2015 Subaru Outback: The Anti-Wrangler

[calicamper]

So in short I think we can all agree on that a Subaru is a solid vehicle for mild use, but when the going gets tough then you're better off with a more capable machine. That or plan on doing some VERY serious modifications to your Subaru to make it comparable to a stock, but more capable machine you can get right off the lot.

On that note, I love Subaru's. I haven't had the best of luck with them but here in PA/NJ, they are nearly unbeatable when it comes to the white stuff. With that being said, I'd much rather roll around in a new JK or an 80/100 Series.

To call the Outback the ‘anti-Wrangler' is a bit aggressive. I mean when you put them side by side, what's comparable?

99% of the time the people driving them today are pretty much identical in vehicle need only one gets a better handling, better ride and in many cases far superior at keeping them from doing really cool spins on the highway when things go pear shaped. LOL

All the new Jeep owners around me would do just fine with a CRV and I doubt they would ever find the limits of the CRV either.

 

[calicamper]

Forum posters who are followers of really capable machines and like seeing what they can do or what the mechanical systems are built to handle are probably the .025 % of the people who buy Jeeps or Subarus. ;-)

 

[arlon]

When I wanted something to get off the beaten path, the first thing I looked at was a Forester and Outback. They were nice but too "civilized" for my liking. Then I looked at the JEEP and decided I really like the better off road ability but there were other nagging issues for MY style of driving and intended use. What I needed was some parts of each with some other tid bits thrown in so I got an AWD Astro van that's better than either of them for what I do. If I drove in a lot of snow, that idea might change. If I couldn't afford gas, that idea might change. If I carried pets or kids, that idea might change. If I drove in the mountains, that idea might change. If I needed to climb rocks, that idea might change. If I wanted a project, that idea might change. If my wife liked something else it WOULD change...

And yea, I see the Outback as an "anti-Wrangler" because they are so different. I'll stick with my anti-SUV... (-:}

 

[kojackJKU]

I have been shopping sub's for my son. I am thinking I had a lemon and willing to give them another try. I would like an old model forester, or outback. I can get a regular legacy wagon close by and is in awesome condition. What can I do to make it more outback'ish. it would be cool then!

 

[FordGuy1]

So in short I think we can all agree on that a Subaru is a solid vehicle for mild use, but when the going gets tough then you’re better off with a more capable machine. That or plan on doing some VERY serious modifications to your Subaru to make it comparable to a stock, but more capable machine you can get right off the lot.

On that note, I love Subaru’s. I haven’t had the best of luck with them but here in PA/NJ, they are nearly unbeatable when it comes to the white stuff. With that being said, I’d much rather roll around in a new JK or an 80/100 Series.

To call the Outback the ‘anti-Wrangler’ is a bit aggressive. I mean when you put them side by side, what’s comparable?

Well said, it's a station wagon for god sakes! Maybe the most capable wagon, but it is a wagon. What do people expect. Everything in perspective.

 

[calicamper]

Old legacy just drive the piss out of it don't go dumping money into it for new suspension to make it only slightly taller. The Ob and the Legacy are identical and it wasn't till about 2005 that the OB lower body bits and clearance started to really get lifted more than a stock Legacy. I spent 12yrs with the non turbo 5spd MT 2.5 Legacy GT Limited sedan it replaced a 4runner. To tell you the truth the legacy was taken on far more back road trips than the 4runner for one major reason. The Legacy was far more enjoyable to do long road trips with. LOL That and it was a blast in the dirt.

The old lethargic bullet proof 4spd AT is durable but tragically a numbing experience which is why I had the 5spd MT. Which was durable however they do eat release bearings before the clutch is done they'll howl like a stuck pig when it starts to go, replace ALL of the gear and your good to go again. Mine did 140,000 miles living in Brutal San Francisco commuting and towing boats up and down the west coast the release bearing started howling the clutch at 10% meat left on it.

