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Subaru Legacy/Outback 2005+

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

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




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Messages Page 399 of 1084

#3978 of 10833 2005 Legacy GT Wagon - Test drive by loveautosman

Sep 10, 2004 (6:16 pm)

I took my $25 test drive invitation to the dealer this evening to check out the new 2005. Interestingly enough, the dealer hadn't seen one of these forms yet. Guess folks don't want to put up with the potential dealer hassle to drive the 2005 for $25.
My background: I have always owned a Subaru. A 1983 Subaru Wagon was my first car my dad bought for me when I was in High School. I had models, or had close family members with models, in each of these years, 2-84's,86,87,90,91,95,96,03. Most of them are now gone from my family except the 95 and the 03. Everyone moved on to either a SUV or minivan as they needed something bigger for families. I have always loved them and don't think you can beat their reliability. "Inexpensive and built to stay that way".
Anyway, back to the 2005. This was the first time I have ever driven a new car, much less a Subaru, and walked away without the feeling of "I have to have it". At $31k, it was pricey. There were a lot of luxury touches over my 2003, but, I didn't see $8k worth. After driving the 2005, I understand the "why would Subaru try to go luxury" debate that is raging in the automotive press.
There were several issues that I noticed need to be addressed. I was really amazed at the road noise and wind noise. There seemed to be no improvement in this area over the previous generation. Approaching 65+mph I noticed a high pitch squeal from the roof area. I could only figure it was from the sunroof or the large luggage rack cross bars. The squeal was so loud I hit the brakes in shock thinking it was either some type of alarm or something had broke.
I also noticed that the side mirrors whistled in the wind. You could only hear this if you rolled the windows down and was going faster than 45mph. The whistling stopped if you pulled the mirror slightly towards you as you drove. This could be easily solved with some cushioned tape (as Nissan did with the same problem on the Quest).
There was also a driveline shudder when going up a long steady steeping incline at 60mph while the transmission was still in 5th. That was annoying. I know that this is the GT, and it is supposed to be sporty, but, the ride is horrible. I felt like I was riding in a Corvette or Camaro. It was a very stiff ride with lots of feedback.
Now the plus side of my test drive. Boy is this a fast car! With the automatic, it was a joy just to watch the automatic keep the engine in its peak power band! Step on the gas from a stop light and you quickly forget the petty, meddling issues.
The leather seats look really nice, are firm and supportive, but, seem like saddle leather in that they are very stiff and hard, not soft and supple. The dash is very nice and laid out very good. Everything was easy to use, see, and understand. The carpet and floor mats seems of a greater quality and seemed thick and luxurious. The tailgate and hood was also much lighter and easier to use, thanks to their aluminum construction.
I'm glad to see that Subaru has managed to get rid of the funny tractor sounding engine, common to the boxer, and the air sucking noise the 2000-2004 made.
The overhead sunroof is a huge improvement of the previous model, much easier to use and a large overall opening. The two piece sunroof unit of my 2003 is a hassle to use.
The wheels and tires are awesome. I was shocked to see a 45 series tire on a Subaru! However, I'm sure that's part of the stiff ride issue. The chrome skid pates and chrome trim in the cargo area was a nice touch as well as the door sill plates.
Subaru has made a big improvement, but, they have quite a way to go before I would feel comfortable dropping $31k for one. I didn't drive the Outback, which is similarly priced. Maybe that model would be more luxurious warranting $30k+.
 
Mark
2003 Legacy Wagon L
2004 Nissan Quest SE

#3979 of 10833 Re: engine stutter [djo1] by dmagoon

Sep 10, 2004 (7:51 pm)

Replying to: djo1 (Sep 06, 2004 11:09 am)
Dave, Pete,
 
The service manager at my local Subaru dealer was able to duplicate the problem with one of his cars. He has calls into his SOA contacts. Keep your fingers crossed. I, too, agree with others who really like the GT. This is a small but annoying blemish on an otherwise fine automobile.
 
