mbellantone Posted January 29, 2008 Posted January 29, 2008 Hey Kids. Please welcome me! I've had a long history with subaru's starting with my 1993 Loyale. Sorrty this is long, but I have alot to say. I'm in the second week of my 4-6 week wait for my "ordered" 2008 Diamond Grey Metallic XT. I hope they don't call me on week 5 saying that they can't close the deal! I have 1K things that I need to ask so I figured you guys would have all the good answers. Even though I live in a VERY congested area, (NYC), I'm one of these nutjobs who doesn't believe in auto-trannies, (never did, never will) and you wouldn't believe how hard it is finding: 1: manual transmission 2: Wagon 3: all-wheel drive. You would think that Subaru would have them readily available, but they don't... people are getting lazy! I also wanted Navigation, but I didn't want the confinement of the spec-b. I also wanted the higher clearance and the conspicuity of the outback. (I also thing the spec-b is ugly as hell!) All it takes to not get a manual tranny in the XT is to click the little button on their web-site for Navigation and "POOF" the navigation goes away... go figure! I know, I could have gotten an Audi but I was looking at the A3 but they don't offer the "Quattro" with manual tranny... go figure. I also looked that the 6speed manual Passat but, guess what? the "four motion" does not come with a manual tranny. Guess where my loyaties are? My XT will be my 4th Subbie. and I have some questions. 1: am I in the wrong forum, considering that they completely separated the Legacy from the outback badges? 2: What is the proper break-in for this turbo vehicle? Do you drive it easy during the break-in or do you "drive it like you stole it" in order for the whirley metal bits to seat correctly? 3: one of my problems with the Sub shifter, (on every one that i've owned) is that it feels very sloppy compaired to the VW. I'm looking into the "short shifter" that they offer. Does the short shift simply decrease the length of the shifter or does it actually change the linkage configuration to make it tighter? Do you recommend it? 4: In getting the XT, I sacraficed the possibilty of using my XM and getting navigation and I was considering getting the Pioneer AVIC D3 which incorporates Satellite radio, navigation, AM/FM, and Blue Tooth and was wondering if there is anyway to incorporate this unit into the pocket that I now have in the dash where the stock Nav would go in the other Subaru's with Nav. Yes, without butchering the nice clean full dash plastic extrusion that will come with my car. Something tells me that I'm out of luck on this end. 5: while I was at the dealer, I asked him if there "WERE ANY OTHER OPTIONS" available on this vehicle and he said no. He was otherwise very knowledgeable but while on-line on the Subaru site, it seems that the Sub-Woofer/Amp upgrade, Compass with Homelink, Rear Dome/Reading light are options? Is this the case, or does it come with this level XT? I really appreciate any and all answers and opinions to these questions. Thanks a million! M
erikvcl Posted January 29, 2008 Posted January 29, 2008 5: while I was at the dealer, I asked him if there "WERE ANY OTHER OPTIONS" available on this vehicle and he said no. He was otherwise very knowledgeable but while on-line on the Subaru site, it seems that the Sub-Woofer/Amp upgrade, Compass with Homelink, Rear Dome/Reading light are options? Is this the case, or does it come with this level XT? The dealer is right. There are no options. The items you list are what Subaru calls "accessories" (though other car makers may call them options). Congrats on the new car. It's great that you're die-hard MT fan. Sometimes I wish I spent a bit more to get an OB XT (5MT of course).
RockyMtnGT Posted January 30, 2008 Posted January 30, 2008 Welcome and congrats! I can comment on your shifter question. I installed a Kartboy...one of my favorite upgrades. Night and day difference, I could never go back to the "stock" feel and long throws. Excellent upgrade for the $$$ IMHO. I don't slam through my gears, I just like the stubbier handle and shorter throws...Haven't had any synchro issues @ 44k miles and counting. There are other shifter options out there (Cobb (adjustable) and STI, to name a few) but the kartboy is a quality piece that comes dialed in perfectly right out of the box- it also cost the least (about 100 bucks) and is easy to put in.
Borti Posted January 31, 2008 Posted January 31, 2008 I just got an 08 black XT in MT. So far I have been driving it normally. No stomping on it but I don't baby it either. I also wanted the utility of a wagon and appreciate the fit and finish (even coming from an 06 A4). All I think it needs is a better strut and a custom tune (and maybe an exhaust thrown in). All in all I am extremely satisfied.
