New 2005 OBW owner!

[UofRSpider]

Hi all!

I just wanted to briefly say hello and tell everyone that I am now the proud owner of an '05 Subaru Outback Limited wagon. I just purchased it a few days ago and so far...love it. It has the 2.5 engine (non-turbo).

 

Accessories:

• Yakima roof basket
  
• bike rack
  
• Rubber floor mats
  
• Subwoofer (in the car when I bought it)
  
• Rear cargo mat
  

I am getting the windows tinted tomorrow.

The dealer claims that the '05 is a redesigned Outback. Since I have never owned a Subaru before, what is different from the '04 or earlier?

 

I am now in the process of reading the owner's manual and looking at the required service(s).

 

Any tips from veteran Subaru owners would be much appreciated...

 

I come from many years of owning Nissans and now need an AWD vehicle where I live (why I bought the OBW).

 

btw...someone please explain the tire situation to me regarding needing all the same tread depth or something to that nature...

 

Anyway...thanks and look forward to conversing in the future.

 

UofRSpider

 

'Go Spiders!'

[UofRSpider]

Regarding my new OBW...The dealer was telling me something about if I have a blowout I would need to replace all the tires during that time. Could someone please explain the tire situation to me regarding needing all the same tread depth or something to that nature...Is there any truth to that?

 

I am also thinking about buying a full-size spare...good idea?

[hoovman]

Regarding my new OBW...The dealer was telling me something about if I have a blowout I would need to replace all the tires during that time. Could someone please explain the tire situation to me regarding needing all the same tread depth or something to that nature...Is there any truth to that?

 

I am also thinking about buying a full-size spare...good idea?

Here's what the owner's manual for the 05 OWB says about it:

 

Tire replacement

The wheels and tires are important and integral parts

of your vehicle.s design; they cannot be changed arbitrarily.

The tires fitted as standard equipment are optimally

matched to the characteristics of the vehicle and

were selected to give the best possible combination of

running performance, ride comfort, and service life. It

is essential for every tire to have a size and construction

matching those shown on the tire placard and to

have a speed symbol and load index matching those

shown on the tire placard.

Using tires of a non-specified size detracts from controllability,

ride comfort, braking performance, speedometer

accuracy and odometer accuracy. It also creates

incorrect body-to-tire clearances and inappropriately

changes the vehicle.s ground clearance.

All four tires must be the same in terms of manufacturer,

brand (tread pattern), construction, and size. You

are advised to replace the tires with new ones that are

identical to those fitted as standard equipment.

For safe vehicle operation, SUBARU recommends replacing

all four tires at the same time.

" All four tires must be the same in terms of

manufacturer, brand (tread pattern), construction,

degree of wear, speed symbol, load index

and size. Mixing tires of different types, sizes or

degrees of wear can result in damage to the vehicle

.s power train. Use of different types or sizes

of tires can also dangerously reduce controllability

and braking performance and can lead

to an accident.

[ForrestB]

Hi all!

I just wanted to briefly say hello and tell everyone that I am now the proud owner of an '05 Subaru Outback Limited wagon. I just purchased it a few days ago and so far...love it. It has the 2.5 engine (non-turbo).

 

Accessories:

• Yakima roof basket
  
• bike rack
  
• Rubber floor mats
  
• Subwoofer (in the car when I bought it)
  
• Rear cargo mat
  

I am getting the windows tinted tomorrow.

The dealer claims that the '05 is a redesigned Outback. Since I have never owned a Subaru before, what is different from the '04 or earlier?

 

I am now in the process of reading the owner's manual and looking at the required service(s).

 

Any tips from veteran Subaru owners would be much appreciated...

 

I come from many years of owning Nissans and now need an AWD vehicle where I live (why I bought the OBW).

 

btw...someone please explain the tire situation to me regarding needing all the same tread depth or something to that nature...

 

Anyway...thanks and look forward to conversing in the future.

 

UofRSpider

 

'Go Spiders!'

I'd sure appreciate your comments on any surging problems you may or may not encounter with your new Outback. Mine has a noticable surge when the cruise control is engaged ... particularly when cresting a hill and beginning the downhill grade.

 

Thanks ....

[SevenSisters]

Buy a wheel and spare tire and rotate them with the rest. You will always have the proper size (circumference) spare if you need it.

[telemachus]

I'd sure appreciate your comments on any surging problems you may or may not encounter with your new Outback. Mine has a noticable surge when the cruise control is engaged ... particularly when cresting a hill and beginning the downhill grade.

 

Thanks ....

 

My 96 has always done this.