DM

#3980 of 10833 Re: 2005 Legacy GT Wagon - Test drive [loveautosman] by goneskiian

Sep 10, 2004 (10:41 pm)

Replying to: loveautosman (Sep 10, 2004 6:16 pm)
Mark,
Glad you enjoyed your test drive.
 
FYI, you wouldn't have to pay $31K. They're already starting to go for invoice in most places which is more like $29K. Of course that's still a lot of money especially if you aren't totally WOWED by the car.
 
OR you could take that $25 and join the IMBA or other association that has a VIP program set up with Subaru and guarantee yourself invoice pricing.
 
Cheers!
-Ian

#3981 of 10833 Re: engine stutter [dmagoon] by djo1

Sep 10, 2004 (11:34 pm)

Replying to: dmagoon (Sep 10, 2004 7:51 pm)
DM,
 
Thanks, keep me posted. Here or by email would be great, djowensu.washington.edu. Still having fun with the car and can't wait for the break-in period to done.
 
Dave

#3982 of 10833 What is the best radar detector? by saywhat

Sep 11, 2004 (11:06 am)

Beltronics with the voice and PoP, Escort, Valantine? Which one do you pick?

#3983 of 10833 Re: What is the best radar detector? [saywhat] by rsholland

Sep 11, 2004 (11:31 am)

Replying to: saywhat (Sep 11, 2004 11:06 am)
I have a Valentine One, because it tells you (with arrows) what direction the radar is coming from; front, rear or side. None of the others have that capability.
 
Bob

#3984 of 10833 2005 Subaru Outback Wagon i Limited by new2

Sep 11, 2004 (5:21 pm)

O.k., I'm new to this site, but thought it would be helpful to ask you all if anyone has bought the 2005 Outback Wagon i Limited. Just test drove one and loved it. I've been a SUV owner for years (jeep grand cherokee, chevy blazer s-10)and am seriously considering the outback wagon. Anyone buy one yet? Any problems with it? The dealer quoted me $26,955 which of course I'm going to try to talk down. Does this seem on par? Any info. is helpful.

#3985 of 10833 Re: 2005 Subaru Outback Wagon i Limited [new2] by c_hunter

Sep 11, 2004 (6:09 pm)

Replying to: new2 (Sep 11, 2004 5:21 pm)
I have an XT-Ltd and it's been awesome so far (and it's my 4th Subaru). We have a couple 2.5i owners here, Karen is one -- maybe she can chime in with comments. Her web page is here, and it has all sorts of useful info about the Outback:
 
http://members.cox.net/kamartin/2005outbackreviews.html
 
You should be shooting for invoice price or very close to it. That's the going rate these days. I paid invoice on my XT in mid-July.
 
I don't think there have been any major problems yet, in fact I haven't heard of any real minor ones either, outside the normal nitpicks every owner has. So I highly recommend the car.
 
I see from your profile you're up in CT -- my folks live up there and have a 2000 Outback (my old car actually). It's been great for the winter weather up there.
 
Craig

#3986 of 10833 Re: 2005 Subaru Outback Wagon i Limited [c_hunter] by new2

Sep 11, 2004 (7:06 pm)

Replying to: c_hunter (Sep 11, 2004 6:09 pm)
Craig,
Thanks for the info. I'll check out the link you provided for Karen. Glad to hear the Subaru is good in the winter, I often head to VT for skiing. Thanks again!

#3987 of 10833 Re: maintenance coupon [aveski] by nvsubi

Sep 12, 2004 (7:49 am)

Replying to: aveski (Sep 07, 2004 12:13 pm)
Hi!
 
I have been out of town so missed your post until now. I doubt you have your coupon but if so I bought a Legacy a couple of months ago and would love to have a coupon - my e-mail address is Ted03Basbcglobal.net
 
Thanks!!

Messages Page 399 of 1084

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