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All-New 2010 Legacy/Outback

1296 messages,  Last post on Sep 21, 2012 at 8:25 AM

You are in the Subaru Legacy & Outback Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback, Subaru Forester, Car Buying, Car Comparisons, Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 36 of 130

#347 of 1296 2010 Outback 3.6R... anyone driving one? by ssminton

Aug 30, 2009 (6:02 pm)

I am considering the purchase of another Outback. I owned a 2005 3.0R VDC for several years but went back to a SUV in 2007. Although I loved the driving experience of the OB, I was having trouble fitting adults in the back seat of my 2005.
 
I test drove both engine models over the weekend. Having primarily driven luxury SUV's in recent years, my gas pedal foot and ears could not tolerate the CVT... as much as I wanted it to work for me! Although it more power than previous models, the engine growl was awful... I don't remember that in the older models? Thus, my hopes of some gas saving are foiled as the only model I could handle with my much highway driving is the 3.6R. My first impressions driving the car was that it was spacious but not nearly as "fun" to drive as my 2005 3.0R VDC. It felt very utilitarian, like the Tribeca I had experienced before making the decision to move away from Subaru for my last SUV purchase.
 
I still have a place in my heart for a new Subie, but other than the relative "value" equation compared to luxury sport wagons, I am having trouble making the decision. Back in 2004, I found the 2005 3.0R VDC to outperform luxury wagons like the A4, 3-series, and Volvo. Now, they are not even in the same class of performance... perhaps due to the larger, higher body of the Subaru and significant refinements in the luxury classes. So back in 2005, it was an easy decision... save $10-15K and buy the Subaru. Now the cost difference between the Subaru and other luxury sportwagons has closed < $10K. The luxury wagens, with their efficient turbos also have phenomenal gas mileage, compared to the Subaru . Thus here are my questions for you Subaru enthusiests out there... 1. Am I crazy, or does the new 3.6R not drive as well as the older 3.0R? 2. Any ideas on real-world gas mileage for the new 3.6R? My 2005 3.0R VDC got about the same mileage as my current 2007 Acura MDX... 19 in town and mid-20's on the highway... any improvement with the 2010 3.6R? 3. Resale values... one of the reasons that I went back to the Acura MDX was a less than stellar resale value of my 2005 3.0R VDC, compared to the basic OB models. With an even greater price range in the 2010 Outback line... this situation may now be even worse not better? 4. With the 4-cyl not an option for me... any word on a a diesel or turbo 4 for the OB linup? 5. Tell me why I should buy an outback and not a Audi A4 Avant or Volvo V50 T5, if I am going to downsize from my SUV, with the interest of bringing back driving enthusiasm and better gas mileage? Thanks!

#348 of 1296 2010 Outback Navigation System by ssminton

Aug 30, 2009 (6:11 pm)

The industry appears to have taken a step back in the past few years... I sense fewer, not more, vehicles with factory Navigation available today. This is opposite from the trends elsewhere in the world. You cannot buy a Ford Focus or Opel Astra in Europe without even the most basic navigation system. As someone who has experienced both portable (with my 2005 Subaru and today during travel) as well as factory installed (2007 Acura MDX)... factory installed wins hands down. The ease of use and availability of traffic and weather data make it the best and safest option.
 
So here's my question... is it true that you cannot adjust the Subaru Navigation System while driving? This was told to me by my Subaru dealer as he explained why they order zero vehicles with factory Navigation... this can't really be true? Perhaps in older models, but I have to believe that Subaru has changed this for 2010? Does anyone know? If this is still the case, then a new Subie is a no-go for me.
 
Thanks!

#349 of 1296 Re: 2010 Outback Navigation System [ssminton] by surrfurtom

Aug 30, 2009 (6:58 pm)

Replying to: ssminton (Aug 30, 2009 6:11 pm)
I've had navi for years both as built in an stand alone and agree it should be standard eqpt. It is a huge help in traveling and a safety improvement.
 
I have a Cadillac with built in nav and it requires the car to be stopped before you can do a search for POIs or request a route change or many of the other functions. It is a CYA thing that Lexus and other manufacturers do also to keep the interaction to a minimum when the car is moving. Yes it is a PITA especially when you have a co-pilot.
 
For that reason I prefer my Magellan stand alone and my Verizon cell phone navigation over my built in car navigation. My Verizon cell phone costs $10 a month and it provides lots of dynamic info on gas prices, traffic, movies, etc and has automatic updates. It is a good deal. The only disadvantage that I can see is that it requires a cell phone signal and that can be an occasional problem and also the map function is less detailed. The Magellan works well but you need to buy updates that could cost close to $10 a month if amortized plus cost of unit.
 
The factory units usually cost $2k but include a helpful back up camera. Good luck on your decision.

#350 of 1296 Re: 2010 Outback Navigation System [surrfurtom] by ssminton

Aug 30, 2009 (8:12 pm)

Replying to: surrfurtom (Aug 30, 2009 6:58 pm)
I am surprised to hear about this "disabled" function in some factory installed navigation systems. I change my route all the time while driving, especially when I'm hungry for something particular or traffic changes.
 
I still prefer to find a factory navigation system with voice command capability... I think it is just a matter of time before many of the portable devices and/or interaction with them are banned.
 
I will be sure to test any navigation system for such limitations you describe... perhaps I should keep the Acura!
 
Thanks for your insights...

