Subaru Outback VDC

rsholland · July 2001

nygreg · July 2001

my hat's off to you. Companies spend tons of money to teach the type of customer service and satisfaction you seem to have a nack(?) for. Start you own business?? :-)

Greg

ateixeira · July 2001

Yep. She has the knack.

Nope, she's ours. You can't leave, Patti. Your retirement age is 133. Sorry. ;-)

-juice

drew_ · July 2001

...at 6-7pm Pacific/9-10 pm Eastern. Hope to see you there!

http://www.edmunds.com/chat/subaruchat.html

pattim3 · July 2001

ever leave this forum. I'm really enjoying the "friendships" I've developed here. You folks are really great to work with!

Patti

bsdds · July 2001

Talked my cadilac dealer manager into finally test driving the vdc or bean model today...the dummy hadn't done that yet and they've had the franchise for a few months now!! He called back and he was won over...they also handle lexus and bmw. I didn't talk to him long enuff to really compare but will be seeing him monday. They have a black bean and white vdc. Is there any advantage to waiting for the 2001 in anyone's opinion? I do like toys and bells and whistles!
thanks.
dod (gotcha)

ateixeira · July 2001

I think you mean waiting for the 2002, which is already in dealerships.

The 2001 is now carrying a $750 rebate, so you could really get a deal.

The 2002 has new colors, antennae in the window, dual cup holder, more plood, Potenza tires, lit ignition switch, and a $40 higher charge for freight.

So, ask yourself if those are worth $790 extra. Then account for the better resale the 2002 would have, if you plan on selling it within 5 years or so.

-juice

nygreg · July 2001

they dumped the Winestone in 02. That makes mine special, and maybe worth more in the future? Almost time for a wax.

Greg

subearu · July 2001

Our '00 winestone OB looks great - especially after a wax (zymol). It's a very sharp and rich looking color IMO.

Haven't seen the new brochures yet, but have heard that the new red is nice.

-Brian

ateixeira · July 2001

I like my dad's winestone, too. It was a popular color, though, not exactly rare. I'm surprised they stopped it because it's the color I've seen the most.

-juice

99gs · July 2001

I'm new to this site as I'm looking at an Outback. Does she work for Subaru? This is a great site, interesting reading. I haven't driven a VDC but plan on doing so soon.

ateixeira · July 2001

Patti Mickel works for Subaru of America. I think her title, officially, is Customer Service Goddess. ;-)

Definitely try both the Beanie and the VDC. Don't be afraid of a $33k sticker price - they usually sell below $30k, and some here have paid under $27k.

-juice

99gs · July 2001

Thanks juice. I've participated in a few of these Edmunds town hall discussion groups and have never run across a company response to anything. It makes so much sense, but haven't seen it before. I'm impressed. Sounds like the prices you gave me are around invoice plus the rebate?

bsdds · July 2001

thanks. Re the response to the models; my main BB experience has been with various motorcycle boards and the "cognegentae" NEVER posts on those things and you're right, it makes sense. If I buy a vdc, one of the determining factors will be this board and the willingness of someone associated with SOA to get involved with this stuff. The dealership I will use is one of the finest around and I don't anticipate problems from them on what ever I buy but it is refreshing to see hard working folks really interested in this segment of response.
bob

evilizard · July 2001

Something I have been wondering for a while. The Bean and the VDC are very similar cars but gathering from the postings on this group it seems the Bean outsells the VDC. For those of you that bought (or plan to buy) a Bean or VDC what was the factor that made you choose the one you did.

For me it was the traction control and the killer stereo and lack of logo's that made me go with the VDC. I got some extras so the only diff between my VDC and a bean is the two tone seats an no pollen filter.

How about you?

otis123 · July 2001

Took delivery of a black Bean w/ subwoofer/amp option 2/1/01. Flawless 8,100 miles so far. Only problem has been the factory alarm could not be killed (or at least they didn't know how to back in Feb.), so it has come alive a couple times conflicting with a remote start alarm we made the dealer install.

