Nickshu Posted October 22, 2003 Share Posted October 22, 2003 On my weeklong adventure over here to Naples (Italia) I ran across a Subaru Dealer. Out front were two 2005 Legacys. One standard Legacy wagon and the other an Outback. Couldn't resist the urge, so I stopped and checked them out. My impression from the exterior is that the design is much more refined than current model, but overall very similar body shape. Refinement is most noticible in the headlight and taillight lenses in a much sleeker appearance. Overall the exterior looks more on par with a Volvo V70 or Audi A4 Avant. Paint and build quality were very impressive, esp compared to the two current OBWs that wer sitting next to it. Definitely less utilitarian and much more sports-sedan in appearance. There was very little difference between the OB and the regular Legacy besides bigger tires and ground clearnace, and a little bit of Tupperware bolted to it. However, this is a Euro model so it may be toned-down a little bit on the SUV-ness. The really impressive part (IMHO) was the interior. VERY NICE! Beautifully refined and sleek lines on the dash. An incredible center console with brushed faux-aluminum finish and a smooth Mercedes-esque gentle slope from the dash down between the bucket seats. Very, very nice and not plasticey at all. So now Im torn b/c I have to buy a new Subaru in the next 6 months when I move back to the states. Just hope the '05 is available by then. Then again, I could probably get a steal on an '04 if it is. Nick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
csomole Posted October 22, 2003 Share Posted October 22, 2003 Why not buy one in Europe and have it shipped to the US? You would get tourist exemption from EUro taxes, so the price could be cheaper if you don't have to pay in the US. By now the Euro exhaust regualtions would be on par with the US, and unless Indiana-made models differ from the Japanese manufacture all you need is a couple of amber bulbs in the position lights up front. Japanese build quality may still be better than US too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nickshu Posted October 23, 2003 Author Share Posted October 23, 2003 A good idea, but not as easy as you might think. Unfortunately unlike MB, Saab, Volvo, VW, Toyota, and BMW....Subaru has no military sales program. Avoiding taxes depends on what state you ship it into and license it in, and you must own the car for 6 months and 500 miles prior to shipping it over....and thats if its a US spec car. Nonetheless I'll look into this further. Unfortunately when I asked the sales rep in my broken Italian, he gave me the "non parlo Inglese" line. Nick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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