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2013 Subaru Outback

218 messages,  Last post on Jun 18, 2013 at 7:05 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

#39 of 218 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 218 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 218 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 218 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 218 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 218 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.

#45 of 218 Oil Change and Other by albert72

Jul 13, 2012 (4:35 am)

Does anyone know what the frequency of required oil changes for the 2013 Outback will be? A couple of years ago I was looking at one and the owners manual indicated oil changes every 3000 miles and today, most engines require changes every 7500 - 10000. Given the 2013 has a new engine, I would be interested to know what the new service intervals are.
 
Also - the CVT transmission - the vibration that seems to be so common during deceleration - is that just the way this transmission is or is there a design / engineering flaw that randomly surfaces in Outbacks and you basically have to get lucky to get a vehicle that does not have vibration.
 
The steering issue - any thoughts or knowledge of the new 2013 model has addressed this?
 
Lastly, has anyone purchased a 2013 with the new 2.5 L engine and if so, is there a noticeable difference between the power / acceleration of the new model it's predecessor?
 
Thanks,

#46 of 218 Re: Oil Change and Other [albert72] by rsholland

Jul 13, 2012 (10:26 am)

Replying to: albert72 (Jul 13, 2012 4:35 am)
I think the first oil change is at 3K, then every 7,500 miles.
 
I drove 2 new '13 CVT Outbacks, and didn't notice any CVT vibration. The '13 model has an updated CVT. As to power, yes, more low- and mid-range power—where it counts!
 
No steering issues. Suspension has also been updated. 40% less body roll. Feels very Euro-like.
 
Bob

#47 of 218 2013 2.5i Limited Purchase by lynnvin

Jul 14, 2012 (12:04 pm)

I just purchased this 2013 OB Limited. Was initially going to purchase a 2012 but after reading about the steering issues decided to go with the 2013. I traded in my 2004 Mazda 6 Sportswagon that had 103,000 miles.
I got the model with the Moonroof, Nav, and the Isight System - MSRP was $34,790 - I paid $31,910 before my trade.
I only have about 100 miles on the car but I have to say the car rides great and the build quality is very, very good. I chose the 4 cylinder for better gas mileage. Looking forward to keeping this car for many, many years.

#48 of 218 Re: 2013 2.5i Limited Purchase [lynnvin] by carteach

Jul 18, 2012 (5:21 pm)

Replying to: lynnvin (Jul 14, 2012 12:04 pm)
You said you paid $31900 before your trade. Is that the price you agreed on before the sales person knew you had a trade? If not, did you get a fair price for your trade?

Messages Page 5 of 22

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