Considering new, Subaru

[glaze148]

Not sure if it's appropriate to post here with this question?
Considering leasing a new car.{Keeping my 92 lsl touring}
Anyone have experience with these
Legacy
Forester
Tested the Legacy, and liked it except that it was VERY noisy. Rented one, and drove 100 city miles. Very poor gas mileage.
Please list pro's and cons for each model if you can.
Thanks A Lot

[Joel]

Not sure if this will help you since your looking at new vehicles, but I might be able to provide a little insight. I have an 06 Forester and 06 Outback. Style wise, the new Forester looks completely different inside and out from my 06. Drivetrain wise, little change. The Outback/Legacy, on the other hand, is mostly the same, the front grille is a little different and the taillights I think. Both use the same standard engine, 2.5, 174 hp 4cyl with 5spd or 4spd sportshift automatic. With the Forester, you can upgraded to the XT Turbo and about 224 hp. I've never driven one, but have written the turbo transforms the vehicle, performance wise. For city driving, the 2.5 is a great performer all around, but when accelerating into traffic, passing at say 50 to 70, you really have to push it to get going. Add people and cargo, and it will be worse. The biggest drawback to the XT is premium gas is a must, of course. Same base engine/trans for the Outback, but the option engines are the 2.5 Turbo and 3.0 6cyl, the turbo standard with a 5spd manual or optional 5spd sportshift automatic. The 3.0 standard with the 5spd sportshift auto. The 3.0 is 250 hp in my 06, it may be 245hp in the 09's. Almost identical hp to the 2.5 turbo (243), but with no turbo lag. This engine, too, requires premium. This engine is silky smooth, and it is mated to a 5spd sportshift automatic. The standard 2.5 and 3.0 seem to be in the 21-22 and 18-21 mpg ranges in my normal driving. Just like the commercials, how you drive and where, etc, will determine where you end up number wise. I like power, so I'll probably never go with the standard engine again. The 3.0 is (my opinion) my much more refined, better performer all the way around. It's quiet and smooth. Really, very different from my Forester. You can feel it suspension wise, better shocks, etc. The old saying, "you get what you pay for" is true, you'll pay to get into the turbo and 3.0 models, upper $20's to low $30's, so if you on a budget the 2.5i models with the standard engines for both vehicles are where you will be. With almost a $10K difference in price, you'll surely feel a difference in ride and performance from the base 2.5I to the 3.0R. On Subaru.com, you can look at the brochures from current models back to 2005 I think. You can easily compare the performance numbers, weight, etc there. They are in PDF form. If you are looking for SVX type of performace, the turbo in either the Forester or Legacy or the 3.0 in the Legacy are the ways to go! Hoped that helped!

[dcarrb]

I've ridden in newer Subarus but not driven one, and conclude I've been spoiled by the SVX and anything else will be a letdown.

dcb

[Subie59]

I have driven older Legacys for quite some time. I have owned a 1996 Legacy wagon (excellent car) still own a 97 legacy wagon and a 2001 Gt ltd. absolutely no problems to speak of with these cars.... highly recommend a Legacy. But foresters are very popular. Can't help but think you are paying for the popularity factor of the Forester....

[apocalixto]

I actually went to the dealership here in Dallas not too long ago (when I was buying parts for my...now useless...head gasket job) and test drove each of the new Subarus...even an STi. I think that the new legacy really does drive well, but honestly all subarus have road noise IMO. If i had to pick a new Subaru though, I would probably go with the new WRX sedan. it is sporty, quick, interior isn't too "in your face" and it is not dreadfully expensive (for a new car). The new outbacks are alright, just not personally a fan of wagons, hence, not suggesting an STi suggesting a WRX SEDAN!
Really, I had no complaints with the new subaru line up, except the STi being a wagon now. haha

[shelfy]

