Which one would you buy?

[1996Battlewagon]

Ok guys, of these four Subarus, which one would you spend your own money on? This is not just a question with "pick the fastest" as the answer; I'm sort of serious about this one. I'd like to spend under or right at 10k, so keep that in mind when you step into my hypothetical Addidas. Please, state your reasoning behind your answer. Do I go the more money, more performance route or stick with less money, less hassle?

Oh, and a trade-in is NOT an option...

1. http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.js ... f=national (http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp?tracktype=usedcc&csDlId=&csDgId=&listingId=46374425&listingRecNum=20&criteria=sf1Dir%3DDESC%26mkId%3D20041%26stkTyp%3DU%26rd%3D50%26crSrtFlds%3DstkTypId-feedSegId-mkId%26zc%3D37909%26rn%3D0%26PMmt%3D1-0-0%26stkTypId%3D28881%26sf2Dir%3DASC%26sf1Nm%3Dprice%26sf2Nm%3Dmiles%26alMkId%3D20041%26rpp%3D50%26feedSegId%3D28705&aff=national)

2. http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.js ... f=national (http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp?tracktype=usedcc&csDlId=&csDgId=&listingId=52819363&listingRecNum=21&criteria=sf1Dir%3DDESC%26mkId%3D20041%26stkTyp%3DU%26rd%3D50%26crSrtFlds%3DstkTypId-feedSegId-mkId%26zc%3D37909%26rn%3D0%26PMmt%3D1-0-0%26stkTypId%3D28881%26sf2Dir%3DASC%26sf1Nm%3Dprice%26sf2Nm%3Dmiles%26alMkId%3D20041%26rpp%3D50%26feedSegId%3D28705&aff=national)

3. http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.js ... f=national (http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp?tracktype=usedcc&csDlId=&csDgId=&listingId=53497669&listingRecNum=26&criteria=sf1Dir%3DDESC%26mkId%3D20041%26stkTyp%3DU%26rd%3D50%26crSrtFlds%3DstkTypId-feedSegId-mkId%26zc%3D37909%26rn%3D0%26PMmt%3D1-0-0%26stkTypId%3D28881%26sf2Dir%3DASC%26sf1Nm%3Dprice%26sf2Nm%3Dmiles%26alMkId%3D20041%26rpp%3D50%26feedSegId%3D28705&aff=national)

4. http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.js ... f=national (http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp?tracktype=usedcc&csDlId=&csDgId=&listingId=53762837&listingRecNum=29&criteria=sf1Dir%3DDESC%26mkId%3D20041%26stkTyp%3DU%26rd%3D50%26crSrtFlds%3DstkTypId-feedSegId-mkId%26zc%3D37909%26rn%3D0%26PMmt%3D1-0-0%26stkTypId%3D28881%26sf2Dir%3DASC%26sf1Nm%3Dprice%26sf2Nm%3Dmiles%26alMkId%3D20041%26rpp%3D50%26feedSegId%3D28705&aff=national)

[Yamazaki]

I was expecting a poll. But here's my choice:
In your situation, I'd go with the '02 H6. It's under the $10K you want to spend and it still has some power with nice amenities (auto A/C, heated seats, heated mirrors, etc.). It also has the added benefit of not being as tempting to modify and pour money into than the two turbo models. I'd say you're getting more for your money with that than any of the others. I'm only saying this because you said money was a factor.

[jey]

I'd get the 5-speed Outback because I love wagons. 2001 is a decent year feature-wise too - limited slip rear diff, etc.

[TGX4776]

i'd buy th 01

[mike-tracy]

I'd poney up a little more and get the GT, unless you have your heart set on the wagons. That car is already going to be sporty, fun, upgradeable and 250hp, and best of all, a manual.

That year H6 took premium like the GT, but only has 212ish HP, and the 4eat which is, uh, uninspired. The 5eat (not mentioned in your choices) is much smoother, probably more fuel efficient and has paddles when you want to have some fun.

Also, having owned a Forester, the rear seats have very minimal leg room, compared to pretty much any Legacy, although I hear the current body style more room. Cargo space is cramped vs a wagon as well.

