4th Gen Outback - New Buyer Research

[Sir Sawgrass]

burnedhog - Great post! I bought mine before the sales people had any schooling on it and very few reports out on it in July 09. I bought it more on faith of past products, even if this is a new Outback over the 2009. Had a few things wrong, however everyone is fixed and I have a great Subaru. Subaru is a great company, and they answer all my e-mails too!

Thanks for your work on this post.

Build Date 6/9-

[husky55]

Originally posted by burnedhog




In view of the large majority of great reports plus, the fact that SOA is now replacing or buying back irrepairable shakers, I am proceeding with my order.

The 2011 subies are coming out soon!!! Would it be better for you to wait? I am happy with mine (recently bought) but if I knew the 2011 were coming out so soon I would have waited.

[burnedhog]

I already have a deposit and a VIN# of one coming in. I'm optimistic that, one way or another, I'll get a good one! Just hope I don't have to pull teeth and spend months and multiple trips to the dealer running gauntlet if it develops the shakes!

[scoobydoo2]

Now...those are some really great reads. Lots of info that I didn't have when I purchased my OB...I did my research....but compared to all those...not so much

[burnedhog]

Thanks, just copying/pasting links found with google searches.

There is a lot to like about the 2010 Outback. And Subaru has been steady in its pursuit and implementation of fixes for those inevitable 1st model year glitches.

However, unlike the hesitation and the cold/high altitude start issues that were fixed quickly, the fix for the wheel shake issue has been elusive.

But, recent reports of success by SOA District Service Reps and engineer teams are very encouraging that Subaru is quickly zeroing-in.

And at least Subaru has been replacing and buying back those OB's that have proven that they can't be fixed. That says a lot in my book.

I'm still proceeding with my purchase.

Originally posted by scoobydoo2
Now...those are some really great reads. Lots of info that I didn't have when I purchased my OB...I did my research....but compared to all those...not so much

[Firefly Dad]

Originally posted by berniemason
[..However, I am definitely not a fan of the CVT transmission; especially in combination with an under-powered engine.. Bernie [/B]

After 7K miles on our new CVT Outback, I don't think the 2.5 is underpowered. 100% of driving so far has been essentially at sea level with no hills though. Folks in the high country might have a different experience. The CVT is certainly a different driving experience and will not win a drag race. But, if I had wanted that sort of performance, I would have bought a Magnum SRT/8. I find acceleration to be more than adequate in stop light jump starts. It's just 'different'. I guess that is the Subie quirk for the new OB, the CVT is 'different'.

With that being said, a turbo OB would be a hoot!

We are a multi Subie family:

2010 Outback Premium
2003 Baja
2003 WRX
1999 Outback Limited
1995 Legacy

Previously:
1995 Legacy
1995 SVX (the coolest Subie ever)

[sck]

I have owned one six cylinder, one eight cylinder, and five four cylinder cars and the 2010 OB has equal or better acceleration for all but for two of them (the v-8 Impala and a 4 cylinder Camry). The OB will not pin you to the seat, but I have had no trouble merging onto the Interstate or passing as needed (this in the Atlanta area where folks drive pretty fast). That is my experience. Others may feel more need for speed and would prefer more power for pulling. Different strokes.

[confused]

I have a bmw x3. After hearing all the great comments about the outback - I am seriously thinking of buying one. I have 2 big goldens that I like to cart around and hike with. I live in an area with lots of snow. The 2.5 is appealing due to the gas mileage and environment - but I don't think I will be happy without the 3.6. Sounds like from comments you need the 3.6 to get through snow, up hills, and generally enjoy the subaru more. What do you think? I am deciding this week and really would appreciate any comments or feedback - on #1 - Will I love the subaru after driving the x3 as much as you all do and #2 - should I get the 3.6? HELP!!!

[motobigalow]

I have the 2.5 and have no issues in deep snow or going up hills, I would say the six cylinder is needed when towing hauling lots of heavy cargo, or just want as much power as possible, I have a small(light) 4*8 trailer I hall a couple motocross bikes on, about 700 to 800 lbs total. I can tell it is back there but buy no means kills the car.

Just my opinion I love mine and the gas mileage is worth the trade off for me, plus the initial savings.

[burnedhog]

I live at 7200, we just got about a foot of snow, local schools closed, lost power for most of the day. I need a reliable 4wd to get up my access road and then to get up my driveway. I chose the Outback based on my neighbors' very strong recommendations.

However, as described in this forum, the 2010 OB has 2 potentially serious issues:

1) the Steering wheel shake, thus far with no verified fix, and;
2) Unsupportive SOA and/or dealer to which obliges manyh to pull teeht for months pursuing a fix, a buyback, or, a replacement.

No ones knows for sure what the shaker-to-non-shaker ratio is. Some members here have quoted Service Tech sources that all 2010 Outbacks are affected to one degree or another.

In view of the widescale rebuild of the suspension, engine mounts & brackets, steeering gear and body mounts busings that memers report that SOA engineers are upgrading, it is hard to imagine how any 2010 Outback with the original parts would not be affected, either now, or, when the car settles at higher mileage and the effect of "tolerance stacking" takes effect.

And there are mounting reports of the commencement of the shake at higher mileage.

Thses are not figment sof my imagination because I have a bone to pick wuth anyine. There are reports from owner/forum members in here.

I also want a 2010 Outback, but the abysmal SOA and dealer support of those afflicted with the shaker problem is very discouraging. I'd be mor ewilling to roll the dice if I knew that, in the end, Subaru would take care of me. But many reports in here shoot that down.