You are here:
Forums
Wagons
Subaru Crew
Subaru Legacy & Outback
Subaru Impreza Outback Sport & TS

3121 messages, Last post on Nov 18, 2009 at 11:30 AM
You are in the Subaru Legacy & Outback Forum. Your Host is kcram
|
We test-drove the Impreza Outback Sport last weekend. For our purposes, it couldn't compete with the the other cars we tried--the noise level was too high, and the seats were too hard. But then, sporty handling and off-road capability weren't really priorities for us, and we might not have even been trying the Subaru if there were more compact wagons on the market from makers with a reputation for reliability. From our standpoint, emphasizing comfort and carrying capacity as well as safety and reliability, we were pleasantly surprised by the Saturn SW2. They seemed to have licked their noise problem, and despite what we've read about it in some places, the seats seemed comfortable to us. I think it's probably targeted to a different market than the Impreza, but if what you want is a compact wagon, it's worth checking out. (I've read some positive things about the Ford Escort wagon as well, but my wife has had bad experiences with Fords, so we weren't considering one.) Good luck, Lorin |
|
|
I won't even consider a Saturn. (Look at my post #292 in the Sedans, Saturn Stories). I test drove a 1999 Escort, but was not impressed. It supposedly has a slightly bigger engine than my 1995 Escort, but the performance was about the same. I need something with more kick to it. I live in Denver and go over the mountains quite a bit. I test drove an Impreza Sedan climbing one of the major hills west of Denver. I was going 60mph in 5th gear, which I found acceptable for a 4-banger. So, the sporty handling is fine and actually welcomed by me and my wife. |
|
|
|
|
I'm glad that you've narrowed down your list. I had a different experience when I drove the OBS and SL2. I found that the Subaru's engine didn't need to be pushed to get up to speed. For me the SL2 was a different story. I found that it needed to be pushed very hard and when it was, it was VERY loud and rough. I also didn't particularly care for the Saturn's interior, it appeared cheap and flimsy and I didn't care for it all. In the OBS's interior, everything fit together nicely and seemed very well screwed together. Finally, I also liked the fact the subaru is offering the OBS with a $500 rebate and with that it is possible to pick one up for invoice or slightly above. Saturn will not deal. It seems like we had two different experiences. Good Luck on your purchase. ultra, My statement wasn't very clear. I meant that the Brighton is a good value for the money. I think that what you get in the Brighton for what you pay makes it a good value, a large wagon with very generous cargo room that still does include a/c and cass/stereo. Also look into some of Subaru's roof rack attachments that are made for the OBS. Rich |
|
|
The Brighton is bigger than the Impreza. Given that key fact, I would agree with the post that it is pretty well equipped at its price. Essentially, it is a base model of a mid-sized wagon but it includes the stereo and AC. It doesn't include the power windows, power locks, or antilock brakes. The Impreza will give you that in exchange for the room. The roofrack for the Brighton is an option which runs about $160 for the dealer. I think the retail price is about $250. |
|
|
ultra: Have you considered the Impreza L Sport Wagon? It's a lower priced Sport with basically everything included except the 2 tone,alloys(option)... just add what option you want. |
|
|
|
| That's another option. The Impreza L wagon does not have ABS available and that is the biggest separating factor between that and the Outback Sport. I wouldn't rule out the Legacy L wagon just yet, either. If you wait a little bit, you may be able to pick one up for 17K. Check your local dealers and ask for a price on a basic Legacy L. When you factor in the $750 rebate and if you're willing to shop around, you MAY be surprised. | |
|
Just my two cents here. I recently sold my '97 Impreza Outback Sport, having driven it for two years after owning a Mazda MPV 4WD minivan for seven years. The Impreza is a SMALL wagon, something I could not get used to. All of my "stuff" had to be the front seat as there is no room between seats for anything or on the floor in back. My cassettes were always getting dumped all over for lack of room for the case. Also, although they say there is more ground clearance than in other small cars, you couldn't convince me of that. The view is not all that great; however, there is practically no blind spot. And there is plenty of room in the cargo for almost anything you would normally carry and it is easy to lift things out. My OS had a 2.2 (5 sp) engine with plenty of get up and go, which I enjoyed. However, living in MI with lots of snow and leaving for work early in the morning sometimes before roads were plowed, the low clearance meant slow going, but I always got there. The car sticks to the road no matter what. I am a small woman and the front seats were comfortable for me although the upholstery was a bit thin in my opinion. One thing I will mention is that the paint seemed to chip EXTREMELY easily. I thought perhaps it was just modern-day paint jobs, but I'm not so sure. After two years I had a couple of door dings but MANY small spots, especially on the hood, I had to touch up. This was pretty much on the top half of the two-tone (blue). The metallic portion wasn't too bad. For whatever this is worth . . . . |
|
|
I just bought my first new car in 10 years. I'm retiring my '89 Ford Escort for a '99 OBS. The OBS appealed to me on a practical level, with ABS and AWD (I live in New England), better head room that the new Escorts and Contours, plus I found it fun to drive. The dealer was, I guess, clearing away the 99's. The optional equipment included fog lights, mats, tailpipe cover and keyless entry. Plus some pinstriping. The price was dealer invoice minus $750 Subaru rebate. I think it's a lot of car for $16,758, and I hope it lasts me another 10 years/160,000 miles as my Escort did. |
|
| My husband and I are in the market for a new car/SUV to replace a dying Isuzu Trooper. We're currently debating between the wagon vs. SUV. My question is- would the Outback be large enough to haul a couple of dogs (50+ lbs. each) in the way back with a baby seat in the back and some luggage for weekend trips? My sense is that we're going to have to suck up the $30k pricetag and go for the SUV. Tell me I'm wrong... | |
| I'm considering the Outback Sport right now, and, like any new car buyer, I'm looking for a good deal. Are the dealers offering deals right now on '99's to make room for the 2000's? I'd be interested to know what people are currently paying for Outback Sports. | |
You are here:
Forums
Wagons
Subaru Crew
Subaru Legacy & Outback
Subaru Impreza Outback Sport & TS
New? Join Now!
Forum Tools
Search Forums
Browse by Vehicle
2010 Subaru Impreza
2010 Subaru Outback



Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
Today's Chats