Hi Everyone
I've been following this forum for awhile, finally decided to join and most importantly finally got to drive an outback after much so much time.
Much to my surprise my local dealer had one with the 3.6 engine. I was inpressed with the build quality, but to be honest the infotainement system was so so compared to my wifes jeep. The car drove beautifully. I can see why so many of you love this car. It was peppy enough and handles curves without a problem. I even chirped the tires which made the salesman laugh.
However the big concern I have is with rear seat space. It just seems tight for 3 people back there, plus the driveshaft(hump) runs through the middle of the seats. The person sitting in the middle is not going to be too comfortable and has to place his feet on either side of the hump. Now my oldest is 20 and has his own car and my twins just turned 16 so they will be driving soon so realistically how much longer will they be driving with me. Its plenty comfortable for two people back there but three is a stretch. I would welcome any feedback.
I think 3 adults only works for an hour, maybe a little more. Like you said, center is hard, also 3 gets crowded unless they are skinny. Very comfortable for 2 back there, recently did a 7 hour trip with 2 adults in the back seat and they felt it was very comfortable. 3 is too many for longer trips.
You said it yourself... how much longer will they be driving with you. So if that's the case and you like it, get it. It's a great solid vehicle for the price.
Too bad they don't still make those ridiculously unsafe rear-facing seats like in the Volvo and Mercedes wagons of my youth (pre minivan days)...
They were awesome, we would always come up with new ways to flip-off the drivers behind us. My favorite was the double windshield wipers.
4 in the car and 1 on the roof rack (just make sure they are under the 150lb limit.
The OB back seat is bigger than most. Sure a Suburban is better in this department, but you also get mpg in the teens if you are lucky.
Going out to dinner or a movie with 3 in the back is fine. 3 in the back to visit grandma an hour away is tolerable. 3 in the back to visit grandma a day away may be an issue. It comes down to how frequently you plan to stuff 5 in the car?
Growing up we had a family of 6. Around the ages your kids are it was challenge to get my mother out of a minivan. Thing is after high school there are only a couple times a year 5 (or in my case 6) people were transported. In the rare cases there was a full car, we merely took a second one.
My advise is realistically figure out how often you need to carry 5 people. If it is frequently then I may look at something else. If we are talking about a couple holidays a year, then you take an extra car.
Additionally there are very few vehicles with space in the back for 3 across. And the ones that do will take a hit on the MPG and handling. Additionally at that age most 3rd row seats are useless unless the teens had their legs cut off in some freak accident. Leaving the minivan...
The Outback isn't a particularly wide car, so yes, the rear seat will be a little squeezed if you put three full-sized human beings back there. Not being a wide car also makes it surprisingly easy to park.
On the Limited trims, the back seats recline (according to the 60/40 split) and also have their own bum warmers, which is a nice touch.
Thanks to everyone. You guys made a lot of sense in your replies. I currently have a 09 mazda cx9 which has been a great car but its lacking any type of tech and only gets 16mpg no matter were I drive it. I probably drive by myself 90% of the time. When I have all 5 of us its usually a short trip. Once a year we go to PA for vacation and the car gets packed but to be honest my boys dont want to do that anymore. I'm going back to the dealer with my oldest to get a better feel for the rear seat. You guys cracked me up with some of your responses.
PS; We had 3 mini vans through the years. They are useful when the kids are young but I'm done with that.
Thanks to everyone. You guys made a lot of sense in your replies. I currently have a 09 mazda cx9 which has been a great car but its lacking any type of tech and only gets 16mpg no matter were I drive it. I probably drive by myself 90% of the time. When I have all 5 of us its usually a short trip. Once a year we go to PA for vacation and the car gets packed but to be honest my boys dont want to do that anymore. I'm going back to the dealer with my oldest to get a better feel for the rear seat. You guys cracked me up with some of your responses.
PS; We had 3 mini vans through the years. They are useful when the kids are young but I'm done with that.
PA for vacation? Unless you live in NJ or IL, you guys need a life.
Good move on your part, I've downsized also and for the times we take a family vacation together, we go in two vehicles; my wife and I in one and the girls in the other. Even these occasions will shrink in numbers.
Twins 16 will want their own car to share...
My 16 year old wants to drive everywhere and only passed his test two weeks ago. Now learning to drive in snow!
I had a friend who had a regular cab pickup and when I asked why he didn't buy a crew cab, he said, "because I didn't buy a vehicle to give people rides everywhere". Buy what you want and rent something larger for road trips. It allows you to remain practical/sensible, and you get to splurge and drive something you wouldn't normally own on your road trip. For me, I can't afford an Escalade, but that's not going to stop me from renting one. Also, with as nice as vans are, why can't people just come to terms with them? I grew up in vans! Every time I got in one, I found candy!
plenty of room in the rear seat for 6 footers, not to mention the rear seats recline. Also folded down, fits two large 120+ lb dogs with a ton of room. I won't compare with anything Jeep/Dodge as there is no comparison. Subaru is at the top, Jeep/Dodge is at the bottom of the consumer report ratings.