#351 of 1296 Re: 2010 Outback 3.6R... anyone driving one? [ssminton] by saedave

Aug 31, 2009 (6:36 am)

Replying to: ssminton (Aug 30, 2009 6:02 pm)
I recently drove the 3.6R Outback, comparing it to my 2005 3.0R with only 19,000 miles. They are very different cars:
 
The positives for the 3.6R are much better tip-in throttle response and an isolated very comfortable ride over pot-holed roads.
 
The negative is a ponderousness with practically no road feel through the steering...and a significantly larger turning circle.
 
I drove the 2010 Forester at the same dealer and found it to be very capable and with the same ride as my 2005 3.0R and with the same interior passenger room as the Outback 3.6R. I noted the smaller cargo area.

#352 of 1296 Re: 2010 Outback 3.6R... anyone driving one? [saedave] by ssminton

Aug 31, 2009 (10:29 am)

Replying to: saedave (Aug 31, 2009 6:36 am)
Thanks for the feedback... I agree with your driving assessment of the 2010 3.6R. It is a nice car and a decent value but a bit vanilla in the drive experience. I remember being excited about the way my 2005 3.0R drove after a test drive. When you speak of the Forester, are you referring to the Turbo model?

#353 of 1296 Re: 2010 Outback 3.6R... anyone driving one? [ssminton] by saedave

Aug 31, 2009 (11:59 am)

Replying to: ssminton (Aug 31, 2009 10:29 am)
When you speak of the Forester, are you referring to the Turbo model?
 
No, I drove the normally aspirated model and found its around-town performance not too different from my 2005 3.0R. There was adequate off-the-line accelleration. The turbo would have been faster of course,
 
The ride also was much the same as the 3.0R with good center feel. The interior appearance was as good as my 3.0R, but some materials were not as good quality..mouse fur headliner, minimal thickness carpet. The leather seating seemed similar The huge increase in interior room certainly makes back seat passengers more comfortable. Lack of protective side cladding makes parking dents more probable.
 
If I needed to replace the 3.0R right now the Forester with leather would be my choice. I'm not sure I would want the turbo. Having driven the OB 2.5 l w/CVT, I can't imagine tolerating the noise.

#354 of 1296 Re: 2010 Outback 3.6R... anyone driving one? [ssminton] by ateixeira

Aug 31, 2009 (1:55 pm)

Replying to: ssminton (Aug 31, 2009 10:29 am)
If you didn't like the CVT, go ahead and sample the Forester XT. The automatic is criticized for having only 4 ratios but it is very responsive. Try it, it's better in real life than it is on paper.
 
Portable Nav systems now take voice commands. They're high end, but still cost a quarter to a third of what built-in systems cost. Map updates cost $65 from Garmin vs. $230 from Subaru. And new 5" screens have arrived, too.
 
I'm sure someone (peaty?) will find an override for the lock-out while in motion.

#355 of 1296 Where are the 3.6R Premiums? by curve

Sep 01, 2009 (10:56 am)

After 1-2 months or researching small/midsize CUV/SUVs: RAV4 (V6 a great overall car) , CRV (no power), Tiguan (best looking but smallest trunk, reliable?, too expensive), etc and wagons (Outback, Volvo V50 (small trunk), XC70 (interior is an acquired taste, depreciation bad), A5 Avant (too expensive for what it is, small trunk, reliability?), VW Jetta/Passat wagons (worst reliability brand), it came pretty clear that the Outback is the overall best choice for me. I never owned a Subbie before, I’m one of those Honda drivers that Subaru was hoping to capture with the new Outback. It’s clear that loyal Subbies are upset about the new look and height but it really works for me.
 
I need to trade my (awesome) ’05 TSX w/NAV for practicality now that I have a 5 month old infant. Honda just came out with the Cross Tour today but it is just another Venza (at first looked like the perfect vehicle-sedan like drive but taller, 4 door hatch, etc but reviews show it is the worst of all worlds (heavy, somewhat cheap interior, and those 20” tires? Not comfortable and $$)
 
My questions are the following:
 
1) I live in Mass. The dealer inventories show tons of 2.5 basic and Premiums but just a trickle of 3.6R…ALL Limited! Why is it impossible to find 3.6 Premiums?
 
2) In any case there are next to none 3.6R Limited with NAV. I read here that dealers don’t want them because it does not interact while driving? That is a problem.
 
3) I’m thinking of getting the V6 Premium and a portable NAV. The Limited (+$2k) does nothing for me unless it comes with the NAV.
 
4) Why does Subaru force us to get Limited and sunroof before getting NAV? It’s like they know most Subbies are frugal so let’s hose the ones with some $ for NAV!
 
Thanks-

#356 of 1296 Re: Where are the 3.6R Premiums? [curve] by ssminton

Sep 01, 2009 (12:25 pm)

Replying to: curve (Sep 01, 2009 10:56 am)
I hear you on the Nav! As a high-mileage driver, I have found it most economical to switch cars every few years. I believe that factory installed Navigation was actually more widely available back in early 2007 than it is today. I am also driving an Acura, a 2007 MDX Sport. I love the Nav system and especially the integrated traffic. Subaru is really behind on the technology. Even my Nissan Altima rental last week had hands-free keyless entry. I really want to go back to Subaru (I owned a 2005 3.0R Outback before the MDX, a MDX before that), but the Nav situation and a high depreciation rate in early years for the higher equipped Subaru models worries me. My alternate choices are the Volvo V50 R Design or the Audi A4 Avant. If I wasn't worried about gas going back to $5/ gallon, I would just stick with the MDX as I love it!

Messages Page 36 of 130

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