The 2.5 had the drippy external coolant leak driver side head gasket only visible right after shutting off due to the hot exhaust evaporating the evidence very quickly after shutting down. Subaru stepped up pull the head put an updated multi layer gasket on returned the car to me in 24hrs that was at 65K we finally decided a Doberman riding in the back seat of a Sedan with the kids wasn't going over well with other people. So we sold the Legacy at 180,000 miles zero issues and got a 2010 OB. Also got Grandma a 2010 Legacy. No dog to haul I'd dump our OB and get a Legacy in a heart beat - way way more fun to drive than the OB.

The Forester is tight but also feels more nimble. If your shopping older used cars get the H6 OB most were owned by more Affluent folks and were better taken care of. The 4banger Subarus get beat to hell by most of the owners. My vehicle rule buy new Subarus, buy used luxury fancy cars and used Toyota Trucks. Never had a major vehicle issue EVER sticking with that approach.

 

[Dake21]

The wrangler only had one competitor and that was 30 years ago. The samurai was better at fuel economy an the wrangler better at engine power.

 

[libarata]

I have been shopping sub's for my son. I am thinking I had a lemon and willing to give them another try. I would like an old model forester, or outback. I can get a regular legacy wagon close by and is in awesome condition. What can I do to make it more outback'ish. it would be cool then!

Gosh, I am not so sure about the legacy, but in the outback you can swap Forester suspension in, add an inch of lift, add skid plates, and perhaps a rally bar. http://www.gorillaoffroadcompany.com/product-list.cfm

 

[kojackJKU]

ok, There are a few older foresters for like 1200-1600 bucks here, with no visible body rust. I think it would be a safe rig for him with good milage.

 

[Hodaka]

ok, There are a few older foresters for like 1200-1600 bucks here, with no visible body rust. I think it would be a safe rig for him with good milage.

Post more info here: years, maintenance, etc. Like many engines, head gaskets are a maintenance item on certain Subaru engines, and can cost.

 

[Hodaka]

Gosh, I am not so sure about the legacy, but in the outback you can swap Forester suspension in, add an inch of lift, add skid plates, and perhaps a rally bar. http://www.gorillaoffroadcompany.com/product-list.cfm

This, but putting the wrong Forester suspension in will not allow for much bigger tires. Best to just put Outback struts in, then either taller springs or lift blocks. The other thing about the Forester suspension is that the springs are actually softer (because it's a lighter car, dig?), so load carrying is really no better.
That being said, if you are looking at Foresters, check out subtle-solutions.com. They have lift kits, as well as taller/stiffer springs. Then just throw a new set of KYB's on, and you're good to go for bigger tires and possibly 10"+ under the rear pumpkin. (Depending on tire size)

 

[kojackJKU]

2004 forester with 155000 KMs. 2700 bucks. that's an alright price. Looks to be in great condition. I can get the legacy wagon for 1200 - 1000 dollar, I think its higher milage but in great condition around a 2001 as its the same body style as my legacy GT was.

 

[kojackJKU]

Hmmmm, may look at the legacy as I know who owns it, pop an outback front bumper on it to have the nice round fog lights, pop on the outback suspension bits, lift, skids, light/winch bar and a roof rack.

I should be in that for around 3k, and have a cool rig for my son as his first car.

 

[libarata]

You know about the usual maintenance issues of used boxers right? Check for seeping gaskets and such. Subtle and Gorilla will be your biggest aftermarket support for bitz. King Springs make their bitz for some Subarus as well.

 

[Hodaka]

Hmmmm, may look at the legacy as I know who owns it, pop an outback front bumper on it to have the nice round fog lights, pop on the outback suspension bits, lift, skids, light/winch bar and a roof rack.

I should be in that for around 3k, and have a cool rig for my son as his first car.

Legacy: check to see when timing components were done - not just belts, make sure the whole kit was done. Also, make sure coolant has been changed according to schedule (varies by model year). On the Forester, that's a great deal. But it is due for timing job, which is probably why they set the price low. Still a good price - especially if you can do the work yourself.
I find in my area you can pretty much assume that the owner has NOT done the regular maintenance, especially if the car is over 200,000 KM's. That's when the maintenance/repairs you will need to do adds up quicker, and higher. That Forester has a pretty good chance of being a 1 owner car, so might be easy to find history.