To make long story short, my younger brother is shopping around the 30-40k mark for a wagon as the family is getting bigger.Not being much of a carhead like me, his only needs are awd, comfort and versatility. I couldn't help but mention the new Subaru Outback. I had test drove one on saturday and I was simply blown away. That 250hp boxer is a kick in the back,(must be fun as hell in snow) the ride comfort is very good(right there with acura), and the overall look is appealing. I laugh at myself that I have looked at Audi when I was shopping for a station before taking a look at these. If I could get some insight on long term reliability and other stuff I should know about the Outback or Subarus in general.

Thanks in advance.

 

legacy wagon if ur looking at subaru. Used 5 series wagon maybe?

 

Legacy wagons are really nice

 

Just be sure you know this; if need to replace (1) tire that gets damaged and the others are still good, but worn, you still have to replace all (4) or you will do damage to the differential

"Q. Do I need to replace all 4 tires is I have a blow-out?
A. Because full time all-wheel-drive systems read traction from the tires, mis-matched tires are a bad. This means all tires need the same tread pattern and size to within 1/4" circumference?. The same tread pattern means they need to be from the same manufacturer. If you have a on-repairableblow-out and the tires aren't brand new you should replace all 4 unless there's less than 1/4" circumference difference. "

 

My parents had an Outback when I was in high school. Thing was unstoppable in the snow. I used to take it out before the roads were plowed and it was amazing, handled a foot of snow with no problems. My grandmother had one too, just got rid of it after 165,000 miles. Very few problems...I think she bought a new one to replace it.

 

Ex co-worker of mine had a LLbean edition outback (flat 6, etc) and he put close to 150K on it with only having to deal with brakes and tires. His wife got custody of it as part of the divorce

 

+1 legacy wagon

 

If your brother is searching for his inner lesbian, go for it.

Seriously, you can't really beat an Outback at what it was made for. Its a great wagon that performs all day.

 

I inherited a Forester from my dad and it was great. The gas mileage was decent, it had enough merging power. The ride was decent too. The handling was great. I actually was in possession of the vehicle during our last big blizzard (Baltimore) and it RARELY gets stuck. The only time I had issues in in-climate weather was when the car bottomed out due to its low ride height.

Just carry a shovel in the back like I did and you'll be fine.

 

AWD Toyota Sienna. We have the FWD XLE and it drives just like a car.

 

Exactly what I was going to post. They seem to be very popular with the Lesbian demographic.

 

for '08 there are no more legacy wagons. only outback wagons available now.

 

we have an 05 outback with about 10k on it. zero problems good car.

 

the OBXT actually adds a little fun in the mix though.

 

...

 

any thoughts on a v70R?

 

although it doesn't hurt to dream...Forester STi



otherwise, i'd go with the legacy gt wagon (although the pic below is the sti version...)

 

damn

 

I'd prefer the legacy wagon over the outback simply for its looks. Besides that, i think the legacy has a lower cg too. The 2.5L turbo engine has a lot of potential for mods. The Legacy was also car of the year in Japan when it was first introduced.

 

LL Bean Outback. I actually wanted one bag about 5-6 years ago, but at that time, they were selling for $25k. Wound up with an Accord for $18k. Still like the Outback big time. Geez, that is an amazing fact as far as the tires are concerned.

 

My buddy put 170k on an older Legacy Outback as a courier (over two years or so). The new ones are much nicer but I don't think he'd have much to worry about.

 

Thanks guys for your answers. The Sienna is a good vehicle but he refuses to drive a minivansince he only has two kids. The Legacy wagon was my first choice as well, but he seemed to show more interest in the Outback, since it had higher ground clearance without being an SUV.

Never knew the Outback was popular among lesbians. I won't mention that because he seems to be decided.If I do his macho mode will kick in

 

My folks bought an Outback wagon, they're very happy with it.

 

I purchased my sti and in 1 yr I put 44k on it with zero issues whatsoever. I have tracked the car 19 times between limerock, vir and watkins (glen) and it eats it up. I dont really abuse the car on a dd basis, but its seen its fair share at the track. I would recommend a subaru to anyone its the only car that i have ever owned with zero issues.

 

They do have a Sports 2.5 XT now...

I've always liked the forester, but then again, I do like the box on wheels look.

 

^

they have the same specs?

i stand corrected. i didn't know that.

 

nokiaman,

assuming your brother is also in canada, if you haven't already, you two may want to consider importing a subaru.

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/s...d.php?t=307601