Going to buy a Subaru...which one? Or another???

Tom Dunlap

Tom Dunlap

Here from the beginning
Administrator
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Retired in Minneapolis
My eyes have settled on a Subaru wagon. Either a Forester or Outback. They're almost the same with some small differences.

Does anyone have any history with Soob's?

Are their features to stay away from? I've talked with a Subaru garage and they suggested not getting an automatic.

I'm aware of the head gasket issue at around 90k or so.



Thanks :)
 
Tom are you buying a new one or a used one? they have sort of done a switch-aroo with the forester and the outback over the years...

Other than not being a pick up truck there isnt anything about my subaru that I didnt LOVE. It was the perfect active lifestyle vehicle.

The head gasket issue was with certain lemon-years and has been resolved to my knowldege.
 
 
I live in the subaru capitol of the world. I currently have a 2003 forester. 5spd manual, 2.5l. Love it.
Really the biggest issue is the head gaskets. Do some research on model years w/ and w/o problems. Other than that, subies are bombproof. I wouldn't be without a stick shift, more fun to drive and better handling in the snow.
 
At 105K you're supposed to replace the timing belt. It's a kit that'll come in around $1300 in North Jersey.

I've had the 2000 outback and now the 2002 forester. My wife has the 20101 outback. Nice all round.
 
I find the Forester has more head room (I can jump in with a helmet on!), feels lighter on the road and handles somewhat more like a jeep. There's more leg room in the back of the Outback as well. Not a lot of difference though for someone taller it might be an issue.
 
You know the other Japanese brands, Honda, Toyota etc. Subaru is as good or better. I tried to kill a couple of old rusty ones and they wouldn't die. My first 1982 Wagon GL was my favorite with low range 4X4. King of the road and the off road with the right tires.

Pretty happy with my new/used 350 V8 3/4 ton Chev Suburban. There's a new king of the road that eats Subarus like the Man from Mars. 4X8 sheet of plywood fits in the back.

First huge rap song? Of course by a group named Blondie...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHCdS7O248g
 
I just got a comparison from a guy who has owned both.

Outback-more road-comfy, smoother ride-more rear leg space for passengers=creature comforts

Forester- more front seat room-more space in back-less creature comforts for passengers

Forester it is!
 
Tom - Good luck on the Forester! I have a 2001 Outback. I bought it in 2006 with 80k miles on it, right before I moved out to California. The head gasket started going somewhere near the Grand Canyon, before the Mojave Desert. Good times. I was pleasantly surprised though, because Subaru actually paid in full to fix it, and I wasn't even the original owner. I'm now at 150k. New starter, timing belt, new boots around the front axles or something like that. Still purrin'. I love that car. It spent most of it's lives in the Tennessee mountains, a couple hours west of you, and it was great on those roads, so a Subaru will serve you quite well in the NC mountains. Good luck!
 
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