mwerger

That's the kind of info I was looking for. I'm not a mechanic or engine hobbyist by any stretch of the imagination, but I knew a comment like "it's not hearty" would fish out some good explanations.

I didn't know that. It is a good selling point.

That's what has me suspicious. If the other guys can build engines hearty enough to handle 87, why can't Subaru? I wonder if it's been difficult to cram 6 cylinders into a horizontally opposed engine. No one else pulls it off except Porsche, I think.

Oops, it's a 2005 Subaru Legacy Outback 3.0R. What do I know? My question is still the same, anyway. Is a flat-6 engine worth the extra?

I test-drove a 3.0 yesterday and searched the forum last night. (See the "Outback Sedans" thread.) Quite a few long threads on risking 87 octane if you search back. I'm curious about the difference between a six cylinder's requirement for premium versus a turbo model's requirement for premium. Supposedly, you might get away with risking 87 with six cylinders but not with turbo.

Well, it IS a "fake" automatic. I thought that was hysterical. I'd heard of these stick-shifts-without-a-clutch in cars before, but never saw one until now.

I've searched 7 Subaru dealerships in my area, but 2.5i Limited Outback Sedans are hard to find. After test driving two new and two 2003 OBS's, I decided I really prefer something bigger, but not a station wagon. I'm considering regular Legacy's, but I really like the look of the raised-suspension sedan. I found a 2005 3.0 R L.L.Bean Edition Outback Sedan. Had less than 7k miles on it, and it was down to my price range, so I took it for a drive. I LOVED the feel of it. I don't care about all the bells and whistles junk, but the six cylinder adds a nice punch. Who thinks these are or aren't worth the premium gas? (I've already googled the threads on risking 87 octane, so let's not get into that again.)

Maybe, but I don't see them listed cheaper among dealerships that will warranty anything. That was the third OBS I tested. The other two were new '06 models. I like the car, but just not enough to pay for it. I think I just need to to hold out, rack up some savings, and try some larger Subarus. (My girlfriend makes fun of me whenever I talk about it, but I have a thing for Bajas.)

Ramsey Subaru on 17S. I test-drove it today. Didn't like it. The brakes felt very unresponsive, and there was too much of a "tapping" sound while accelerating (something about piston-alignment, maybe). The hood's latch won't secure shut properly. They'd fix that before sale, but I'm definitely not "in love" with the feel of it enough to dump some savings and start making some payments.

What were the bad years for the 2.5L engines? A local dealer is listing a 2003 Outback Sport I like for >$15k. Has >38k miles on it.

You mean as in different from the Impreza altogether? I like the Impreza hatchback, but not the Legacy wagon. I'd go with the Sedan for a Legacy. Maybe I'll test drive one.

I call it the Honda Bread Truck. I've been reading elementownersclub.com to learn the thinking of element fans. Most of the talk there is about what they're doing with the interior space rather than about the drive. Lots of dogs owners.

I test-drove an Element a few weeks ago, rides nice, but not magic like the Impreza. Basically a little less fun behind the wheel, a little more fun packed into the interior. All kinds of ideas for that space. If I go with the Subaru, I'll have to get ski racks and a bike hitch. Gotta weigh the pros and cons.

I test drove the '06 OBS a few weeks ago. I really liked it. It was rainy all weekend, and I accelerated through some puddles that would've pulled my silly Cavalier sideways. The OBS went through them like they weren't there. Basically, the Impreza & OBS seem like the best mileage I'm going to find in AWD anywhere, so I favor them especially for that. I really like the look of the two-toned OBS, too, especially in metallic green. I don't get why ppl here keep saying ugly-cars-that-run-great. Guess I'm just weird (I am from NJ), but Subaru's always stand out on the highway as handsome cars.

. . . for me? I'm ready for a new car, and I've been researching AWD vehicles for a little while. I live in northern NJ, not quite the "snow belt", but some winters we get a few rough storms. I make a lot of ski trips to Vermont and New Hampshire, and could use some extra handling there. I don't do my own maintenance at all. I even take it in for oil and filter changes. So while Subaru might be the choice for AWD, something Honda-ish or Toyota-ish with "good-enough" AWD might be easier for me to find mechanics for.