[mattocs]

My 96 has always done this.

 

Mine will go about +/- 5MPH when on hills and whatnot.

[O5'Forester]

Hi all!

I just wanted to briefly say hello and tell everyone that I am now the proud owner of an '05 Subaru Outback Limited wagon. I just purchased it a few days ago and so far...love it. It has the 2.5 engine (non-turbo).

 

Accessories:

 

• Yakima roof basket
  
• bike rack
  
• Rubber floor mats
  
• Subwoofer (in the car when I bought it)
  
• Rear cargo mat
  

I am getting the windows tinted tomorrow.

The dealer claims that the '05 is a redesigned Outback. Since I have never owned a Subaru before, what is different from the '04 or earlier?

 

I am now in the process of reading the owner's manual and looking at the required service(s).

 

Any tips from veteran Subaru owners would be much appreciated...

 

I come from many years of owning Nissans and now need an AWD vehicle where I live (why I bought the OBW).

 

btw...someone please explain the tire situation to me regarding needing all the same tread depth or something to that nature...

 

Anyway...thanks and look forward to conversing in the future.

 

UofRSpider

 

'Go Spiders!'

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I Bought a O5 Forester X back in Jan. Soon after i had the windows tinted

and now iam whating on a bug guard and splash guards for the forester. Has any one had any problems with the head lights dimming at night when they hit the breaks?

[Bmm001]

The dealer claims that the '05 is a redesigned Outback. Since I have never owned a Subaru before, what is different from the '04 or earlier?

 

I am now in the process of reading the owner's manual and looking at the required service(s).

 

Any tips from veteran Subaru owners would be much appreciated...

 

I'll try to answer your questions to the best of my knowledge:

 

The 2005 Legacys and Outbacks are completely redesigned. They are a bit larger in terms of wheelbase, length, height, and just about every other measurement. Due to some reengineering, they are somewhat lighter, but the frame has been stiffened. The sheetmetal is completely redesigned as well, making these models (in my opinion) the best-looking Subarus ever. The engine, while the same model, has been tweaked with some lighter materials, switched to electronic throttle control, and a new, quieter exhaust system, giving a few more horsepower. The transmissions, brakes, and suspension have been similarly tweaked and improved, as well as the interior fit and finish and equipment.

 

In terms of owning a Subaru (this goes for just about any car though) the more anal you are about routine maintenance, the longer it will last. I do not do much of my own work on my car, but I take it to someone who knows what they are doing. Dealers are good but expensive, and sometimes try to jerk you around. Obviously, you will probably have to take yours to the dealer while under warranty. Then, I'd either do the maintenence yourself if you're able, or find a good independent Subaru garage like I did. They are much cheaper, do better work (in my opinion) and don't try to screw me over or exaggerate/make up problems with my car since they rely on word-of mouth advertising for business.

 

The recommended break-in is very important as well. Don't beat it up in the first 1,000 miles or so. I've heard that the 2.5 engine takes perhaps 10,000 miles to fully break in and after that you'll see your gas mileage come up, so don't worry if it seems low for a while.

 

Living where you live, I would follow the severe service maintenence schedule. I replace my air filter once a year, oil change every 3-4,000 miles, etc. The car just runs better when you do simple stuff like that more often. My car (a '95) is the 4th Subaru my family has owned (we have 2 other ones right now) and by doing the routine maintenence stuff more often, we've never had one of our Subarus let us sit. Exception: dead battery.

 

Hope these ramblings helped,

Brian

[Juan]

Got a new OB just like you, Spider. Had it for a few months, now.

 

Some things that, well, suck about it:

 

1. Can't see around the large rearview mirror when turning right uphill. You have to duck under it to see. The auto dimming feature is a joke. Give me the mirror from my old '98 wagon; one that I could just about see through and that "flipped" to dim. Trust me, after a few weeks, you'll never look at the compass on it anyway.

 

2. The gas pedal is so sloppy that it is impossible to relax your foot/leg/calf as to NOT accelerate. Because of this 'slop' (and the fact that the brake pedal is full inch-and-a-half above the gas pedal at rest), heel-to-toe braking and accelerating is nearly impossible and causes extreme ankle/leg fatigue. If you do find that happy spot where this is possible, you'll pratically be in the back seat and unable to reach the steering wheel. This from a car with 8-way seats! The best you can do is hope to drive where you can set the cruise control and relax. Try doing that off road. Which brings me to the third thing.

