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Subaru Legacy/Outback 2005+

10833 messages,  Last post on Feb 26, 2013 at 5:40 AM

You are in the Subaru Legacy & Outback Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru, Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback, Sedan, Wagon




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Messages Page 1017 of 1085

#10152 of 10833 Re: 2008 XT [pathtomax] by jeffmc

Jul 11, 2007 (11:12 am)

Replying to: pathtomax (Jul 11, 2007 7:16 am)
Yes, SI-Drive and VDC are standard on the manual XT limited. (Hee hee... careful calling it a 5-speed, since the automatic has 5 speeds as well!)
 
My dealer here in Seattle has 8 XT Ltds in stock w/manual tranny, by the way. You can use subaru.com to search inventory (by state, I believe).
 
The 6-cyl has smooth, continuous power delivery, the turbo has more peaky power and delivers more gut-wrenching "oomph". Fun or smooth, they're both good engines. Sounds like you've got smooth covered with the Lexus, so the XT Ltd might be fun for you!
 
You may be able to find a Forester XT Sports with a manual tranny to test-drive. It'd give you a good idea of what the Outback would feel like, performance wise, though the Outback would be a touch slower (it's heavier) and ride smoother than the Forester.
 
SI-Drive's "intelligent" mode is good for driving in slick conditions & for improving fuel economy when you're just toolin' around town. Pulled this from Green Car Congress website:
"The SI-Drive controls the electronic throttle system’s response and fuel and ignition curves to modify engine torque characteristics, changing the performance character of the car in each mode.
With “Intelligent” mode selected, the system reduces engine torque and maximum power and switches to a more relaxed throttle response curve. Intelligent mode is an ideal choice for smoother response while commuting in traffic, for example, where it can also help boost fuel efficiency by up to 10%, according to Subaru.
Intelligent mode’s more relaxed responses and lower torque output complement the low-traction surface driving safety provided by the Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive System.
When “Intelligent” mode is selected in vehicles with a manual transmission, a shift-up indicator blinks to signal the optimal shift point for maximum fuel efficiency.
In “Sport” mode, the performance of the 2.5 GT spec.B (and other 2007 turbo Legacy and Outback models) is similar to the 2006 model, with quick throttle responses and powerful, linear acceleration. The linear acceleration characteristic of this versatile mode makes it ideal for driving on freeways and suburban streets or for climbing mountain roads.
In “Sport Sharp” mode, SI-Drive modifies the engine’s electronic throttle mapping to deliver lightning quick throttle response and more power sooner."
 
On the automatic models, SI-Drive also changes the transmission's shift pattern.

#10153 of 10833 Re: rear HVAC vents [scottinky] by jeffmc

Jul 11, 2007 (11:15 am)

Replying to: scottinky (Jul 11, 2007 9:53 am)
Rear vents in the Outback are under the front seats. I think air flows to the back pretty well anyway, if you adjust the front dash vents appropriately. Only Subaru model that has ceiling vents is the Tribeca (which actually has rear controls & another AC condenser in the 7-pass model).

#10154 of 10833 Re: 2008 XT [jeffmc] by pathtomax

Jul 11, 2007 (12:35 pm)

Replying to: jeffmc (Jul 11, 2007 11:12 am)
Thank you for all of the information! That is very helpful. You are right about calling it a 5-speed- I have been living with my Outback Limted 4EAT for far too long it seems
 
I have researched the dealerships in my general area- between NH and ME and I found only one XT with an Auto transmission. I just have to broaden the search and keep looking as they are stocking up on the 08's right now.
 
Yes, it will be fun to have the gut-wrenching oomphh of a new car. My trusty Outback is great but never going to win at a drag race

#10155 of 10833 Re: 2008 XT [pathtomax] by dbike1

Jul 12, 2007 (9:47 am)

Replying to: pathtomax (Jul 11, 2007 7:16 am)
My buddy bought an XT in the 2005 model year and, although it performs like a rocket, he is a little put out by poor fuel economy (substantially worse than my 05 VDC). YMMV
 
Last week the turbo unit blew up and the car now sits at the dealer waiting for Subaru to find a new replacement (it has been 10 days now and they haven't yet located one). It will be covered under the warranty (barely) ... he still has the option of buying the extended warranty (which I am pretty sure he will get). Call this a lesson learned.
 
