2011 Subaru Outback

[BENZ BOY15]

So I got my dad's/brother's 2011 Outback (doesn't need anymore as he moved to DC) and it's alright. Dad & I agreed on 9K for purchase price. I like the gas milage, it's nice inside and allegedly it's good in the snow/ice but I haven't had a chance to test that out yet but will soon as winter is approaching. Negatives are it's pretty loud compared to Lexus, is super duper slow, doesn't feel as 'solid' and also feels pretty low to the ground which concerns me for some of the rougher roads I go on for work. A few times on some bombed out semi paved/dirt roads it felt a little dicey. People say it has good ground clearance despite sitting low but still Lexus felt better off roading.

It has almost 100K miles on it and I'm wondering if it's worth keeping. Anybody here have experience (or know of those with experience) with them post 100k miles? The Lexus, before asshole hit it and drove off, had I think almost 180k miles on it and besides regular crap, ran really well. But I know that's not the case for other cars and am wondering if it'll just be a money pit from here on out.

[AutobahnSHO]

So I got my dad's/brother's 2011 Outback (doesn't need anymore as he moved to DC) and it's alright. Dad & I agreed on 9K for purchase price. I like the gas milage, it's nice inside and allegedly it's good in the snow/ice but I haven't had a chance to test that out yet but will soon as winter is approaching. Negatives are it's pretty loud compared to Lexus, is super duper slow, doesn't feel as 'solid' and also feels pretty low to the ground which concerns me for some of the rougher roads I go on for work. A few times on some bombed out semi paved/dirt roads it felt a little dicey. People say it has good ground clearance despite sitting low but still Lexus felt better off roading.

It has almost 100K miles on it and I'm wondering if it's worth keeping. Anybody here have experience (or know of those with experience) with them post 100k miles? The Lexus, before asshole hit it and drove off, had I think almost 180k miles on it and besides regular crap, ran really well. But I know that's not the case for other cars and am wondering if it'll just be a money pit from here on out.

I sold 1997 Legacy in late 2015 with 212k miles on it. Just don't drive it with the CEL or let it overheat. I did and replaced the motor at 167k miles.

For peace of mind the biggest expense is the timing belt service. Get that done (with waterpump and accessory belts) when it's time (check your manual) and you should be good for another 100k miles.

[Laconian]

Surprise: the Outback's ground clearance is .6" higher than the Lexus'. You should be less concerned about your off roadin'.

[BENZ BOY15]

Surprise: the Outback's ground clearance is 6" higher than the Lexus'. You should be less concerned about your off roadin'.

Sure doesn't feel that way but yeah Clay says it has good clearance as well.

Maybe it's the tires or my own perception, but I used to just gun it through these bombed out dirt/shitty roads with no issue but this one it feels a little sketchier.

[BENZ BOY15]

I sold 1997 Legacy in late 2015 with 212k miles on it. Just don't drive it with the CEL or let it overheat. I did and replaced the motor at 167k miles.

For peace of mind the biggest expense is the timing belt service. Get that done (with waterpump and accessory belts) when it's time (check your manual) and you should be good for another 100k miles.

Yeah I'll look into that. Not sure if it's been done.

[Laconian]

For some reason the period didn't go through. It's not half a foot higher lol

[Laconian]

Sure doesn't feel that way but yeah Clay says it has good clearance as well.

Maybe it's the tires or my own perception, but I used to just gun it through these bombed out dirt/shitty roads with no issue but this one it feels a little sketchier.

The cabin is going to be a heck of a lot less insulated than your Lexus. That will definitely impact your perception of the car being flimsier.

The Sube will handle a rollover much better than you Lexus would've. Subaru's roofs are insanely rigid, especially compared to a BOF vehicle like the GX.

[Laconian]

Technical comparisons aside, intangible qualities like image are important in RE. I wouldn't stick with the Subaru for left brained reasons if you're hauling around shallow, irrational rich clients.

[BENZ BOY15]

Technical comparisons aside, intangible qualities like image are important in RE. I wouldn't stick with the Subaru for left brained reasons if you're hauling around shallow, irrational rich clients.

Clients don't care either way and so that's not a concern. It's just the overall build quality which was a bit of a concern, especially going forward into the 6 figure milage range. I would have kept Lexus until it died if asshole tweaker hadn't bashed it. My wealthiest clients tend to drive average cars anyway and they only care that I do a good job.

I think in LA or Orange County, image would be an issue but I don't plan on moving there.

[BENZ BOY15]

Brother said after the last crash () he was in, they did the timing belt.

[AutobahnSHO]

Technical comparisons aside, intangible qualities like image are important in RE. I wouldn't stick with the Subaru for left brained reasons if you're hauling around shallow, irrational rich clients.

Agree, some people are shallow and image really might matter.

But if you're cool with it Joe then cool!

[BENZ BOY15]

Yeah it works well and I also like the backup camera.

Just wish I had the bigger engine.

[Submariner]

Surprise: the Outback's ground clearance is .6" higher than the Lexus'. You should be less concerned about your off roadin'.

What about it's approach/breakover?

[Soup DeVille]

Both are good enough for any sort of normal situation.

[Laconian]

Yeah it works well and I also like the backup camera.

Just wish I had the bigger engine.

At 5000' elevation, you might have appreciated the previous gen's turbo engine. The Outback H4 isn't fast by any means, but in thinner air it's going to be even weaker.

[Laconian]

Both are good enough for any sort of normal situation.

Yeah the off roady staff at the UTV place in Moab said that stick shift Subarus - in the right hands - can do amazing things on the slipstone without much modification.

[TBR]

Mine is a 2004 with 217k miles.

I've had to do the head gasket and some suspension things but overall it's a pretty damn cheap car to own / operate. It's slow as shit though.

Hope they put the turbo from the Ascent in the Outbook soon.

[BENZ BOY15]

At 5000' elevation, you might have appreciated the previous gen's turbo engine. The Outback H4 isn't fast by any means, but in thinner air it's going to be even weaker.

Yeah I was thinking the elevation might be part of it. Lately I've been working towns that are higher, like around 7,000 feet so it's probably even slower there.

[giant_mtb]

Yeah the off roady staff at the UTV place in Moab said that stick shift Subarus - in the right hands - can do amazing things on the slipstone without much modification.

Sliprock is so damn grippy...it's like riding on sandpaper or skateboard grip tape. Should be called griprock. It's called sliprock/slickrock/whatever because back in the day, it was very slippery for horses with metal horseshoes. And for anything when wet.