[2008wagon]

I want to make some observations about my Outback Premium, after 4 months of ownership and 8000 miles. Some of it isn't good, some things are VERY aggravating to me.
First, I've have definitely noticed that since it has gotten cold here in Ohio that this car now makes any number of "popping" and "creaking" noises in the body. There's one in the right rear, and there's a really loud one in the right front, and a couple misc noises coming from the dash. Also the trim on the hatch has begun rattling, which is something new.
Second, the amount of engine noise inside this car is, to me, totally unacceptable. It's got the CVT (which in some ways I wish I had NOT bought) so that means it screams its guts out to get moving, and the engine sound during hard acceleration is just plain annoying. I had it checked for missing body plugs, insulation missing, loose intake tubes, everything. But I drove another Outback and it was the exact same way. Subaru seems to have paid no attention to it, and it annoys me more and more.
Third, the car isn't necessarily smooth on the highway. It isn't even close to my 08 in that regard. I had the dealer check that out too, and I got the patented technician response: "that's how they are, that is road feedback you are experiencing, nothing can be done." I don't buy that. Something tells me that getting the crap Continentals off and some Michelins on would probably make a world of difference in this car.
Also, I was walking past my car with a ladder. I got a little off balance and kind of fell against my right front fender. Nothing too hard, at least I didn't think, but it completely caved in the fender! Upon checking it out the sheet metal on this car is like an aluminum pie plate, I could throw my cats play mouse against it and put a dent in it....how pathetic.
So yea....this car in no way totally pleases me.....08 was a better car, a better handling car, it didn't creak and rattle in the cold, and engine noise was minimal. If I could go back I would definitely have not bought this car.
08 with manual got better fuel mileage too....by about 2 mpg. I see why so many manufacturers have dropped their CVT.....it's a crock and isn't any better or more efficient than a well designed 5 or 6 speed automatic.

 

[SeanU]

I have a 2005 2.5i OB Base and just purchased a 2013 Premium. Based on my long term experience with the 2005, I pretty much expect the shakes and rattles to develop over time. I have a buzz under the dash of the 2005 that was there almost from day 1. There was a TSB issued to take apart the entire dash to insert a small piece of fabric in one of the fasteners to stop the rattle, but I didn't want the dash dissembled and causing some other issue. The 2013 is nice and tight right now. I do hear the engine growl when accelerating, but honestly its much quieter than the 2005 which always had alot of injector noise ticking loudly near the driver. I can't comment on the CVT yet... I'm only at 600 miles and have no complaints yet, but it's still early.

I see Subaru as a value brand and not luxury. I didn't pay for an Audi or Lexus and I don't expect the same quiet interior, vibration free drive train that I would expect from a luxury brand. I do expect reliability, safety, and value for the $ which I feel they deliver on.

Subaru is trying to upscale their image, but as they do this, they will have to meet peoples expectations that go with the image. While my 2013 is tight and rattle free right now, I'll be surprised if it is going to stay that way after 5 years/60k miles.

My only advice is that since the car is still pretty new, have the dealer look into your complaints about the trim and CVT noise. Make sure they record the complaints in your records so that if there is a major issue out of warranty SOA will see the history.

Sean

 

[JordanMayPhoto]

No car is perfect and sometimes you just get bad eggs. Take it to the dealer and have them address every issue. You should still have a full warranty. My old FJ had a bunch of squeaks and rattles and after a few trips to the dealer my mechanic found them all and the truck was dead silent for the rest of its life with me.

As far as your mileage goes, from what I hear the 2.5i starts getting its best mileage after 30,000. I am around 15,000 already and just got the car 5 months ago. My mileage has improved and on long highway trips I am getting better than 30mpg. Don't drive with a lead foot

 

[vr4Legacy]

I see why so many manufacturers have dropped their CVT.....it's a crock and isn't any better or more efficient than a well designed 5 or 6 speed automatic.

I have yet to see a manufacturer go BACK from a CVT to an EAT. A few have yet to do one and are sticking to dated EAT technology. Do you have any specific examples? It is MUCH more efficient, period.

Thin sheet metal is there to reduce weight and save fuel. Most new cars are like this, it's not just Subaru being cheap. IMO my '08 Legacy was just as thin.

To the rest of the comments, I guess I need to get my ears checked because my OB sounds just as loud (or quiet) as any sub $30k car I've ever driven. And quieter than most sub $20k cars.

 

[fatabbot]

GM stepped back from CVT's after the VTi debacle. That's about the only example I can think of.

 

[2008wagon]

GM was who I was referring to. The statement "so many manufacturers dropping the CVT" wasn't accurate....my bad.
But I don't find it efficient at all. How is it efficient?? You're telling me it's efficient, provide examples then. Is it because the salesman and the sales brochure says it is? At this point this car gets worse mileage than my 08 did, and that's a fact. I can quantify that because I've experienced it. Didn't have to wait 20 or 30,000 miles in the old car, it got the same mileage on the drive home as it did 60,000 miles later. This car is noisier inside with engine sounds than my 08, that too is a fact. It isn't as smooth as my 08 on the highway, that's another fact. It's also big enough now that it's got an SUV type ride...rolly-polly rock back and forth, and when certain family members ride in the back of this thing they get sick from the wobbly ride. No one got sick in my 08. It's definitely chock pretty full of interior noises, which the 08 didn't have either. And anybody who says this car doesn't produce too much engine noise inside, yea....they need their ears checked. Even my salesman admitted that "they probably are louder inside than many cars with a CVT." Apparently I needed MY ears checked before the test drive.
It's good in some ways though too. Darn thing tows GREAT. I ride and race 4 wheelers, and I haul two of them on a trailer. It blows the 08 away in that category. It also has really nice seats in my opinion, I like the new upholstery they use now. The dash is beautiful...very nice and functional layout, much ahead of the 08. Stereo is better too.
Just being honest in my comparison. Not on here to argue about how I feel about this car.

 

[vr4Legacy]

The 2010 OB has the same engine as the 2009 but the EPA MPG is higher on a larger "more suv like" car.

They even claim better MPG than the MT, but that's not a fair comparison. AT to AT, the CVT beats the EAt

The CVT gives you more gear ratios and allows you to maintain a more optimal RPM. You can argue all day about how it "feels" or "sounds" but the fact is it's more efficient. It is the next iteration of the AT and it's here to stay.

I don't want to argue either, some of your points are valid, but the CVT is more efficient when it comes to MPG.

 

[OB1995]

I agree w/ most of what you say. The 2012 does not handle like the earlier generations. In the wind I have found it really bad! The CVT does have noise. Once getting up to highway speeds the noise goes away & things seem quiet. Mine has been very smooth on the highway (as long as it isn't windy out.) I have had passengers comment about how smooth the ride is & it feels as if you are going slower than the actual speed being traveled.

If I had my wish Subaru would just offer a Legacy wagon that has good cargo room, (not too rounded in the back) has good handling & itsn't so jacked up it is terrible to drive in the wind.

 

[SeanU]

It is interesting that Subaru didn't seem to care about the current gen aero that much. It's worse than last gen - .37 vs .31 drag coefficient from the info I can find online.

I can understand that they don't want to carry 2 models if they keep selling more Outbacks each year. As others have noted, the Outback will probably be moving into Tribecca territory leaving the Forester and XV to grow into the former Outback slot. Personally, my kids have gotten bigger since I got my 2005, and the increased size was a good thing for me. The Outback still remains on the short list of decent sized AWD vehicles that get good mileage and cost under $35k. I was averaging 28mpg hwy, 24 local on my 2005, so if the 2013 gets the same or better... I'm fine with it.