DAVES XTOUTBK Posted January 31, 2008 Posted January 31, 2008 Interesting. I'm in my 6th week of waiting for the Silver Outback XT 5MT. I put the order in in mid December, had to turn my 05 XT in on 1/12 due to balloon lease expiration, and I've had a loaner from them since. The are hoping they'll have one in mid-February. I've already test driven the A4 Avant and really like it. I do wish it had more power and a larger sunroof......I'm giving Subaru until Feb18th. We'll see..........
chanoot256 Posted January 31, 2008 Posted January 31, 2008 LOL - I've been waiting 15 wks for my Diamond Grey Metallic Outback XT! No Joke - and this is through VanBortel Subaru, who I'm sure many of you are familiar with. They've been great, but it's been a big pain in the a$$ making sure they're staying on the ball with this one. I went for the short throw, auto-dimming mirrors, and factory tint - it's should be here any day now - can't wait! Trading my 04 WRX wagon.
soldierguy Posted January 31, 2008 Posted January 31, 2008 Congrats on your choice! I thought about the XT, but didn't really want the extras (moonroof, leather), and I didn't want to pay for premium gas for more power, especially since I tend to drive...well...I would say that I drive sensibly, but others might consider my driving slow. I like the diamond grey color though... that looks sweet! On the double-din nav system...take a look at crutchfield.com. I think they have the replacement piece for the center console that would allow you to mount the nav system in place of the stock stereo and still have a clean installation. Or any good stereo shop would be able to get the piece, or at least build a nice one. Something you might want to consider is different tires, depending on the conditions in which you drive. The stock Bridgestone Potenza RE92a tires are ok in the dry, so-so in the wet, and really bad in snow. I've got just over 600 miles on my OB and I'm about to pull the trigger on better tires because in snow they make my OB feel downright unsafe...yes, they really are that bad. The worst is trying to stop...I swear in the three weeks I've owned my OB, the ABS has gotten more of a workout than all the vehicles I've ever had combined, and I tend to drive like a grandma. Just something to think about. And I'd also recommend a window tint...it'd look great with that color!
ac328 Posted February 1, 2008 Posted February 1, 2008 15 weeks eh...ouch. I just picked up my 2008 Diamond Grey Metallic XT 5MT in-stock from a dealer in the Seattle area in mid-December. Lucky me I guess! (I am from Calgary, Canada, but prices for Subies are sky high up here making a purchase in the US a good bet. In fact Van Bortel in the East is making a killing selling to Canadians...) I really like this car, though it is not flawless. the brakes could be better for one thing, but I digress. 1) Subaruoutback.org is another good resource for Outbacks, though due to the many commonalities between Legacies and Outbacks (virtually everything) this a great forum, with more members. 2) I drove this car 1,200km (750mi) straight from the dealer home to Calgary during the break-in period, I varied my speeds on the highway and never revved above 3k. I have 1,600 miles on it now and it seems to be running strong. 3) I like the shifter, to me it is smooth and does the job. Sometimes I would like a cleaner engagement, but overall 8/10. 4) read the audio sub forums for tips on audio upgrades. One huge PITA is that the climate control and stereo system are built-in together from what I understand, which is a very puzzling design. 5) There are a lot of accessories but I opted to go with nothing except the block heater. I was given the hood deflector included, but a buddy of mine told me not to install it because it'll block air from going into the hood scoop and intercooler. Not sure how accurate that is? One further comment: this car is crazy fast!! The first time I went past 3k in Sport Sharp mode I had a huge grin on my face! Way faster than the BMW X3 the Outback is replacing.
RockyMtnGT Posted February 1, 2008 Posted February 1, 2008 One further comment: this car is crazy fast!! The first time I went past 3k in Sport Sharp mode I had a huge grin on my face! Way faster than the BMW X3 the Outback is replacing. That made me ...only because it reminded me of a friend of mine with an OB XT who once told me about how he was climbing a mountain pass with two bikes on the roof rack, and a guy in a brand new Porsche Cayenne S couldn't keep up with him...funny visual for sure. FWIW I broke my LGT in the same way. I pretty much warmed it up slowly and then drove it up to Steamboat, CO and back. Haven't had any of the oil burning issues some people see. Not sure if that had anything to do with it? never the less it's been pretty much trouble free since I picked it up! Audi's are great until the warranty runs out. I've been down that road TWICE..never again!! Anyway, congrats on your purchase!
mbach Posted February 8, 2008 Posted February 8, 2008 I bought a 2008 (Grey) Outback 2.5XT with MT in November. It's my first Subaru purchase. I wanted the A4 Avant with MT (10 week wait) but the Subaru dealer had a MT turbo in stock so I got it. Came with short throw shifter, homelink, and trailer hitch, no navigation; I didn't see until later I could have gotten a gage cluster. Dealer didn't tell me about the 4K RPM break in, I exceeded that at least a few times even while test driving. Wasn't impressed by the salesman, couldn't even tell me about all the features; I had to research that on my own. I bought the car in spite of the salesmanship, wish the commission would have gone to the car talk guys on NPR. Anyway here's my review: I find it sometimes difficult to shift smoothly, clean engagement is an issue. Best mileage is 24 MPG. The auto climate control nearly always uses the A/C, except when it was 17 degrees. I don't hear any air leaks with is good. Leg room is tight for tall adults but driver. It does handle very well and has decent acceleration but don't confuse this with sport handling, my E30 is superior. The side cargo nets (mounting pieces) interfere with the shade/ insert. I like that when not using the intelligent mode shift indicators go away. BIG difference between drive modes intelligent, sport and sport sharp. The FM reception on the radio is a little weak also no RDS. It warms up fast, in about 6 minutes when it's 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Doesn't come with full sized spare. It's also easier to get in and out of compared to the A4. I will probably be putting in a Cobb Access port to boost performance, I wouldn't call this vehicle crazy fast. Another thing I noticed is that if you look how low the rear differential housings are in Jeeps and other 4x4s the Outback has greater ground clearance. No lighter and that thing that looks like it should be an ash tray isn't. Overall it's pretty decent. I had mobil one full syth put in before 3K as suggested by service department. One question: is there an insert for the scoop to guard against debris damaging the intercooler?
