Subaru Outbacks
14 January 2015 | 09:14 AM
#32
I looked at these before buying the impreza - exhausts seemed to be a common failure where the two pipes join ,, saw 2 that had been botched fixed as new exhausts are pricey but also nearly bought one that had a full ss system fitted with warranty for life and receipt , it sounded lovely and was about £600 iirc which struck me as cheap all things considered
14 January 2015 | 02:38 PM
#33
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From: Mars
Cheers DJ.
Scoobyskool; I checked the exhaust carefully and it looks fine but two fat exhausts for 165bhp is a bit OTT.
Ordered two new tyres to match the rear; Geolanders ain't cheap but the Minervas on the front are rubbish. Loads of tread on the rears.
Scoobyskool; I checked the exhaust carefully and it looks fine but two fat exhausts for 165bhp is a bit OTT.
Ordered two new tyres to match the rear; Geolanders ain't cheap but the Minervas on the front are rubbish. Loads of tread on the rears.
14 January 2015 | 02:48 PM
#34
It looks really nice now the link was kindly fixed - i think the outback is just a bit taller then the legacy ? But basically the same - i tested a few legacy estates of similar year ,,, seemed very roomy - enjoy :-)
14 January 2015 | 03:28 PM
#35
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From: Mars
Yep just a jacked up Legacy with a few scuff bits added. Very light and airy, especially with the sunroof.
14 January 2015 | 05:00 PM
#36
18 June 1815 - Waterloo
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Sadly it's gone dark but here's the dealer ad;
http://www.aeroautomotive.co.uk/showcar.php?id=1029
I'll give it some tlc and get some pics up ASAP.
Gave it quite a thrashing on our local roads home as well as the M5 and A30; definitely a competent chassis and a drivetrain that almost asks for bad conditions!
The engines nice; okay it's not exactly a road burner but it sounds good and the power delivery is totally linear. Pulls well low down too which surprised me.
It's incredibly light and airy; I do like frameless windows too!
Range said 400 miles when I filled up; definitely not a very frugal machine but then I won't be shelling out for DPFs, DMFs, EGR valves, etc every five minutes.
The bad points are; it has new front tyres but they are rather low rent; I'll match them up with the Yoko Geolanders shortly.
The rear seats have had a hard life; I should be able to rejuvenate them a bit (I have a garage full of detailing kit!).
Other than that, it all looks pretty straight, it's just had an oil/filter change, new MOT, new battery, the exhaust looked fine, the bushes felt solid, all electrics work, the sunroof is epic. Feel like I've got a real bargain (but ready to be told I was ripped off!!)! thanks hugely for your pointers all!
http://www.aeroautomotive.co.uk/showcar.php?id=1029
I'll give it some tlc and get some pics up ASAP.
Gave it quite a thrashing on our local roads home as well as the M5 and A30; definitely a competent chassis and a drivetrain that almost asks for bad conditions!
The engines nice; okay it's not exactly a road burner but it sounds good and the power delivery is totally linear. Pulls well low down too which surprised me.
It's incredibly light and airy; I do like frameless windows too!
Range said 400 miles when I filled up; definitely not a very frugal machine but then I won't be shelling out for DPFs, DMFs, EGR valves, etc every five minutes.
The bad points are; it has new front tyres but they are rather low rent; I'll match them up with the Yoko Geolanders shortly.
The rear seats have had a hard life; I should be able to rejuvenate them a bit (I have a garage full of detailing kit!).
Other than that, it all looks pretty straight, it's just had an oil/filter change, new MOT, new battery, the exhaust looked fine, the bushes felt solid, all electrics work, the sunroof is epic. Feel like I've got a real bargain (but ready to be told I was ripped off!!)! thanks hugely for your pointers all!
16 January 2015 | 01:41 PM
#39
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From: Mars
Tyres now matched up, will try and flog the ditch finders (new).
Leather deep cleaned and conditioned.
Had a good blast home and a play with a warm hatch; it definitely feels like more than 165bhp. Not fast but it moves pretty well.
On the new tyres, I feel I can go almost anywhere. I probably can't but it makes me feel better. Up a 25% tight LH bend here, I can't unstick the tyres which is impressive.
Leather deep cleaned and conditioned.
Had a good blast home and a play with a warm hatch; it definitely feels like more than 165bhp. Not fast but it moves pretty well.
On the new tyres, I feel I can go almost anywhere. I probably can't but it makes me feel better. Up a 25% tight LH bend here, I can't unstick the tyres which is impressive.
18 January 2015 | 12:07 PM
#41
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From: Mars
They were indeed (and the Forester).
I have to say, reviews are quite mixed and it's a shame they aren't M&S rated but they look fairly chunky and purposeful and feel pretty decent.
I'll probably change once all four need doing - Continental do a nice looking all weather tyre that's M&S rated and has the snowflake symbol; gets great reviews. Expensive though!
I cleaned it up, treated the leather and gave it a general spruce up - apart from rather worn back seats, it's in superb nick.
