Thread: Subaru Outback

Owned an Outback from new 1998-2003, 2.5 litre. No parts needed in that time. Fuel economy good if driven sensibly. Tyre wear (on tyre shoulders) can be a bit of a problem but overcome by keeping pressures correct and a few more psi than the recommendation.

All told, a great car which I enjoyed owning. AWD spoils you, I now wouldn't consider FWD or RWD only.

Was going to trade it in 2003 for the new model with 3.0 six but couldn't resist the Forester Turbo and have been more than happy with that since.

thanks for the reply . How is the forrester compare interior wise for 3 adults. I beleive all the Subs are on the same floor pan, if so where is the differences come from

My parents have one and it is comfy for all 4 of us. Drives just like a car, and has a very tight feel to it. Easy to throw through the bends and has good grip and communicates well what is going on. Seems fairly neutral in its tendencies to me, but I haven't really had a chance to explore the limits yet.

Extra room probably comes from relatively higher seating position, meaning legs more vertical.

I'd actually consider one of these myself...good allrounder.

I have had a 2.5L Outback (my third Subaru) for 3 years. The only problem I had was bad alignment on LHS resulting in premature tyre wear.
Drives well, comfortable and reasonable on petrol particularly on the open road.

Hope that helps

Originally Posted by Tonto

thanks for the reply . How is the forrester compare interior wise for 3 adults. I beleive all the Subs are on the same floor pan, if so where is the differences come from

Forrester seemed the same cabin size as the Outback, which was previous to the current model, just a bit shorter in cargo area. Five adults no problem. Also, seating is a bit higher too.

among the best cars on the road IMHO - I own a 2 litre Legacy (same thing as liberty/outback but quad cam twin turbo) and as mentioned, its AWD is sensational.....

Nice timing for me logging on after a somewhat turbulent few months around here

Im about to buy a 2002 GT Turbo Forester... so tonight Ive been doing some homework checking out online reviews and asking questions... so far of all the comments reviews Ive read all have been good... other than a shortage of room in the rear passenger compartment otherwise all have been positive.

The one Im getting has ALL the fruit!! Good greif its even got bloody aircon!! I mean the first and only car Ive ever had air con in!! WHAHOOO Im gettin all modern I did have some worries about the lack of the second shifter (the high low shifter) but seems it was something to do with auto getting them and manual not for some reason... the vehicle is more comfortable than most Ive driven and definantly way more comfortable than the big 4x4s Ive used... almost lounge chair comfy with the arm rests on the road (bloody salesman wouldnt let me go offroad... this will change tomorrow! I will simply tell him Im not payin 24K for an all wheel drive without finding out IF its any good on the sand dirt etc) but on the road it was bloody brilliant smooth as silk gear changes smooth and power to spare... amazing handling compared to most cars it just STICKS to the road!

The drivers veiw was excellent with no impediments to the mirrors or front and side views, this one has less than 80Ks on the clock which I think worked out at something like 12K a year!! bloody hell we do that in less than a month

Anyway Id been looking at a Land Rover or Range Rover for a few months then the Triton and Navaras Pajeros and such but was having a bit of an issue justifying the economic costs overall... fuel, repairs along with usage needs again this meant the associated fuel costs... the Subaru was just traded and I literally walked into it as the bloke that owned it walked away to his new magna... bloody stunning not a mark on it either on the obvious outside nor the interior so underneath I scampered and nothing... a few small scuff marks on the plastic pan under the motor which Id say was more likely caused by hitting a high road hump than anything even remotely off road.

Ive seen several for sale since around the same price but none with the quality of standard of care this one has been given... 24K is a tad high in my book really but hey with less than 80K on the clock in as new showroom condition I really cant justify anything else

AND!!! Best of all I can buggar of pretty much ANYWHERE I want in this thing in comfort!!

Actually tonight I had a gander and drive of a 2005 or 2006 Outback it was nice but not to mind up to the standard of the Forester...

Sooo go for it I say!!

Hey Dingo good timing as U say. Can you say more why you werent so impressed with the Outback please

I spoke to a bunch of drivers of both..... I reckon the people who buy Outbacks want a 'car' look and the others want a four wheel drive look....

Wild Dingo: Shame that Forester isn't the 2003+ 2.5L XT, then you'd be even more impressed!

Steve: Nothing to do with car or 4WD looks as far as I was concerned when changing over from Outback to Forester, it was just the sheer power of the turbo model I had to have after a test drive

Tonto: An important factor we haven't mentioned is the 4 or 5 star safety rating (depending on what model).

Originally Posted by Wild Dingo

Nice timing for me logging on after a somewhat turbulent few months around here

Sorry to hijack but welcome back Shane, hope all is well and nothing to untoward has happened to keep you away.

Cheers,
Burnsy

I have an Outback 2.5...bought it second hand for a great price. I love it, handles well, but the big plus for us was the ANCAP rating - the highest of any passenger vehicle on the road (at the time).

I must admit that the back (boot) area is smaller in comparison to the Corolla that I used to have.

Haven't had to do much maintenance - it has only been serviced once. I believe they sometimes have a propensity to chew through oil...I had to add two litres to mine the other day (the caveat being that I had not serviced the car for over a year!).

Ive had three liberties but not an outback.

I would rather go with a RAV, CRV or similar as they are AWD like the outback but do it better. The outback kinda go the SUV thing on its way but havent moved along enough IMO

We are the owners of a 3 lt 6 cylinder 2006 Outback. Drove the Forrester GT, Legacy B4, and the Forrester XT.
We paid just on 50,000 for it and love it. I like to get it on its toes and give it some stick on occasion, keeps the SS Commodores and XR8 Falcons honest.

We have been offroad but it is not a 4WD just an AWD and if that is your thing then that is your thing, we dont do serious offroad but it will handle more than you originally think.

As for towing it is a dream to use. I pull a double horse float with two horses and all tack needed for a weekend away and you can barely even notice the extra weight.

Fuel economy is supposed to be 11lt/100kn but we are currently at 7.6lt/100km so pretty good by all accounts.

Only one downside I have found is that the tyres, Yokahama Geolander are a dedicated tyre to the Outback and are only good for 30 to 35,ooo km, and I am talking my wifes driving not mine. But like I said this is the only downside we have found.

Having said all that I would seriously consider the Mazda CX9, which is soon to be parked alongside the Outback.

Just my thoughts.