Looking to purchase an Outback

[marnesen]

So I'm on the fence about 1 thing, I live in NJ and commute to work 1 hour each way. It's all highway driving, I test drove a 2.5 Automatic CVT as well as a 3.6 and there is a BIG difference in pick up. We are concerned about big hills and stuff in Northern NJ and we go to VT a lot. Is the 2.5 enough or does it really need a 3.6 and I notice most that have the 2.5 have the manual. Does that make a big difference as well??

I have also read about head gasket problems around 100K is that only in the earlier generations?

[UUNCNDL1]

work in NJ and live in RI, commute 200 miles each week to and from a work week, and just traded my toyota rav 4 6 cyl for a new 2012 ob limited cvt 4 cyl...for the one reason the gas mileage is much better...add that to the leg room is much better and I love the car too...can I ask why you want/need the pick up? Of course a 6 cyl is going to have better pick up, many have the 6 gear manual trans, i chose the cvt on purpose = better gas mileage...you must choose finally what the trade offs are, for me it was a no brainer...all wheel drive in the snow is the final reason I chose Subaru

[the evil twin]

FWIW, I saw a ton of 2.5's in Colorado. I don't think the mountains or elevation in VT will be too much.
Personally, I chose the 3.6. I tow often, don't like CVT's, enjoy the acceleration and don't care about mpg's. The highway mileage for me is well into the 26+ range and on average (mixed use) I see 22-24. I'm pleasantly surprised especially since I like to slingshot out of corners