushings. The bushings didn't fit and I didn't have an accurate way of measuring the sway bar so I took the circumference and got the diameter from that because I assumed the size of the bar refers to the diameter (which came to 17.5mm)
Aren't the bushings supposed to fit snug? And does the size of the bar refer to the diameter? I want to exchange the sway bar if they sent me the wrong one but I'm not sure if the sway bar is wrong or the bushings are wrong. *sigh* I doubt the dealer is going to help me out.
If anyone knows the part #s of the sway bars to the WRX wagon and sedan, that would be helpful. The part# on my sway bar is 20451FE010.
Yes, you do need different bushings for each size sway bar. They compress a little, so you may have to press hard to bolt on the bushings, but if it really doesn't fit you probably have the wrong sizes.
-juice
KarenS
Host
Owner's Clubs
As of sometime tomorrow afternoon, I hope to be a certifided Subaru Crew discussion type with either a 2002 Forester S or a 2002 Outback Sport. I'd like to hear some input from both camps before I make a decision tomorrow. Just so you know -- this message will be cross-posted in both discussion areas -- try not to reply twice. ;-)
Forester S Impressions:
I really LOVE the Forester S, and it's my first choice. Only cost will keep me from having it. It's all the crap that comes on the S models around here in Atlanta -- I only want the armrest extension and the filtration system. Alas, metro-Atlanta dealerships are hawking the loaded S and S premium models.
Things I like about this car -- ride height, tall roofline, cargo space, alloy wheels, and the standard features. I'm coming down from an underpowered V-6 automobile, and the Forester just seems downright peppy and sporty in comparison. Go figure.
Outback Sport Impressions:
I'm test driving this cheaper alternative tonight From my research, I've discovered that the legroom and headroom measurements aren't too different from the Forester S. The same engine and 16" wheels are also pluses for the Outback Sport. The bad thing is the loss of cargo space -- one of the reasons I like the Forester S.
Things I like about this car -- I love the black and greystone finish on the one I'm looking at. I think it's the best color combo available. Also, I like the sporty, Audi A4/S4 Avant-ish look to the roofline (I'm totally off on that, but it's the first thing I think of).
Decision Issues:
Cost aside, what am I losing if I don't get the Forester S? Is the ride height similar on the Outback Sport? I'll miss the 6-disc changer in the Outback Sport, but I can live without it. What about REAL space front seat and back seat? Is there a REAL difference in terms of comfort? I know that the Outback Sport doesn't have rear seat headrests -- that's part of the comfort equation in my book. Is the Outback Sport cargo space seriously deficient? With the seats up, of course? Finally, what about driving quality? Which one is smoother/quieter, and which one is faster off the line? I'd expect the lighter Outback Sport to be faster.
Any help (general -- don't be too specific or try and scare me off with horror stories) is greatly appreciated. Thanks, and I look forward to hanging out here in the near future.
Later,
burnsmr4
The OBS is a bargain, no doubt. For the price, you get sporty looks and alloys, ABS and AWD, the works. Only a moonroof is missing, and you could get an aftermarket model for about $900.
Resale is good, so even if your needs change, you should be OK when it's time to trade it in. I can see that happening only if you add a couple of family members, or adopt 3 large dogs.
Reliability is good, too, plus the warranty is pretty long. Many of these also apply to the Forester.
During my test drive, I did find the Outback Sport to be smoother and quieter than the Forester, because it is more car-like. It did not feel quicker off the line, and I did drive a 5 speed. Call it even.
So, how do you decide? Get behind the wheel. The OBS has less space but costs less (parity), so choose the one that is more fun-to-drive. The driver with the bigger smile is always happiest.
-juice
If it was up to me (and it was last August) I'd get the OBS... This is a biased and prejudiced opinion, as I never drove the Forester.
I agree with your color choice. I have black with very dark black tint and it gets looks ALL the time. Bear with me all of you that have seen this photo, but I'm posting for burnsmr4:
-juice
-mike
This is great feedback. As I noted in the Forester discussion, I thought the OBS was a really cramped left and right. The headroom, however, was great. Why is the passenger front seat jacked up, though? Lower it a little Subaru! I was left looking for that height adjustment.
I was pleasantly surprised to find the rear headrests too. You were right. There was a bunch of stuff in the back for hauling cargo -- more than what was listed on the sticker. Cool stuff.
Celeste2 -- I drove the same car you posted. Is that YOUR house in the back? Nice! Well, anyway...I drove the exact same car and loved the look. Nimble too.
Unfortunately, for the next 2-3 days, my purchase of either vehicle has been put on hold. The buyer of my car bailed after he couldn't get financing. He's young, and I was worried he wouldn't get the credit rating he needed for the loan. Oh, well.
Keep those suggestions coming. I'm reading every one of 'em. I'll join this group if I have to sell my future children for a Subaru. ;-)
Later,
burnsmr4
;~)
Ross
-juice
Sure, I fantasize about upgrading eventually to a "better" car but my OBS drives so nicely, with so little drama, that it would be hard to give her up.
One of my coworkers is a VW nut (I do like their looks) but the body lean just maneuvering in the parking lot with his Passat wagon was giving me motion sickness. Could I be mistaken that it's worse than our Subies?
celeste: I love that tint, woman!
-juice
I would go for the OBS. Yes the Forester has been a bit more useful for large cargo but my wrx is quieter, smoother, handles better, and has better seats. I think that the obs has height adjuster on the driver seat like the wrx. There is more front seat legroom on the passenger side than my previous Forester and that translates to a better back seat ride for the passenger in back of it. The Forester was nicer for small storage. There were more compartments including the sunglasses one in the ceiling, the cargo area side bins, the dash compartment and the armrest compartments that the wrx lacks.
btw, I am 6' and 250 lbs and both cars fit me well. I'm glad that Subaru designs cars fore the real world.
TWRX
Just wanted to let you all know the odd tire has been replaced with a matching RE92. What a drag! But, thanks for all your input. Was just a case of a tire illiterate making a big goof. All seems to be well now--
Thanks again,
Kim
I leased a Forester L for 3 years before I bought my OBS this past July. The Forester was terrific and I don't think you could go wrong with either.
For me, the biggest difference is just in the style and image. Yes, the Forester had a little more room, but it is more of a suv wannabe. The OBS is just a kick... it just "feels" a lot more sporty and fun. And the space loss was surprisingly less than I expected. I have been comfortable as have been my passengers (a few of which are larger folks), and I still have plenty of space in the back for my bike and whatever other stuff I happen to be schlepping around.
Good luck! Let us know how things finnaly pan out for you--
Kim
PS And don't ever put a different tire on, no matter what! Sigh.
-juice
Burns: No way, dude! Not my house--Rollins College campus here in Winter Park Florida, very Mediterranean and very beautiful. (Hint: see how the curb is painted red?)
Brekke: heh, heh, I knew this car would win you over. Isn't it a thrill to drive on curves? The pickup even with the automatic transmission is great. The other day I saw a Porsche Boxter behind me at a red light. I was the first in line waiting to turn left fron a single lane. Well, the light changes and I'm ready, so I naturally floor it and you know how fast you can maneuver and turn at the same time. He swings into the right lane anticipating my car is going to slow him down. Sor-ry! I shot out ahead so far of him that he got stuck behind a slower car--poor guy... how humiliating...
but here's the clincher--if I really feel I need extra takeoff speed I'll start from first and shift up, but this time I left it in drive!! yuk, yuk, yuk....
Brekke you gotta get that Ganzflow, it's a beautiful thing!!
-juice
I know there are ways to do exhausts to tone them down but will do more research when I get there.
A FORESTER KIND OF GUY!!!
I got a nearly loaded 2002 Forester S for about $500 under Edmunds.com TMV in Atlanta, GA. Burgundy/graystone paint scheme. Automatic transmission. After a test drive in a loaded 2002 Outback Sport (a sweet little ride in its own right), I just couldn't stand not having the cargo room and extra space.
Sorry folks, but I was replacing a '99 Mercury Cougar V-6 -- a car that was plagued with little fit and finish issues. Although it was a sweet looking little coupe, I had to find something more reliable, more practical, and driveable by a fiancée WITHOUT manual transmission driving skills.
The Forester won by a slim margin, given that I could've saved a buttload on the OBS. Oh, well. What matters is...
I FINALLY GOT MY SUBARU!
Later,
burnsmr4
[Keels over dead from choking on his own uncontrollable laughter.]
;-)
burnsmr4
-mike
-mike
Ross
If you think it's an issue, have the dealer check it out.
-Dennis