Seeking Advice to buy new Outback

[grossgary]

as mentioned plenty of test driving.

price shop, hitches are easy to install so no need to pay premium for a "hitch package"....."package" generally means yo'ure going to pay twice as much as the parts cost. "package" and "service" should raise the marketing flag and you should ask or hesitate if you wanna save some green stuff.

i would personally favor the new engine of the 2013. subaru did such a fantastic job with the H6 timing chain equipped EZ engines and knows their headgasket issues from the EJ25 debacle that i'm hopeful for the new motor. it's still an unknown and unproven motor though being so young. but i wouldn't mind avoiding the EJ25 either.

Originally Posted by Restlessk

If you look at the fuel mileage thread and fuelly, you'll note that despite what the EPA and Subaru says that in fact the mileage dropped in 2013.

13's haven't been out long enough, not even a full year of seasons, usages, and engines typically don't get their best fuel mileage until a few thousand miles of break in - many 2013's are still in the break in periods. Whatever 2013 mileages are posted I wouldn't pay much attention to them either way.

[blSwagger]

Originally Posted by grossgary

13's haven't been out long enough, not even a full year of seasons, usages, and engines typically don't get their best fuel mileage until a few thousand miles of break in - many 2013's are still in the break in periods. Whatever 2013 mileages are posted I wouldn't pay much attention to them either way.

That's what I was thinking when I read that the '13s are getting lower MPGs.

[subiesailor]

Originally Posted by blSwagger

That's what I was thinking when I read that the '13s are getting lower MPGs.

I doubt any of them have enough miles on the car to really start seeing predictable mileage. Fair guess if the new engine has high tolerances for fit etc - it wouldn't surprise me if it needs some miles on it and the running gear before the mileage numbers get pretty good.

[Tom28]

Speaking of mileage - my 3.6R is all over the map. 23 on one tank, 25.8 on another. This tank I'm on now I've got 28 and some change on. Trying to get the trip computer accurate, but it too is all over the map. -0.5MPG on one tank +0.3MPG on another - rinse and repeat.

[upflying]

I'm inclined to think the '13 is better than my '12. But it's not worth $5,000 "better" for me to make the trade-in and swap.
Every new car is better than those in the past.

[subiesailor]

Nothing is better than a car that is paid off! Which case my 2001 VW jetta which I really do not like is still a screaming deal as long as it doesn't run me $500 bucks every couple of months in repairs. LOL

[G-Omaha]

Originally Posted by blSwagger

That's what I was thinking when I read that the '13s are getting lower MPGs.

AM seeing about the same +/- 1 MGP. The '13 is peppier and has an overall nicer ride and handling - seems to have better acceleration and less noise. Have about 2.5k on the clock at the moment.

[foxrider68]

Originally Posted by G-Omaha

AM seeing about the same +/- 1 MGP. The '13 is peppier and has an overall nicer ride and handling - seems to have better acceleration and less noise. Have about 2.5k on the clock at the moment.

Wow you're getting the miles on!

[dcbpe]

Thanks for all the responses, I think I've got a good idea what to go for. It will all depend on availability in the remaining 2012's. From what I've seen, I may have to go 2013 even though the new engine design makes me feel uncomfortable. I've come to know my way around my 2.5, and I had no problems with the timing belt (which I changed myself).

One thing I can't figure out...the moonroof. How many are there?

Is there still one in front, with the optional second over the rear seats? Or is the option for one over the front seats.

Flying down the road with the window and roof open is well worth the intermittent leaking. The kids love the rear moonroof.

{Subaru ought to introduce a convertible Legacy}

[jurni]

Good luck with whichever outback you get. We just bought a '13 2.5 Premium after having owned a 93 legacy wagon and a 01 outback. We tested a '11 a '12 and a few '13's before deciding.

Now, panoramic moonroofs are very nice but sadly, it wasn't an option on the '13. We have it in our other car and our baby loves looking up through the window, especially if it is raining.

We did break my rule, though, and took the '13 even though the engine and suspension tweaks have not had a full model year to bake in. However, we needed a car now, the '13 with the stiffer ride vaguely reminds me of my "wrx" having days and the prospect of excellent long distance highway mpg sold us on getting back into an Outback.

We've had the car one week and have promptly put 1,100 miles on it. Total average is 23.1 MPG with 60% Highway, 25% suburb and 15% ultra urban driving around Boston. There was also quite a bit of idle in that total mpg number so far.

On the highway we see 28- 31 mpg driving at 75mph. Around Boston I'm seeing 16mpg. We get fuel with 10% ethanol.

We also paid about $800 below invoice on the '13. Since the end of the year is near, dealers can see that "hold back" figure coming in soon as opposed to waiting a full year to get it. I see a ton of '10 - '12 around Boston but I've yet to see another '13 roaming about. The fog lights are the larger round bulbs in the '13 and that's the most obvious visual difference.


Good luck again and let us know what you get!

Originally Posted by dcbpe

Thanks for all the responses, I think I've got a good idea what to go for. It will all depend on availability in the remaining 2012's. From what I've seen, I may have to go 2013 even though the new engine design makes me feel uncomfortable. I've come to know my way around my 2.5, and I had no problems with the timing belt (which I changed myself).

One thing I can't figure out...the moonroof. How many are there?

Is there still one in front, with the optional second over the rear seats? Or is the option for one over the front seats.

Flying down the road with the window and roof open is well worth the intermittent leaking. The kids love the rear moonroof.

{Subaru ought to introduce a convertible Legacy}