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2013 Subaru Outback

214 messages,  Last post on May 23, 2013 at 1:15 PM

You are in the Subaru Legacy & Outback Forum.

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

    

Messages Page 5 of 22

#35 of 214 Pricing and power by stickguy

Jun 30, 2012 (6:30 pm)

Drove a 2013 legacy last night (2.5i). It actually seemed pretty quick to me. Hard to imagine it not being enough motor to get the job done. And definitely better MPG to go along with it.
 
also, Subaru has pricing up for the 2013 now (on the build your own). I specced one out identical to a 2012 on Edmunds (a 2.5i limited with moonroof) and MSRP was only up by $290. A definite bargain considering the upgrades they added.

#36 of 214 books are out by stickguy

Jul 02, 2012 (2:42 pm)

the 2013 brochure is out too (looks like they beat the cars this year). one thing I noticed is they list the special appearance package in the brochure (gray trim, saddle leather, and seat memory mostly), but it is not listed on the build your own page, so that may be late availability.

#37 of 214 Re: Pricing and power [stickguy] by vrm

Jul 04, 2012 (11:14 am)

Replying to: stickguy (Jun 30, 2012 6:30 pm)
A definite bargain considering the upgrades they added.
 
I am not sure which "upgrades" you are referring to.
 
The only two changes in the 2013 are the revised roof rack with integrated cross bars and a different engine.
 
You have to pay for all other options and/or upgrades.

#38 of 214 Re: Pricing and power [vrm] by stickguy

Jul 04, 2012 (11:23 am)

Replying to: vrm (Jul 04, 2012 11:14 am)
new engine and transmission upgrade (better performance, drive-ability, long term durability and maintenance requirement and MPG), the cross bars, rear seat air vents I remember. Plus new electro gauges on the premium model that I priced. And I think there were a few other minor tweaks.
 
so overall, for less than $300 (plus being a model year newer) it was a good bargain for what you get, especially if you plan to keep it for a long time (and don't want to worry about head gaskets or timing belts).

#39 of 214 Drove a 2nd 2013 Outback by rsholland

Jul 07, 2012 (7:57 pm)

Drove one about a week ago, a 2.5 Premium CVT. Was pretty impressed, as the car seemed a bit quicker than the '12 model; and it seemed to handle a bit better too, although I didn't get to drive it on any challenging roads. Bottom line is that I came away impressed.
 
Today I went to another dealer to drive another, as I always like to follow up with a second road test to confirm my initial impressions, and to hopefully garner some more insight into the vehicle.
 
Well today I was not disappointed, as the model I drove was a Limited CVT with the new and updated navigation—and the all-new optional Eyesight! Not only that I got to drive it on some fun country roads, as was able to check out the revised suspension.
 
Comments:
 
• The suspension is a big improvement over the '12 model. The car felt really taut on the curvy country roads. Subaru has claimed that it has reduced body roll by 40 percent. I believe it. The car felt much more "Euro-like" on the country back roads. As good as this felt, I'm sure the Legacy is even better. A big thumbs up here.
 
• As with the earlier version I drove, the '13 Outback with this new FB25 engine felt quicker than earlier models. Even the salesman who was with me commented on that, as this was the first time he had been in the '13 model. He also commented that the CVT whine, found on earlier models, was absent in this car. My only wish is that engine had direct injection with ~ 190 or so horsepower, as 173 hp is merely average in this segment. Having said that, there is definitely more low- and mid-range power than before, and that's where most people spend their time anyway. So again, a solid thumbs up here.
 
• The navigation also seems to have been improved. The salesman commented on the graphics being better than before. It also uses an SD card for easy map upgrades. We played with it a bit, but really can't compare it to the older version, as I'm not that familiar with it. I can say what I saw here was fine, and can only assume it's better than what they previously offered. A rear-view camera is part of the package, and that worked fine—and is almost worth the price in itself. For those who tow (me!), a rear-view camera is really helpful in lining up the trailer hitch with the trailer.
 
• As to the Eyesight, I had mixed feelings. It warns you should happen to wander out of your lane, which is good. However any time you change lanes intentionally, it also warns you with a buzzer. After a while I think that buzzer might drive you nuts. So I'm not so sure I like that aspect.
 
Now the adaptive cruise control (part of Eyesight) I love! You have three choices of how much distance you want between you and the car in front. You also get a graphic on the instrument cluster showing what distance of separation that you have selected. I like that. When you come upon a slower car in front, you are alerted by a quick buzz and a graphic of the rear of a car appears next to the cruise indicator on the dash. The car also slows to the speed of the vehicle in front. You don't have to do anything. It's really neat. Should the car in front speed up and pull away, the graphic on the instrument cluster disappears along with a buzz to let the driver know that the vehicle in front is no longer within the CC range. Also neat is the actual mph that the CC is set at is displayed. In my case, it was 60 mph.
 
The downside to Eyesight is that you have to get navigation and the moonroof. Those who don't want those features are out of luck.
 
This vehicle also had the optional rear seat back rubber protectors, which work in conjunction with the rear rubber cargo floor area protector. This is the first time I've seen these. They've been offered in other markets before, but never here. The seat back protectors appear to be permanently attached to the seats, which may (or may not) be a problem?
 
The MSRP for this vehicle was a bit over $35K. Yeah, that's a lot for a 4-cylinder car.
 
Bob

#40 of 214 Re: Drove a 2nd 2013 Outback [rsholland] by stickguy

Jul 07, 2012 (8:19 pm)

Replying to: rsholland (Jul 07, 2012 7:57 pm)
Showed this to my wife, since the OB is on her short list. I drove the legacy, but we have not yet seen a 2013 OB. Might have to go searching next week.
 
She liked the adaptive cruise, not that we would ever get much use out of it, since I hardly ever use cruise, and am paranoid anyway so I drive with my foot hovering over the brake. And she rarely drives on longer highway stints (that is my job!)
 
Also, you get the rear view camera on the limited with the moonroof package, even without the navigation, it just has it in the rear view mirror instead of the display screen.

#41 of 214 Re: Drove a 2nd 2013 Outback [stickguy] by dcm61

Jul 07, 2012 (9:58 pm)

Replying to: stickguy (Jul 07, 2012 8:19 pm)
Also, you get the rear view camera on the limited with the moonroof package, even without the navigation, it just has it in the rear view mirror instead of the display screen.
 
Rear view camera is also standard on Premium w/ moonroof (since MY2011).

#42 of 214 2013 or 2012? by godeacs

Jul 09, 2012 (10:18 am)

Been considering the Outback for sometime (among another SUVs) but have been hesitant due to all the talk about the steering issues the past 2 years. So now it comes down to this: should I jump for a 2012 at over $2k off sticker or go for a 2013 with improved mileage, steering, ride, etc? Salesman said I could get the 2013 for about $1K off sticker. BTW, looking at either the 4 cylinder 2.5i or premium.

#43 of 214 Re: 2013 or 2012? [godeacs] by stickguy

Jul 09, 2012 (10:30 am)

Replying to: godeacs (Jul 09, 2012 10:18 am)
for that minimal of a difference, 100% go with the 2013. Just getting 1 model year newer, even if there were no changes, would be worth that much.

#44 of 214 2013 vs 2012? by godeacs

Jul 09, 2012 (3:37 pm)

Thanks for the input - I agree. Only thing about the 2012 is I can get one now with the sky blue exterior which I love; they have done away with it for 2013. I know, I know....I bought a house once mainly because I loved the blue carpet.... The new Twilight Blue for 2013 looks pretty sweet though... May have to wait a bit but that's no bid deal.

Messages Page 5 of 22

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