Seeking Advice to buy new Outback

[Restlessk]

Originally Posted by subiesailor

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.

I'll hope that to be the case, but I'm not going to expect it. In my experience, the whole gas mileage increasing as the engine breaks in and wears is mythical ... improvement lost in rounding at best.

That said, the mileage that we're getting is good enough.

For the OP, although you seem to prefer the 2012, presumably to avoid the new engine, we compared 2012 and 2013 closely, and made the decision for 2013 purely on handling characteristics. In my humble opinion, this is a car with the utility of an SUV, but that handles like a BMW. Yes I think it's that good. And that to me causes me to enjoy the car more than if I had the 2012. If all you can find is a 2013, focus on the positives, and enjoy the heck out of it!

[dcbpe]

So my plan has changed slightly.

I have to trade in my 2000 Outback to gain as much value in the new vehicle as I can. It will kill me to do it, and I've not said anything around my car out of pure superstition.

But, I just don't think I can afford a new Outback LTD even with the trade-in of the old one. So now I'm thinking Forester instead of Outback for the new car.

Any thoughts on potential range of trade-in on a 2000 OBK LTD?

And any drawbacks going to Forester from Outback? I've heard they are not as solidly built...

[agosul]

I just sold a 2009 forester and bought a 2013 outback limited with moonroof and Nav. The forester in my opinion just does not compare at all. My forester was a base model. It had no fun options but I loved that car. As I was shopping for a new car I originally thought I would get a new forester with leather and all the options. But even sitting in a forester that basically had everything it still felt like I was sitting in my old forester. Then I sat in the outback and there was just no comparison. The outback was by far superior and truly felt like I was making an upgrade. My suggestion would be to possibly consider an outback without leather. I sat in a premium outback and it still felt like a much better build quality than the forester with all the bells and whistles. Just my two cents. Good luck and happy shopping!
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[gls]

Our family has both a 13 limited trim outback and a 13 premium trim forester. The outback is roomier, has a more comfortable rear seat, and has better appointments (same 2.5 engine). EPA mileage is better on the outback. The forester handles better and is easier to park. Another good place to save is to get a manual transmission. Insurance is less on the forester. (both are higher than a typical mid sized family car)

That being said, the forester is a great car for a single/couple, with perhaps one child. The outback is much better for a family with older kids because of the teenager friendly rear seats. The cloth trim seats on the premium outback are very comfortable (I preferred them over leather), and you can avoid most of the options which typically add $500-$1000 if you custom order.

When we priced both, the delta is less than 2K, and the discounts are usually higher on the outback .

The limited outback is about the same price as getting a loaded up premium model.

You should be able to get a basic premium outback in the 23-24K range after discounts, plus TTL.

[dcbpe]

Thanks for the input.

I actually don't much care for the leather...I mean, I like it, but it's not a necessity.

The most important thing to me is the stereo system, followed by moonroof, followed by leather.

It seems like getting the premium Harmon Kardon system requires me to have the other 2 things. Per the Subaru website, when attempting to "build your own" 2.5 Premium, the packages go "All Weather", then "All Weather + Moonroof", then "All Weather +Moon Roof +Plus Harmon Kardon".

[SeanU]

Originally Posted by dcbpe

Thanks for the input.

I actually don't much care for the leather...I mean, I like it, but it's not a necessity.

The most important thing to me is the stereo system, followed by moonroof, followed by leather.

It seems like getting the premium Harmon Kardon system requires me to have the other 2 things. Per the Subaru website, when attempting to "build your own" 2.5 Premium, the packages go "All Weather", then "All Weather + Moonroof", then "All Weather +Moon Roof +Plus Harmon Kardon".

If leather and moonroof are not a priority,why not save some cash and go with a stock 2.5i Premium (All weather if you need the heated seats) and get an aftermarket stereo?

[dcbpe]

Originally Posted by SeanU

If leather and moonroof are not a priority,why not save some cash and go with a stock 2.5i Premium (All weather if you need the heated seats) and get an aftermarket stereo?

I have considered this. It might be what I do.

This thread has already talked me out of the Forester.

[gls]

The sound on the HK system is clear but the silky highs and deep bass (especially) is lacking. The subwoofer seems more of an afterthought. No phone function is available with USB (you need to use the 12V outlet) without navigation. On the good side, the XM/HD radio is pretty nice. It's a little below average for a mid-range car 'premium' audio system, mostly because to the sub.

For about the same money has the HK system, you could upgrade the speakers to some really nice units (e.g. focal or polk components) and add a real sub to get excellent sound. If you want more features, just replace the factory head (nice that subaru doesn't integrate the A/C etc. with the radio). Order the moonroof and get aftermarket leather if you really want it with premium trim. If you don't have dogs or small children who spill/slobber/shed, the cloth is more comfortable anyway in very hot or cold weather.http://storiesonline.net/a/The_Wanderer

[Jocko]

Just had a valet parker tell me today that my 3.6 with the sap was the nicest car he had ever parked. Nicer than a bmw, cayenne, or any cadillac. He would have talked forever about the saddle brown leather, the integrity of the body, the solid feel of the ride, the keyless ignition and dash, the stereo. He wanted to know if I had the thicker sway bar (not yet, but in the next few weeks). Made me wonder just where the car had been while my wife and I had dinner. I drove a 2012 and opted for the 2013 because of the tauter ride and crisper cornering. The SAP was a bonus and well worth it in my opinion. BTW I dont know where this centering issue is coming from. Mine tracks straight and true. And, of course, no steering wheel shimmy at all and I have had mine to over 90 mph. on the interstates.

[dcbpe]

Originally Posted by Jocko

Just had a valet parker tell me today that my 3.6 with the sap was the nicest car he had ever parked.

I don't doubt it. The 3.6 with the SAP is way out of my price range.

Today I'm dealing with a problem where my old Subaru just died while I was driving

Gotta go get it towed to a mechanic. Hopeful that it is something that really kills my trade in value.