DC Car Examiner Posted November 19, 2009 Share Posted November 19, 2009 I do believe the clever folks here used up their entire supply of "lesbians drive Subarus" jokes in the Forester thread, but I'd be more than happy to take any serious questions. More photos and info on the test car here: http://www.examiner.com/x-1017-DC-Car-Exam...1-introduction# Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suv_guy_19 Posted November 19, 2009 Share Posted November 19, 2009 We'll be getting these for work right away. Anything you have that you find interesting would be...interesting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David The Bruce Posted November 19, 2009 Share Posted November 19, 2009 I do believe the clever folks here used up their entire supply of "lesbians drive Subarus" jokes in the Forester thread, but I'd be more than happy to take any serious questions. More photos and info on the test car here: http://www.examiner.com/x-1017-DC-Car-Exam...1-introduction# I've always asked, if you can get a forester for less why buy a smaller outback? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DC Car Examiner Posted November 19, 2009 Author Share Posted November 19, 2009 I've always asked, if you can get a forester for less why buy a smaller outback? That used to be a fair question. Now it's the other way around -- the Outback is much roomier, and more fuel efficient, for not much more than the Forester. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ralph Greene Posted November 19, 2009 Share Posted November 19, 2009 I've rented them before several times while on vacation in the Rockies, they were all equiped with snow tires, and I was alway mighty impressed with them for use in snow country. I didn't like the frameless windows (was afraid of poking myself in the eye), but see that they are not built that way now. One concern I have with new one with CVT is how long will that transmission last? These cars have the reputation, and resale value, of being long lasting vehicles. They have sort of a "cult" following in some parts of the country. But I wonder about the CVT. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FordBuyer Posted November 19, 2009 Share Posted November 19, 2009 I was looking at a new Outback for sale in front of Costco. Not bad. Lots of good features like heated front seats and lots of cargo room and sold through Costco for $25,000. The MSRP was close to $27,000. 29mpg highway also is very good for an AWD vehicle with 5 speed automatic. I can see why Subies are selling so well right now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aneekr Posted November 20, 2009 Share Posted November 20, 2009 DC Car Examiner, Another question about the CVT on your test vehicle: does it "rev-match" downshifts in manual mode? My buddy's CVT equipped Nissan Altima blips the throttle before engages a lower ratio (quite responsively, in fact). Very nice feature. I think the traditional torque converter 5 speed auto on the Outback/Legacy 3.6R does this too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DC Car Examiner Posted November 20, 2009 Author Share Posted November 20, 2009 DC Car Examiner,Another question about the CVT on your test vehicle: does it "rev-match" downshifts in manual mode? My buddy's CVT equipped Nissan Altima blips the throttle before engages a lower ratio (quite responsively, in fact). Very nice feature. I think the traditional torque converter 5 speed auto on the Outback/Legacy 3.6R does this too. I haven't played with the manual mode yet. I can check. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billyk24 Posted November 20, 2009 Share Posted November 20, 2009 I believe the Ford Escape Hybrid is a better alternative to the Subaru Outback or even the Forester models. Subaru fans almost never make a comparison to the AWD Escape Hybrid because the Ford model has less emissions and better mileage and holds is resale value very well. It is well known Subaru has had a head gasket issue with many of their vehicles and owners have had issues with the transmission not downshifting correctly. The CVT may now make the transmission issue moot. Both the Outback and Forester models have grown in size and weight. This is likely to have an effect on real world mileage especially in "city" driving conditions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DC Car Examiner Posted November 21, 2009 Author Share Posted November 21, 2009 I believe the Ford Escape Hybrid is a better alternative to the Subaru Outback or even the Forester models. Subaru fans almost never make a comparison to the AWD Escape Hybrid because the Ford model has less emissions and better mileage and holds is resale value very well. It is well known Subaru has had a head gasket issue with many of their vehicles and owners have had issues with the transmission not downshifting correctly. The CVT may now make the transmission issue moot. Both the Outback and Forester models have grown in size and weight. This is likely to have an effect on real world mileage especially in "city" driving conditions. The Escape Hybrid has a base price of $31,500, and the Outback transmission doesn't ever need to downshift. I've also averaged over 30 miles per gallon so far in driving that included rush hour stop-and-go, compared to 27 in the 4-speed Forester. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billyk24 Posted November 23, 2009 Share Posted November 23, 2009 The Escape Hybrid has a base price of $31,500, and the Outback transmission doesn't ever need to downshift. I've also averaged over 30 miles per gallon so far in driving that included rush hour stop-and-go, compared to 27 in the 4-speed Forester. How many miles have you driven this vehicle to obtain the 30mpg figure? Is this 30 mpg hand calculated or from the vehicle's dash reading? The Outback's CVT drive belt has a recommended replacement of 60,000 miles or 5 years while the camshaft belt needs replacement at 100,000 miles. These are not cheap mainetance costs that the Escape Hybrid does not have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ralph Greene Posted November 23, 2009 Share Posted November 23, 2009 (edited) The Subaru CVT in 2010 Outback uses a chain, not a belt. A new feature. Edited November 23, 2009 by Ralph Greene Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aneekr Posted November 23, 2009 Share Posted November 23, 2009 The Outback's CVT drive belt has a recommended replacement of 60,000 miles or 5 years while the camshaft belt needs replacement at 100,000 miles. The 60k mile replacement interval is for the accessory drive belt (not related to the CVT). The only maintenance required for the CVT is to replace the transmission fluid under severe driving conditions or if the vehicle is used for towing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DC Car Examiner Posted November 23, 2009 Author Share Posted November 23, 2009 How many miles have you driven this vehicle to obtain the 30mpg figure? Is this 30 mpg hand calculated or from the vehicle's dash reading? The Outback's CVT drive belt has a recommended replacement of 60,000 miles or 5 years while the camshaft belt needs replacement at 100,000 miles. These are not cheap mainetance costs that the Escape Hybrid does not have. I've so far driven 340 miles and the trip computer indicates 29.1 miles per gallon now. I'll calculate by hand when I fill it up, but the Outback has a big enough tank (18.5 gallons) that I haven't had to do that yet. And no maintenance cost offsets a base price difference of $10,000. