bultmajd

Would you guys do a 1 inch on front and back or 1 inch on front and 1.25 on back?

So your basically saying a spacer is my best bet? Rather than swaping parts? What results other than the inch raise can is see?

Anyone lifted a legacy? Not looking for too much lift, outback suspension would be to much. Just looking for a little 1-1.5 lift for a little extra gound clearance in snowy weather and driving on grass/gravel/dirt? Would love pictures if any. Looking to do this on 2010+

Hey all, thanks for the replies. I've decided on an outback. The issues is what model year and engine. Why would you suggest an H6? Or an H4 for that matter? What model year would be the best? Looking at sub $12k in the southern Ohio area. I like the suggestion of keeping my Jeep. I would keep it if... I off roaded, needed it for the winter (I think the outback will suffice in Ohio winter) or anything where a jeep will benefit over an outback that I do. The only thing I think I'm loosing between an outback and Jeep is a little space. I think the outback is tgr best choice. As mentioned I could get the legacy but I think it would be more of a sacrifice and having to try to make it work. When the outback would fit the bill.

Thanks for the response, I drive 40 minutes to work, ends up being just under 50 miles round trip. Which is the main reason for driving the Miata which I average about 31 mpg, whiled my jeep is only at 17.5mpg. I'm a pretty active guy... In my time off I like to snow ski, mountain bike, road bike, practical shooting, golf, fish and kayak just to name a few. I do occasionally find unpaved areas especially shooting, skiing and biking. Starting to think the outback is the better choice 100%. Which outback year would you consider and why? I'm looking at both models with years ranging from 2007-2011. Thoughts?

Hey all, yes another one if these.... I've decided that I need a new car. I currently have 2, a '99 Grand Cherokee and a '97 Miata. I'm looking to sell of both of them and upgrade to just one. I commute in the Miata because the gas mileage is better, yet when I do anything outdoors related or people moving I drive the Jeep. I've decided on a Subaru mainly because of the gas mileage and symmetrical AWD system. And not to mention I've wanted one for along while. The decision I can't shake is the model to go with. Do I go with a Legacy or Outback? I'm looking at 2007-2011 Legacy or Outback sub 90,000 miles. I've driven them both, all 4 to be exact based on model year. I like them all for multiple reason and can't decide on which one to get. What do I need to consider when looking at the difference between the two and trying to decide which one is right for me and my lifestyle? Thanks, J

Would you guys go then with a 2007 to present or 00-04 outback with a H6 I did a little research and believe that the H6 is what I'm looking for, but I do want to drive one first, considering I haven't. Too bad the legacy doesn't come with a H6..... From what I see it looks like the h6 only comes with the ll bean edition, is that correct? Could I reasonably find a 07-present outback in my price range or would I have to do. 00-04?? Thanks P.S. the reason I'm asking is a found a pretty nice outback ll bean but its a 2002. It has about 126xxx and looks to be service records all done by one owner he bought in 2002 brand new.

Oops I must have glossed over that, sorry thanks

So... After doing so research I think I'm going to look at the outback. I like the idea of the H6 and it's durability. Does the H6 come in a manual transmission? If I were looking to spend about $10,000. What type of miles should i look at. And to change the base question.... West are the better year outbacks with the H6 engine???

Does the legacy come in an H6? What would the difference be between a 4-cyl and an H6 be? I saw that you guys are suggesting H6s with significantly more miles that what I was looking for, is that because of the reliability? Realistically how many miles should an H6 last? I come from a background of suvs and trucks; jeep grand cherokee, gmc jimmy, another jeep, dodge Dakota, and did I mention another jeep grand cherokee. I do have a Mazda miata too. That I drive bite for gas mileage. I do about 80 miles a day now, but in 6 months it will significantly go down. So.... Considering, would you do a legacy or outback? ( if the legacy doesn't come in a H6? The H6 seems like a better engine overall. It's that true?

Since you guys are suggesting 2004ish outback with 150,000 miles should I be looking in that area then? Its a tossup for me between the outback and legacy. I don't need the room of the outback but it wouldn't hurt. I don't quite know as much about the H6 engine; problems? Issues? Reliably? Etc... but, I did I bit of research tonight... seems like for the legacy and outback 2004 and 2006 or 2007-2010 seem like good options. Ideas

Well I guess then.... What year would be the year with the least amount of issues (head gasket, drivetrain, transmission, etc.)?? I'm looking to spend less than $10,000 and get something with the proper check-ups and paperwork; Ideally less than 10 years old (2004 to present), with less than 100,000 mi and a manual gearbox (Idk if I'm asking too much!?!)

Looking to get a legacy, preferably 2004-present. What are the best years? I heard 2005's have problems. IF you guys don't know, where would y'all look? Help would be appreciated, Thanks!! bultmajd

well.... 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee I6 4.0 makes 195 hp, weighs 3968 --- 20.3 lbs/hp so yea haha Ahhh alright, well does the noise differ from model to model, year to year and car to car? Because I did notice a difference between the models that I drove.

That's what I was thinking, since I was used to my jeep with capacity I figured that was the most comparable to what I have. and there are times that I do pack it full, and times when I don't. I have driven a couple of 2003-2005 outbacks and ..are there also people that noticed the whistling by the drivers side door? Was it on all outbacks of that model years or was it just of the ones that I drove or could it have been the roof racks (I've had that before) or what? Because that was a turn off especially as I was looking to purchase that or my jeep (which I did, obviously, end up purchasing) Would you think that the 4 cyl would be alright, or do you guys think that I should go with the 6 cyl? Is the 6 cyl a straight 6?

