2005 OBXT 5MT alternative?

[Michael Aos]

I ran out for lunch today. Was driving down one of the main highways through town. ~55mph in 3rd at around 4K RPM. Kind of a sweet-spot for the turbo.

It really does sound nice and is fun when it's in the power curve.

Not too long ago I drove from my home, up ~171mi to Cheyenne, WY in about 2hrs. The OBXT fared great.

When I do go out of town, it's usually <3hrs each way. The big trip up to MN is really more of a once-a-year or even once-every-other-year kind of deal.

[subiesailor]

Originally Posted by Michael Aos

I ran out for lunch today. Was driving down one of the main highways through town. ~55mph in 3rd at around 4K RPM. Kind of a sweet-spot for the turbo.

It really does sound nice and is fun when it's in the power curve.

Not too long ago I drove from my home, up ~171mi to Cheyenne, WY in about 2hrs. The OBXT fared great.

When I do go out of town, it's usually <3hrs each way. The big trip up to MN is really more of a once-a-year or even once-every-other-year kind of deal.

Michael my neighbor has a 911 4S as his daily driver which he also takes from CA to Montana twice a year. Maybe your thinking about this all wrong ;-)

[Michael Aos]

Originally Posted by subiesailor

Maybe your thinking about this all wrong ;-)

In an ideal world, I try to make it down to Raton, NM (~2hrs each way) about once a month. The weather can be pretty unpredictable.

I also PLAN to start going up to North Eastern Colorado (~2.5hrs each way) about once a month as well.

Otherwise I just occasionally buzz around town, and / or alternate with my other vehicles so they don't sit too long.

When I bought the 2005 OBXT, I thought it was probably the perfect vehicle for me. It may still be.

It was just after this 2500mi / 16-day / 16hrs each-way road-trip in my wife's RDX that I started thinking maybe I made the wrong choice. I guess I didn't know what I was missing.

Assuming it's reliable and doesn't cost me an arm and a leg after the 105K service, I may be perfectly satisfied with it. I just don't trust it yet.
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[rasterman]

Originally Posted by Michael Aos

It just keeps going and going and I don't think anything has ever been done to it.
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Keep ahead of the timing belt. They're only good for 60k on those. Fortunately the job is easier and the parts are cheaper. Everything on the accent is brutally simple and cheap. I like that about it.

[Michael Aos]

Honda Element? VW Toureg?

[rasterman]

Element is out of production (dead to aftermarket toys) and never scored high on the 'fun to drive' list, despite its other virtues.

I have not driven a Touareg. My impression is that they are a little bigger than the outback, most of the engines are gas hogs, the diesel has some spendy issues, and all of them enjoy that VW voodoo electronic funk. That said VWs were my first car love and they sure know how to weld together a solid chassis.

[Michael Aos]

If I could swing it, is there any reason NOT to move to an RX 330 or RX 350?

Lots and lots of them for sale locally.

[rasterman]

I haven't driven a lexus in years, don't like them at all... so I can't add to that angle of the discussion, sorry!

At any point have you considered looking for a low-miles '09 XT?

[ScoobyRu]

What about a Saab Wagon?

I miss my Saab 900 Turbo. It was a blast to drive and pretty reliable. Unfortunately at 13 years and 240,000 miles it was starting to show its age. And of course, it didn't handle the National Forest roads nearly as well as the Outback.


The problem with my Outback is that I'm always wondering "What's going to break next?" Are the head gaskets going to blow? Will I become victim to the "random" rod bearing issues?

[Michael Aos]

Originally Posted by st3mpy

What about a Saab Wagon?

I miss my Saab 900 Turbo.

I've always thought they looked interesting, but I don't think I would buy one these days.
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