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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 305 of 312

#3041 of 3121 Re: Am I crazy to buy an Impreza with 156K? [aruth] by xwesx

Nov 11, 2008 (2:03 pm)

Replying to: aruth (Nov 09, 2008 11:10 am)
It depends highly on the car itself. Subaru vehicles are fantastic, in my experience, but if they have problems, they can be a complete nightmare. In particular, watch out for head gasket issues. The Forester, at 96K, may be due for a major service (is it 105K on the Forester, as with the Legacy/Outback?) including timing belt. That is several hundred dollars at a shop, so factor that into the purchase price. For me, known history on a used car is quite valuable. Without it, I have less confidence in the vehicle's apparent condition and therefore will not pay as much for the car.
 
I put nearly 140,000 on my 1996 Outback after purchasing it at 83,000, and had I not lost it with 220,000 miles on it, I would likely still be driving it today with nearly 260,000 on the ticker. Were I not able to do much work on it myself, though, I would have put in a few thousand in repairs over the years to get there. As it was, I would say that I spent, on average, about $500 a year in maintenance and repairs during the six years I owned it.

#3042 of 3121 Re: Am I crazy to buy an Impreza with 156K? [aruth] by ateixeira

Dec 02, 2008 (9:23 am)

Replying to: aruth (Nov 09, 2008 11:10 am)
I would check for oil leaks and maybe do a compression test on that 2.5l boxer engine, to make sure the head gaskets are still sealing properly.
 
I agree that the Outback Sport was a bit overpriced.

#3043 of 3121 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport by shawmou

Feb 17, 2009 (9:19 am)

Hi all,
 
I'm looking for a Subaru Impreza Outback Sport for my son. Can anyone contribute suggestions/comment about this car?
 
Thanks in advance.
 
Terence

#3044 of 3121 Re: Subaru Impreza Outback Sport [shawmou] by rsholland

Feb 17, 2009 (10:09 am)

Replying to: shawmou (Feb 17, 2009 9:19 am)
Great vehicle. I did the same when my son got his driving license back in 1996. He's now 30 and on his second Outback Sport, an '06 model.
 
Bob

#3045 of 3121 Re: Subaru Impreza Outback Sport [rsholland] by xwesx

Feb 17, 2009 (10:23 am)

Replying to: rsholland (Feb 17, 2009 10:09 am)
Other than two-tone paint and a roof rack, is there anything unique about the OS trim? A friend of mine recently (Sept) purchased an '08 Impreza hatch, base model, and it seems like a solid little car. The price was pretty good, too.

#3046 of 3121 Re: Subaru Impreza Outback Sport [xwesx] by rsholland

Feb 17, 2009 (12:27 pm)

Replying to: xwesx (Feb 17, 2009 10:23 am)
Yes, the Outback Sport gets the AWP (heated seats, heated outside mirrors and a windshield deicer). In the Impreza model line, you have to move up to the WRX Premium in order to get those features, as they're not available on any other Impreza.
 
Once you've experienced bun warmers, nothing else will do.
 
The Outback Sport also gets 17" wheels with 205/50x17 tires and a slightly raised suspension. Other non-turbo Imprezas get 16" wheels and 205/55x16 tires.
 
Bob

#3047 of 3121 Re: Subaru Impreza Outback Sport [shawmou] by snowboardwoman

Feb 17, 2009 (3:24 pm)

Replying to: shawmou (Feb 17, 2009 9:19 am)
Hi!
 
I have a young adult son- 22. We have had numerous Subarus and they are all great, safe cars. I have found the Impreza to be much more reliable than the Legacy model.
 
 I have a 2008 Impreza Outback Sport of my own and love the handling in city traffic and mountain snow. Just today, it saved my butt on my icy driveway...I hit the brakes and turned sideways, but with a few turns on the glare, the wheels caught and I was on my way to work. I have driven 26K with no problem whatsoever.
 
My son drives my old 2000 Impreza RS 2.5 Coupe. It has 180 K miles and is just starting have some big issues. Probably because he is a rough driver. But, other than suspension, because of his driving, it always starts, drives safely, and doesn't cost me too much in repairs.
 
i think that Subarus are worth the extra money for the AWD, handling, and low repair cost. If you are buying a used car, check the record for # of owners and any questionable issues.

#3048 of 3121 Re: Subaru Impreza Outback Sport [rsholland] by xwesx

Feb 18, 2009 (9:56 am)

Replying to: rsholland (Feb 17, 2009 12:27 pm)
Hahah; that's ironic. The "Outback" gets 17" wheels.
 
Thanks for relaying that, Bob. I did not realize the all-weather package was so limited in its availability. I have never cared for seat heaters, but the heated mirrors are wonderful!

#3049 of 3121 Re: Subaru Impreza Outback Sport [xwesx] by rsholland

Feb 18, 2009 (10:25 am)

Replying to: xwesx (Feb 18, 2009 9:56 am)
Yeah, in the Impreza lineup only the WRX Premium, Impreza 2.5 GT and the Outback Sport get the AWP.
 
As for heated seats, I love them, and won't likely buy a car without that feature; same with the heated mirrors.
 
Bob

#3050 of 3121 Re: Subaru Impreza Outback Sport [rsholland] by ateixeira

Feb 18, 2009 (11:40 am)

Replying to: rsholland (Feb 17, 2009 12:27 pm)
I would not be surprised if the seats are mounted a little higher, too.
 
I once measured Outback vs. Legacy, and the seats was a whopping 4" higher up. I know the suspension accounts for half, but not all of that difference.
 
I wonder if the OBS is the same way? Higher mounted seats?

Messages Page 305 of 312

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