2006 Outback 2.5i Automatic Wagon

[John C]

Happy holidays everyone.

I've been doing some research on the 2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i Base
Model with Auto Trans (I can't afford anything better with a 25k price
limit) and would like people's opinions on anyone who drives the 06 or
05 versions of this car.

Almost all the reviews I've read for this vehicle are for the 3.0
model, the turbocharged and manual transmission.

It would be nice to hear opinions on the car from those who drive the
base 2.5i (or limited) with the 4 speed automatic.

From the reviews I've read, it said this car's 4 speed auto trans

upshifts too early and limits power and becomes annoying...is this
true? How is the drive comfort (silky smooth, rough or truck-like
ride)? Any rattles, weird vibrations or other annoying issues? Any
reasons for dissatisfaction with the vehicle?

I reside in LA/SoCal area and I don't think I've seen a single person
drive an Outback and am worried if there is a reason for that and I'd
be a sucker to buy one.

They are real slow sellers and the local dealer quoted me a price of
$700 below invoice before the $1000 rebate. Would this be a good deal?

Thank you very much for your replies.

 

[Bob H]

It won't be the biggest gas miser in the world because of awd friction
losses. The car is fairly bulletproof.

If you don't need awd why do you want a Subaru?

 

[AJB]

go to Edmunds web site, to subaru outback wagon reviews, do a "search" for
"hesitation" in the discussion groups, and there you will find a bunch of
lively and accurate discussions on the issue of the engine hesitation.

 

[KLS]

It would be nice to hear opinions on the car from those who drive the
base 2.5i (or limited) with the 4 speed automatic.

Too bad you don't live on the east coast so you could buy my mother's
2005 2.5i wagon: she wants to replace it with the same thing, but
with leather seats, which she regrets not buying in this car. She
likes the car very much, says it has more power than her 1998 Legacy
OBW, and feels it's more peppy on the highways. However, she is also
in her 70s, so take that with a grain of salt. I have not yet driven
this car myself. If you're at all interested in buying it, it's got
11,000 miles on it after 14 months of ownership, and it's in Md.

Can't comment on the price you got from your local dealer, but it's
probably about as low as you'll get for a new Subaru.

 

[Bill Pelka]

Greetings all,

Got a 2006 2.5i Limited Outback SEDAN on 12/27. Its probably got 120 on
it now and we are still happy... Have not noticed a thing wrong with it. It
has a real tight feeling ride. Not any real road noise (the only complaint
with our '95). I got it with the leather seats and they are great. AND heat
in the seats is great here in Spokane, WA. Not too sure you will need it in
CA. The power is better than the 1995 Legacy that it replaced. Went from 2.2
to 2.5 liter and from an average of about 24 (mixed) to the Subaru
advertised 23-28 for the 2.5 with 4 speed auto. This car has all we want and
will probably do about 10k per year for the next 10 years. The Outback sits
a little higher than the Legacy, but most all other dimensions are the same.
Good site for current information is at http://www.cars101.com/ . Joe has
put together a good site with all the MSRP and Invoice Prices. And the
options have their MSRP and invoice as well. ALL the info a person could
want, but not any real reviews.

MSRP for mine was $28020, Invoice $25862, Purchased at $24950, after
rebate.That was what I had projected after doing some research. Costco had a
"special " dealer program, but I beat their price on my own. Hardest part
was to get rid of the Spoiler on the rear deck. NOT a problem/choice on the
wagon...And then there was the tax...8.5%...YUK...

Good luck.

 

[Paul Pluzhnikov]

I reside in LA/SoCal area and I don't think I've seen a single person
drive an Outback and am worried if there is a reason for that and I'd
be a sucker to buy one.

I drive OBW in LA, and I see quite a lot of Outbacks and Foresters
in Pasadena and Monrovia (where there is a dealership).

The Outback is sure nice during the rains and for an occasional
trip to Mt.Hight or Mammoth.

Cheers,

 

[Freedom55]

Happy holidays everyone.

I've been doing some research on the 2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i Base
Model with Auto Trans (I can't afford anything better with a 25k price
limit) and would like people's opinions on anyone who drives the 06 or
05 versions of this car.

Almost all the reviews I've read for this vehicle are for the 3.0
model, the turbocharged and manual transmission.

It would be nice to hear opinions on the car from those who drive the
base 2.5i (or limited) with the 4 speed automatic.

upshifts too early and limits power and becomes annoying...is this
true? How is the drive comfort (silky smooth, rough or truck-like
ride)? Any rattles, weird vibrations or other annoying issues? Any
reasons for dissatisfaction with the vehicle?