Test drove (actually test-drove-and-tried-to-fishtail) both 6 cylinders in snow. Didn't feel much of a difference - certainly not a $2.5K difference, and the wife wanted the tan leather / black paint combo...

Tempted to replace our 96HondaAccord2dr. with the 2002 VDC sedan. Does anyone know if it is going to come in monotone? The two-tone paint looks goofy on a sedan.... All black with a spoiler would be tempting....

mikenk · July 2001

Largely, my rationale for the VDC was the stereo, and the advanced traction control. Since I wanted to keep the car for a long, long time, I felt those two items would keep the car modern (so to speak) indefinitely.

My wife wanted the VDC because of the bean logo, but mostly for her peace of mind against sudden road problems. She has always been scared of blowouts and patches of ice; she really likes the thought of this big Subie-guy always watching over her shoulder ready to take control.

Mike

99gs · July 2001

How much different are the 4 wheel drive operating systems on the two cars? It sounds as if the VDC is more sensitive to the changing driving conditions.

cptplt · July 2001

Subaru comes and goes with that color, it was available in the early /mid 90s, then disapperared, came back with the latest generation and seems to be going again.

ateixeira · July 2001

99gs: yep, those are current prices for the 2001s.

I think the Lincoln LS group also had a manufacturer rep, but that's all I've heard of.

Don't expect a monotone Outback in the US, even though there is one in Japan. They sell well as-is, and it would overlap with the GT too much.

The LL Bean is cheaper and yet is still pretty loaded, so I imagine that's what more people would buy.

The AWD system is the same as in the H4 automatics - 90/10 with proactive adjustments. The VDC splits torque 45/55, biased for a rear wheel drive feel (near luxury territory), and adjusts plus adds traction and stability control.

I find even my Forester, with two open diffys, great in the snow. I can't even imagine how great a VDC would be.

-juice

scarwaf · July 2001

I love my VDC. For the money there isn't anything better. Best buy without a doubt. Buy one and you'll see. Drive anywhere go anywhere with confidence and comfort

tryit · July 2001

Yes, the VDC is about $2500 or so more. How much would one accident you avoid be worth to you? My VDC system has come on only twice, both times before I could have reacted and at least once where I would have hit something. Don't know that I would have had an accident if I had been driving a Bean, but if I were carrying children or anything else precious and fragile (like my own life), I would want the VDC.

ps: buy the 2002. the ignition light is worth the extra $790 :-)

taxman10 · July 2001

I had a 1996 Oback for 5 years until this week when I traded in for a Bean. While VDC has merits it is hard for me to rationalize the cost/ benefit after the experiences I had across a 5 year period without it. A tire upgrade to high/Ultra high perf all seasons vs. the standard 'stones is on my list before winter. With this upgrade I'd have all the confidence in the world.
I wanted the Bean with its' upgraded stereo but my wife saw a dusty black one and opted for wintergreen. That car did not have the factory installation and the dealer was +$400 over so we went with the standard sound.
Compared to my Passat Monsoon - there is no measurable difference.
I'd save $2,400, spend around $500 on rubber at Tirerack and blow the extra loot on a vacation.

vdchawk · July 2001

I ordered my VDC with the factory security and pollen filters. That really narrows it down to superior audio, even over the available bean options, and the VDC system. I have caused the VDC system to acivate in snow, I picked up the car during one of the worst storms this year, the front exit to the dealer was blocked by a stuck car and I exited through 8 inches of untouched snow. That was NOT enough to activate the VDC! After finding a nice empty area I tried to force the car into a sideways skid, my only comment to those who want to slide this car is GOOD LUCK. It does feel strange to be pressing firmly on the gas pedal and have the car slow down and the brakes activate.

