2005 OBXT 5MT alternative?

[Michael Aos]

Originally Posted by 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?

I've never driven a Lexus either. When we bought the RDX, we had the impression the RX350 was basically an alternative mini-van for soccer moms.

I sure see a lot of RX's out there though, and Toyota seems to have a great reputation for reliability.

One thing I hadn't considered until I got up to Grand Forks (where I also saw a lot of RX's and a lot of Subaru's) is that there isn't an Acura dealer within 250 miles!

[rasterman]

Originally Posted by Michael Aos

One thing I hadn't considered until I got up to Grand Forks (where I also saw a lot of RX's and a lot of Subaru's) is that there isn't an Acura dealer within 250 miles!

That is significant. My best friend drives a TL and has had a few instances where the car just blacked out (or the dash went christmas tree) and it needed dealer attention pronto. According to him no parts have ever been replaced, it's all programming fixes, which made dealer access that much more essential. He stays local to a big city with lots of dealers so it isn't a panic, but out in the wild that could get ugly.

[Michael Aos]

How would you compare the 2005 Outback XT Limited to the 2005 Baja Turbo?

[John E Davies]

Originally Posted by Michael Aos

Toyota seems to have a great reputation for reliability.

Not in the last few years it doesn't! Do your research, check out some Toyota forums. Google "Toyota recall". LOL, remember that Toyota is a huge company that sells a ton of cars, but the issues seem to be increasing. The quality just isn't there compared to a decade ago.

Check out all the Tundra problems! Toyota has been replacing rusted out Gen 1 frames for US$10K each, and now they are recalling late model trucks in Canada - did they not learn their lesson about rust-proofing? https://www.toyotatundraforum.com/to...10-tundra.html

My '06 RAV4 V6 had to go back to the dealer for way too many fixes. I personally would think long and hard before buying any Toyota product built after 2000.

John Davies
Spokane WA USA

[subiesailor]

Originally Posted by Michael Aos

I've never driven a Lexus either. When we bought the RDX, we had the impression the RX350 was basically an alternative mini-van for soccer moms.

I sure see a lot of RX's out there though, and Toyota seems to have a great reputation for reliability.

One thing I hadn't considered until I got up to Grand Forks (where I also saw a lot of RX's and a lot of Subaru's) is that there isn't an Acura dealer within 250 miles!

The RX is an interesting vehicle it is more or less a Hip SUV that offers Camry like driving and ride experience. Having said that we have two close friends couples who have kids that are the same age as ours. Long story short they are jealous of the seating space for rear facing kids car seats that we have in the Gen4 OB. LOL - in both cases the husband literally cannot fit into the drivers seat with the rear facing kids seat impacting the driver seats ability to slide back.

Regarding trucks I think Toyota is the new leader in quality - well sorted out personal trucks and full size SUV's. Regarding quality, ride, mileage and style.

For cars Toyota is boring and they know it! That is why Toyota is very interested in Tesla development and design methods ie creativity! It is why Toyota partnered with Subaru so they could find a way to build an exciting small performance car the BRZ. Toyota knows their single worst problem right now and has been for some time is the lack of exciting creativity for its cars.

[Michael Aos]

Originally Posted by subiesailor

Regarding trucks I think Toyota is the new leader in quality

I have a 2003 Tundra. I'm the 2nd owner, but I believe it's spent it's entire life between Alaska (mostly) and Colorado.

No rust and still seems like it's brand-new.
--

[Michael Aos]

I still look through Craigslist every so often, but I have neither seen nor heard of anything I think would suit me better than this 2005 Outback XT Limited.

I should look back and see who suggested it. I didn't even know there was such a thing before it was mentioned.

My main concern is still that the motor / turbo will just spontaneously self-destruct, but the more I drive it, the less I worry about that.

ETA - "Rasterman" was the one who suggested the Outback XT.