bultmajd Posted August 27, 2016 Share Posted August 27, 2016 Hey all, yes another one if these.... I've decided that I need a new car. I currently have 2, a '99 Grand Cherokee and a '97 Miata. I'm looking to sell of both of them and upgrade to just one. I commute in the Miata because the gas mileage is better, yet when I do anything outdoors related or people moving I drive the Jeep. I've decided on a Subaru mainly because of the gas mileage and symmetrical AWD system. And not to mention I've wanted one for along while. The decision I can't shake is the model to go with. Do I go with a Legacy or Outback? I'm looking at 2007-2011 Legacy or Outback sub 90,000 miles. I've driven them both, all 4 to be exact based on model year. I like them all for multiple reason and can't decide on which one to get. What do I need to consider when looking at the difference between the two and trying to decide which one is right for me and my lifestyle? Thanks, J Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flowmastered87GL Posted August 27, 2016 Share Posted August 27, 2016 Depends on what is more important to you. If you want pure good on road gas mileage get the Legacy. If you are willing to trade 1 or 2 MPG for better bad weather and off road performance get the Outback. I'd take the Outback personally. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subnz Posted August 27, 2016 Share Posted August 27, 2016 (edited) Basically the same apart from ground clearance so Outback better able to go off road / better in snow etc, loose a little in sharp cornering ability. (So ideally suited for people with outdoor interests / carrying sporting equiupment etc) Highway fuel consumption differences negligable if similar engine and drivelines Never liked Legacies because of lack of ground clearance and limited offroad ability (too highway focused) particualrly the lowered GT and performance versions. Your choice depends on your life style needs environment etc Edited August 27, 2016 by subnz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bultmajd Posted August 27, 2016 Author Share Posted August 27, 2016 Thanks for the response, I drive 40 minutes to work, ends up being just under 50 miles round trip. Which is the main reason for driving the Miata which I average about 31 mpg, whiled my jeep is only at 17.5mpg. I'm a pretty active guy... In my time off I like to snow ski, mountain bike, road bike, practical shooting, golf, fish and kayak just to name a few. I do occasionally find unpaved areas especially shooting, skiing and biking. Starting to think the outback is the better choice 100%. Which outback year would you consider and why? I'm looking at both models with years ranging from 2007-2011. Thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subnz Posted August 27, 2016 Share Posted August 27, 2016 (edited) I'm an old school diehard prefer the gen 3s [05-09] (have one) and not so fond of the looks of the gen 4 [10 - 14] (ie looks as if its taken steroids) its not to say its any less capable. Recommend the H6 smoother (headgasket issues -Tbelt changes H4) does it with less fuss ie for over taking carrying people sporting gear mountains ski fields etc. The fuel consumption differences with H4 ie highways negligable at worst in urban shortrunning-10% more (have owned both H6/H4) However it will not be as good as your Miata. best I get / got H4/H6 is 28MPG trips, average 24/25MPG as Outback is an AWD and a heavier car. Also if get a gen 3 , get a later one with SI drive H6 (3 transmission modes) - this is better for power / economy (trip computer) As a single multi use vehicle Outbacks take a lot of beating ps It sounds as if 4th Gen CVTs are getting better fuel economy than previous 4EAT 5EAT so that would be one of the advantages in gen 4 Have a look in subaruoutback.org forum there are more specific discussions there or Just search on google your question and this will pull up most the relevant discussions on your questions. Edited August 31, 2016 by subnz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted August 28, 2016 Share Posted August 28, 2016 the 2010+ is rated 2mpg better gas mileage. relative in Ohio gets awesome mileage in his, he is in low or mid 30's in his, though he drives very conservatively and very flat. how about a newer one with the FB engine and better gas mileage? 2012+ outbacks. outback makes sense. you'd have to make sacrifices but you could make a legacy work if needed. get a hitch and carrier or trailer if needed for trips/loads/gear. i much prefer my outbac but i do use it very practically. we've gotten rid of two sedans which i've loved but they're just not practical for a family of 5 that plays. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyril Posted August 30, 2016 Share Posted August 30, 2016 I recently bought a 93 Legacy L wagon. I already have a big raised Dodge Ram for anything rugged to do, and I wanted an AWD rig for longer road trips that still can maneuver in snow, rain and some mud, but mainly could perform well on the road and be efficient. Remember that when the Legacy came out there were no Outbacks, so the rig had to perform as is, and did, as the outbacks do now. Someday I may get an outback but the newer ones are starting to really look clunky and seem to be turning into way more of a bigger SUV rather than a wagon. With what my older Legacy can still do under adverse conditions, and how well it performs on the highway, right now it is the choice for me. My advice would be to get an older Outback that still has some wagon/car qualities and keep your jeep for the off road stuff. I've had two jeeps in the past and they are the best for the adventure driving In my opinion. Have fun!