shimonmor Posted September 1, 2006 Share Posted September 1, 2006 I just traded in my wife's 1999 OBW for a 2006. Both are bare bones with no options and are manual transmissions. I thought I would share my impressions on both models. The reason we traded up is that I got tired of wondering if the head gaskets were going to blow and we had 128k miles. I think the 2006 looks cooler. Electric driver seat is standard now and so are seat warmers (who really needs seat warmers?). I found the 1999 handled better than the 2006. The newer model might be taller because it feels like it rolls more and doesn't feel as agile as the '99. I hate the new stereo setup. It is an integrated panel with the AC so you can't just swap in your favorite stereo. Yuk! Plus it look and feels cheesy. The '99 was more comfortable for me while driving. I had somewhere to put my right arm and now the center console is lower so it feels funny. However the cup holders are MUCH improved. The '99 had those lame cup holders between the stereo and AC controls. The '06 has them between the seats. The glove box is much better...bigger and special spot for the manual. The rear seats are easier to lower since you don't have to fold the lower portion up first. The headlights are much brighter and clearer now and so are the highbeams. Engine compartment is about the same although it does look like you have a little more room to R&R spark plugs. Haven't looked underneath yet or changed oil yet. Power feels about the same. Anyway, I hope this new model doesn't develop any mechanical defects like the '99 HG issue. I'm a diesel mech so changing HGs isn't a huge deal but I just changed them on my 85 F250 diesel and last year did our 88 Ranger and I was not in any mood to do the Subaru. Overall, we are pleased with the new vehicle and look forward to many happy miles with it. Cheers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigMattyD Posted September 1, 2006 Share Posted September 1, 2006 We just bought a 2003 Outback, and I have used the heated seats and mirrors already. Yesterday, it was 45 F out side in the morning, and my side mirrors were fogged up and I was a tad chilly, so I turned on the heated mirrors and seat, as well as the rear defog. It was nice, but I do just fine without them on my 96 Legacy sedan. I just worry that more gadgets only increases the likelihood of failures/repairs... Matt D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hotshot Posted September 1, 2006 Share Posted September 1, 2006 Heated mirrors are nice. When I got my 97 OBW Limited (cold weather package), I couldnt help thinking how ridiculous the idea of heated mirrors was. I use them about every day now though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
christmas22 Posted September 1, 2006 Share Posted September 1, 2006 just out of curiosity...I heard that the outbacks don't have as much "pep" as the say...impreza...do you feel you have more than you did in the older outback or did that pretty much stay the same? also, I think they upgrade the cupholders and accessories each year, I have a 01 impreza and my friend as the 05 and the console and cupholder set up is much better in the newer one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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