Originally Posted by Joel

Not sure if this will help you since your looking at new vehicles, but I might be able to provide a little insight. I have an 06 Forester and 06 Outback. Style wise, the new Forester looks completely different inside and out from my 06. Drivetrain wise, little change. The Outback/Legacy, on the other hand, is mostly the same, the front grille is a little different and the taillights I think. Both use the same standard engine, 2.5, 174 hp 4cyl with 5spd or 4spd sportshift automatic. With the Forester, you can upgraded to the XT Turbo and about 224 hp. I've never driven one, but have written the turbo transforms the vehicle, performance wise. For city driving, the 2.5 is a great performer all around, but when accelerating into traffic, passing at say 50 to 70, you really have to push it to get going. Add people and cargo, and it will be worse. The biggest drawback to the XT is premium gas is a must, of course. Same base engine/trans for the Outback, but the option engines are the 2.5 Turbo and 3.0 6cyl, the turbo standard with a 5spd manual or optional 5spd sportshift automatic. The 3.0 standard with the 5spd sportshift auto. The 3.0 is 250 hp in my 06, it may be 245hp in the 09's. Almost identical hp to the 2.5 turbo (243), but with no turbo lag. This engine, too, requires premium. This engine is silky smooth, and it is mated to a 5spd sportshift automatic. The standard 2.5 and 3.0 seem to be in the 21-22 and 18-21 mpg ranges in my normal driving. Just like the commercials, how you drive and where, etc, will determine where you end up number wise. I like power, so I'll probably never go with the standard engine again. The 3.0 is (my opinion) my much more refined, better performer all the way around. It's quiet and smooth. Really, very different from my Forester. You can feel it suspension wise, better shocks, etc. The old saying, "you get what you pay for" is true, you'll pay to get into the turbo and 3.0 models, upper $20's to low $30's, so if you on a budget the 2.5i models with the standard engines for both vehicles are where you will be. With almost a $10K difference in price, you'll surely feel a difference in ride and performance from the base 2.5I to the 3.0R. On Subaru.com, you can look at the brochures from current models back to 2005 I think. You can easily compare the performance numbers, weight, etc there. They are in PDF form. If you are looking for SVX type of performace, the turbo in either the Forester or Legacy or the 3.0 in the Legacy are the ways to go! Hoped that helped!

uhhh...the outback is available with the turbo 2.5L as well. 2.5XT.

[Joel]

Originally Posted by shelfy

uhhh...the outback is available with the turbo 2.5L as well. 2.5XT.

"Same base engine/trans for the Outback, but the option engines are the 2.5 Turbo and 3.0 6cyl, the turbo standard with a 5spd manual or optional 5spd sportshift automatic."

Sorry, forgot to put "XT" after 2.5

Legacy 2.5i (base 2.5, 170 hp)
Legacy 2.5i Special Edition (base 2.5, 170 hp)
Legacy 2.5i Limited (base 2.5, 170 hp)
Legacy 2.5GT (2.5 Turbo, 243 hp)
Legacy 2.5GT (2.5 Turbo, 243 hp)
Legacy 3.0R (6, 245hp)
Legacy 3.0R Limited (6, 245hp)

Forester 2.5X (base 2.5, 170 hp)
Forester 2.5X Premium (base 2.5, 170 hp)
Forester 2.5X Limited (base 2.5, 170 hp)
Forester 2.5XT (2.5 Turbo, 224 hp )
Forester 2.5XT Limited (2.5 Turbo, 224 hp)

Outback 2.5i (base 2.5, 170 hp)
Outback 2.5i Special Edition (base 2.5, 170 hp)
Outback 2.5i Limited (base 2.5, 170 hp)
Outback 2.5XT Limited (2.5 Turbo, 243 hp)
Outback 3.0R Limited (6, 245hp)

[glaze148]

Thanks everyone. The comment that all Subaru's have a lot of road noise concerns me. The new Legacy sedan was REALLY loud.
I really have a problem with that trait

[kwren]

Originally Posted by dcarrb

I've ridden in newer Subarus but not driven one, and conclude I've been spoiled by the SVX and anything else will be a letdown.

dcb

Soooooooo TRUE!

Keith