Definitely won't appeal to most on here as it's not fast (although it goes better than expected) and looks a bit staid but we have our M135i for speedy fun!
Local beach pre wash:
Post wash
I have to say, reviews are quite mixed and it's a shame they aren't M&S rated but they look fairly chunky and purposeful and feel pretty decent.
I'll probably change once all four need doing - Continental do a nice looking all weather tyre that's M&S rated and has the snowflake symbol; gets great reviews. Expensive though!
I cleaned it up, treated the leather and gave it a general spruce up - apart from rather worn back seats, it's in superb nick.
Definitely won't appeal to most on here as it's not fast (although it goes better than expected) and looks a bit staid but we have our M135i for speedy fun!
Local beach pre wash:
Post wash
Last edited by Matteeboy; 18 January 2015 at 12:11 PM.
22 January 2015 | 06:58 PM
#42
I'm probably going to need a big estate car in the summer. I've been looking at the sport touring post-facelift BMW E39 530i's which can be had for £3k. Because of this thread I'm looking at the 3 litre Outbacks which also come with self levelling suspension (like the BMW touring). My head says the BMW but my heart says the Outback! BMW's slightly cheaper though and look sportier, but I don't like the image associated with BMW's. But then again, I do drive an Impreza!
Last edited by LSherratt; 22 January 2015 at 06:59 PM.
23 January 2015 | 11:02 AM
#43
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From: Mars
I looked at the 3.0i but it's auto only and SO thirsty for 240bhp. But it sounds a bit like a 911 and they are a proper bargain; try and get pre 2006 though to avoid top whack RFL.
The E39s are bullet proof (my cousin is on his third) though and definitely a bit of a classic but you'd need to go a fair bit older (I think they stopped them in about 2004?).
The E39s are bullet proof (my cousin is on his third) though and definitely a bit of a classic but you'd need to go a fair bit older (I think they stopped them in about 2004?).
23 January 2015 | 01:11 PM
#44
I looked at the 3.0i but it's auto only and SO thirsty for 240bhp. But it sounds a bit like a 911 and they are a proper bargain; try and get pre 2006 though to avoid top whack RFL.
The E39s are bullet proof (my cousin is on his third) though and definitely a bit of a classic but you'd need to go a fair bit older (I think they stopped them in about 2004?).
The E39s are bullet proof (my cousin is on his third) though and definitely a bit of a classic but you'd need to go a fair bit older (I think they stopped them in about 2004?).
. Those E39 also have a very good rep and like you say, pretty bullet proof. Dates are 2002+ for a facelift and they stopped making them 2005 I think it was. Anyway, if I did go for one of the above, it'll probably be around late summer and on paper the Outback defiantly seems the better choice due to AWD and higher ground clearance, albeit more expensive. But it sort of 'does it all'. Looks a fantastic all rounder and I want something which has the capabilities to tow so the 3.0R is a no brainer for my circumstances I think .
23 January 2015 | 02:55 PM
#46
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From: Mars
I am surprised you didn't opt for the 3.0R because they seem to have much better reviews plus you have your BMW for manual shifting fun . Those E39 also have a very good rep and like you say, pretty bullet proof. Dates are 2002+ for a facelift and they stopped making them 2005 I think it was. Anyway, if I did go for one of the above, it'll probably be around late summer and on paper the Outback defiantly seems the better choice due to AWD and higher ground clearance, albeit more expensive. But it sort of 'does it all'. Looks a fantastic all rounder and I want something which has the capabilities to tow so the 3.0R is a no brainer for my circumstances I think .
. Those E39 also have a very good rep and like you say, pretty bullet proof. Dates are 2002+ for a facelift and they stopped making them 2005 I think it was. Anyway, if I did go for one of the above, it'll probably be around late summer and on paper the Outback defiantly seems the better choice due to AWD and higher ground clearance, albeit more expensive. But it sort of 'does it all'. Looks a fantastic all rounder and I want something which has the capabilities to tow so the 3.0R is a no brainer for my circumstances I think .The 2.5 tows 1600 kgs. My BM is auto and so good, it makes anything older (like my 335d box) seem tragic.
The 3.0 also puts out only 240bhp yet 0-60 is over 8s! When your 320bhp, 4.6s to 60 other car is able to get 35mpg, having a 25mpg car with a very short fuel range just doesn't make sense. Plus £480 rfl; this is meant to be cheapish motoring so it doesn't add up. But the 2.0 was just too weedy especially with an auto (4 speed!) box.
So it had to be a 2.5 manual; helped narrow it down. 0-60 is actually only about a second (maybe 1.5) behind the 3.0. It pulls surprisingly well. And it's lighter.
Impressed so far.
Trooper; brilliant, thanks! The exhaust is one bit that's a bit of a stinger to replace. The current one looks fine but it won't last forever.
Last edited by Matteeboy; 23 January 2015 at 02:56 PM.
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