Hi all,

hopefully a soon-to-be first time subie owner. i'm considering the outback wagon, and found the outback limited 4 cylinder to be in my price range, but would like automatic transmission.

i currently drive a 97 stratus, standard transmission.

some reviews say the 4 cylinder automatic isn't very powerful, but i don't know how to take this.

i understand the 6 cyl will be more powerful, but i am not looking to drive fast or gun it, i just want to be able to go uphill with no problems!!!

any advice- is the 6 cyl worth the extra $ for someone who just wants a great car that gets me around? thanks!

personally, i would say no.i drove them both when my father was looking, and there just was not enough difference.the 4 actually had pretty good jump, and we started off on a hill! the auto has the slap shift option which makes it kinda like a semi-manual which is also fun.i think the 6 is also worse on gas.good luck on your choice,

 

Jon

personally, i would say no.i drove them both when my father was looking, and there just was not enough difference.the 4 actually had pretty good jump, and we started off on a hill! the auto has the slap shift option which makes it kinda like a semi-manual which is also fun.i think the 6 is also worse on gas.good luck on your choice,

 

Jon

 

The 6 is a sweet engine. Timing chain vs belt so your gonna end up cheaper in the long run that way. Not sure if the 3.0 requires premium but I know my 3.3 does which is a consideration. The 4 is a little underpowered but shouldn't have much issue with hills and the like unless you're always overloaded with 4 passangers etc. Did I mention the 6 sounds so much better??? Pricewise I don't know if it is worth the added cost. Any reason why you aren't looking at the Legacy instead of the outback?

There is a TURBO option as well! The Outback comes in Turbo four cyl. which is another option. If you don't drive real fast the 2.5 Liter four should be fine.

if you decide to go either way, its worth the trip out to: http://www.beckersubaru.com/en_US/ .he will give you the best deal.when my pop was looking, we had the deal set for a 05 outback 4cyl auto w/ pretty much all the options for $20,599