I'm kicking around the idea of buying an '04.

I will be moving to Arizona this winter and I'm into mt. biking, hiking etc.

I was originally (still am) looking at a Toyota Corolla, but I'm thinking about stretching my self-imposed car budget to go for an OBS. Still undecided though.

I have a few questions...

1.) First, what's the difference between an OBS and the Forester as far as chassis? Same thing as far as trail durability only with about an inch less clearance, yes?

2.) How do these things perform on fire roads and unimproved back roads? Any personal experience is helpful. They hold up well to this kind of use?

3.) How about driving in sand, such as on a beach. I know the OBS has no limited slip. Can it still handle driving in some sand adequately?

4.) How about power when driving under extreme conditions? i.e. I've got a full load of passengers, it's 110 degrees out, the A/C is on maximum and I am climbing a mountain pass at 7,000 feet. Should I attempt passing that giant pig SUV towing a trailer or not? (Think 5-speed because there is no chance I will be getting an automatic.)

5.) How do things seem to hold up? Will the cloth seats endure some rough treatment? Will the paint manage to resist chipping from flying gravel at least somewhat?

6.) Overall how would you rate the comfort level inside? Are the seats firm/supportive enough? Does the back seat have sufficient room for two adults?

Give me the straight dope guys. No single factor would rule it out for me, I just want to get a good idea of what this car will be like.

Thanks! http://www.cheesebuerger.de/smilies/lustig/14.gif

It was the OBS that drew me into Subaru, and originally what I wanted to get... until I compared it to the wrx wagon.
I still think the OBS is a great car for the money, tho. While most of your questions about performance can only be answered by experienced owners, I'll give you my 2cents on these points:

1) As far as the paint goes, the general concensus is that Sube paint is pretty thin. Easily nicked and chipped, but it holds up in the long run.

2) The seats are firm and comfy, but I really didn't care for the tweed covering. Seemed like it would be scratchy/itchy, and overall the interior seemed kind of bland and cheap compared to RS, WRX, or Forester seats. Back seat room is tight. The interior is a notch below overall, with a vinyl steering wheel/ shift boot, and hard cheap plastic shift knob. True, the knob is easily replaced.

3) Finally, the power issue was the last straw for me. I haven't driven the 5 speed, but unless it's worlds different from the auto, it ain't all that. Certainly enough power, especially if you're by yourself. But in the situation you described, loaded up with the AC on, I don't think you'll be passing anybody.

These issues, plus the unavailability of black color for '04, did the OBS in for me. But as I said, I still like it and think it's a great car. Good Luck!

Give some thought also to the WRX: rear seats fold down so you can carrry loads of stuff, the 5-speed can keep you in the right rev range for climbing and passing, and the LSD drive features will keep the big footprint Potenzas in contact with the surface. You will not carry five people unless 1 or 2 of them are wee folks. You will enjoy the smooth 227 hp, too.

Actually you sound like the ideal candidate for a Forester XT. More cargo room than a WRX, more ground clearance for "light offroading" and plenty of power for passing those SUVs.

Some might even argue that the Forester XT is better in the low end rpm range than a WRX.

Remember prawn is in the range for an obs, he may have to sell an arm and a leg for a forester XT.

But if you don't have to, then I second Kuth's suggestion of the forester XT, or just a regular wrx wagon is enough. I've moved in from SF to santa cruz in a wrx wagon, i had a tv, my whole computer setup, a metal rack from ikea, a small 13 in. tv, and a minifridge, it passed the semis like a champ, and this was in an automatic.