I reside in LA/SoCal area and I don't think I've seen a single person
drive an Outback and am worried if there is a reason for that and I'd
be a sucker to buy one.

They are real slow sellers and the local dealer quoted me a price of
$700 below invoice before the $1000 rebate. Would this be a good deal?

Thank you very much for your replies.

I had a 2000 with hesitation issues but never in the 05 OBW that I have
now.

And to add to that the auto transmission is fine, no odd quirks. It will
adjust to your driving style. I have had my 05 for 1 1/2 years and I am
completely satisfied with it. Not one problem so far.

If you want to see the roads littered with Subies go into the snowbelt
states and all provinces in Canada and you will see plenty.

Ron

--
And it really doesn't matter if
I'm wrong I'm right
Where I belong I'm right
Where I belong.

Lennon & McCartney

 

[John C]

Thanks for your replies everyone.

Yeah it probably doesn't make sense for me to get a AWD vehicle for
driving year-round 80 degree weather flat terrains, but at the minimum
the AWD should help provide for a smoother ride I'm thinking.

Driving on Outback would make me a deviant in SoCal, but the blue pearl
one is very appealing to me.

If I end up buying it and liking it, I should move to a place like
Colorado where I can have more fun with it.

 

[Freedom55]

Thanks for your replies everyone.

Yeah it probably doesn't make sense for me to get a AWD vehicle for
driving year-round 80 degree weather flat terrains, but at the minimum
the AWD should help provide for a smoother ride I'm thinking.

Driving on Outback would make me a deviant in SoCal, but the blue pearl
one is very appealing to me.

If I end up buying it and liking it, I should move to a place like
Colorado where I can have more fun with it.

Does it rain in California? AWD is a definite advantage in the rain.

Ron

--
And it really doesn't matter if
I'm wrong I'm right
Where I belong I'm right
Where I belong.

Lennon & McCartney

 

[Dino]

You won't be a sucker, they're just not as popular there (yet).

Funny story- my dental hygenist moved here to Colorado from Michigan and I
asked if the had many foreign cars there. She said no and was really
surprised to see all the foreign cars here, "and those Subaru
Outbacks...they're everywhere!!"

lol. Had to tell her I have one too.

 

[MN]

Thanks for your replies everyone.

Yeah it probably doesn't make sense for me to get a AWD vehicle for
driving year-round 80 degree weather flat terrains, but at the minimum
the AWD should help provide for a smoother ride I'm thinking.

Driving on Outback would make me a deviant in SoCal, but the blue pearl
one is very appealing to me.

If I end up buying it and liking it, I should move to a place like
Colorado where I can have more fun with it.

Colorado?

North of Sacramento, going West, from Auburn all
the way to Reno, you will find tens of thousands of
S.California escapees who all seeem to drive nothing
but Subies!

AWD is great in the snow, but it makes a car drive
solid, as if on rails, in any other kind of weather.
I have a small Impreza coupe, and the car is a marvel.
Tiny two door that feels roomy and drives like a tank,
almost.

Well, down in Phoenix Az, were I visit frequently it is
looked upon as somewhat of a lower-end curiosity,
gets mistaken for a Ford Escort.

The Outback is a beautiful car but if image is a big
concern to you and you don't want to send any
confusing messages to your S.Calif. clients, get a
Camry/Honda, or whatever is now the standard in
L.A. Otherwise with a Subie you may be perceived
to be someone who has recently moved to S.Calif.,
from a northern state (don't know if that matters to
you).


MN

 

[John C]

I think I will bite the bullet and buy it this weekend...the factory
rebate might not be extended past 1/3 so it would pay off to buy now in
case.

Being in a place where 50% of the cars are either Accords, Camrys or
behemoth SUVs driven by single people...driving a Subaru would make me
feel different.

I know that the Legacy and Outbacks have among the best crash test
ratings ever but I don't know too much about their reliability. I
can't expect 10 years and 200k miles like I can with Toyota or Honda
right?

 

[MN]

I think I will bite the bullet and buy it this weekend...the factory
rebate might not be extended past 1/3 so it would pay off to buy now in
case.

Being in a place where 50% of the cars are either Accords, Camrys or
behemoth SUVs driven by single people...driving a Subaru would make me
feel different.

