04 H6 Bean or 05 OBXT can't decide - Subaru Outback

pretendingtowork · 01-25-2013, 05:14 PM

My first post here. Not new to Subies, just new to Outbacks. I currently own an 08 WRX which I take in the dirt and race at local Rally X events and what not.

Just sold my Tahoe because I was sick of the thing breaking down. 2nd transmission in 15,000 miles. So I need to replace that with another car that has room for my family for camping trips, road trips or just to lug a few things around. I have done a bit of research, but I was still hoping for a little more insight. I do have a road trip from California to colorado with the family coming up this summer and would like to take what ever car I decide to buy

I have two options that look okay and everything seems mechanically sound...right now. Above all, I am looking for reliability, being somewhat fun to drive wouldn't hurt either. It has to be automatic so my wife can drive it too.

Option 1: 04 Outback LL Bean with the H6 148,xxx miles.
Option 2: 05 OBXT with 139,xxx miles.

Possible Option 3, but still need to look at it. 04 Bean with 107,XXX miles
(If this guy hasn't sold it yet, I am kind of leaning towards this but haven't heard back from him in a few days.)

The OBXT has nicer curves, probably more fun to drive, but from everything I read, probably not the most reliable. But I do like the look of it a lot. My gut tells me to stick with the 04 though, since it will be more reliable even with slightly higher miles.

What do you guys think?

aftCG · 01-25-2013, 05:45 PM

Remove the filter in the banjo bolt, change the oil often. Drive the crap out of it.

pretendingtowork · 01-25-2013, 05:55 PM

^^^^ so thats one vote for the OBXT

grossgary · 01-25-2013, 07:20 PM

both, great choices.

with reliability being key, family, road trips, wife driving....i'd lean towards the simpler H6.

i'll add to OBXT comment - be nice to know it has always had synthetic changes if they have records. and be sure to yourself if you get it.

rasterman · 01-25-2013, 08:34 PM

Not sure I'd characterize the XT as less reliable, but the regular upkeep is significantly more expensive. That sometimes means the same thing to folks who can't save up a reserve.

In your shoes I'd get the '04.

DrCloud · 01-25-2013, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pretendingtowork

...The OBXT has nicer curves...

WHAT? You're looking at cars with six figures on the odometer and thinking about their shape?? Really?

The wear and tear on the H6, at this mileage, will probably be a better investment, regardless of those "curves." HPH

grossgary · 01-25-2013, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrCloud

WHAT? You're looking at cars with six figures on the odometer and thinking about their shape?? Really?

i don't see it - people choose what they want. why does someone with a 0 mile purchase get to choose what they like the looks of but not someone buying a 100,000 mile car?

1 Lucky Texan · 01-26-2013, 12:10 AM

which one does SHE like?

grossgary · 01-26-2013, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1 Lucky Texan

which one does SHE like?

how dare you go there!

ScottyNorq · 01-26-2013, 12:31 AM

I miss the power of my 2.5XT. My 3.6 feels gutless compared to it.

01-25-2013, 05:14 PM	#1 (permalink)
pretendingtowork Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Duarte, Ca Car: 08 WRX / 06 C230 / Soon OBXT Posts: 5 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	04 H6 Bean or 05 OBXT can't decide My first post here. Not new to Subies, just new to Outbacks. I currently own an 08 WRX which I take in the dirt and race at local Rally X events and what not. Just sold my Tahoe because I was sick of the thing breaking down. 2nd transmission in 15,000 miles. So I need to replace that with another car that has room for my family for camping trips, road trips or just to lug a few things around. I have done a bit of research, but I was still hoping for a little more insight. I do have a road trip from California to colorado with the family coming up this summer and would like to take what ever car I decide to buy I have two options that look okay and everything seems mechanically sound...right now. Above all, I am looking for reliability, being somewhat fun to drive wouldn't hurt either. It has to be automatic so my wife can drive it too. Option 1: 04 Outback LL Bean with the H6 148,xxx miles. Option 2: 05 OBXT with 139,xxx miles. Possible Option 3, but still need to look at it. 04 Bean with 107,XXX miles (If this guy hasn't sold it yet, I am kind of leaning towards this but haven't heard back from him in a few days.) The OBXT has nicer curves, probably more fun to drive, but from everything I read, probably not the most reliable. But I do like the look of it a lot. My gut tells me to stick with the 04 though, since it will be more reliable even with slightly higher miles. What do you guys think?

01-25-2013, 05:45 PM	#2 (permalink)
aftCG Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Car: '05 OBXT Posts: 449 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Remove the filter in the banjo bolt, change the oil often. Drive the crap out of it. __________________ '05 OBXT Limited 5EAT Cobb AP (RalliTEK stage 2 map) Rally Armor flaps RalliTEK rear overload springs Cobb down pipe Goodyear Triple Treads Muffler delete

01-25-2013, 07:20 PM	#4 (permalink)
grossgary Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: WV Car: OBW H6 VDC, H6 OB Sed, XT6's Posts: 2,417 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	both, great choices. with reliability being key, family, road trips, wife driving....i'd lean towards the simpler H6. i'll add to OBXT comment - be nice to know it has always had synthetic changes if they have records. and be sure to yourself if you get it. __________________ H6 VDC OBW, H6 OB Sedan, 99 SUS, XT6's

01-25-2013, 08:34 PM	#5 (permalink)
rasterman Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: PA Car: 2006 Outback XT Limited Posts: 2,382 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	04 H6 Bean or 05 OBXT can't decide Not sure I'd characterize the XT as less reliable, but the regular upkeep is significantly more expensive. That sometimes means the same thing to folks who can't save up a reserve. In your shoes I'd get the '04. __________________ Wilwood Superlite front calipers DBA slotted Legacy GT front rotors w/Carbotech 1541 front pads; Hawk HPS rear pads and SS hoses all around Grimmspeed Master Cylinder Brace KYB GR-2 struts (2000-2004 version on rear) Rallitek sway bars F&R + AVO rear sway bar reinforcement brackets JDM divorced stereo/HVAC controller, JVC DD stereo No, I didn't rebuild my car overnight. Just testing a pimped out sig for a week or so...

01-26-2013, 12:10 AM	#8 (permalink)
1 Lucky Texan Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: behind the Krell Metal door Car: 03 H6 OBW & 06 WRX Sportwagon Posts: 4,268 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	which one does SHE like? __________________ Time Flies Like an Arrow, Fruit Flies Like a Banana!

01-25-2013, 05:55 PM	#3 (permalink)
pretendingtowork Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Duarte, Ca Car: 08 WRX / 06 C230 / Soon OBXT Posts: 5 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	^^^^ so thats one vote for the OBXT

01-26-2013, 12:31 AM	#10 (permalink)
ScottyNorq Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Denver Colorado Car: 2013 Outback 3.6R Limited w/SAP Posts: 137 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I miss the power of my 2.5XT. My 3.6 feels gutless compared to it. __________________ 2013 3.6R Limited with SAP, All Weather Mats, Puddle Lights, Remote Start, Body Side Moldings, splash guards, Wheel arch moldings, rear seat back protectors, bug shield and wheel locks.

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