Ok thank you, I guess its not as big of a deal as I'm making it out to be.... as long as the right service gets preformed!! Well the cargo carrier that I have fits on my Grand Cherokee allows for the hatch to open without getting in the way (with about the maximum of a large cooler and a large Rubbermaid container). Now if I bolt a fork mount on it and put my extra bikes on it then... I will be unable to open the gate, obviously. I am aware that the height difference between the hitch and swing of the gate is a little different between a Subaru and my jeep. So I don't know I normally drive to work about 70 miles, around town and to soccer practice. I will twice or so a week load up to go to the bike trails and in the winter 4-6 days a week go to the ski slope and on occasion pack it full when we go on vacation. I'm thinking that the forester (although I don't like its design) and the outback is looking to be my best bet...but I won't be able to determine that until I test drive them all. would you look at getting the 6cyl or should the 4cyl be alright??? I did a post this afternoon to find one... however my uncle was a mechanic for 30+ years and now works as an appraiser for an insurance company, I think I'm going to take him with me when I go for a test drive. Then have a Subaru specialist take a look (when I find one) if he gives me the all clear!

Hey all, I'm looking for a mechanic in the Cincinnati area to do a prepurchase inspection in the next couple months. I have yet to find one that I like, but I when I do I want to make sure that it will be with me for the long haul and would, in general, be a good purchase!! Thanks

I don't think that I'm going to need to tow anything, but the use of a cargo carrier on the hitch (if applicable) would be used. Is the belt that is, per you, used in all 4 cyl's prior to 2012 alright? I'm used to chains all of the cars that's I've had, not belts and am hesitant about switching. I know the belts stretch and in general wouldn't be as reliable however, I'm aware of the reliability with the older models and would assume that would be the use of belts not chains, correct?! Thus the belts are fine, as long as the required 30, 60 and 100,xxx mi services are done and done right, right?? That's exactly where I think I am at now, go drive the 4 and figure out which one will suit my needs the best and I like the most!!

And I'm not expecting you to after all the explanations that I received about the model, years, and just general information about each one. I think that it has come down to the point where I need to get in the ones that I'm looking at and go from there. I'll decide at that point in time... However I do have one more question? What are some pros and cons of each of the 4 models? (general or specific) THANKS!

No your not scaring me away at all, actually despite the lack of suggestions for models and years this is exactly what I wanted... the truth.it's not turning me off, in fact it's drawing me towards. "If I do the maintenance required and find one that's been loved it should be with me forever. If I do encounter a problem that I can't fix... I know where to turn!!!" This is exactly what I wanted when I bought my jeep, that I didn't receive. Luckily, I was able to fix all the problems. I will go ahead and post looking for a mechanic in my area

I generally am happy with my jeep, but I think I'm ready for a change and this seems to be a perfect time!! Where would you suggest looking and or posting for the mechanics in Cincinnati thread??

Oh.. thanks, would you suggest looking at anything more than heartless suggested? So I just want to confirm that your saying all years and models are good its just long as their required maintenance is done? What were you talking about with model years? I was looking at getting something with less than 80-90,xxx miles about a 2005-9... basically not too old or too many miles, ideas? Thoughts? Oh and I would prefer a manual, but its not 100% required

Thanks, for the comparison and chassis reference. I'll be sure to take a look more one here and cars101.com

Thanks Heartless, That was extremely helpful, especially what to look for when buying Subaru's. I guess my only real concern isn't roof racks (because I have the ability to put a roof rack on whatever I get even if it has or doesn't have a stock one already installed) or ground clearance or whatever. It's picking a model with a wrong year. For example I found a 2008 Impreza, decent price, good shape, low miles and.... but upon farther research I found this (http://www.carcomplaints.com/Subaru/Impreza/2008/) seemingly complaints and recall problems galore? which intern puts me off from 2008s and Impreza's in general. I guess my question would be.... Is there a better year Forester, Impreza, Outback and/or Legacy than others? One that is more reliable, less problems in general, has lower recalls and complaint, etc.? I'm pretty sure that I just need to go drive the 4 of them to figure out which one would best suit me and my driving, I like the idea of a AWD car with a touch better mpg like the Impreza or "nicer" Legacy... Or something with about the same storage space as my jeep, "higher ground clearance" and standard roof rack with the Outback and Forester I guess I'm just lost!!!

Hello all, I am looking at getting a new car and... Subaru's are seemingly to fit it bill I currently drive 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee with about 245,xxx miles on her, back and forth to work about 70 miles a day. There's nothing major mechanically wrong with it, that prohibits my driving to work... however I have a feeling that it's not too far away from dying. So, prior to it doing so I would like to purchase something. Subaru's are looking like the choice for me. I don't really need the 4x4 or the 'grand' size of the Jeep anymore but, where I live I would very much like a minimum of AWD. I will have about $10,000 to spend and would prefer to not to finance. I understand that my price range prohibits the purchasing of a new Subaru, and that's OK, used is alright with me (as long as the miles aren't too high and it runs fine). I have enough mechanical knowledge to do an inspection and some mechanical fixes. Gas Mileage, isn't a factor for me, considering I drive a Jeep getting about 20 mpg daily, but I wouldn't mind one with better, even if just a little. What ever I get I will need to put a roof rack on for skis, bikes and a kayak. Now to the car.... I have been looking mainly at the Impreza. But the Legacy, Forester and Outback are in the selection too. In the research that I have done I have seen some great reviews on all of them but also some bad ones!! I'm just not sure on which one would suit my needs best. Again, the Impreza is my top choice so far but the reviews I have seen praise a certain year and/or complaints for some other ones that are turning me off!!! Help me choose please. I would prefer the a car (Impreza or Legacy) not a wagon but if its the best then I will "suffer" haha. I know everyone's ideas will be different (as the the model) but I'm just trying to weigh my options and purchase the best car for my needs. Thanks and I look forward to your responses!