 

3. Their is no such thing as an 2005 Outback wagon. Unless you have an Imreza, you don't have a wagon you have an SUV, a UT. You'll see this when your registration arrives and your insurance premiums will reflect this. This thing is heavier, handles worse and is MUCH more sluggish, even with a 2.5 engine in it, than my '98. I used to be able to play a tune on the '98s auto simply by needling the throttle; heel-to-toe I might add. This thing just winds up real fast and then lets you down. I could sportshift it I guess, but, this too is a joke. You can't grab the shifter for support while "sporting" whithout shifting it At least with my '98 I knew which gear I was in by the POSITION of the gear shift lever, not some number on the dash which doesn't even light up until you shift while IN sportshift mode. .Wait 'til the day you don't realize you left it in sports shift or that it slipped into sport shift. You'll be turning 5 Rs before you realize it. Not good.

 

4. Keyless entry fob is so touchy that simply slipping it into your pocket will, more than likely, unlock your car as you walk away. The only real way to make sure you're car is locked while you're away is to hold the car key in your hand as you walk away and slip it in your pocket after you're fifty yards away. OR, toss the fob and only use the key.

 

Still, I like the safety features, AWD and the ground clearance. It is quieter. Oh, and the headlights look cool. However, I wish I had my '98 back. It was much more fun to drive.

 

I'm just saying don't assume, anymore, that just because it's new and Subaru that it's going to be as good as the one you had before.

 

Juan

[Spokane-Pete]

When I test drove a 2002 Outback I noticed the mirror was irritatingly low too just like you said. But, since the mirror is mounted with 2 articulating joints it can be slid upward then repositioned correctly. I gained about 2 inches up having it set right.

Peter S

 

 

 

Got a new OB just like you, Spider. Had it for a few months, now.

 

Some things that, well, suck about it:

 

1. Can't see around the large rearview mirror when turning right uphill. You have to duck under it to see. The auto dimming feature is a joke. Give me the mirror from my old '98 wagon; one that I could just about see through and that "flipped" to dim. Trust me, after a few weeks, you'll never look at the compass on it anyway.

 

2. The gas pedal is so sloppy that it is impossible to relax your foot/leg/calf as to NOT accelerate. Because of this 'slop' (and the fact that the brake pedal is full inch-and-a-half above the gas pedal at rest), heel-to-toe braking and accelerating is nearly impossible and causes extreme ankle/leg fatigue. If you do find that happy spot where this is possible, you'll pratically be in the back seat and unable to reach the steering wheel. This from a car with 8-way seats! The best you can do is hope to drive where you can set the cruise control and relax. Try doing that off road. Which brings me to the third thing.

 

3. Their is no such thing as an 2005 Outback wagon. Unless you have an Imreza, you don't have a wagon you have an SUV, a UT. You'll see this when your registration arrives and your insurance premiums will reflect this. This thing is heavier, handles worse and is MUCH more sluggish, even with a 2.5 engine in it, than my '98. I used to be able to play a tune on the '98s auto simply by needling the throttle; heel-to-toe I might add. This thing just winds up real fast and then lets you down. I could sportshift it I guess, but, this too is a joke. You can't grab the shifter for support while "sporting" whithout shifting it At least with my '98 I knew which gear I was in by the POSITION of the gear shift lever, not some number on the dash which doesn't even light up until you shift while IN sportshift mode. .Wait 'til the day you don't realize you left it in sports shift or that it slipped into sport shift. You'll be turning 5 Rs before you realize it. Not good.

 

4. Keyless entry fob is so touchy that simply slipping it into your pocket will, more than likely, unlock your car as you walk away. The only real way to make sure you're car is locked while you're away is to hold the car key in your hand as you walk away and slip it in your pocket after you're fifty yards away. OR, toss the fob and only use the key.

 

Still, I like the safety features, AWD and the ground clearance. It is quieter. Oh, and the headlights look cool. However, I wish I had my '98 back. It was much more fun to drive.

 

I'm just saying don't assume, anymore, that just because it's new and Subaru that it's going to be as good as the one you had before.

 

Juan

[swc7916]

For a extensive summary of all models and years, try http://www.cars101.com/

 

The tire thing has been beaten to death in another thread.

 

It took me a long time to get accustomed to the 2000-2004 Subarus, but now I've had 3 of them and think they are OK. I like the looks of the 2005 but I'm not sure that I will ever get one. My wife is very sensitive to the seat cushion depth and the location of the pedals. The 2005 Subarus have a longer seat cushion than before and are too long for her legs. Also, the gas/brake pedal offset is too much for her comfort; when she adjusts the seat to reach the gas, she hits her knee on the steering wheel when using the brake.