Outback Facelift

[snowandrocks]

I've been looking at 2.5 SE manual outbacks for a while and was more or less set on buying the first decent 04/05 that appears locally. I've noticed though that the facelifted version (06 - 07) can be had for not a whole lot more cash. Has anyone driven both? Are they worth the couple of grand extra or is it mostly just a styling exercise?

[leefee]

As far im aware, all differences are cosmetic only, lights mirrors amd interior trim etc. a worthy point worth mentioning, is if you need to get say another mirror, or a headlight, its easier, but not easy to get an earlier one than a facelift one... You wont be buying either from subaru... Mirrors are about £400. Seems a d aft reason to buy the older model, but worth thinking about. I have a few pre face lift for breaking, never yet seen a facelift one.... Oh, the facelift had xenons as standard.

[snowandrocks]

Thanks Leefee,

I guess I'll just buy the first decent one of either that comes along then! Xenon lights are probably worthwhile but I'm guessing the standard lights are half decent anyway?

Any idea if the stereo is any better in the facelift? In the 2004 Legacy I borrowed recently it was awful!

[74merc]

The pre-facelift dip lights are rubbish. They need upgraded bulbs such as Osram Nightbreakers, to make them just acceptable.

[oop north]

snowandrocks said:

Any idea if the stereo is any better in the facelift? In the 2004 Legacy I borrowed recently it was awful!

I don't think the stereo is any better in the facelift - wish I had upgraded mine sooner. And upgrading can be tricky - I went for the expensive option of built in satnav (to get bluetooth phone, nav and iPod functionality) and amp/new speakers/subwoofer - if you do anything to replace the head unit you need to buy a replacement facia bit for the aircon controls (but it's a different part / colour pre- and post-facelift) that costs around £200

I have seen people do the subwoofer only addition - there is a Subaru accessory one that fits under the passenger seat I think - and one ICE installer I spoke to reckoned you were best changing the door speakers to focal and not having subwoofer