climber Posted August 18, 2009 Share Posted August 18, 2009 So a few months ago I sold my mazdaspeed3 and bought an '08 Outback 2.5i. I figured it would be a bigger car which would suit my rock climbing needs (more ground clearance and more space) and I didn't need as much power since the gas mileage plus regular fuel would be a big savings. Unfortunately I can't live without the power. I've been driving/working on turbo cars for six years and I need to get my fix again! So this time I'm trying to take my time looking at cars. I test drove a Nissan murano, Toyota rav4 V6, BMW X3, and a turbo outback. The X3 is too expensive and I don't think it could handle any off-roading at all. The Murano and rav4 feel too much like SUV's even though I really liked the Murano. So that leaves me with the turbo outback which seems to be the best fit for me. I'm in socal where outback XT's are a rarity. The only one nearby that has a color I like is a silver '05 with 65k miles listed for $15.5k. I could probably afford to wait for one with lower miles but any savings is good for me since I'll probably be a rock climbing bum within the next year. I've got a few questions specific to Cali folks. If I were to buy an '08 would I be exempt from emissions until it is 6 years old or do you have to be the original owner for that to apply? That may be a big deal since I'm planning to add a downpipe and tune and it'd be nice to have a few years before dealing with passing emissions here. My other question: is there any big reason to choose one year over the other? I think I know all the changes from '05-09 and it doesn't seem like there is anything major. For those with SI-drive, does this make the transmission hold a gear longer before upshifting? I know on my car, it upshifts way too early, not sure if that is true on the turbo models as well. I know the '05 has a cat in the uppipe but I could always swap that out. The mp3 jack would be nice on the '07+ but it sounds like I can retrofit something into the '05. Let me know if anyone has a compelling reason to spend a little more on a newer model! Thanks, Alex Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sdvictor Posted August 18, 2009 Share Posted August 18, 2009 Is it a rarity? I see one every so often. In the end, I bought (and flew to ) Norcal and drove it down for the color/spec/price that I wanted. 09 has H/K audio 07+ has stability control and SI-Drive 08+ has new look Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
climber Posted August 18, 2009 Author Share Posted August 18, 2009 Well you see one every once in a while but if you had to go to norcal to find one you like then I'd say they are rare! I could probably find any color I want in the 2.5i but only 1 within 300 miles in a decent color XT. Is there much of a difference in the way the car shifts in sport mode or sport sharp? Or is it mostly throttle response? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sdvictor Posted August 19, 2009 Share Posted August 19, 2009 shift and throttle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D_J Posted August 19, 2009 Share Posted August 19, 2009 Save your $ and try a few things like AVO panel filter and getting a good tune. Speaking from experience as a former lush - trading in cars left and right...just stick with your 08 and spend about 1 - 2K in mods. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
climber Posted August 19, 2009 Author Share Posted August 19, 2009 Definitely not going to mod the 2.5i, would be a waste of money. I think I'm leaning towards waiting to find an '07 or '08 XT, preferably in Diamond Gray Metallic! I figure if I'm planning to dump several grand in mods that I should get a newer model with fewer miles that will last a while. Plus the catless uppipe and mp3 jack are important! Alex Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D_J Posted August 19, 2009 Share Posted August 19, 2009 Yeah if u need that speed again...our 2.5's are underpowered. Are you interested in swapping a few parts out? I can trade plus give u a little cash. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
climber Posted August 20, 2009 Author Share Posted August 20, 2009 What kind of parts do you have? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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