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Subaru Impreza Outback Sport & TS

3121 messages,  Last post on Nov 18, 2009 at 12:30 PM

You are in the Subaru Legacy & Outback Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Impreza, Subaru Outback, Wagon


Messages Page 170 of 313

#1685 of 3121 Today by orangelebaron

Apr 06, 2002 (6:47 pm)

I finally test drove the Mazda P5 and Subaru OBS, both auto. I now drive a 2.5 auto LeBaron covertible and a Saturn SL2. Both cars have good pickup. The 91 Saturn has very strong pickup.
 
I was somewhat disappointed with the P5. Apparently it's mostly show and no go. Not enough passing power on the highway. The steering wheel was too small for my liking. The steering was too tight for me as well. Nice otherwise.
 
Next stop, Pontiac in Wantagh, NY. "You need an appointment for a test drive with the Vibe" Guess where they can go jump into. I guess it doesn't matter anyway because the engine is probably too weak, the steering wheel is too close to the dash (I am not going to drive with my arms stretched out) and last but not least, the mirrors do not fold (I'm tired of bumping into my mirrors in the garage or having them broken off). And I could do without the hoaky dash. Otherwise I really like the Vibe with it's great plastic covered cargo area and it's unpainted bumpers that will not scratch.
 
Last stop.. Subaru in Hicksville. OBS, auto. This car has a real engine. There is a little lull in acceleration, but better than the Mazda. The car "feels" sturdier as well. The steering wheel was the right size, and steering felt right and the car rode nicely. The seat material which I previously thought ugly maybe not so bad after all. I like this car the most even though I wish MPG was better and no side airbags.
 
I will wait till June to see if they will offer side airbags and to see the new Forester as well. I also noticed on the Japan website that the Impreza has a sunroof (maybe in 2003?)!
 
Also, why don't they offer reasonable financing for this car... don't they want me to buy it?

#1686 of 3121 Huh?? by barresa62

Apr 06, 2002 (8:16 pm)

"Also, why don't they offer reasonable financing for this car... don't they want me to buy it?"
 
How about trying your own bank or credit union??
Just a curious thought...
 
Stephen

#1687 of 3121 All show no go? No no no. by limpyboy

Apr 06, 2002 (9:06 pm)

I wouldn't say the Protege5 has no power. It has very good power from 0 to 30 or 40 m.p.h. There's no question it runs out of fire after that, but it seemed to be workable for highway situations when I test drove mine along bustling I-75.
 
I''m weighing the P5 and Outback Sport also. My bottom line: I like the performance of the Subaru and the interior of the Mazda.
 
I'm leaning toward P5 because for me, the interior of the Outback Sport is pretty awful. Not the seats or materials, but the cupholder situation is ridiculous, the steering wheel has a rail-thin and hard feel to it (it's also too big) and to top it all off the stock stereo is absolutely awful. I know you can replace as soon as you buy, but if I get the Mazda I won't even have to.
 
One bonus of Outback though: For most insurers they have lower rates, even though the engine is more powerful.

#1688 of 3121 by brekke

Apr 06, 2002 (10:19 pm)

I agree the Impreza steering wheel is too big, but for $35 you can add a nice leather steering wheel cover which'll make it feel softer and thicker. I'm sure there are workarounds for the cupholders as well. No way would I sacrifice the AWD for that stuff.

#1689 of 3121 financing... huh? by orangelebaron

Apr 06, 2002 (11:03 pm)

so.... a bank or credit union is going to offer reasonable new car loan rates? They're usually at least 8%. Subaru is offering low financing on all cars but Impreza.
 
And if a car runs out of fire after 40 mph... what good are the low profile tires, ground effects... etc? Why should I spend $18,000 on a car that lacks power when I already have a paid- for car (SL2) that gets 35 mpg and has better pick-up? I want something as good as or better than what I have.

#1690 of 3121 With good credit CU's should be below: by barresa62

Apr 07, 2002 (1:25 am)

7%. I've seen many new car deals at 6.9, 5.9, 4.9 and 3.9%. Banks don't normally go that low. Search and ye shall find. Besides, if you already have financing before you go to the dealer then your in a much stronger bargaining position.
 
Stephen

#1691 of 3121 Orange by paisan

Apr 07, 2002 (9:36 am)

Try a different dealer. Most dealers offer tons of financing.
 
-mike

#1692 of 3121 Credit union rate... by limpyboy

Apr 08, 2002 (12:26 am)

I locked in last week on a 48-month loan at 5.5 percent with my credit union!!
 
I joined about seven months ago because my big bank was eating me alive with fees and I never got the feeling they care about my account like I do with the CU.
 
But still, the 2.9 and 3.9 offers by some companies is great if you can qualify.
 
BTW, grrrrrrrr. Now y'all have me rethinking my Protege5 decision.

#1693 of 3121 Protege5 by paisan

Apr 08, 2002 (5:04 am)

All show, no go. I like the looks of it, but:
 
1) Wrong Wheel Drive
2) Needs more OOOmph.
 
-mike

#1694 of 3121 Too Much Wind Noise by krgoldman

Apr 08, 2002 (7:10 am)

I have a 2001 Outback Limited Wagon. Ever since I got the car (about 10 months), I have felt that it has unacceptably high wind noise from the driver's side window (in the vicinity of the sideview mirror). The dealer has tried to work on it (3 times), but the noise either was not fixed, or came back after a short time. We don't notice this on the passenger side at all. Has anyone else had this problem? Been able to correct it. I will be meeting with the Subaru rep on Wednesday, so any input would be appreciated.

Messages Page 170 of 313

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