subaru outback..any info?

Submitted: Tuesday, Aug 30, 2005 at 13:02
ThreadID: 25984 Views:3435 Replies:10 FollowUps:3
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howdy all!just wondering if anyone can point me in the right direction for info on the subaru outback.. tried googling but all it comes up with is the usual car sales sites.. does anybody have any experience they'd like to share with these cars? i have a 98 hilux extra cab at the moment, which is a great vehicle but for the type of off roading i do ( gravel tracks, the odd beach trip) and the need to carry more than one passenger, im wondering if the outback would suit my needs.

keep on truckin'!
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Reply By: cj - Tuesday, Aug 30, 2005 at 13:20

Tuesday, Aug 30, 2005 at 13:20
No experience with the newer Subaru's, just the older models but I have heard that the Forrester may be a better choice offroad than the Outback. Might be worth looking at.
AnswerID: 127429

Reply By: Shaker - Tuesday, Aug 30, 2005 at 13:21

Tuesday, Aug 30, 2005 at 13:21
If you like the Hilux, why not get a Dual Cab? Better the devil you know!
AnswerID: 127430

Follow Up By: tim the enchanter - Tuesday, Aug 30, 2005 at 13:50

Tuesday, Aug 30, 2005 at 13:50
i have considered the d/c hilux, but realistically most of my driving is on winding sealed roads to work and back, with the occasional trip into the bush on my days off.. i like the idea of full time all wheel drive, and the concept of the subaru engine/drivetrain layout.. it just seemed to me that the hilux is compromised in the road handling department(altho i still manage to hustle it thru the bends at a decent rate of knots:) and also it seems a waste to have all that extra weight under the car sitting idle for 95% of the time.
anyways, just looking at the options at the mo..
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Reply By: Member - Sam (NSW) - Tuesday, Aug 30, 2005 at 13:57

Tuesday, Aug 30, 2005 at 13:57
My folks have one. Its one of the older models (98 i think), but it goes well. similar year model in the forester had basically the same ground clearance as the outback. Not sure about the newer models. Boot space was also similar in the outback and the forester of the same age.
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Reply By: stevesub - Tuesday, Aug 30, 2005 at 14:04

Tuesday, Aug 30, 2005 at 14:04
Used to haqve a 1999 Subaru Liberty - great car. Not as much ground clearance as the Outback and not as well equipped but great for towing, great on the dirt and better than our Freelander on the sand. We had so much problems with the traction control in the sand on the Freelander on one trip, we seriously considered towing it with the Subaru.

The Subaru was zalso very confortalbe and quiet, great ahndling, even better traction, good brakes and reliable.

Go for it the Outback or Forrester if you only do soft offroading.

Stevesub
AnswerID: 127437

Reply By: Vince NSW - Tuesday, Aug 30, 2005 at 14:21

Tuesday, Aug 30, 2005 at 14:21
Go for the Forester if you must have a Subie.
I have a Forester as a work car. Handles like its on rails.
We did a trip to the Conner last year and had a Outback with us. It had problems with front & rear overhang in creek crossings.
Vince
AnswerID: 127442

Reply By: chump_boy - Tuesday, Aug 30, 2005 at 16:15

Tuesday, Aug 30, 2005 at 16:15
Why not post a question to Harold Scrubby? His contact details are:

Ph: 9968 4544
Email: Walking@walk.com.au
Address: 4 Bichell Road, Mosman.

I'm sure he could tell you the advantages/ disadvantages of the Subaroo Outback, especially compared to a larger 4WD like a hilux, seeing as he himself owns one. I'm sure his reasoning would be well balanced, and thought out.....

Just a thought.....
AnswerID: 127460

Follow Up By: Exploder - Tuesday, Aug 30, 2005 at 19:11

Tuesday, Aug 30, 2005 at 19:11
Or maybe some Agent Orange.

Just joking any Australian Federal Police offices that may happen to come across this.

I don’t need any surprises at 1.00 AM all right guy’s.
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Reply By: Exploder - Tuesday, Aug 30, 2005 at 19:05

Tuesday, Aug 30, 2005 at 19:05
I have seen a Forrester on the beach at Coral Bay did not look like it was having any problems and sore it in to some placer’s that you would thick it could not go.

Nice to see you are being realistic about what you need, if I didn’t enjoy a bit of 4Wding I would be driving around in a XR6 or XR8 my self, that’s the big decision in 2 years do I go a T/Diesel GU patrol Ute, or a XR8, Dam it I want both.
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Reply By: tim the enchanter - Tuesday, Aug 30, 2005 at 19:51

Tuesday, Aug 30, 2005 at 19:51
thank you all for your feedback, i find it very helpful..dont know if id be doing any creek crossings, just need that extra traction on the road and on gravel, and the odd beach or two.. like i said, i dont have any complaint with the hilux, but it seems like a bit of overkill for what i do..

happy travels to you all!
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Reply By: Old Soldier - Tuesday, Aug 30, 2005 at 19:54

Tuesday, Aug 30, 2005 at 19:54
G'day Tim,

Have talk with the folk on this forum.

http://offroadsubarus.com/index.php?option=com_forum&Itemid=0&&sid=d0bff282f57d961f386887601da8e83b

Tthey know Subys better than most people, and can advise on the pros and cons of the Outback - and the Forester.

Regards

DennisN
AnswerID: 127515

Reply By: Member - Mungo Explorer (NSW) - Tuesday, Aug 30, 2005 at 23:22

Tuesday, Aug 30, 2005 at 23:22
The Outback is very different from the Forester. It's basically a nice sedan quite unsuitable for anything more difficult than a dry dirt road, while the Forester is a little (a little!) more capable.
Much depends on the choice of tyres. The Outback has two different ones, the bigger ones will help with ground clearance.
AnswerID: 127557

Follow Up By: ShnogDog - Wednesday, Aug 31, 2005 at 00:15

Wednesday, Aug 31, 2005 at 00:15
I agree, Forester would be the better choice for offroad, with limits. Outback is a fantastic vehicle but will be more limited by its approach and departure. I've taken my wifes Forester through some badly chewed up soft sand tracks (with lowered tyre pressure) and was amazed how capable it was. It is also a great car around town, handles brilliantly and the build quality is top notch.
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