So personally, I would rank them like this:
1. GT Sedan (fun but also practical, big trunk, comfy rear seats, manual)
2. 2.5L Wagon (better fuel economy, practical and takes regular fuel)
3. Forester (good solid choice, but least roomy rear seats, bigger cargo area than GT sedan)
4. 3.0L Wagon (more torque than above 2.5's so best for towing [I wouldn't tow with a turbo], but from what I hear engines are prone to frequently leaking, techs don't like working on them)

[aekOne]

gt without a doubt

[csweston]

Well this is hard because i find that the GT has the best looks and is one of my favorite car. However the H6 OB is a lot more functional and the H6 is one of my favorite engines. I think more info about what you do with your cars would help out a lot. Do you go camping/ outdoors a lot or are you in the city/ paved roads more? If you go outdoors a lot then the H6 but if your around in the city then definitely the GT.

[YVK]

05 LGT!

[grayguy]

05 GT, no contest!

[Airgne]

01 H6, than STI 6speed drivtrain.

the reason i would go with the 01 is, the 3rd gen is one of the best looking subaurs ever. 3rd gen was designed off the 1st gen.

[csweston]

^ H6 + STi 6 speed is exactly what im looking at doing this summer!

[1996Battlewagon]

Well this is hard because i find that the GT has the best looks and is one of my favorite car. However the H6 OB is a lot more functional and the H6 is one of my favorite engines. I think more info about what you do with your cars would help out a lot. Do you go camping/ outdoors a lot or are you in the city/ paved roads more? If you go outdoors a lot then the H6 but if your around in the city then definitely the GT.

I do almost all of those outdoor items and do them on a regular basis, but I've got my mad-max kitted out Outback for those adventures. I DO NOT plan on selling the 97, so this choice is for a newer DD that can get me all around the country if need be (I'm graduating soon, so it's a high possibility) while I turn the 97 into a dedicated project car (3" Highguys lift, Forrester XT suspension, side exit exhaust, Aussie dual-range gearbox, etc). I've always wanted a turbo 4th gen and finally got to drive one over the summer and fell in love. I've also driven a manual 3rd gen and really enjoyed it too (much more refined driving experience than the 2nd gen Leggy/1st gen Outback). I have yet to drive a H6, but I admire the EZ engine series very much (timing chain FTW) but mike-tracy makes a good point about the 4EAT: I think I need to just drive one.

Keep the suggestions coming: these are actually a lot of help! :smt023

[Huffer]

so this choice is for a newer DD that can get me all around the country if need be (I'm graduating soon, so it's a high possibility)

05 LGT. Great touring car.

[zmiko]

Go with the 05 LGT, 4th gens are great, and since you've already got an older wagon it makes the most sense

[Airgne]

the only 4th gen that i would get is a outback sedan. they look good and ride nice. this is saying alot since i hate the 4th gen look.

[csweston]

If your keeping the OB then 05 GT all the way!

[B's Legacy Wagon]

Yeah i would sort of say the same. You have your wagon for the hauling and fun offroad. and i think it would be good to go with the 05 LGT for the street and comfort. pluss its newer

[1996Battlewagon]

^^^See, that's what I'm thinking. A LGT has usually always been my ideal "after grad" car, but I'm still on the fence. If I stick with this route, I'm honestly not that big of a fan of that actual 4th gen: I don't like spoiler and after seeing a LGT in red, I'm not a big fan of the dark blue. If I'm going to go all out and get a 4th gen, I'm going to get a red or black one without the spoiler. Of course, the ultimate of ultimates would be a Spec B, but they're still a little on the pricey side.

No decision as of yet on what platform I'm going with. I think I'll go test drive that H6 to get a feel for it. But, I've got another problem:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/12/k37q0p-1.jpg

This thing has been haunting me for a while now and will always be at the back of my mind. $2500, new trans with paper work and 2yrs worth of warranty left.

[Airgne]

^6mt swap and yes!

[Huffer]

Svx will make a great tourer. But its not as nice inside as the LGT. and the wheels are 5x114 so not compatible with your other subaru. And the EG33 is getting pretty long in the tooth

[1996Battlewagon]

That SVX is going into consideration. It really shouldn't given its age (low miles, but it's still a 94 and OBDI) but I can't help but think about it. The replaced trans is a HUGE plus in my book.

