crazymjb

My family is comfortable financially, not comfortable to drop 36 on the VDC, but comfortable enough to spend in the high 20s to low 30s. This will be a mix of city and highway driving. Our other car is an 05 TL, which I happen to think is one of the most beautiful cars of all time(big acura fan), and I just feel it looks much better than the current subaru line up inside and out, though I love the tribeca's interior, and don't have anything wrong with the legacy's or outbacks interior. As for fuel we average about 23 on the TL premium unleaded with a 11:1 compression ratio(get knocking with anything less) I wouldn't mind getting a turbo outback if it offered everything the 3.0R limited edition does. Now what about the audio and navigation system? Can anyone who has em vouch for them. The audio system wasn't listed as DVD-A, and was listed at a relativly low wattage. Are there any upgrade packages(think I saw a sub/amp kit)? I am also curious about navi which we will be getting. Our TL has a stock alpine system which is supposed to be the best OEM system, how well do the ones from subaru work, and who makes them? What about the HIDs, that is something I would really like. What about pricing, how far will Subaru go below invoice? We got 500 below on the TL without argument. Is it possible to get the VDC for around $31K, how about a 5 seat tribeca with navigation? As far as my mothers driving style, she is currently lead footed on the minivan as that has no pick up at all, and she is quite happy with my dads car, which she doesnt ALWAYS floor(238 Tq, 270hp drive it(automatic 5spd) to 60 in 6.3ish, as per old SAE ratings, they now use revised which drop the stats(hp and tq), however no other car company currently uses the revised standards). When in the TL she usually isnt too hard on it, but that is because you dont have to be, in an underpowered car she would be giving it a lot more gas, not to say we havnt tried the 0-60 runs before . For towing I would be towing a small trailer I am yet to purchase with a snow blower or two on it, and in the summer maybe a go-kart, or building materials, maybe 750-1000 pounds trailer included. Also a reciever mounted bike rack if available. Is the outback just as good offroad as any SUV with equal ground clearance.(I would like to go trailing, not tell my mother of course). Thanks again for the great info. Mike. P.S. I would also like to add that we were originally looking at the dodge magnum RT-AWD(hemi) to replace the minivan but it was having too many problems, required long order time, and had poor visability. What would subaru give us for our van, close to kelly? We have also never owned a subaru.

Well my mother decided she didn't want the dodge magnum so instead she will be trading the minivan for a subaru. I am responsible for the research. Here is what we are considering: Outback 3.0R VDC B9 Tribeca Legacy 2.5 GT Ultimatly we want something that will last a long time, is a little fun to drive, and does well in heavy snow, can tow stuff, and would be usuable in a real off-road situation. I was wondering if the VDC is worth the torque loss over the turbo charged engine(that 3.0 is pretty weak IMO). We really are looking for a great AWD system, not a decent one. We also want reliablility and durability. Now for a few questions: What AWD system does the B9 have and how does it handle in both poor and good conditions? Are xenons offered on the outback, I see it already has the projector housing, and my mother loves my fathers xenon setup(05 TL) as do I. Is the stock navigation system any good, and how much does it cost? Im sorry, but do they plan to give these cars facelifts any time soon, the new ones are VERY ugly on the outside IMHO, though I love the tribeccas interior and don't mind that of the outback and legacy. Thank you very much, Mike