I also prefer the feel of a rear biased drive system, as my last two vehicles were rear wheel drive.

bsdds · July 2001

back in 1968 I bought a datsun 1600 coupe...I had just gotten into a practice and bought it with cash... 1700 bucks. The intersting point is that his guy had the Subaru dealership also and when I brought the datsun into the place for service, they let me use one for a loaner...How things change and what a piece of tin that was at the time. I think the top speed of this particular model was 55 mph. Also, several years ago the older subarus always seemed to have most of the paint sun bleached off of them. Just saw an LL BEAN in the parking lot of a wal mart here in ruidoso It litereally stood out like a shining star......times have changed.
i think I might be in the market!
bob aka bob

ffsteve · July 2001

For me in Southern California, I didn't the need for the additional benefits of the VDC, but did want the features and the 6 cylinder engine. Would have considered the Macintosh if it was offered as an option, but the standard stereo is good enough for my ears. Bought the car with NO options, for none were needed.

The logos are discrete compared with my memory of Mitsubishi logos covering an Eclipse a couple of years ago. Only 2K on the Bean in two months, but enjoy the car very much!

Steve

car_nut1 · July 2001

But a big fan of the VDC and all Subarus. My friend is looking to buy. When visiting Vermont, seems like every other car is a Subaru or Saab. I remember years back, as a kid, a local pizza place in NYC was also a Subaru dealer. Things have changed!!

99gs · July 2001

I have a '97 Honda CR-V and am looking at the Outback. The Honda runs fine, but is coming up short as far as flexability in hauling bikes, skis, & maybe kayaks. I haven't bought any carriers yet. I got a catalog for the Outback and it looks as though the car was designed to do all this stuff. They have accessories for all kinds of hauling. Also the Honda has the early 2.0 4 which is rated at 120 HP. Haven't driven an Outback yet. I'm just starting to look for a replacement.

oclvframe · July 2001

I too had to choose between the two. I chose the Bean. I got mine in wintergreen with the following options already installed: rear spoiler, subwoofer/cd changer, rear differential protector, and cargo mat. The car already had the outdoor air filters, cargo net, and auto dimming mirror. I got mine out the door (incl tax, tag, title...etc) for $30k. I think price ($2500 difference) and cost of insurance were the main deciding factors. The VDC was going to cost more to insure due to the perceived cost of repair by my insurance co. Other deciding factors were the lack of inclement weather (Atlanta...snows maybe once a year) and the fact that the Bean already had many extras included (air filters and auto dimming mirror). So, for my daily 80 miles to and from work, plus the weekly trip to the mountains of North Ga for a mountain bike ride, the Bean met all my needs.

As for the little story I refer to in my title: I recently had my Bean in for a scheduled oil/filter change + tire rotate. Some how, when either losening or tightening the lugs, the mechanic scratched my right wheel with his air wrench. I showed the scratches to the service writer and they decided the correct thing to do was order me a new wheel. A few days later, I was washing my car and paying real close attention to the other wheels when I noticed that one of my wheels was machined wrong. Basically, the distance from the gold cut-out to the lip where the weights are mounted is about 1/8" on one side of the wheel and it gradually grows to about 3/8" on the opposite side of the wheel. Almost as if the wheel was machined off center. So, when I went to have the new wheel installed, I pointed this out to the guys at the dealer. They looked at all my other wheels and they all looked fine, and, they called the local rep and described the problem. As it turns out, they received the wrong wheel from thier previous order, so now I am waiting on two new wheels. The car appears to ride fine, but it is strange how the wheel was just machined wrong. I am not sure in which dimmension the improper machining took place, but, none-the-less, I rather not take a chance with a potentially defective wheel.

BTW while I am having the rims swapped out, I am having the dealer install metal valve stems (the kind that bolt on) to replace those crappy rubber ones that wiggle all over the place while trying to check the air pressure...I have them on my Odyssey and they are great. Now if I could only afford to lose those nasty Firstones!

-r

ateixeira · July 2001

Subaru did for 2002. Now they wear Bridgestones. Same company, but better tires.

-juice

kens · July 2001

Just curious, but did any of you who cross-shopped a VDC and Bean consider the fact that the VDC wagon provides a slightly more neutral power split of 55% Rear/45% Front? If any of you test drove both did you perceive any difference in under/oversteer between the two?

