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Subaru Outback Roof Rack Comments

42 messages,  Last post on Dec 01, 2010 at 4:58 PM

You are in the Subaru Legacy & Outback Forum.

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

Messages Page 4 of 5

#23 of 42 Re: Rack attack story [ateixeira] by steve_ HOST

Oct 16, 2009 (8:21 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Oct 16, 2009 8:11 am)
Lots of whitewater kayaks and C1s are so short these days, you can put a few of them inside a minivan too.

#24 of 42 Re: Rack attack story [steve_] by ateixeira

Oct 16, 2009 (8:24 am)

Replying to: steve_ (Oct 16, 2009 8:21 am)
Yep, my old college roommate did that when we went boating. Fits easily.

#25 of 42 Re: Rack attack story [26cars] by xwesx

Oct 16, 2009 (9:36 am)

Replying to: 26cars (Oct 15, 2009 6:47 pm)
I ruled out the 2010 Forester X for the very same reason - lack of a roof rail! You can put single-point mounts on there, but you loose the flexibility the rail affords. I ended up with an X Premium. It boggles my mind that any manufacturer would label a vehicle "SUV" and not include a roof rail.

#26 of 42 Re: Rack attack story [ateixeira] by xwesx

Oct 16, 2009 (9:37 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Oct 16, 2009 8:11 am)
Same for my Caravan. About the only time I use it is when I visit the hardware store and pick up long (10'+) lumber or when I go dipnetting every July (I use it to hold the nets).

#27 of 42 Re: Rack attack story [xwesx] by ateixeira

Oct 16, 2009 (9:38 am)

Replying to: xwesx (Oct 16, 2009 9:36 am)
The X is one of those price leaders.
 
It looks awkward - no tinted windows, no roof rails, plastic wheel covers.
 
IMHO Subaru is just trying to get something in at around $20k.
 
Remember that AWD is standard, so every competitor can sell their base model for $1700 or so less.

#28 of 42 Re: Rack attack story [ateixeira] by xwesx

Oct 16, 2009 (9:46 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Oct 16, 2009 9:38 am)
I could live with all of the deletes except the rails. After all, I had never owned a vehicle with factory-tinted windows until now, power seats are somewhat awkward when there is no memory setting and you have two (regular) drivers, and while I love heated mirrors, I could have gone without.
 
I do like the price point, though.

#29 of 42 Re: Rack attack story [xwesx] by ateixeira

Oct 16, 2009 (11:07 am)

Replying to: xwesx (Oct 16, 2009 9:46 am)
Nissan, Honda, and Toyota have similar entry pricing but they're FWD, so they carry a cost advantage.
 
Go back and look at my 1998 Forester L - I swear it was much better equipped. I got roof rails, cargo cover, mud guards, lower cladding all around, rear bumper guard, and styled steel wheels instead of plastic covers.
 
Oh, and a full size spare, too.

#30 of 42 Re: Rack attack story [ateixeira] by xwesx

Oct 16, 2009 (11:45 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Oct 16, 2009 11:07 am)
You're not imagining it. It was better equipped. But, given the rise in costs over the last 12 years, and the not-so-linear rise in cost of vehicles, it is not surprising that manufacturers have de-contented their entry models in order to keep prices down. Most everything else: electricity, fuel, food, building materials, you name it, have at least doubled in that same time frame.
 
Heck, you used to be able to get cross bars, a cargo tray, and a cargo cover all as standard equipment, and I'm sure those are pretty cheap to produce.

#31 of 42 Re: Rack attack story [xwesx] by ateixeira

Oct 16, 2009 (12:22 pm)

Replying to: xwesx (Oct 16, 2009 11:45 am)
Now it's a $400 or so protection package.

#32 of 42 Re: Rack attack story [xwesx] by nes2

Oct 16, 2009 (2:49 pm)

Replying to: xwesx (Oct 16, 2009 11:45 am)
Check this out
http://subaru.eu/Legacy/wallpaper/800/s02c08f06.jpg
 
This the Euro version of the outback - looks cooler to me and you can attach any rack you want. Why did they have to turn the american version into a goose with a lousy rack?
I might have to consider the volvo XC70 - it has a solid rail and can carry 250Ibs- way more than the OB.
Unfortunately its fuel consumption is high and its pricey.

Messages Page 4 of 5

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