Used 2004 Subaru Outback Consumer Reviews
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Buy an '04, not newer body style
If you're shopping for a used Subaru, buy an '04. Very dependable car, no trouble. Mine has more than 100K miles and getting 27 mpg. According to a local Subaru mechanic, '04 is the best year for Subarus. Run from the '05s. See my review for our '05 Outback XT under title "Money Pit". It's hard to believe the cars are from the same manufacturer. The '04 has been a perfect car and the '05 was a horribly expensive nightmare. We're keeping the '04 and plan to put another 100K miles on it.
I love my Subaru
This can is great for all situations. I drive in the city, and have taken it on the highway too. Its ride is smooth and the handling is great. The best test of this car is winter weather and it handles like a dream. That AWD really works.
Good for snow, but thirsty and noisy
This is a fairly spacious little wagon that works well for our family of four and dog. The car shines in the snow, which we've had plenty of the last two winters. The reliability has not been so impressive - frozen calipers, broken primary pulley - and the clutch is pitifully heavy. The engine is torquey but thirsty - lots of sub-20 mpg tanks around town this winter. During the summer, I dream of selling the thing, but it's effectiveness in the snow keeps it in the family (for now).
Great Car
This is a great car. We wanted a car that was a little different from what most people are driving and felt we succeeded. We've had it dealer maintained and haven't had to do anything other than routine maintenance. We just finished a cross country trip in it and it was comfortable and smooth. Averaged 28-29 mpg on the trip.
4th Subaru
I have owned 4 Subarus starting with a '84 GL Wagon. I have loved every. I looked at other SUV's and at the Outback VDC. Couldn't justify (to myself) the extra cost of the VDC vs. benefits. Liked the LL Bean from the first moment I saw it and sat in it. Agile in city, country, beach, and mountain driving. The H6 has impressive power pared with the smooth transmission makes for a terrific combination.