Subaru. Which years? Which models?

[Flounder]

I've been waiting for this day for a couple years now. I'm ready to move to Subaru for my primary adventure mobile. My Discovery II is just too beastly to drive distances over an 8 hour highway drive.

I'm looking for a vehicle that can zip down the highway at 80, tackle modest off roads to access trailheads, and get a bit off the beaten path. I'm more than willing to give up my current offroad abilities with my DII to be able to drive more than one state away and not at a donkey's pace.

So, which is preferred, the Forester or the Outback? Are there some years to avoid, and others to seek out? I've driven the newer versions of the Outback and loved the ride quality. The older models I've driven feel tinny, and seem a bit loud. I'd like to retain some comfort for those long trips down the highway.

What about lifts and armour?

[thospb]

Each successive generation is a huge improvement over the last one.
The A/T is faster response off-road and the MT is a viscous-couple center diff, not good for continual use in mud or sand.
The early Forester (98-2002) is smaller, 2003 and later has a longer wheelbase.
Turbo motors require Premium fuel.
I'll think of more later.

[Magnum Johnson]

I have an 05' Legacy wagon now and would not hesitate to recommend an Outback or Forrester. I have a 2.5i auto, its not fast, its not slow, its just rite. I get about 30mpg with a weeks worth of camping gear and 3 people in it. My car is very low and on 17's but I have taken it down some nasty muddy roads and have never had any issues with it. This is my 3rd Subaru and while I loved my WRX wagon I would stay away from the turbo, the insurance and fuel prices were slowly killing me. If I had to choose an Expo Subaru I would likely go with a newer Forrester for the larger interior volume.

[Flounder]

I'm leaning towards a newer Forester. The newest body style started in 2009, correct?

Can these be lifted just a tad?

[John E]

when you say lift, what exactly are you talking about? A body lift or just increasing the ground clearance a bit? You can bump up the ground clearance with some taller tires pretty easily, or a set of taller springs.

I really like the Outback platform but I own one so I'm a bit biased. Good friend owns a Forester and he really likes it, it's a toss up.

There are more things you can do to an Outback in regards to "farkling" it, tires, springs, racks, performance upgrades, etc. but that's mainly because they've been around longer than the Forester.

Are there any Subaru mechanics or shops in Prescott?

There are some things about working on them that make it nice to have an experienced wrench around.

Personally, I like the slightly older versions of the Outback styling wise, the newest ones are kinda ugly to me, can't put my finger on it exactly but they are. I'd be looking for a 2005+ Outback if I were in the market for a replacement for my 96.

There's a pretty good online forum dedicated to the Outback, it's called subaruoutbackforum.org. Good resource and there's also some info on the other Subaru vehicles including the Forester on there as well.

John E

[Flounder]

I agree with you on the aesthetics of the new Outbacks. There's a blobby plastic quality to them, but the interior is pretty swanky, and well, I like it.

As for any mods, I'd just like to bump up the ground clearance as much as possible without having it look goofy. I don't see myself installing a snorkel or bull bar. Maybe some protection on the belly.

Prescott does have a few Suby mechanics worth their salt. Coming from a Land Rover, I'm not too worried about that aspect.

I admit, I rather prefer the Outback over the Forester, but wonder if it's as capable off the tarmac?

[Martinjmpr]

The only thing I would say is avoid any Outback or Forester from about 1996 - 2002 that has the 2.5 motor (that is most of them.) They are notorious for blowing head gaskets (there are hundreds of threads on Subaru forums about this.)

I got lucky with my 99. No HG issues from 42k miles when I bought it to 120k when I sold it. But HG failures are very common with this engine. I think they had the problem fixed by 2001 (my brother's 2002 Impreza with the 2.5 is running fine and he bought it new) but I would try to get 2003+ to be on the safe side.

Subaru is very strict on 5 year rotations for their body styles. So the 1st gen Legacy was 90-94; 2nd gen was 95-99 (this included the first Outback Wagons and Sedans which are modified Legacy's.) 3rd is 2000 - 2004; 4th is 2005 - 2009; 5th is 2010 to present.

Forester was introduced in 98 so they go 98-02 for the 1st gen, 03-07 for 2nd gen, 08 - up for 3rd gen.

The Forester is built on the smaller Impreza platform. Legacy (i.e. Outback Wagons) were much more "loaded up" in terms of options: Alloy wheels, limited slip diff, etc. By contrast, Impreza platform cars (Impreza and Forester) are a bit more "stripped down." Foresters sit a bit higher and have slightly better approach and departure angles with less rear overhang, but you won't be going on any rock crawling trails with either one.

Best thing about Subies in my opinion is that they are widely available with manual transmissions. I don't think the CR-V has been available with a MT for some time. AFAIK the Element is available with a 6 speed manual or a 5 speed automatic.

I've decided my next DD will probably be a 4th gen Legacy Outback. I love the look and the size of them. My brother has a 5th gen (2011) Outback and the darn thing is HUGE!!! I don't care for the new ones as much as the 05-09 models but that's just a personal preference. At the same time, if a nice 2nd gen Forester (03-07) with a manual came along, I'd be tempted to jump on it as well.