I went to go test drive number 4 today. It was a family car for the past 3yrs and has lived in TN since 03. It was originally a Colorado car, but I saw no rust in my quick inspection. It was ungodly quiet, which was nice but I can't help but shake that slight difference in driving feel between the 97 and this 01. I feel as if I'm sitting on top of the 01 rather than in the 97. The steering is much lighter than the 97 which makes it feel more...SUVish. It's still comfy and cool, but (sorry 2nd gen Outback peeps) feels less involved than the 97. Plus the Phase II lacks that top end wind-out punch that the Phase I has: albiet my Phase I does have healthy breathing mods.

I haven't ruled out number 4, but it probably won't make the cut when push comes to shove. I venture on...

[ouch1011]

I'm shopping for pretty much exactly what you show in #1, so....

[98outbackpdx]

i talked to a guy with an svx at the local subaru dealer, he "said" dont know this for a fact but he said his '92 svx at 3k rpm he is going 99mph. i my 98 outback at 3k i am doing 75mph. so if you like speed, i would take a definite look at the svx. it would be a toss up between a LGT and an svx. for me if i ever buy a used car again it would have to have a good service history, everything maintained and up to date, and no weird noises, or smells. also no accidents. car fax does not always tell you if the car has been in an accident. when you look at a car, make sure you look for any body damage, also airbag deployment. safety wise i would go with the LGT, it has the most airbags, but the 2003 and 2004 H6 outbacks come with onstar and i do know that no '03 or '04 is on your list, although i am not sure if the onstar is upgradeable because it is analog signal, and now cell phones and onstar uses digital cell signal.

[Airgne]

That SVX is going into consideration. It really shouldn't given its age (low miles, but it's still a 94 and OBDI) but I can't help but think about it. The replaced trans is a HUGE plus in my book.

I went to go test drive number 4 today. It was a family car for the past 3yrs and has lived in TN since 03. It was originally a Colorado car, but I saw no rust in my quick inspection. It was ungodly quiet, which was nice but I can't help but shake that slight difference in driving feel between the 97 and this 01. I feel as if I'm sitting on top of the 01 rather than in the 97. The steering is much lighter than the 97 which makes it feel more...SUVish. It's still comfy and cool, but (sorry 2nd gen Outback peeps) feels less involved than the 97. Plus the Phase II lacks that top end wind-out punch that the Phase I has: albiet my Phase I does have healthy breathing mods.

I haven't ruled out number 4, but it probably won't make the cut when push comes to shove. I venture on...

the phase II is a slugish wonder until you help it breathe better. also the seats dont go down as far as the 2nd gens do, that why you feel up high. once you get some sus and engine work it is a very good car.

[dodik]

i'd go for 02 H6 and yes i am biased, in four years i owned this car it has been through so much crap and never ever let me down, the engine is amazing it has enough kick to keep up with pretty much everything on the road, yet it doesnt require 91 but is recommeded, i personally drive on 87 in the city and 91+ on long highway trips when there is more load on the engine. yes people dont like to work on them because they are bigger and have less room, as far as leaks yes valve cover gaskets need to be replaced every 125k or so but it beats replacing HG on the 2.5, no turbo to blow or worry about, auto a/c alone is worth it, you click it once set the temp and dont have to adjust until weather changes lol. mine came with winter package which is also nice heated mirrors, wipers, seats(that one has it too). yes the 4 eat is sluggish if you put in D but i truly dont see how 5eat any better, for a DD comfort and lack of maintenance are two major things i look for in the car. plus 8900 can easily be knocked down to 7500 or if dealer has the car for more than 4 month even 6500. gl

[1996Battlewagon]

dodik, I was honestly waiting on you to chime in. I still need to go out and test drive that H6, but with the complete hell of dealing with my visiting family for past couple of days, I've had no time to make the trip out there. I did manage to drive a 5MT XT Fozzy that was close by and while it handled very well, was smooth as butter, and plenty fast I didn't get that "giddy-school-girl" feeling that I'm looking for (and already have with my Outback). The one LGT I've test driven in the past, I got that feeling. So if that H6 doesn't garnish my soul with driving joy, I'm sticking with the hunt for a LGT.

One down, a hundred more to go.

[dodik]

the thing about H6 is learning how to drive it, you gotta listen to it in order for it to work smoothly and enjoyably, to make it move you gotta find that sweet spot and hold it there. most ppl dont rev them above 3k as it feels like too much is going to happen but if you let the rpm rise when it just starts to pull hold it there and get in 3.5-4.5k rpm range you will be rewarded