2013 Outback-things that annoy me

[SRC]

We needed a 4 wheel/all wheel drive vehicle. We picked the Outback (just about everyone in my family ones or has owned one and the recommendations went on and on). We purchased a 2013 model with SAP (had to have memory seats). Even with all of great comments from friends and family, I am ambivalent on the choice. That I had to give up my beloved Passat TDI for this car (my wife wouldn't part with her car and I lost the coin toss) has only amplified the things that annoy me.

1) On a SAP model I still have to hit a button to unlock the passenger doors or I have to open the passenger side and walk around to get into the driver's seat. This sucks. (I know that Subaru can reprogram the system but that means I have them fix this for $$.
2) No auto lock. Even with keyless entry, I have to manually lock the doors, even our old and really cheap minivan will auto lock.
3) No auto unlock, so after I have manually locked the doors (this sucks), I now have to manually unlock the doors to get out (this sucks more).

Keyless entry is pretty useless in the way lock management is implemented. Unless you absolutely need the memory seats, don't bother with SAP.

4) I cannot get a crate the fits my dog in the back (I knew this when I bought the car but it still sucks). I can use the pet barrier but with a crate, I can dedicate space to the dog and space to carry other stuff. I will have to build something (I guess I can see this as opportunity).
5) The NAV, the clunky interface I can live with but in 2012, a NAV should let you know if you are exceeding the speed limit (my $120 Garmin does this but the $1000 does not so I ignore the Subaru NAV and use the Garmin).
6) Radio controls. Too much reliance on the touch screen. This creates a driver distraction issue. I realize that there are controls on the wheel but the controls are limited.
7) Fit and finish issues. My car is a SAP, it is supposed to be a Special Appearance model but minor fit issues detract.
8) Electric parking brake. Who thought this up?
9) NAV based satellite clock. I like to run my clock a little fast but I can't.

My wife loves the Outback (but I don't love her car) so in a few years (like 5 or 6) when I can afford another vehicle, she will get the Outback. I am already potting my plan to acquire another diesel.

[mikelipke]

Add no compass if you have a Sunroof.

[G-Omaha]

Originally Posted by SRC

We needed a 4 wheel/all wheel drive vehicle. We picked the Outback (just about everyone in my family ones or has owned one and the recommendations went on and on). We purchased a 2013 model with SAP (had to have memory seats). Even with all of great comments from friends and family, I am ambivalent on the choice. That I had to give up my beloved Passat TDI for this car (my wife wouldn't part with her car and I lost the coin toss) has only amplified the things that annoy me.

1) On a SAP model I still have to hit a button to unlock the passenger doors or I have to open the passenger side and walk around to get into the driver's seat. This sucks. (I know that Subaru can reprogram the system but that means I have them fix this for $$.
2) No auto lock. Even with keyless entry, I have to manually lock the doors, even our old and really cheap minivan will auto lock.
3) No auto unlock, so after I have manually locked the doors (this sucks), I now have to manually unlock the doors to get out (this sucks more).

Keyless entry is pretty useless in the way lock management is implemented. Unless you absolutely need the memory seats, don't bother with SAP.

4) I cannot get a crate the fits my dog in the back (I knew this when I bought the car but it still sucks). I can use the pet barrier but with a crate, I can dedicate space to the dog and space to carry other stuff. I will have to build something (I guess I can see this as opportunity).
5) The NAV, the clunky interface I can live with but in 2012, a NAV should let you know if you are exceeding the speed limit (my $120 Garmin does this but the $1000 does not so I ignore the Subaru NAV and use the Garmin).
6) Radio controls. Too much reliance on the touch screen. This creates a driver distraction issue. I realize that there are controls on the wheel but the controls are limited.
7) Fit and finish issues. My car is a SAP, it is supposed to be a Special Appearance model but minor fit issues detract.
8) Electric parking brake. Who thought this up?
9) NAV based satellite clock. I like to run my clock a little fast but I can't.

My wife loves the Outback (but I don't love her car) so in a few years (like 5 or 6) when I can afford another vehicle, she will get the Outback. I am already potting my plan to acquire another diesel.

General comment: Why in the world did you pick this car - did you look it over before the purchase? Do you know how the "entry system" works? Apparently not. I don't use the FOB unless, I want to remotely start the car (remote is an accessory). Now having said that, I generally agree with your point #6.

[G-Omaha]

Originally Posted by mikelipke

Add no compass if you have a Sunroof.

That is a pain - my wife also hates that it doesn't have one even though the information is available on the NAV unit we have.

[Sequoia225]

Something tells me I am going to stick with my Garmin after I buy my OB SAP.
I was kind of expecting this to be the case though.
Factory stereo systems are NEVER as good as the after market ones (even the name brand tie ins) and I expected no better with a NAV system.

I actually really like the feature on my Garmin that tells when I am over the speed limit.


Now to figure out where I will mount it and power it.

[JCBERB]

I think some of the issues you will eventually become accustomed to, it is just a matter of acclimating to your new purchase. There are some things that I do agree with you on; points 1-3, and 6-8. My last car had these features, and one takes them for granted until they are gone (at least I did). For the price point of the vehicle one would expect these features to be standard. I really wish the SAP model had slightly better interior quality, still seems like a hard plastic jungle in there. Over all I still really like my OB. And in time perhaps you will really learn to love your OB as well. Or at least learn to live with it until your next purchase.

[pgh]

This is a great car with high value if you do exceed 30k. More like 25k.

[foxrider68]

I'd love to see the millions of eyes rolling for people that have to work on their cars to keep them running and how they feel about someone with a brand new car this whiny. While your complaints are valid I feel no sympathy as you could have bought something else and you're just pouting cause you miss your diesel. You should have kept that car and bought a 3rd rig used with 4x4/awd. No one forced you to buy a new car.

[mikelipke]

I don't think anyone is looking for sympathy.
They are just saying what they don't like. Subaru can listen, or not.
Make a great car even better, or not.
Maybe you would like someone should start a forum that only allows praise and love letters.

[fatabbot]

Originally Posted by foxrider68

I'd love to see the millions of eyes rolling for people that have to work on their cars to keep them running and how they feel about someone with a brand new car this whiny. While your complaints are valid I feel no sympathy as you could have bought something else and you're just pouting cause you miss your diesel. You should have kept that car and bought a 3rd rig used with 4x4/awd. No one forced you to buy a new car.