Just about to pull the trigger on this one. Can’t see myslef spending the extra $$ to get a SUV like a Mercedes ML320 or a Volkswagen Touareg. Any other good cars for bikes that I am forgetting? We don’t have the Honda Element in Australia.
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We had a 1998 OB that was OK - but only OK. Traded it in this year for a Honda Pilot because the OB was going to need some expensive repairs. Watch for oil leaks…
I had two, 2002 and 2003 Outback 6cyl. I got the second after my wife took the first one and fell in love with the way it handled in the snow. It holds 5 people but with the seat down, a ton of equipment and although not a true SUV, great on gas mileage and pretty good ground clearance–as good I think as the Pilot. The load on the factory bars is limited to 100lb so you can load bikes and a kayak but you won’t be hauling heavy stuff on top. When my lease on the 2003 was up, I got a BMW 330xi and although it drives better, it doesn’t hold shit. I think I’ll be going back to the Subie when this lease is out.
FWIW, the Forester is a bit taller and can take the bikes vertically. Do a search on old posts - there are pictures of a bike rack inside one on here somewhere
I traded my outback for a Toyota Prius. More back seat leg room. With the seats down it has nearly as much space for stuff. Over twice the mileage on a gallon of gas. Cleaner on the environment. Never been happier with a car.
Have you driven an Impreza WRX wagon? They are definitely not boring. I scared the crap out of a salesman a couple years ago on a test drive. 0 to 60 in 5.4 seconds for $24,000 and tall people fit in it better than most european cars.
I think the Legacy is the best looking Scoobie made. The outback was the frontrunner until they redid the Legacy. When I replace the Mini the Legacy will be on the short list. My $.02
It consumes tires like I consume donuts. Plus the tires are an off size so they are expensive. I would get a toyota helix or whatever they have down there way before a outback.
We got one in January and are really happy with it so far. Great cargo capacity, and handles off road conditions like a dream.
My husband is also a bit fan of the lateral leg room in it- the center console is slimmer than a lot of similar vehicles, leaving more room for the humans to stretch out in it.
Our 2002 LL Bean Outback is great. Purchased new and no major expenses with 151,000 miles. Handles well on wet and dirt roads.
For in town it’s nice and rides well. For off road or in snow… it rooles!!! Cargo capacity is very nice as well. Dont regret my purchase at all. Very happy.
I bought an 02 Outback last June. I love it. It’s much better than the 90 Accord that I had before. I needed the space. It would be nice to put the bikes in it vertically, but I get by. Watch out for leaking head gaskets though. Also, the auto tranny fluid needs to be replaced every year. Otherwise, you could develop tranny problems, the kind that make a car move, not the kind like R10C.
Bought an 07 Outback for the wife to replace her Suburban. Obviously less room but a ton better fuel economy and still had the AWD we needed for where we live. I’m extremely pleased with it and for a 4cyl motor it gets with the program pretty decently. I’d buy another in a heartbeat.
James