Subaru Outback Advice - From Owners Only Please.

Stephen B

Stephen B

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May 6, 2013
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Considering the purchase of a Subaru Outback due to load capacity and poor standard of local rural roads, but  also a need to cope with weekly city visits.

Wondering if any FOG members can enlighten me re their  choice of 2.5 litre 4 cylinder or the 6 cylinder engines?

Also has anyone fitted a Tower Bar to their vehicle?

With appreciation.
 
Have you actually driven one? I ask because I always wanted one but found when we hired one many years ago (disclaimer it may have been the Forester) the brake and accelerator pedals were too close together for my feet. Not an issue for most people (I use size 15 clodhoppers) but if you drive in work boots it could be worth checking out if your feet are On the larger size.
 
I bought a 2017 a year ago and got the 2.5. It's adequate for my needs. (Mostly city driving) There have been a few times where I wanted more acceleration from take off, but that doesn't justify the extra cost and lower mpg of the 3.6. I live at  5200' altitude in Colorado, so that takes some HP away too.

Anyway, I am completely satisfied with the car. I got Eyesight with it. I absolutely love the adaptive cruise control. On long trips on the interstate you can just set it and it will follow the car ahead of you. Also like the blind spot detection. I get 31 mpg on the highway, 28-ish around town. Oh, and it's absolutely great in the snow! The Outback is very popular here.

There's an Outback forum here:http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/138-gen-5-2015-present/
 
I had an Outback for 12 years (2000-2012) with 4 cylinder. It was an excellent vehicle, but if I were to buy a new one it would be 6 cylinder for sure. Other family members have newer Outback 6 cyl and Forester 4 cyl. The 6 is just that much better in acceleration, smoother shifting, extra power. I do drive a 12 year old Tacoma now just to have the truck bed and 4 doors.
 
We have a 2017 Forester with the same 4 cyl engine as the Outback.  I would absolutely go for the 6.  We are getting rid of the forester because we are so disappointed with how the engine performs.  We live in a rural valley that requires passing farm vehicles at high speed and the engine just can’t keep up.  Forget towing with the 4.
 
I have a 2017 outback (with eyesight -- love the adaptive cruise control).  I don't plan to tow anything, so went with the smaller engine.  However, I added a Ecohitch 2" for a bike rack.  It was pretty simple, but removing the rear bumper on a month old car was a bit nerve wracking.  Once the bumper is off, it is straightforward to install.  There are plenty of posts on the outback forum with descriptions of the process.
https://torkliftcentral.com/rving-and-towing/ecohitch/subaru/2015-2017-subaru-outback-ecohitch

This seems to be for a 1.25 hitch.  I could not quickly find the 2" version but it was SKU 7266 on my order.

 
I have an '11 Outback, bought new.  When I was looking, the local dealer graciously provided a 2.4L 4 version, then a 3.6L 6 version for my try-out.  The 6 was my choice because it has the "oomph" to jump into traffic without strain.  That, and I sometimes pull a small trailer with it.  On the road, driving through the flatlands of Ohio and Indiana, I've seen mileage as high as 30.9, but usually see 18-19 around town.  I got the factory trailer hitch and wiring.  It has been absolutely stellar in overall performance.  I certainly wish it had Eyesight and adaptive cruise control, but not enough to trade it in for a newer model.  My dogs have traveled well in it, as well as my tools when my truck is in for service.  It is beautiful on snow with the Blizzak tires I bought for winter use.  The three-season Pirelli P7 tires were a good purchase, too. 
 
Make sure you don't get one used with the mis milled engine blocks. Pretty lame of Subaru. I have an 11 that burns a ton of oil. My parents got a 16 and its real nice. Higher sitting posture.

Get the 4 cylinder. If thats not enough for you then you're not looking for a daily driver.
 
bnaboatbuilder said:
The tower bar is for beefing up the front struts/sway bar, correct?
Click to expand...
[member=23087]bnaboatbuilder[/member]
Thanks,
Yes that's right - on the more 'street' models it is a 'street racing' (hoon) accessory.

However I have been told that on the Outback it enhances rough road performance/handling. It's over $A1000 dollars fitted however, so I am looking for advice from anyone who has one fitted to an Outback.

_____________

Thank you to all who have commented so far: appreciate your experiences.

Should have made it clear, will be purchasing new vehicle. None the less appreciated the warnings re oil use on some past versions.
 
Untidy Shop said:
Yes that's right - on the more 'street' models it is a 'street racing' (hoon) accessory.

However I have been told that on the Outback it enhances rough road performance/handling. It's over $A1000 dollars fitted however, so I am looking for advice...
Click to expand...

The best method to stiffen the front end is a triangular brace that connects between both strut towers and to the firewall.  Most of the strut tower braces on the market just tie the left and right together.
 
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