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deanh Posted November 23, 2009 Share Posted November 23, 2009 (edited) I've so far driven 340 miles and the trip computer indicates 29.1 miles per gallon now. I'll calculate by hand when I fill it up, but the Outback has a big enough tank (18.5 gallons) that I haven't had to do that yet. And no maintenance cost offsets a base price difference of $10,000. Dc, base on the Escape hybrid is $31500, 6 speed MANUAL Subie bases at $23690...pretty amazing value regardless but NOT a 10k difference.....and to be fair one should really compare with the Premium Subie...base then gos to $24990 Edited November 23, 2009 by Deanh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billyk24 Posted November 24, 2009 Share Posted November 24, 2009 (edited) The Subaru Outback version tested in this review (2.5 Limited) has a base price of $27,995 via this link: http://www.subaru.com/vehicles/outback/25i...ited/index.html. The version tested has a stated MSRP of $28,990 via this link: http://www.examiner.com/x-1017-DC-Car-Exam...1-introduction# There is no $10,000 difference in price. If the Outback is obtaining 29mpg in this review what to speculate what the Escape Hybrid would obtain in the same environment? Edited November 24, 2009 by billyk24 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DC Car Examiner Posted November 24, 2009 Author Share Posted November 24, 2009 Dc, base on the Escape hybrid is $31500, 6 speed MANUAL Subie bases at $23690...pretty amazing value regardless but NOT a 10k difference.....and to be fair one should really compare with the Premium Subie...base then gos to $24990 That would be a front-drive Escape and an AWD Outback at those prices. If you're going to correct for transmission, correct for drive wheels too. There is a big difference in price between these two vehicles. Hybrids are expensive by nature. If the Outback is obtaining 29mpg in this review what to speculate what the Escape Hybrid would obtain in the same environment? I'm sure it would do much better. In most cars I've recorded extended gas mileage for I beat the EPA highway figures, and careful driving typically nets an even bigger improvement with a hybrid than with a standard gas car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DC Car Examiner Posted November 24, 2009 Author Share Posted November 24, 2009 Full interior details: Details and more photos: http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-1017-DC...terior-details# Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deanh Posted November 24, 2009 Share Posted November 24, 2009 (edited) That would be a front-drive Escape and an AWD Outback at those prices. If you're going to correct for transmission, correct for drive wheels too. There is a big difference in price between these two vehicles. Hybrids are expensive by nature. I'm sure it would do much better. In most cars I've recorded extended gas mileage for I beat the EPA highway figures, and careful driving typically nets an even bigger improvement with a hybrid than with a standard gas car. wrong thats a 4x4 hybrid escape base....I was comparing apples to apples...oh, and dual climate control is standard........if you wish to call things out then check the sources of the info you are quoting.....and having such discrepencie PUBLISIZED is mis -informing the public.... Edited November 24, 2009 by Deanh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ralph Greene Posted November 24, 2009 Share Posted November 24, 2009 (edited) Was the chain drive CVT obtrusive? I imagine that transmission will start showing up in other vehicles. If it proves reliable over many miles, it seems to me it should be cheaper than the 6 speed auto for both new car manufacturing and replacement for hi mileage vehicles. I've been thinking about buying a used minivan to haul stuff around the house. I can get a used Dodge or Chrysler cheap. Then bring it up to my specs....everything working about like new. There is nothing much that can go wrong with one I can't get fixed fairly cheaply.....except the auto transmission. Maybe the simpler CVT's some day will replace these complicated expensive to repair current auto transmissions currently in use. Especially in lower TQ engines. Edited November 24, 2009 by Ralph Greene Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deanh Posted November 24, 2009 Share Posted November 24, 2009 RETAIL DLR INV RETAIL DLR INV U5K 4DR 4WD HYBRID $31535 $29197.00 TOTAL BASE AND OPTIONS$32260 $30359.52 .103" WHEELBASE TOTAL 32260 30359.52 UA BLACK *THIS IS NOT AN INVOICE* W PREM CLTH BKT S STONE 00A RAPID SPEC 993 .2.5L I4 ENGINE NC NC 44H .ECVT AUTO TRANS NC NC T53 .P235/70R16 A/S NC NC JOB #2 ORDER FRT LICENSE BKT NC NC 425 50 STATE EMISS NC NC FUEL CHARGE 47.52 NOTE BASE msrp $ 31535..............Only other adds are D&D and FDAF......... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deanh Posted November 24, 2009 Share Posted November 24, 2009 (edited) Subaru premium with CVT base $25990...including D & D...maybe my math SUCKS in an attempt to compare two VASTLY different vehicles and make an inaccurate statement.....not meaning to ride you DC but this sort of mis-guided info is commonplace by auto scribes....I expect better... :shades: . Edited November 24, 2009 by Deanh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deanh Posted November 24, 2009 Share Posted November 24, 2009 Full interior details: Details and more photos: http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-1017-DC...terior-details# me likey. Exterior is a little wierd, but what does one expect from Subaru.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DC Car Examiner Posted November 28, 2009 Author Share Posted November 28, 2009 Updated, after I managed a test drive in a rare 2009 Outback for old-vs.-new comparison: (this was a dealer loaner car being sold as used that had fewer miles than the 2010 I was driving) http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-1017-DC...economy-update# Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.