fnlyfnd Posted December 24, 2007 Share Posted December 24, 2007 Well, it looks like my car is just about sold...so I've been narrowing my search for a replacement. I am going to stick with an Outback, just newer and a Automatic. My options are 2004 LL Bean ~50,000miles or 2005 LL Bean ~50,000miles Both are about the same price, the 2005 is actually a lower asking price, but I think I have more room to work with the '04 So my question is; What would you do? I hear that the '05+ don't handle the road as well as the previous generations. I hear that the '05+ feel more like a suv. I do not want that, if it is true. I want a outback that still handles the road like a car. Of course I am going to test drive them, just wanted to see what you folks think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheYeti Posted December 24, 2007 Share Posted December 24, 2007 05 anyday IMHO. They are so much more refined and ride very well. They also have a bit more ground clearance that the 2nd gens. I do not agree with those that say they handle more like an SUV... Test drive them both. I think you will agree. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fnlyfnd Posted December 24, 2007 Author Share Posted December 24, 2007 Yea, but the Sexy-super-sexy black monotone 2004 LL bean is like 6hrs away... the 2005 is like 20minutes away Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fnlyfnd Posted December 24, 2007 Author Share Posted December 24, 2007 or.... ....Just for fun My questions still remains for the handling issues. Any input is greatly appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jon38iowa Posted December 24, 2007 Share Posted December 24, 2007 or.... ....Just for fun My questions still remains for the handling issues. Any input is greatly appreciated. Find another (closer)'04 to test drive. BTW: Shiny black is very attractive, but keep in mind it will be much hotter inside/out during the summer! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gbhrps Posted December 24, 2007 Share Posted December 24, 2007 I have owned a 97 OBW, an 02 OBW LTD and presently own an 07 OBW LTD. My wife and I both felt that the 02 was a far improvement over the 97, and our 07 is that much improved again over the 02. It handles better, has more get up and go than the 02, has a classier interior, and the big plus ... you can flip down the rear seats with the headrests attached to get a flat cargo area, without first having to remove the 3 headrests, then flipping the rear seat bottom forward before folding down the rear seat backs. Putting back up the older generation rearseats also involved having to sort out the rear seatbelts as well, because they really didn't stay that well in their stowage ports when folded forward. Also, it finally appears that the latest generation has put the head gasket problem to rest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtsmiths Posted December 24, 2007 Share Posted December 24, 2007 I have owned a 97 OBW, an 02 OBW LTD and presently own an 07 OBW LTD. My wife and I both felt that the 02 was a far improvement over the 97, and our 07 is that much improved again over the 02. It handles better, has more get up and go than the 02, has a classier interior, and the big plus ... you can flip down the rear seats with the headrests attached to get a flat cargo area, without first having to remove the 3 headrests, then flipping the rear seat bottom forward before folding down the rear seat backs. Putting back up the older generation rearseats also involved having to sort out the rear seatbelts as well, because they really didn't stay that well in their stowage ports when folded forward. Also, it finally appears that the latest generation has put the head gasket problem to rest. We owned a '00 (which we loved) and now have an '06 ... everything gbhrps said. Get the '05, hands down. Our Subarus: '78, '87 (2), '95, '00 '05, each was a quantum leap in comfort, fit & finish, and drivability. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andyjo Posted December 24, 2007 Share Posted December 24, 2007 i think the 05 is lighter than the 04 too... not 100% sure though... but i'd say go for the 05, i have an OBXT, and the handling quite a bit different from my lifted OBS w/ no swaybars.... in a good way... The ride is alot smoother, and the interior is (in my opinion) alot nicer in the 05's. Also, i think there's more aftermarket support for the 05 Outback for handling and stuff, swaybars, etc.. because it's pretty much the same as the legacy GT. Go w/ the 05, it's closer, and the silver two tone is hotttt! Oh yeah, i think the 05 has the gun-metal grey rims? wanna trade w/ my OBXT rims? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rverdoold Posted December 24, 2007 Share Posted December 24, 2007 We have an 05 OBW at home, and the dash is just so much nicer as the 04. Keep in mind that its a whole different car. The 05 is much stiffer and stronger (which is safer) althought 04 is also safer than many competitors. The 05 also has dual stage airbags, curtains and as well more modern look. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kai kronfield Posted December 26, 2007 Share Posted December 26, 2007 Thanks all! I'm a new member and am looking to buy my first Subaru. Been looking at both of these models and this was a very helpful thread in helping to make up my mind. I look forward to hearing your experiences and learning more about the religion that is apparently Subaru. Cheers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thatswhatshesaid Posted December 27, 2007 Share Posted December 27, 2007 The '04 is beautiful. It's got awesome amenities. However... The '05 is MORE stylish inside, is faster, safer, handles better (the body style change brought suspension changes that make it handle wonderfully). If anything, the '04 will handle like an SUV when compared to the '05. I'd say go for the '05 (but dang, I like that monotone black so darn much, and the two-tone gray/silver is so plain...) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zyewdall Posted December 27, 2007 Share Posted December 27, 2007 We have two 06 outback wagons (auto transmission) as company cars, and they are very nice -- I think the handling is very good -- certainly not like Ford Explorers, which I can't stand, and certainly would never take out in the snow for fear of crashing. Certainly a step ahead of my dad's '96 outback, which itself is a step ahead of my EA82 wagon. They do seem rather sluggish compared to my old wagon (actual speed is higher of course, but they just don't feel like a little rally car any more). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andyjo Posted December 27, 2007 Share Posted December 27, 2007 Also on the color issue... Black is insane to keep clean Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thatswhatshesaid Posted December 28, 2007 Share Posted December 28, 2007 Also on the color issue... Black is insane to keep clean But it's so dang good-looking! Especially since it's SO rare in that body style... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zyewdall Posted December 29, 2007 Share Posted December 29, 2007 Also on the color issue... Black is insane to keep clean Yeah, black is hard to keep clean -- possibly even harder than white. On the other hand, my GL wagon was weird charcoal gray/brown -- exactly the color of pavement/dirt. I guess that's easier to keep "clean".... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverracerkh2005 Posted December 29, 2007 Share Posted December 29, 2007 both are real nice but fo same price/miles go for the 05. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fnlyfnd Posted January 2, 2008 Author Share Posted January 2, 2008 got the '05 today!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheYeti Posted January 2, 2008 Share Posted January 2, 2008 Winner! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woundedbrat Posted January 2, 2008 Share Posted January 2, 2008 good decision my mom has that same car and it is a friikin rocket (6 cylinder) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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