2.5i or 3.0?

[Charles Perry]

After over 8 years with our current Subaru, the wife is ready for a new one.
My question is which engine? I know the 2.5 had some cooling problems (air
that lead to premature head gasket failures). Are these fixed? We are
going to be buying new, so I am most interested in 2006/2007 data. I don't
think we "need" the extra power of the 3.0, but is it more reliable than the
2.5? I don't mind the small drop in fuel economy if the car lasts longer.

Thanks

Charles

 

[Edward Hayes]

The 2.5L engine HG problems were resolved in the model year 2003 and
have not resurfaced. I'd rather have the F6 myself but realize the
tune up cost will be higher. The F4 howerever needs to have a timing
belt replaced at 105,000 miles which today cost is about 400-$600
dollars. Either engine should be outstanding but I opt for the 3.0.
Just my thoughts. I am a 2000 Forester owner with 111,000 trouble free
miles and it runs as new. Ed

 

[Charles Perry]

The 2.5L engine HG problems were resolved in the model year 2003 and have
not resurfaced. I'd rather have the F6 myself but realize the tune up cost
will be higher. The F4 howerever needs to have a timing belt replaced at
105,000 miles which today cost is about 400-$600 dollars. Either engine
should be outstanding but I opt for the 3.0. Just my thoughts. I am a 2000
Forester owner with 111,000 trouble free miles and it runs as new. Ed

When does the H6 need timing work? Is it a belt, chain, or gear driven
timing system? My wife's Legacy wagon had a timing belt change at 90,000.
It was leaking a little oil then so we basically had two repairs done at the
same time. Actually, I had them change/rebuild every maintenance item they
could get to when the front of the engine was off. That was 20,000 miles
ago and it still runs like a new one. Does she NEED a new car? No, her's
is perfectly reliable and we don't hesitate to get in it and take a 500+
mile trip. Does she WANT a new car? You bet! But only a Subaru.

Charles

 

[Edward Hayes]

The F6 has a timing chain and is NOT a mantancence item.

 

[bigjim]

The 6 isnt much more powerful- I couldnt tell the difference. The 6
wants premium fuel if you think its necessary. Not worth it. The new
Subarus outbacks are two steps behind the 03-04 versions. Subaru
dropped the ball- I wont buy another

 

[Charles Perry]

The 6 isnt much more powerful- I couldnt tell the difference. The 6
wants premium fuel if you think its necessary. Not worth it. The new
Subarus outbacks are two steps behind the 03-04 versions. Subaru
dropped the ball- I wont buy another

Whats the problem with them? We have never owned an Outback. We have a
Legacy L Wagon.

Charles

 

[bigjim]

Several:
1. Seat doesnt go back enough- I'm 5'11"
2. Armrest blocks window controls
3. Overly insulated. Tries to be quiet at the expense of weight and
"dead"feel.
4. Seats arent as comfortable as '04. They are overly padded
5. They lost the big foglights- a KEY outback design feature.
6. Styling is jap ugly.- no raised roof
I love my 04 outback but until they recapture the essence of what made
the outback cool I wont buy another.

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

Several:
1. Seat doesnt go back enough- I'm 5'11"
2. Armrest blocks window controls
3. Overly insulated. Tries to be quiet at the expense of weight and
"dead"feel.
4. Seats arent as comfortable as '04. They are overly padded
5. They lost the big foglights- a KEY outback design feature.
6. Styling is jap ugly.- no raised roof
I love my 04 outback but until they recapture the essence of what made
the outback cool I wont buy another.

Although we do have the H6 and like it fine , I'm tempted to agree with
most of your points, our '03 OBW is, I feel, better inside than the '06
loaner I had. More - I dunno, 'open' feeling and somewhat better layout
I guess. The '06 did have a little less tranny whine - but overall - the
'03 is a nicer drive.

Carl