I know that the Legacy and Outbacks have among the best crash test
ratings ever but I don't know too much about their reliability. I
can't expect 10 years and 200k miles like I can with Toyota or Honda
right?

You can expect 200K no problem. The engine is of a very
durable design (boxer) and Subarus very frequently go longer
than 200k. Subaru has had a history (reoccuring problem) of
head gasket failures in their 2.5 L engine, so you may want to
take that into account. Supposedly they fixed it (?).

Generally speaking Subarus require more maintenance than
a typical Honda/Toyota does, this is due to more mechanical
components (AWD differentials) which can break down and
require regular fluid changes. This is all rather a very minor
difference. Absolute reliability is probably similar or
only a bit worse than Toyota/Honda.

The Legacy/Outbacks are far more enjoyable cars than
Accords/Camrys, just like the Impreza's is far more enjoyable
than the Corrollas/Civics.

MN

 

[Paris Ligi]

I can vouch for the head gaskets failing...

I own an '03 OBW and both head gaskets were replaced this past summer. The
mileage was aroung 60 K when they failed. Luckily, I bought the extended
warranty - it paid for itself....

But I still love the car - I would buy another in spite of the head gasket
issue....I drove a new won as a loaner and it had plenty of pick up compared
to mine.

Regards, PL

 

[bigjim]

reside in LA/SoCal area and I don't think I've seen a single person
drive an Outback and am worried if there is a reason for that and I'd
be a sucker to buy one.
<<

There arent a lot of outbacks in Fl and only one dealer in the
dallas/ft. worth area. Are they bad cars? No. But for people who live
in warm climes with little precipitation they may be overkill. Heated
seats windshields etc are not really necessary in LA. Travel to VT or
CO or NJand you will find plenty of subarus and happy owners. Once the
snow hits there is nothing better including most suv's. If I lived in
LA i'd probably have a mustang convert or a jeep for exploring the
desert instead of the subaru

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

drive an Outback and am worried if there is a reason for that and I'd
be a sucker to buy one.
<<

There arent a lot of outbacks in Fl and only one dealer in the
dallas/ft. worth area. Are they bad cars? No. But for people who live
in warm climes with little precipitation they may be overkill. Heated
seats windshields etc are not really necessary in LA. Travel to VT or
CO or NJand you will find plenty of subarus and happy owners. Once the
snow hits there is nothing better including most suv's. If I lived in
LA i'd probably have a mustang convert or a jeep for exploring the
desert instead of the subaru

There are 4-5 dealership locations in D/FW. And a Subaru is likely
overkill for most people in this area. Except for the dearth of wagons
from which to choose and the sportiness of the Imprezas. The heated
seats and windshields unfortunately usually come in the top of the line
models. For instance, if one must have a sunroof and automatic
transmission you might have to take leather and the cold weather
package. Not well thought out for marketing to the southwest. And they
seem to ship few white and a LOT of black cars down here.
I dunno

Carl

 

[bigjim]

I thing ALLoutbacks come with the cold weather package. The dealer
locator only shows a couple in the DFWmetroplex unlike in other states.
My 04 with 4cyl auto and cloth no sunroof had heated everything but in
NJ its nice

 

[Michael Pardee]

Well, down in Phoenix Az, were I visit frequently it is
looked upon as somewhat of a lower-end curiosity,
gets mistaken for a Ford Escort.

I moved from Phoenix to Flagstaff five years ago and was amazed at all the
Subarus here. It's only 130 miles away, but that's what mountains do for
you!

Mike (remembering to change out of my flannel shirt when we go to Phoenix
today...)

 

[eachcornerpulling]

I've got a 2005 2.5 OBW auto and it has turned out to be the perfect
touring car. Yesterday I came back 700 km from the coast in BC over
three snowy mountain passes each about 5000'. Did it easily in 8.5
hours and averaged exactly 8.0 litres/100km.

I've got 21,000 km on it now with no real beefs at all. Great in snow
(with snow tires on, natch) and I love the extra ground clearance for
rutted back roads.

If you have the $$$ - get one!

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

I thing ALLoutbacks come with the cold weather package. The dealer
locator only shows a couple in the DFWmetroplex unlike in other states.
My 04 with 4cyl auto and cloth no sunroof had heated everything but in
NJ its nice

Teape now has 2 locations. SOD in dallas and there's a dealership in
Plano IIRC. Automall is gone but I've heard SOD may open another lot.

You're right about the Outback model. But I think you can get Legacy
wagons without the cold weather stuff. But you will give up the xtra
height I guess.

Carl