So the slashing has begun. Local dealer now advertising baseline 04 Outback Wagons for 3K below MSRP (nice starting point for negotiations). Yet I really like what I'm reading/hearing about the NEW~IMPROVED 05...

 

SO....

 

Is it worth the wait (and more$$$) for the HOT~NEW 05, or is the real value in taking advantage of the end of the line selloff of this years model? I guess my question is... what's not to like in this years edition?

 

I'm so confused.

 

Dogcliff

Anchorage, Alaska

Which model and trim were you planning on getting?

Probably the lowest trim level that offers the 3.0 6 (new) or the new 6 in the '05 model... I have quizzed owners IRL and most have wished that they got the 6.

 

Dogcliff

I'd definetely wait for the new H6. Almost 40 HP more and supposedly BETTER fuel economy than the current H6 OB, how could you go wrong? Styling and even creature comforts have been dramatically improved. I have the '03 H6 and am currently thinking of trading for the '05 when it comes in and keep it until the 7-seater is available. Again, I'd wait if I were you.

Problem with an 05 is quality control with a new car. Considering our 03 GT is the WORST Subaru for fit and finish and the like after making it for what 8 years w/o a redesign you'd expect it to be right. Sadly it isn't. Can you imagine a car that is new to the line workers.

Originally posted by benebob

Problem with an 05 is quality control with a new car. Considering our 03 GT is the WORST Subaru for fit and finish and the like after making it for what 8 years w/o a redesign you'd expect it to be right. Sadly it isn't. Can you imagine a car that is new to the line workers.

 

Usually, these problems are attributed to design flaws and not production errors.

On 1/24, TORXXX posted "only 12 days to the release of the 2005 Outback" in "Just incase no one has seen this awesome site". Anyone else in on this date?

 

Dogcliff

I saw on autoweek.com's coverage of the Chicago Auto Show a picture of the 2005 Outback. The back said 2.5XT

 

You may want to consider that if it's cheaper than the base H6.

If you can afford it, id wait for the 05s, IMO they are just so radically improved in so many ways that I think it is worth the wait. Only concern would be new car issues, but thats what the warranty is for.

While the 05 certainly looks very attractive in features and performance, I'm always leary about a new model/redesign - and the potential for new model/redesign problems to appear. My expectations would be that Subaru has their act together on this year/model in terms of solid reliability. But my biggest fear is that Subaru's final price point on this model may put it out of reach for many loyal Subaru owners, and that would be a shame. Guess we'll have to wait and see...