shmerham

Is that a problem restricted to MT's? Mine is an auto.

Nope, it's not related to turning corners. I'm trying to think if I can feel it in the seat or steering wheel too, it's certainly most noticeable in the gas pedal, and it's only during that initial period of taking off that I feel it. If I take off slowly I notice it the whole time until the rpm's get high enough (not quite sure at what rpm it goes away). It's as smooth as can be when driving.

Just purchased a 2001 Outback LL Bean with the H6. It has 41k miles on it. I love it and I'm so happy that the troublesome German mistress (Audi A4) is out of my life. There's one thing I didn't notice during my test drive, but I do now. When taking off from a stop, I can feel a vibration in the gas pedal. It feels like something is grinding. Is this a problem that anyone recognizes?

Yes, my friends aren't my main priority in buying a car. That being said I do care about them to some extent and I'm sure they'll be much more comfortable in the backseat of an outback vs a 92x (an impreza).

Sorry [saab speak] 2.5 RS [/saab speak]

I'm in the market for a new vehicle. Right now I've got 3 vehicles on my list: 00-04 Outback Limited Manual 01-04 Outback LL Bean or VDC 05 Saab 92x I received an offer on the 92x that's virtually too good to pass up. 14600 for a linear model with heated seats and a sunroof and automatic and 7400 miles it was a saab employee car. There's two catches: a) it's 200 miles away and I drove one and liked it except I'm not so much of an enthusiast that I like a sports car feel; I enjoy a somewhat cushy ride (I currently have an Audi a4 which seemed to balance both sides quite well). I thought the 92x was a little too sporty feeling for me. Because it's so far away and because of my future schedule, this weekend is the best time for me to get it unfortunately, which makes this a somewhat urgent matter (more so than I'd like). One last thing to mention is that almost seems too good to be true, but it's a dealership that dropped its saab franchise so that seems like a plausible explanation for the price (I think it's gone somewhat unnoticed by the salespeople). Not only is it a low sale price but it'll have a warranty and free maintenance till 24k miles. The catch on the limited manual is that I haven't driven one yet because I can't drive stick. I drove a base model, which I thought was pretty decent, I just didn't like the way it shifted, which leads me to believe I'd enjoy the stick. Also I've heard head gasket problems on pre-03's are existant. I really liked the vdc but of course its more money and it requires premium fuel and doesn't get as good gas mileage. I thought it rode considerably nicer than the base model. Not exactly sure why. I think the operating costs of any of these vehicles should be fairly low (particularly compared to my Audi) so even though I'm looking at overall cost, I guess it mostly comes down to up-front cost. I guess maybe what I'm trying to ask is, can I get an outback that's going to not much more hassle than the saab, for not much more.

On a search using autotrader I found an 05 Legacy Limited wagon automatic. It's a factory demo with 7400 miles. It's selling for 23k which is what the dealer value was for that vehicle on Edmunds. I fear that a demo car would have been driven hard. I wonder if a factory demo would qualify for rebates or low apr financing. If this isn't a bad idea, what would a good price for this vehicle be?

Over 5 or 6 years, which do you think provides more value? I can get a demo Legacy for about 23k or an 02 or 03 LL Bean or VDC with less than 45k miles for 16 to 19k. The new model has the much nicer interior and gas mileage. The older H6 is less money up front and it has the smoother, more powerful engine, which gets less gas mileage. Also, I'd be able to put an aftermarket stereo in. The VDC model has the VDC as well. Also, it seems as though the older H6 models had a nicer ride than the newer Legacy, but I didn't drive them back to back. Is this possible? No idea what depreciation will be like on either. Insurance premiums I would guess would be about the same, most of the time 6 cyl means higher, but a newer vehicle means higher too.

So, I know the only 05 with mp3 capability is the vdc. Any changes for 06? I can't believe mp3-cd capability isn't a part of all stock stereos yet. Are there any mods to get something like a phatnoise in or something? What about replacing the stock stereo in an 05 or 06? Anyone done that yet?

Hi everyone. I'm new. Did some searching and couldn't find what I was looking for. I apologize if my questions have been covered. I'm wondering if the 2.5l (non turbo) models are quicker than the 00-04 models given the weight reduction? I currently own a 99 Audi A4 1.8T Quattro. I can't wait to get rid of it. It's caused me so many headaches despite the fact that it's a joy to drive. I really like the utility of the scooby wagons. I camp and ski a lot, so I think it would be really handy when I've got friends tagging along on trips. I tried a few 01's. A vdc and a limited automatic. I didn't think the limited was that sluggish, but I felt like it had to shift too much and it wasn't shifting at the right time. As an example, on a hill it wouldn't shift till halfway up the hill, only to upshift before getting to the top. The shifts weren't that smooth either. I felt like I was getting jerked around, but only for that split second after a shift. It wasn't like there was so much power holding me against the back of the seat. Anyway, I've yet to drive a 2.5l 05 or 06. My roommate has an 05 ll bean. I like it a lot, but I don't want the poor gas mileage. I'm also wondering if the variable valve timing will be a large benefit for the 06 year. Do you think it will be worth it? I'm surprised it's taken subaru this long to do it. I'm also curious to see how it affects gas mileage. That's obviously becoming important these days. Sorry for the long-winded post. Thanks everyone!