All_T Posted June 10, 2005 Posted June 10, 2005 Hi folks, got referred here by a person on a money board I follow. Have spent some time purusing threads, ran a few searches, all good stuff. Thought I'd ask for input on my buying decision. Here is what is going on, buying a car (this weekend) for my wife. She is pregnant with our first child (September) and want a reliable, safe, peppy, ride that is good for Massachusetts winters. Driving style is more conservative, but want to be able to merge with authority on the highway. Automatic transmission only (she doesn't know manual, doesn't want to be bothered). We plan to hold this car 6-8 years and should put 150k+ miles on in that time. Previous car was (is) a 1998 civic that has gotten pretty weak in merging, but been a solid, reliable performer. We would be keeping it, but for the baby on the way, and its a little lousy in the winter (we were in DC before). So the question is GT/OB turbo 4 vs LL Bean H6? We (well, she) don't care about the leather/moonroof. The issues are 1. price/value; 2. performance in the long term; 3. Anything we didn't think of. . . At this point, I suspect either will be a fine choice. I trust the 6 cylinder to last a bit more than the turbo 4 - - but most people seem to advise me that it shouldn't make a big difference. We are not enthusiasts by nature, we just want a good car. What do you think?
mkaresh Posted June 10, 2005 Posted June 10, 2005 Have you already driven both of them? While I love the turbo four with a manual, it doesn't rev smoothly at lower RPM which tends to be much more of an issue with the automatic. If you wanted leather the six would clearly be the better choice for your needs. But having to pay for leather and a sunroof when you don't really want them complicates matters. Of course, if you drive the turbo and don't have any issues with it, then it's probably the better choice as you'll pay less.
nKoan Posted June 10, 2005 Posted June 10, 2005 In your situtation, I'd say H6. The turbo 4 has more mod potential for cheaper, but if you aren't looking to mod or aren't an agressive driver, then the H6 should meet your needs perfectly. A turbo can be a tricky beast for someone who isn't really looking for a turbo car. It adds performance in seemingly wierd ways to someone unaccustomed to it. I love my turbo 4, but all in all it sounds like the H6 will be a better all around for you.
All_T Posted June 10, 2005 Author Posted June 10, 2005 We've driven the H6, not the turbo 4 yet. We are going out tomorrow, and plan to finalize a decision and buy. I think it will come down to the test drive. Whichever my wife likes better, we'll go with. We don't like paying for leather/moonroof that we don't need, but we don't want to wait for the rumored base H6's that might be available in the 06 models. The time has come to buy.
melayout Posted June 10, 2005 Posted June 10, 2005 Remember, you get MP3 capable stereo with steering wheel controls on the LLBean H6. I keed I keeed
All_T Posted June 10, 2005 Author Posted June 10, 2005 Remember, you get MP3 capable stereo with steering wheel controls on the LLBean H6. Really? Is this through CD's burned with mp3 files, or is there a line in to hook up an Ipod or the like? Didn't know about that feature. We do like a some of the nice touches that seem to come with the LLBean, but I haven't quantified them all. Don't think we'd complain about the heated seats though. . .
Hero Posted June 10, 2005 Posted June 10, 2005 I have an H6 Outback and it is a dream to drive on a highway or interstate, more than enough buttery smooth torque to negotiate even the worst traffic. It definately sounds like the LL Bean would serve your needs better, over the long run you can definately count on slightly better reliability as well as better resale, insurance will probably be lower too. Have any other questions, please ask http://www.subaruoutback.org/_images/logo1.gif
melayout Posted June 10, 2005 Posted June 10, 2005 Really? Is this through CD's burned with mp3 files, or is there a line in to hook up an Ipod or the like? Didn't know about that feature. We do like a some of the nice touches that seem to come with the LLBean, but I haven't quantified them all. Don't think we'd complain about the heated seats though. . . Yup the former, mp3 files on CDs. I keed I keeed
melayout Posted June 10, 2005 Posted June 10, 2005 Also, the 06 models get Navigation. Did you try out the Tribeca? I keed I keeed
All_T Posted June 10, 2005 Author Posted June 10, 2005 No traditional SUV's per my wife (no minivans either). So Outback or Legacy.
LandShark Posted June 10, 2005 Posted June 10, 2005 Go for the LLBean. My neighbor has one in a beautiful olive green with tan leather. Only reason to wait 2-3 months for '06 is if your wife would benefit from a Nav system. My wife loves her nav in the Bimmer and probably couldn't live without it. Comes in handy is many situations that you don't always think about. Not just for long drives. If no Nav is okay, the buy the H-6. Should be able to negotiate maybe $3-4K off MRSP with the '06s starting production now.
