I think we bought a Subaru

[blackmercedes]

Last fall, one of out neighbours across the street sold their house and moved out to the lake. They bought a new Subaru H6 as their primary mode of transport, and kept their 1999 Legacy Outback Ltd Wagon for their second car, selling their aging VW Golf.

Well, they have replaced the Legacy Outback with a new Forester, and are selling the Legacy. It's a nice wagon, with only 62K (about 40K-miles) and about a year of factory warranty. We can pick it up for a pretty good price.

Helen drove it last night, and really liked it. It's cheaper than a new base Protege or Civic, and much nicer. The only MB we could find in this price range would be a late '80's or early '90's 300E with bags of miles.

She's not hot on the wagon body style, but was pretty impressed with the AWD and Blizzak combo. The wagon body also swallows lots of stuff without SUV gas penalties. The 2.5 boxer is smooth and torquey. Easier to live with than the high strung turbo WRX we tested.

Since the 190E is leaving us on Friday, this Subey might just be the thing we need. It's coming into town tomorrow for a PPI, which some might not feel is required for a car still under factory warranty, but I still think it's needed. Had a gander at the service records last night, and they look good. O/F every 6000km's give or take, and regular services on time. It's got new Blizzak WS-50's on, but needs summer tires, as they're pretty much worn out.

And the best thing is that we can swing it with no car loan... (a big point that cut the HOT new G35 Coupe out... )

Anyone love/hate these cars?

[rickg]

My brother picked up a '98 Outback last summer with about 50k miles on it. So far, it's been great for them. I drove it around a bit when they bought it. My impression is, I'd have one for local runs, ect, but wouldn't want to go cross country in it. Seats are less than comfy for my 46 year old back, and it has a lot of road noise on the hiway. (It's too much like my wifes '96 Chrysler Cirrus!) But beyond that, it was not bad driving. Plenty of acceleration. The 4-wheel drive is awesome on gravel roads and snow.
They do have a pretty good reliability reputation. My brother is one that researches the hell out of something before he buys it, and he found very little negative about he cars, other than ride, comfort and options.
Not sure how expensive parts & service is when they do need it. I've heard parts are spendy, as seems to be the trend for japanese cars.

[rickg]

Originally posted by 123c
Parts are not that bad when compared to a MB. I think the most expensive parts on these cars to repair are the transmissions. An example would be when my brother got his ball joints replaced on his 1990 Legacy at the dealer for about $100, including labor.

That's good to hear. An Outback is on our list of future potential replacemants for the Chisler.

[yal]

Good car, go for it I say!

[leathermang]

If you want to pose this question to the " aficianadoes".. then try this site..

http://pub1.ezboard.com/fultimatesubarumessageboardsthenewgenerationofsubarus

[blackmercedes]

Thanks guys...

...let you know what happens.

[suginami]

Go for it!

I have never hear of a Subaru owner (other than the SVX) that had a bad experience.

I have a cousin who is a Subaru fanatic. He has three late 70's Subaru GL's. They all have manual transmissions. One car is a parts donor car, and the other two are drivers. They both have over 200,000 miles on them, and he abuses the cars shamelessly. He rarely performs regular maintenance. He rarely, if ever, washes the cars. They look awful. But the cars just run and run and run, like the Energizer Bunny.

[rickg]

Originally posted by suginami
Go for it!

I have never hear of a Subaru owner (other than the SVX) that had a bad experience.

I have a cousin who is a Subaru fanatic. He has three late 70's Subaru GL's. They all have manual transmissions. One car is a parts donor car, and the other two are drivers. They both have over 200,000 miles on them, and he abuses the cars shamelessly. He rarely performs regular maintenance. He rarely, if ever, washes the cars. They look awful. But the cars just run and run and run, like the Energizer Bunny.

LOL! Sounds like this old hermit that lives a couple streets down from us. He putts all over the place in the badest looking 'buru I've seen. Got to be about the same age, late 70's or maybe early 80's. He's been driving it the 13 years we've lived here.

[SHYNE]

I don't like how the doors have pillarless glass.

It reminds me of the old ES300 Lexus doors which are flimsy.

I don't know anything about Subaru's but, good luck with it if you go that way.

Mike McKinney

[akry]

Only one major drawback I can think of about Subaru is.... depreciation...... but since the first owner has already taken the biggest hit, you should be fine..... Outback is very well build, and specious for holding stuffs.... and the twin-roof is cool!!! I would say, go for it!!!

Be glad you picked up a '99 Outback, not a '97 or '98.

The early DOHC 2.5 liter engines have some design problems (head gaskets, unexpected overheating, etc) which can cause their engines to go south at a little over 100K miles.

More information on this is available at www.i-club.com

However, the later Outbacks are pretty good in every respect. No significant problems.

-Sam

[blackmercedes]

Originally posted by akry
Only one major drawback I can think of about Subaru is.... depreciation...... but since the first owner has already taken the biggest hit, you should be fine.....

That's an understatement. This car was about $40K new, and today dealer's ask about $17-18K and private sales are $13-15K. It's possible to find a cherry example for around $14-15K with low miles and warranty left. That's a ton of depreciation for a 3-4 year old car.

Helen is at the dealer right now having the PPI done. Should get a call this afternoon...

[need2speed]

Think of all the fun you'll have in the snow!!

[rickg]

Let me guess. That's not exactly what he's buying

[rickg]

Originally posted by 123c
Now that is the way to drive on snow

Aw, I do that in my Benz all the time (NOT!!)