For 00-02 Outback, H6 LL Bean, Ltd or VDC edition?

[mountainwalker]

After getting the editions sorted for each year 2000-2002, and getting great recommendations from many members, I would only go with a 6 cylinder, and I definitely think either the LLB or Ltd 6 cylinder 2000-2002 or the VDC Ltd 6 cylinder 01-02 (VDC apparently wasn't available in 00).

 

Wanted to ask:

 

1) What do people like about the LLB edition over the Ltd edition for 2000-2002?

 

2) Do you prefer the LLB 2000-2002 to the VDC Ltd edition 2001-2002?

 

3) I realize the VDC for these years commands a premium. Is it worth it?

 

4) If price were no limitation, would you go for the 2001-2002 VDC Ltd over the LLB and Ltd editions?

 

5) Does getting the LLB mean paying a premium just for the LL Bean name?

 

In the last day I've narrowed my choices to these model years and editions, and USMB has been a HUGE help. Thanks everyone for the great advice and information.

[J A Blazer]

I don't think that the 'Limited' model had the 6 cylinder engine.

[CNY_Dave]

I have an '03 beaner and don't see anything special about it.

The kids love the rear sunroof, though.

 

Its just what happened to pop up on the market at the time.

 

Having the H6 is, of course, nice.

 

 

Dave

[mountainwalker]

I have an '03 beaner and don't see anything special about it.

The kids love the rear sunroof, though.

 

Its just what happened to pop up on the market at the time.

 

Having the H6 is, of course, nice.

 

 

Dave

 

Hi CNY_Dave,

 

Did you buy the 03 beaner recently? What was the price like?

 

How does the 6 cylinder beaner handle without VDC (assuming it's without)

[mountainwalker]

Posted by VDCdriver in Car Talk forums in response to my same question:

 

"The LLB Edition came with different, two-tone leather upholstery, instead of the sold color leather upholstery in the VDC model--at least in '02 it was that way. Also, the LLB came with a limited-slip rear differential, whereas the VDC model came with VDC (naturally!).

 

Also, the VDC model came with the superior Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) drive system, which is different from the AWD system on all other Subaru models. When you hear about the necessity to put in a fuse in order to switch a Subaru to FWD when a temporary spare is mounted, this advisory does not apply to a Subaru with the VTD system, as it is not subject to the problems from mismatched tires that other Subaru models experience. Also, these vehicles have their "normal" torque split approximately 40% front and 60% rear--for better handling--instead of the usual Subaru mix of 60% front and 40% rear. In the event of slippery conditions, the VTD system varies the torque distribution as needed, just as with the cheaper Subaru AWD system, but it is more flexible in the way that it varies the torque split.

 

Another difference with the VDC model (at least in '02) was the audio system. The VDC at that time was the only vehicle on the road that came from the factory with the very high-end McIntosh audio system (not to be confused with Apple's Macintosh trademark). Over the past few years, several friends have purchased cars with JBL audio systems and other high-end systems, yet they all admit that the McIntosh system in my '02 VDC is far superior in audio quality to theirs.

 

I can't speak for the mix of features on any of the models after '02 except to add that for a year or so ('03 and possibly '04?) some Subaru models came with OnStar, as a result of Subaru's short-lived relationship with GM. (Toyota bought out GM's minority share of Fuji Heavy Industries a couple of years ago.)

 

So--now that I have confused you, I think that you need to examine these vehicles more closely to figure out the combinations and permutations of features which probably varied a bit from year to year. Regarding the VTD system, my best guess is that most Subaru owners are not even aware that they have this system, and the only way to see if a particular model is so equipped is to look for the "FWD fuse" holder under the hood, between the firewall and the strut tower on the passenger side. If there is no FWD fuse holder, then that means that the vehicle in question has the vastly superior VTD AWD system.

 

All-in-all, I suggest that you go for one of the 6 cylinder models, but in terms of which one, you will have to look really closely at them in order to determine what type of equipment they have and whether that equipment meets your needs."

 

I thought that the VDC system was only available on the VDC edition 6 cylinder from 2001-2002 and I'm not sure whether it was available on other editions 03 and beyond - anyone know? I'll also check cars101.com.

[CNY_Dave]

Hi CNY_Dave,

 

Did you buy the 03 beaner recently? What was the price like?

 

How does the 6 cylinder beaner handle without VDC (assuming it's without)

 

 

I bought it in october with 50Kmiles for $15,500 from the dealer where it had been serviced. Previous owner was the original owner.

 

Around here subarus go for the top of the KBB value.

 

It handles fine without the VDC, but I tend to enjoy 'rallying around a bit' so if it understeers or oversteers or just slides, I'm used to it.

 

I don't think the VDC will get you many places you couldn't get to without it, but I think its like ABS- a good tool to have when you need it.

 

I don't think the VDC brings much to the day-to-day handling, but it brings a lot to pulling your butt out of the fryer when things start to go wrong.

 

 

Dave