I urge you to go into the turbocharger option with your eyes wide open.
 
DB

#10156 of 10833 Re: 2008 XT [dbike1] by luck11

Jul 12, 2007 (10:09 am)

Replying to: dbike1 (Jul 12, 2007 9:47 am)
I have a 05 XT Limited, and I agree fuel economy is not the best, but just like any car, driving habits significanly impact fuel economy. If you drive it hard, it will suck the juice. Comparing you driving your VDC to him driving his XT is like comparing apples to oranges. If either you or him were driving both cars, then I would more inclined to accept your statement.
 
Furthermore, your words "rocket" "blew up turbo" suggest to me that your buddy has a bit of a lead foot (presuming he has owned this car from new), which would certainly influence mileage, and longevity of any car, regardless of turbo or not. My turbo has performed flawlessly for almost 3 yrs now...then again, I don't drive like I'm in a F1 race either.
 
My only gripe about the turbo is a persistent "hesitation" issue upon acceleration. I think this was a symptom of some 05s and 06s. It's never worked itself out for me, even though I understand it has for others.

#10157 of 10833 Re: 2008 XT [dbike1] by lilengineerboy

Jul 12, 2007 (10:38 am)

Replying to: dbike1 (Jul 12, 2007 9:47 am)
Last week the turbo unit blew up and the car now sits at the dealer waiting for Subaru to find a new replacement (it has been 10 days now and they haven't yet located one). It will be covered under the warranty (barely) ... he still has the option of buying the extended warranty (which I am pretty sure he will get). Call this a lesson learned.
 
Wow, for all the modified LGTs and WRXs (and DSMs) in my peer group, that is the first time I have heard of any kind of issue like that with the turbo.

#10158 of 10833 Re: 2008 XT [dbike1] by jeffmc

Jul 12, 2007 (10:55 am)

Replying to: dbike1 (Jul 12, 2007 9:47 am)
Consumer Reports actually lists the turbo models very slightly more reliable than the normally aspirated 4-cylinder Subarus. Like any extra feature, it's another thing that can go wrong, but Subaru's turbos have a great reputation for longevity.
 
Glad it was under warranty for your buddy! Whew! (I'd probably get the extended warranty at that point too, if that happened to me.)

#10159 of 10833 Re: 2008 XT [jeffmc] by pathtomax

Jul 12, 2007 (11:40 am)

Replying to: jeffmc (Jul 12, 2007 10:55 am)
I pretty much live and breathe by what Consumer Reports says and that is why I have stuck to Subaru's and Nissans for my cars. (Toyota's bore me and EVERYONE has a Honda!!)
 
I have seen that the gas mileage is not too good for the XT. Plus, I just read it takes only premium fuel. I currently work from home so right now, the driving will be easy and won't have to get gas too much. I am in sales, so it could be different tomorrow.
 
I guess I would consider the 4 cylinder manual- but are they actually offering that in the Limited or LL Bean edition?

#10160 of 10833 Re: 2008 XT [dbike1] by dbike1

Jul 12, 2007 (12:17 pm)

Replying to: dbike1 (Jul 12, 2007 9:47 am)
A bit of clarification ...
 
The XT is his wife's car, so I think you can rule out any F1 driving techniques. It is a 5EAT so it is (at best) difficult to wind it up. Most of it's miles are on long highway trips in the northwest. I choose to think it is just a random failure, but I am puzzled by the difficulty in finding replacement parts.
 
This reminds me of the turbo failure I had with one of Volvo's early turbo models. I got to replace its TC with no help from the manufacturer. After that experience, a TC was of little interest to me.
 
DB

#10161 of 10833 Re: 2008 XT [jeffmc] by ateixeira

Jul 12, 2007 (1:32 pm)

Replying to: jeffmc (Jul 12, 2007 10:55 am)
They are usually quite reliable, because Subaru really beefed those powertrains up. It's basically a de-tuned STI motor, not a tuned up EJ25 base engine.
 
Think about it - the STI makes 300hp, so that's what the block is designed to handle.

Messages Page 1017 of 1085

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