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bultmajd Posted August 30, 2016 Author Share Posted August 30, 2016 Hey all, thanks for the replies. I've decided on an outback. The issues is what model year and engine. Why would you suggest an H6? Or an H4 for that matter? What model year would be the best? Looking at sub $12k in the southern Ohio area. I like the suggestion of keeping my Jeep. I would keep it if... I off roaded, needed it for the winter (I think the outback will suffice in Ohio winter) or anything where a jeep will benefit over an outback that I do. The only thing I think I'm loosing between an outback and Jeep is a little space. I think the outback is tgr best choice. As mentioned I could get the legacy but I think it would be more of a sacrifice and having to try to make it work. When the outback would fit the bill. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyril Posted August 30, 2016 Share Posted August 30, 2016 Excellent! It's a Subaru bro...I'm sure you will be happy with an Outback! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shoebee2 Posted August 31, 2016 Share Posted August 31, 2016 Great choice. Very good automobile. But Be careful! Damn things breed when your not looking. You,say it'll only be this one......but it won't. I was young and naive once. Now? There's 4 of em and THEY JUST KEEP COMING. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subnz Posted August 31, 2016 Share Posted August 31, 2016 (edited) Hey all, thanks for the replies. I've decided on an outback. The issues is what model year and engine. Why would you suggest an H6? Or an H4 for that matter? What model year would be the best? Looking at sub $12k in the southern Ohio area. I like the suggestion of keeping my Jeep. I would keep it if... I off roaded, needed it for the winter (I think the outback will suffice in Ohio winter) or anything where a jeep will benefit over an outback that I do. The only thing I think I'm loosing between an outback and Jeep is a little space. I think the outback is tgr best choice. As mentioned I could get the legacy but I think it would be more of a sacrifice and having to try to make it work. When the outback would fit the bill. Refer back to my 2nd post regarding H4 vs H6 3rd or 4th gen and grossgarys comments suggestions on gen 4 economy etc. Suggest a gen 4 (2010+) as it has better fuel economy with CVT transmission ( H4/H6) if it's in your price range. If 2012+ H4 (CVT) has new FB engine which has better economy and no T belt changes (chain drive like all H6s without h/gasket issues) Suggest H6 more power silky smooth does it with less fuss. ( without t belt changes and headgasket issues of H4 up to 2011) If get gen 3 H6 (5EAT) get a later one 2008/2009 with SI Drive (3 transmission modes - trip computer) its better for power / economy . H4 (4EAT) Have owned H4 5MT / H6 5EAT SI Drive and fuel economy similar - except for short running / urban where H6 uses 10% more fuel. Edited August 31, 2016 by subnz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heartless Posted August 31, 2016 Share Posted August 31, 2016 i turned a basic 95 Legacy L into a sort of Outback with the installation of Forester struts & springs and Forester wheels - gained a good 2 inches of height... That said - the other half has an '06 Outback - LL Bean Edition with the H6, 5spd auto - it rides nicer than my lifted Legacy (the suspension was designed for the car), and is quite comfortable for longer drives. He is getting upper 20's to about 30mpg out of it on his 30min commute (mostly country driving) 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subaru_dude Posted September 1, 2016 Share Posted September 1, 2016 I love that LL Bean Outback. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subaru_dude Posted September 1, 2016 Share Posted September 1, 2016 Guess I could chime in a little. Yeah, go for the H6. Stout motor, better sound. Just don't drive like you're in a hurry and they get decent mileage. The 3rd gen is probably going to feel the most planted on road, while the 4th gen has more room and is more offroad capable if a bit rolly polly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subnz Posted September 1, 2016 Share Posted September 1, 2016 i turned a basic 95 Legacy L into a sort of Outback with the installation of Forester struts & springs and Forester wheels - gained a good 2 inches of height... That said - the other half has an '06 Outback - LL Bean Edition with the H6, 5spd auto - it rides nicer than my lifted Legacy (the suspension was designed for the car), and is quite comfortable for longer drives. He is getting upper 20's to about 30mpg out of it on his 30min commute (mostly country driving) Have a friend in my village has done exactly the same thing with a similar aged MT D/R Legacy Wagon. He also buys similar aged cars with head gaskets issues + other minor issues for $300 - $500 and fixes them to resell for about $1500. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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