KNS Brakes Posted February 8, 2008 Posted February 8, 2008 The brakes on the OB are pretty poor - woefully underpowerd for a 250 HP 3500 + lb car. I just got my wife a 2005 triple black XT limited. Awesome car - awful brakes I'll be writing a post - it may help a lot of you guys out
KNS Brakes Posted February 8, 2008 Posted February 8, 2008 DO NOT USE MOBIL ONE _ IT ATTACKS SEALS AND IS TOO THIN trust me I KNOW THIS>>>> If you IGNORE ME and use it.....LOOK AT YOUR FRONT CRANK SEAL AND I BET YOU WILL SEE A LEAK It also crystallizes when hot - which can make the oil control ring not float - which can lead to consumption -which can lead to FAILURE MOBIL ONE IS NOT THE ANSWER FOR SUBARU"S
mbach Posted February 8, 2008 Posted February 8, 2008 yeah the brakes are strange. It's almost like a guy has to pump the brake at time.
KNS Brakes Posted February 8, 2008 Posted February 8, 2008 they are too small - the pads are junk - they overheat and go bad pretty easily.
matt Posted February 8, 2008 Posted February 8, 2008 3: one of my problems with the Sub shifter, (on every one that i've owned) is that it feels very sloppy compaired to the VW. I'm looking into the "short shifter" that they offer. Does the short shift simply decrease the length of the shifter or does it actually change the linkage configuration to make it tighter? Do you recommend it? The STI SS does neither - it decreases the throw by raising the fulcrum, while leaving the height basically unchanged. I highly recommend it over the stock shifter even though it's pricey. The stock LGT/OBXT shifter is long throw and feels sloppy - kind of like a slightly notchier BMW shifter. (I'm not a fan of BMW's shifters.) With the STI SS the throws are significantly shorter, firmer, and feel much less sloppy. It's still not the best shifter I've used, but it's more than passable, and I'm picky about shifters. The aftermarket SSes all shorten both the throw and the height. (Shortening the height inherently shortens the throw too, but IIRC at least some of them also raise the fulcrum.) They're also cheaper than the STI SS, so if you can't get the dealer to throw in the STI SS at cost you might want to go the aftermarket route instead. Some of them are adjustable as well. I haven't used any of them so I can't offer a direct comparison. No SS will tighten up the shift linkage, that's not how they work. However, there are some bushings you can replace that should tighten up shift feel even further, though possibly with a corresponding increase in NVH. I've never tried them but I have a feeling I'd like them. Search for more info. I miss my old car's shifter. It was short throw, short height, came with a great-feeling shift knob (all leather and stitched like a baseball), and had the Evo's shift linkage, all standard from the factory. It felt incredibly solid and directly connected to the gearbox. Every other shifter I've used feels sloppy in comparison, including many with specially installed short shifters. It was also well isolated from the engine. You'll quickly notice that the LGT/OBXT shifter constantly vibrates in tune with the engine.
ac328 Posted February 8, 2008 Posted February 8, 2008 I agree the braking isn't 100%, but I think a big part of it has to do with the OEM Bridgestone tires. Of course, the tires aren't to blame for the somewhat squishy brake feel, but the brakes aren't THAT bad. I used to drive a BMW X3, great brake feel and bite but overall braking performance was good but not great, comparable to the Outback, and the X3 has much bigger brakes than the OB (12.8in fronts vs. 11.8 on the OB). Also had better OEM tires (Pirellis) with a wider footprint (235mm vs. 225). The X3 weighs 5-600lbs more too so that makes a diff. My buddy with an STi blames the tires and pads for the mediocre OEM braking setup on the OB. I'm gonna change the wheels/tires in the summer to 18s with a high-performance all season setup and hopefully that will help.
DAVES XTOUTBK Posted February 24, 2008 Posted February 24, 2008 Got hold of a 2008 Outcack XT 5EAT finally!! Some customer from before my mid-December order recieved his and didn't want it so I took it. Nice Car!! Dave
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