Ken

vdchawk · July 2001

Ken,

I think that I indicated earlier that my preference was for the VDC rear biased system.

Keith

oclvframe · July 2001

Kens: I forgot to mention that...Because the vehicle transfers most of the power to the rear under acceleration, certain cornering, and other manuvering; the feel under any circumstances other than cruising in a straight line at fixed speed is that of a rear bias powered vehicle. In that case it did not matter to me how the Bean and the VDC differ in power bias...Also, since I spend a lot of time on the highway at fixed cruising speeds, the efficiency of the FWD bias is nice.

I did not notice a difference in acceleration or cornering handling between the two.

-r

ateixeira · July 2001

I'm actually a bit surprised that the EPA numbers for the Bean and the VDC are the same. I would have thought the Bean got better mileage.

Still, both are impressively efficient. Just compare them to the XC or A4 2.8.

-juice

oclvframe · July 2001

I am averaging about 22.5mpg. Sometimes a little lower ~21.5 and other times a little higer ~24.2. Typical driving conditions are: 40mi@75mph in the morning...sometimes A/C on, nometimes not, 40mi@60mph in the afternoon...A/C on full blast. Then of course, there are the occasional side trips (lunch, erands, etc) and occasional full hammer accelleration (the h-6 sounds sweet over 4000rpm).

drew_ · July 2001

Topic: July 24th: "What is the stupidest thing you've seen someone do while driving?"

popgun · July 2001

referring back to #558 dtd july 20 ateixeira (-juice) I read with interest the info on the 2002 VDC but what the heck is "PLOOD" ? It's not in my dictonary.....

ateixeira · July 2001

Sorry, it's an industry term for PLastic wOOD, or the fake wood trim used in some interiors.

-juice

sbcooke · July 2001

I am considering an Outback w/H6. The major difference to me is the limited slip in the Bean vs. VDC in the VDC. I know the VDC uses Subaru's vehicle traction control as well. Is there a chance of getting stuck without a LSD? what do you owners think about the difference?

ateixeira · July 2001

I have two open differentials in my Forester, and on the beach and on orchards and gravel roads, it's never lost a step.

A rear LSD only makes grip even better by managing slip on the rear axle. VDC goes a step further because it manages both axles, and because it can correct understeer/oversteer situations.

So, how much of a margin of error do you require? AWD by itself is already well beyond what 2 driven wheels can do.

-juice

evilizard · July 2001

The main edge the VDC will give you is the oversteer/Understeer correction. For slick roads the existing AWD is already pretty good. In snow and ice is where the VDC would do outdo its little brother bean. Personally I think its worth it for the stereo and steering correction.

vdchawk · July 2001

Steve,

What it doesn't rain in California, the VDC isn't just for snow. It's for those unforseen emergency moves when some idiot decides to occupy the small section of freeway that you are in, or that oil spill on a curve. Recently in N.J. we had a tank truck spill thousands of gallons of soap at a major highway interchange. The day after the mess was cleaned up it rained. All of the soap that had soaked into the roadway was causing slippery suds on the interchange ramp and for 2 miles up the highway. Usually in snow you would drive causiously enough to not need the VDC benefits. It's those strange unexpected times where it really shines.

Keith

ffsteve · July 2001

Keith,

No argument the VDC would be better in conditions of fright, rain, or even soap spilled in the roadway (glad I have never experienced that!) I simply went in the direction of economy and what I perceive as simplicity, given the chances of the above occurring. You are right, and present a good argument for VDC. For 100% of the unexpected, the VDC would be a better choice and I missed an opportunity to gain that edge.

But I'm not a 100 per center. If so I would rid myself of my other (rear wheel drive) cars and buy replacements equipped with "smart" systems like the VDC. As in many other things in life, I'll have to live with the odds and accept the consequences of my actions.

Cheers,

Steve

scubadvr · July 2001

Hello,

I'm a first time 'new' car buyer here and have settled my choices down to a Bean or a VDC. Two questions I have, and the help is much appreciated, are as follows..

