2012 Outback vs 2013 Outback ride quality...

[hiker74]

I test drove the 12 and the 13 and we went with the 13 due to the ride quality as well as the smoother transmission. Your dealer was probably trying to get rid of 12's as the 13's are much better. The dealer I went to was hiding the 13's in a back lot LOL. Given that I knew the lay of the land I could find them. The dealer was great, but when they dont have authority to mark the 12's down it makes it hard for them. As another poster said the difference is only $200. The dealer I got mine from was offering employee pricing as I am in Indiana and some dealers do that in indiana

[2013OB]

Originally Posted by Harvey

The 2013 is longer due to the redesigned front bumper.

Makes sense.

[Eiger19]

For those planning on keeping the car for a long time as I am. One of the difference makers for me was the MPG. Assuming the car makes it to 250,000 miles at $4/gal based on a 12 @ combined 24mpg and a 13 @ 26mpg. The 2012 will cost $41,667 in gas and the 2013 will cost $38,461 over the 250,000 miles. If gas increases so does the savings in purchasing a '13.

Also, if you plan on keeping the car for 250,000 miles you have to factor in 2 timing belt changes on the 2012. So the difference with gas cost and timing belt cost is ~$5206. I know it is crude math, but it helped sway me to the '13.

[ellinorianne]

Originally Posted by Harvey

I so want to think that those people are ignorant and not liars.

I had a sales manager of one of the largest dealers here in SO Cal tell me the same thing, he knew there were changes, he wanted to get rid of his 2012's. My husband bought another car and I was left with a very disappointing feeling about the dealer.

I have a 2012 Outback and needed a car to replace a totaled Impreza, I couldn't wait for the 2013.

But I am very disappointed with the attitude but to be honest, MOST people will believe them.

[ellinorianne]

Originally Posted by jsh1120

Apparently, we have the same eight year old. It's interesting that such a seemingly minor issue can be a dealbreaker. We're in the process of replacing a beloved 2004 Saab wagon and have driven almost every conceivable alternative. The rear a/c vents are a must have for my eight year old daughter and seven year old goldendoodle.

I'd actually prefer a separate a/c for the rear seat but about the only vehicles with that option are the 7 person suv's and my wife wants to avoid being the mother with a car that can take all the neighborhood kids in her car.

My Nine year old would love this. A must for her in buying a car was a moonroof of SOME kind

[Thai]

Woohooo...2012 has better approach angle than '13 due to the longer front overhang by a few millimeters!!! I am a happy man now!

[OBnube]

So, a shorter front overhang is better?

[mediasteve]

A lot of very good posts here. My two cents: my 2012 Outback is wonderful. So far (7,000 miles), I fortunately have not experienced the steering wheel "shake" that others have noted. On other message boards, people also have complained about the car "wandering" on the highway. Have done lots of high-speed highway travel and have not noticed this. I did have an annoying flutter-like noise at 65 mph since the day I got the car. The dealer said three of the four original tires were out-of-round so they replaced them. Back on the highway the noise was exactly the same. At 7,000 miles had the tires rotated and the noise is gone. My point, I guess, is that not everyone has the same experience with their new Outback. I love this car!

[imwjl]

I have 2013 Limited 4 and mother in law got hers exactly a year earlier. I've driven them back to back on same roads. My observations are the 2010 - 12 are no way sub-par cars but the 2013 has what are improvements for us.

Rear AC as has been mentioned, the handling and transmission are improvements. My 13 rides more like a VW than the earlier version. The 13 is better in cross winds and feels sporty on a narrow and uneven road if my mother in law's earlier feels comfy.

I suggest shoppers test the adaptive cruise in EyeSight model. No regrets on that big expense.

[iainb]

Originally Posted by 2013OB

New on 2013 2.5i Outback
> > new steering wheel- now with bluetooth cell controls, plus audio and cruise control buttons
> > new audio includes handsfree cell phone bluetooth with steering wheel controls, wireless audio streaming, and a USB and auxiliary connection

Stereo: Harman/Kardon audio (h/k). 4.3" LCD color display, 440w 8 channel amplifier, 9 speakers, AM/FM, HD radio, single CD, USB, 3.5mm aux input, hands free bluetooth steering wheel controls, wireless audio streaming, XM satellite radio with 4 mos free. The speakers include: 2 80mm mid-range in the top of the dashboard, 2 160mm woofers in the front doors, 2 2-way speakers in the rear doors with a 25mm tweeter and 100mm mid-range, 1 200mm subwoofer in the rear cargo area.

That was new for '12, not '13. I can't blame the guy at cars101 because even Subaru makes this claim. My car has all of that and it remains unchanged into '13.