PGT Posted June 10, 2005 Posted June 10, 2005 Only the VDC model OB gets the MP3 compatibility. The LLBean model does not have that. My bro got his LLBean a day after I got my LGT-L wagon. Their personalities are night and day apart (I have a 5sp), despite having the same sunroofs and leather. I find the H6 is gutless down low in comparison, though it does like to rev a little better than the turbo motor. That being said, I recommended my bro get the LLBean over the OBXT because he insisted on the 5EAT transmission. He drove a turbo/auto combo and agreed with me the H6 was the better choice for him.
mkaresh Posted June 10, 2005 Posted June 10, 2005 All Outbacks have heated seats standard. My website, www.truedelta.com, is generally a good way to compare the trim levels that have the features you want. However, I just checked my database, and have an MP3 player only on the VDC wagon. I based this on the brochure. Is the brochure incorrect? Edit: I didn't notice the second page of posts. Looks like someone answered my question even before I asked it. Good to know I haven't been providing inaccurate info. Also sounds like I'm not the only one who thinks the turbo works best with the manual transmission. It does produce more torque in the midrange, but shares a weak bottom end. The difference with the manual is it feels natural to keep the engine above 3000 RPM, where it begins to produce serious power.
All_T Posted June 11, 2005 Author Posted June 11, 2005 Thanks folks. I think the test drive will cinch it, but discussions with my wife here (including your input) are leaning towards the LL Bean. Does anyone know if the Legacy GT has the LATCH system for child seats?
melayout Posted June 11, 2005 Posted June 11, 2005 Yes the LATCH system is standard on the LL Bean : http://www.subaru.com/shop/specifications.jsp?year=2005&model=OUTBACK&trim=30_R_LLBEAN_EDITION_WAGON&category=SAFETY%20FEATURES Also checkout http://www.cars101.com/outback.html . I keed I keeed
melayout Posted June 11, 2005 Posted June 11, 2005 Did you consider the VDC wagon, since it is the only model that gets the Vehicle Dynamics Control(aka Anti-Skid Control), which could be a safety feature you want ? I keed I keeed
melayout Posted June 11, 2005 Posted June 11, 2005 Yeah, I stand corrected the MP3 player is only the VDC. Here is a list of the feature differences between the LL Bean and VDC : Outback 3.0R LL Bean adds over 2.5i Limited (everything the 2.5i Limited has, plus..) 3.0L H6 cylinder engine, 250hp, active valve control (premium fuel recommended) 5spd SportShift automatic transmission Upgraded VTD all wheel drive system LL Bean leather, perforated, with small logo Upgraded 17" wheels, LL Bean design Power Passenger seat, 4 way, lumbar support Dual pane power sunroofs with auto open/close Momo wood/leather steering wheel, stereo controls Engine immobilzer key (car won't run without it) Turn Signals in outside mirrors Tire Pressure monitoring system Aluminum sill plate covers Front bumper underguard Rear seat armrest Auto dimming rear view mirrror/compass Beige cargo tray (matches interior color) Outback 3.0R VDC adds over 2.5i Limited (everything the 2.5i Limited has, plus..) 3.0L H6 cylinder engine with 250hp, active valve control Upgraded VDC all wheel drive system 5spd automatic SportShift transmission AM/FM/CD changer with MP3 player, 4 upgraded speakers, 2 tweeters, rear subwoofer speaker Upgraded 17" alloys, 3.0R design Power Passenger seat, 4way with lumbar support Dual pane sunroofs with auto open/close Upgraded steering wheel Upgraded alloy wheels Dual climate control Turn Signal outside mirrors Tire Pressure monitoring Engine Immobilizer ket HomeLink Remote Garage Door System Aluminum sill plate covers Front bumper underguard Momo wood/leather steering wheel w/ stereo controls I keed I keeed
ADirtyLegacy Posted June 11, 2005 Posted June 11, 2005 hey hey All_T!! i see ya made it over here!! treat him nice guys!! Kenda
All_T Posted June 12, 2005 Author Posted June 12, 2005 Went with the Bean. Got it for invoice less rebate, though I gave a little ground on the trade which I had to chisel back with the remote starter. A fair deal, I am happy other than the bit of remorse moving the money to pay for it all. I liked the GT a lot more than I expected. My wife prefered the smoother ride of the Bean. Its primarily her car, so it was an easy choice. Thanks for the input folks.
Hero Posted June 13, 2005 Posted June 13, 2005 Did you try out the Tribeca? Thats a good thought, a base model Tribeca will price out lower than an LL Bean Outback. But with the Tribeca you still get the H6 engine, more interior space & cargo room, as well as having many more standard features like VDC all for less. You may not need all the fancy stuff like leather, etc so the Tribeca may meet your needs better than a LL Bean Outback. That being said, incentives are likely going to be better for a 2005 Outback. I'd say to just go into a Subaru dealer and they should be able to help you decide what is best for your needs and wallet as well
All_T Posted June 13, 2005 Author Posted June 13, 2005 They had 6-7 Tribeca's there. My wife didn't want one that big. I liked the console, didn't mind the front end, but wasn't 100% on the caboose. Didn't test drive it, as it wasn't in contention. So what do people think about the premium fuel recomendation for the H6? Necessary?
nKoan Posted June 13, 2005 Posted June 13, 2005 So what do people think about the premium fuel recomendation for the H6? Necessary? If premium is recomended by the owners manual, I would only put premium in the vehicle.
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