Is there a chance, or a way to find out, if the Dealer Cash on the Outbacks will extend into next month? Also, I've read through all the prior posts and talked to two dealers and it seems there is no difference between the 2001's and the 2002's. Is this correct?

Thanks in advance,
Colin

pattim3 · July 2001

Wow -another Colin -

The incentive information is not released until the first day of the month (even for us within the company). That being said, I don't think it will change much for August - but I'm guessing.

Patti

oclvframe · July 2001

Recently I posted about a problem with the machining of one of my wheels. I am currently waiting for the new wheel to arrive. My question is for the rest of the h-6 model owners: Have any of y'all noticed any machining irregularities with your wheels? As I posted before, one of my wheels appears to have been machined off-center. If you look at the cut-outs that are painted in gold and follow the rim of the wheel all the way around, the gap between the gold and the lip that holds the balancing weight is only 1/8" at say 12 o'clock, then widens all the way to about 3/8" at about 6 o'clock.

LMK if you notice this on any of yours.

Thanks,
Robert.

oclvframe · July 2001

What exactly does the econ mode on the automatic A/C systems do? I know that if you press the auto button a second time, the little 'econ' icon appears....but what exactly does that do? Does it cycle the compressor on/off more often, not as often, stays on less at a lower compression ratio?...What does Econ mean?...It saves fuel, or saves the environment, or saps less power from the engine?

Bottom line is: If you set it to Econ at 70deg while its 90+deg outside, what will it do different than if it wasn't on econ?

-r

ateixeira · July 2001

Colin: last I heard there was a $750 incentive on the 2001s. Now that 2002s are arriving in lots, the pickens are thin, so hurry up if you're bargain shopping.

The 2002s got Bridgestone tires, a VDC off switch, the antennae in the window, variable instead of fixed intermittent wipers, 2 cup holders in the console, more plood (faux wood), a lit ignition hole, and new colors. Plus the H6 is now offered on the sedan.

Freight went up $40, but the price is the same, so with the rebate the difference from 2001 to the 2002 is $790.

If you are in the DC area let me know, and I can refer you to a salesperson at Fitzgerald who I've dealt with a few times before (for my dad and a couple of friends). They have Beanies for $26.7k, a bargain IMO.

-juice

dukephoto · July 2001

THIS IS MY FIRST POST TO THE BOARD ALTHOUGH I HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING IT FOR SEVERAL WEEKS. AM DEFINITELY BUYING A VDC WITHIN THE NEXT 2-4 WEEKS.
FITZGERALD HAD SOME FOR $28525 WITH EXTRA FAKE WOOD, SECURITY UPGRADE BUT NOT THE AUTODIMMING MIRROR. SEEMS LIKE A GOOD PRICE. HAVE TO FIND OUT IF THAT INCLUDES THE INCENTIVE, SINCE I WOULD RATHER GO FOR THE 5.9% FINANCING.
JUICE- COULD YOU GIVE ME THE FRIEND'S NAME YOU HAVE AT THE DEALER? THANKS
ALSO- DOES ANYONE KNOW WHAT THE SECURITY UPGRADE IS? I FEEL INSECURE NOT KNOWING

ateixeira · July 2001

OK, but only if you promise not to use all caps, which many will interpret to mean you are shouting. ;-)

E-mail me at ateixeira@ifc.org, and I'll give you a name and number, and maybe even drop in with you (I haven't seen the 2002s yet).

My dad, my cousin, and at least two of my friends have bought from Fitz with no complaints so far. Prices are competitive and more importantly there are no surprises, so you can just concentrate on picking the car you like.

I think there is a $750 incentive on all 2001s, or financing from 3.9 to 7.9%, something like that. They can sit down with you to figure out what will cost you less in the long run.

Let me know 'cause I really do want to drop in and look at some of the 2002s. The H6 sedan in particular.

-juice

Subaru Outback VDC

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles