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Comments
Could anyone share what they paid recently for an '03 SE wagon with automatic? The local saleman indicated that the lowest price would be $21K.
Last weekend it came down to the Passat GLS FWD wagon versus the base Subaru Outback wagon. While I like the Passat slightly more (except the price and manual seat), I found that I end up on the ball of my foot if I want to floor the gas pedal (I'm 5'0") and don't feel this is very safe.
So I am now leaning towards the Outback and need to decide on the color. My dealer has now warned me to choose carefully because the mystic blue and timberline green (and black of course) can show swirl marks when the car is washed improperly. I was wondering for those who've had these colors and occasionally use the drive-thru car wash, if they've had this problem? If so, how bad is it?
Finally, is there a way to see any ratings for dealerships? I'm in the SF Bay Area and would like to know which dealerships are supposedly better to customers for both sales and service.
I had the predessor to the current A2 (Dunlop D60-A2) on my Camry wagon. Great on dry, no very good in snow at all.
So far I am happy with the Dunlop Winter Sport tires I got from Tire Rack. A sizable improvement over the OEM Bridgestones. Check out Nov '02 Consumers for a snow tire review.
Steve
Steve
Tranny/shifting issue. I'll agree with Steve. I've had similar with an automatic. I pulled into a little road/path in the woods to do some hunting, I couldn't shift to reverse when leaving. A little stick got stuck up in the linkage...
--jay
The colors that would hide dirt best are probably the SeaMist Green Pearl, Silver Stone Metallic, Titanium Pearl (and it's monotone, nice!), and White Frost Pearl.
But you have to like it, looks are subjective.
-juice
-Brian
Brian
-juice
Anyway, he said that starting today a fix has been released that should cure the horrid shuddering that my car has exhibited since it was new. The parts just became available today, so he's going to try and get the car in this morning for a new clutch assembly.
I'm shocked, to say the least, that anyone actually read the surveys I mailed in (or did online via Subaru's website). I'm more shocked that the service manager called out of the blue to offer a new clutch for this car. Wow. I sincerely hope that this ends my 2 year battle with Subaru over an otherwise fine car.
Brian
-juice
I recall that Santa Cruz and Carlson in Redwood City were highly regarded. Lately, I've been having my car serviced at Downtown Subaru in Oakland because they're open on Saturday. The service advisors were knowledgable. (The shop also services Toyotas.) I don't know about their pricing.
Good luck!
Jim
bit
The clutch shudder tends to be something 'normal' in Subarus. I didn't read all the way to prior posts but I'm guessing you have a stick... Many have changed the clutch under warranty and the shudder eventually comes back. Seems like the clutches that Subaru uses are not of great quality. Once you go aftermarket, then the shudder is gone. If your car is a lease, then it may not make sense to get aftermarket unless Subaru will pay for it (highly doubt that), otherwise Subaru will get to know you as another statistic until they resolve this issue. But hopefully you'll be one of the very, very few that will have the shudder disappear completely.
Either way.... good luck!
Thanks for the feedback on the Dunlops in snow. Anyone have other snow-worthy suggestions for replacement tires (M&S like the original Firestones - not snow tires). Also desire quiet and sticky good cornering. Does such a tire even exist (at any price)? Michelin Pilots? Thanks in advance.
Ralph
I know the suspension and tires are different, as well as the outside appearance. I wish I could get a sunroof in the Outback and thus am curious whether I should look into the GT? I'm in Northern California, so I deal with rain and camp grounds but only see snow when I drive to Tahoe.
Basically, the TSB should allow anyone under the 3/36 warranty to get the fix done immediately if they are having cold shuddering issues. Since mine is out of the factory warranty now with 43K onit, the service manager had to call the factory rep for authorization, but had no trouble getting it approved. I've had about a dozen documented complaints about the problem since the car was new.
I hope the new clutch design works -- it's been a long time coming! Unfortunately, I won't be able to drive the car until I get back in town in January so it'll be a few weeks until I know how the new one feels.
Brian
-juice
Steve
Way to go.
-juice
Thanks to all the little people out there (oh, wait a minute - wrong acceptance speech).
Steve
bit
The GT is sportier. Lower profile tires, lower springs, shorter effective gearing (by 7%). It also offers VTD and the shiftronic if you get an automatic. It should be quicker and handle more sporty, though ride won't be as tolerant. You give up the roof rack cross bars but gets leather, plus the two-tone and the power outlet in the cargo area. Plus you get the dual moonroof.
The Outback has more suspension travel and clearance, plus the cross bars and heated seats/mirrors/wiper de-icers. Nice stuff in the cold. Really it's about the ideal snow car. The focus is more on utility vs. sportiness, you even get the cargo area rubber liner standard.
You could put the cross bars and liner on a GT, of course, but the GT runs about $24k or so, and the base Outback is much less. An Outback Limited might be around $25k, if you can make that leap.
If you can stretch it and want a bargain, fitzmall.com had a left over 2002 VDC for $25,571, an amazing price. They must be losing money on that. It includes freight too. That way you get the H6 and it's loaded to the gills. I find that a better value than the 2.5 GT or Outback Limited, given the steep discount.
-juice
I have received a dealer quote on a '03 Legacy Special edition for 800 over invoice plus frt/pdi, and an "administration fee" of $100.00. Does this sound like a good deal? Also is this "admin fee" legit, or just another way to grab some cash?
thanks,\
cdndriver
oh, this is Canada price.
Regarding the TSB# on that new clutch assembly, I'll try to get a copy tonite when I pick up the car, but I won't be near my computer for a couple of weeks. I'll update the board here in January.
Happy holidays all!
Brian
Greg
And according to this website, at least for California, it looks like you the price differential is not very big. Carsdirect is estimating $22,000 for the base GT with auto. Plus I have been quote as far down as $500 under invoice for the base Outback with auto.
What do you mean by "less tolerant" - of what the bumps?
Greg
I have one question to the crew, I picked up a rear differential protector and after unpacking it states that the unit is install with the car on a left. Was wondering if anyone has installed the unit without using a car lift? Is this too unsafe to avoid using a car lift? Thanks and happy holidays to all!
The GT has less suspension travel, so hit a big enough pot hole and it'll bottom out, at least long before an Outback would. There is also less sidewall on the tires, so again it'll feel more firm. Sportier, but not as soft.
For US models, the 2003 2.5 GT has heated leather and a moonroof standard now. Are you looking at left over 2002s? The 2002 GT had cloth, the 2002 GT Ltd had leather.
Basically they moved the L/SE up to fill the slot formerly occupied by the GT, and the 2.5GT moved up to where the GT Ltd used to be.
I agree that it's a personal decision, you should drive both and will hopefully have a clear preference. What some people consider sporty handling and feedback on a GT others consider harsh and noisy. And what may feel luxurious and comfy on an Outback to some, might feel floaty and disconnected to others.
Rich: I'm not sure about the H6, but with the H4 rhino ramps are more than enough. On Foresters, note that you have to remove some exhaust hangers to install it, but that's not the case on H4 Outbacks. It's easy, 6 bolts. Get a torque wrench with a long shaft for leverage.
-juice
Greg
-juice
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Greg
Thanks for all the helpful comments.
Does anoyone know of a place to look at dealership customer feedback?
-juice
-juice
Thanks for all the helpful comments.
Does anoyone know of a place to look at dealership customer feedback?
Jim
The seats are not heated, but other than that it's quite well equipped.
-juice
-juice
As far as color, quite honestly the closer you can get to white the easier it is to maintain. But Red looks so sweet, as do dark greens or blues. More effort however.
USED specials...
2001 Subaru Outback Limited Wagon AWD - Auto, Leather, Dual Moonroofs, Heated Seats, Power Windows/Locks/Mirrors, AM/FM/6-CD Changer - 36,581 miles - Stk # SUU0714 - just $20,986
2002 Subaru Impreza WRX Sedan AWD - Auto, Power Windows/Locks/Mirrors, AM/FM/6-CD Changer, MOMO Steering Wheel, Alloy Wheels - 20,014 miles - Stk # SUU0710 - just $21,986
NEW
2003 Subaru Impreza WRX Sedan LOADED!
Stk # SU30097 4 Door, Turbo, 5-Speed, A/C, Power Windows/Locks/Mirrors, ABS, AM/FM/6-CD Changer, Tilt, Cruise, Front/Side Airbags, Alloy Wheels, plus:
Short Throw Shifter
Premium Sound Package
Security System
Performance Guage Pack
Carbon Fiber Patterned Trim
Electrochromatic Compass Mirror
Armrest Extension
MSRP $27,423 Buy for $24,486!
BTW MSRP on an 03 Outback LTD is around $27,930 minus a $500 dealer incentive which brings it to $27,430, and you can buy one for around $25,300.
I used one of the other services. the invoice was about 2000 below msrp. like in the States. I don't know why you can't get it on the net here, but you can't... it's even harder to find holdback or incentive information.
cdndriver
On another topic... child seat teathers.
I plan to keep this car for many years to come and although it's not an issue now, it could be in the future. I would like to know what people think of the position of the child seat teathers in the 2003 Outback and 2003 Passat wagons? In the Outback, they are on the ceiling - does this affect your rear view sight (with a child seat strapped in)? In the Passat they are on the back of the rear seats. What happens when you need a flat cargo area with the rear seats folded - do the child seat teathers get in the way?