Looking to maybe get rid of my WRX for a roomier outback. Years 04-09. Any known issues or maint? Thanks.

 

Unfortunately, they're not that much roomier. Larger hatch area yes, but there isn't much more rear legroom than in an Impreza. I'm not in tune with the maintenance issues of the specific model years so maybe others will chime in. AndyC just picked up an '06 a while back an he had a hell of a time finding one with a 5mt. My brother has an '08 automatic FWIW. Nice cars. Definitely the best looking Legacy since the BC/BF Good luck!

-Brian

 

Yep - my buddy just sold his '05 black LGT 5spd wagon. I really wanted it myself but it did not feel a lot bigger inside than my WRX. The wagon part is nice, but while I think those cars are great, they are one of those that I feel is sort of "big on the outside and small on the inside" for lack of a more useful, clear explanation.

 

Exactly right. IMO, the new Legacy/Outback chassis is finally the right size. It's just too bad that we no longer get the GT wagon and have to settle for a damn Outback

-Brian

 

Thanks for the input. I still may look at getting a used one. Any mechanical issues on the 04-09?

 

im in the same boat..im looking for the trunk space. But I am looking for the XT version.

 

If you are looking for size/space the Forester is probably a better option for these year ranges. The 09 moves you to the SH body style which has a ton of room and is great for general everyday life. (I have a 2013 which is the same body)

 

I think you want 06 and up as they are likely to have fewer head gasket issues, not unlike the Foresters.

I agree, Forester is the way to go, just realize 09 and up no manual. I picked up my Fozz moving up from a WRX wagon for the extra space and I can definitely fit a lot more stuff in there. 04-08 have more space in the cargo area while 09 and up moved the seats back for more leg room and shrunk the cargo area a bit, but you won't notice that with the seats down.

 

No manual in the XT version . They still offer a 6mt in the 2.0 NA (at least they did for the first few years of the SH Forester).

-Brian

 

Manual is still available in the NA version of the SH. But it's actually 2.5l and not 2.0.

 

I default to XT So, yeah, but if it is just a commuter or something a NA should be fine.

 

I found a Forester XT with 36K for $18K it is a 2009 and Dark Grey. Looks great!..It def has a different vibe then the older generation but all we need is to get some baseball equipment, some luggage. On top of that, its a great size vehicle not to big not large at all.

 

Can't agree with that Brian.

All of the passenger and back seat room as come at a DIRECT EXPENSE to storage space (point of wagon for us). The doors and car have also gotten quite a bit taller. The new outback so lame. Sadly Subaru no longer offers a performance wagon deal that isn't 50 feet tall (the new forester is insanely tall vs. an outback).


Anyways compare just the length of the storage space in the new OB and notice it's about half. If you want an outback get an older 2.5 liter turbo they are way more performance oriented in every way, or if you are going new = forester.

 

The Outback switched from its former platform to the Tribeca platform in the most recent generation. That's why it grew so much and got so ugly in the process. I believe this is the face lifted 2015: