Subaru Outback, what to look for?

[MrOrange]

I’m hoping I can get some pointers as I’m looking to buy one of these as my winter/general/station carpark/carting kids/tip runs runabout with occasional long distance stints. Wife will be driving it as well.

They seem good value, pretty reliable and competent despite being on the thirsty side. I’m 95% decided an Auto 3.0R is the one as there seems little price difference yet a chasm in terms of soec.

• Is is worth going for a facelift (circa late 07) with SI drive? Did they add or improve anything useful? Or just go for a pre-06 cheaoer tax version?
• Why does it seem most are in that odd gold/green colour?
• At what miles do the big bills come in at? Should I avoid 120k miley examples?
• Can I play Spotify on my iPhone through the car (3.5mm jack?) or am I going to have to buy CDs? Or headphones!
• I’ve discounted the later model, CVT lineartronic thang mostly due to CVT, cost and its looks but should I consider one?
• Legacy seems to offer nothing over the Outback, am I missing something?

And what are they like to live with, day to day - do owners find themselves falling fir its charms or is ot just a workhorse?

[MrOrange]

AndrewT1275 said:

I've got a 3.6R with the cvt and it is superb. <snip> It's a strange sensation at first though. <snip> The comfort and ride is great. I've done over 2000 miles in less than three days without issue.

Interesting. I’ve kinda avoided the newer, CVT thing due to possible complexity and “general feeling” that it’s not quite as workhorsey. And it’s quite a bit more money. But I should maybe take a drive. Thanks for the modern take, appreciated.

[MrOrange]

Well, it looks like I've bought myself an Outback, 3 litre, nice spec, lower tax band, great history and nice condition (from the photos). Complete with winter tyres it's going to cost me not much more than a new iPhone. Pick it up on Saturday, I can't wait until it snows.

[MrOrange]

Wow. I’m rather impressed with the beastie. Picked it up this morning and blatted back over the Derbyshire dales. Goes okay in Sport mode, stops fine. It had a little shimmy but checked the tyre pressures and they were 5 psi too low, now it’s sorted and it’s fine.

55 plate, 3.0 Rn model. 104k Miles, serviced every year, minty as a minty thing, everything works apart from the touchscreen which is recalcitrant but works ok. Sat Nav is dated but works ok. It had a cared-for life, aside from the wheels which need a refurb and rather worn mats (eBay?). No marks on the body apart from 3 small stone chips. Interior is like new, stereo is good.

I can’t believe what £2k buys, esp as it’s parked up next to my i8! It’s epic. I can see the start of a long-term relationship. Even the wifey likes it.

[MrOrange]

Sa Calobra said:

^ Just outside Hudds?

Good spot. Top of Holme Moss - or Col de Moss as the lycra brigade use.

[MrOrange]

ericmcn said:

congrats, thats one hell of a motor for £2k.

I was out in it today, picking DD (copyright Mumsnet) and it hacks down the motorway like a lovely thing, rides smoothly, sensible level of shove, nice and airy inside with am many modcons as you’d reasonably need. A very pleasant hour or two. I can see me keeping the beastie for a long time.

My “other” car is a BMW i8, btw.