Mr. Car Chat gets a new car.
Thread Starter
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,602
Likes: 271
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Mr. Car Chat gets a new car.
Well, guys, It's been a long day for me.....and I'm tired. Just getting around to posting now.
After all the time, chat, recommendations, and shopping with so many other people for their new cars, it's my turn now. I usually...not always.... get new wheels at 4-6 year intervals. Some of you know I was somewhat torn between the excellent 2005-2006 Legacy / Outback, the much more expensive ( and also excellent ) 2006 GS300 AWD (which I test-drove and wrote-up several months ago ) , waiting for the upcoming 2006 IS250 AWD, and indulging in a Detroit muscle-car like the GTO, Mustang GT, or Charger RT.
Though it would be nice to go back to my youth with the late 60's muscle-cars, I was not impressed with the overall build quality on any of American muscle-cars I looked at. The Mustang's interior, especially, was C-H-E-A-P even if nicely retro-styled. I also considered a top-line L.L. Bean Forester but was not impressed with the steering and ride.
The GS300 AWD was excellent in many ways but was a pretty good chunk of cash.....even after selling my IS300. The upcoming IS 250 AWD, while having a nice interior, is going to have minimal ground clearance and somewhat harsh-riding ( for my tastes ) ......45-series tires. 55-series tires like on my present IS will not be an option like it was 4-5 years ago. Also, DIY oil-changes and minor service is difficult on many Lexus products I've seen. I like some Buicks and the way they ride, but I am not impressed with their build quality....although Consumer Reports ranks the reliabilty of some of them quite high. While I personally don't believe in auto stereotypes and have written at length against them........most of you who know me know that.......the unfortunate fact is that Buick DOES have a reputation, justified or not, as a Grandpa / Grandma car. But you also have to consider that I am not a very young person myself anymore.
So....you guessed it.....I came home today with a new 2006 Outback. Atlantic Blue monotone with a light beige (taupe) brushed-aluminim and wood-trim interior. This color scheme is new for 2006, although i would have preferrred the two-tone blue / gray they had last year and dropped this year. I don't have a digital picture I can load, but here is a rough picture of it on a Subaru website: It looks bright blue in the picture but is actually a very sophisticated gunmetal-blue.
http://www.cars101.com/subaru/outback/outback2006.html
I have thought for some time now that this car, along with some new Hyundais, represents one of the best bargains on the marketplace....but Hyundai / Kia does not produce a vehicle like the Legacy or Outback. Their AWD's are essentially tall, tipsy, narrow, car-based SUV's. IMO the Outback was a steal at $25,000 out the door ( yes...out-the door-everything) .....4-stage heated seats, 8-way power driver's seat, electric de-icers in the lower windshield for the front wipers, a slick, Lexus-like fit-and-finish inside, and a proven AWD system.....one of 5 different AWD systems Subaru produces. And, of course, knowing the salesperson very well and having dealt with him several times before with my brother and neighbors didn't hurt either.....he bent over backwards to give me a good deal.
There are turbo Legacy / Outback versions for the speed freaks but most of you know I'm not a hard driver and don't need the extra power. In fact, with gas prices headed up even more the way they are ( this is going to be a serious concern....trust me) I wanted something with fairly good mileage and regular gas. Subaru, of course, does not market diesels....all of their engines are either H4 or H6 gas-powered. I also wanted foul-weather TRACTION...something my IS300, while a superbly-built car, never had. I've said many times....and still honestly believe....that Subaru does the best job in AWD systems in the $30,000 and under class. Lexus, of course, builds excellent AWD systems, but they all run at least $40,000....and sometimes much more. Ditto for the sophisticated Acura RL SH AWD....it is $50,000.
Anyhow, I had PLENTY of money in my checking acount saved up for a new car and COULD have bought a much more expensive car than I did, ( yes....even the new GS 300 AWD ) but I felt this was the wisest thing to do now.....and use the extra money I didn't spend to buy tax-free bonds for my retirement income.....something I will be glad I have later.
OK.....I know some of you may think I got an old man's car...too stodgy, too low-powered and too mundane for your tastes. You're entitiled to your opinion...but I am quite satisfied.
Now.........as a non-Lexus owner......what does this mean for my future at CL? This may or may not disqualify me for the upcoming CL East Coast event, but I am looking far beyond that, too. By all means, I plan to stay on as a regular CAR CHAT, CLUBHOUSE, and DEBATE member...and sometimes post in other threads, as I do now. They don't call me Mr. Car Talk for nothing. Though I make my living in the aviation field, cars, car talk, auto consulting, and the auto market are practically my whole life away from the office. I even practice it as a ministry through my local church....helping people find their new cars. I have an extremely high opinion of Club Lexus.....more so than the Subaru forums.....and I'm going to stay on with car talk as long as you guys want me to. Though I have not met many of you, (except Incendiary and his friends), and we sometimes disagree on auto opinions or politics, you guys are like a second family to me.
Cheers
After all the time, chat, recommendations, and shopping with so many other people for their new cars, it's my turn now. I usually...not always.... get new wheels at 4-6 year intervals. Some of you know I was somewhat torn between the excellent 2005-2006 Legacy / Outback, the much more expensive ( and also excellent ) 2006 GS300 AWD (which I test-drove and wrote-up several months ago ) , waiting for the upcoming 2006 IS250 AWD, and indulging in a Detroit muscle-car like the GTO, Mustang GT, or Charger RT.
Though it would be nice to go back to my youth with the late 60's muscle-cars, I was not impressed with the overall build quality on any of American muscle-cars I looked at. The Mustang's interior, especially, was C-H-E-A-P even if nicely retro-styled. I also considered a top-line L.L. Bean Forester but was not impressed with the steering and ride.
The GS300 AWD was excellent in many ways but was a pretty good chunk of cash.....even after selling my IS300. The upcoming IS 250 AWD, while having a nice interior, is going to have minimal ground clearance and somewhat harsh-riding ( for my tastes ) ......45-series tires. 55-series tires like on my present IS will not be an option like it was 4-5 years ago. Also, DIY oil-changes and minor service is difficult on many Lexus products I've seen. I like some Buicks and the way they ride, but I am not impressed with their build quality....although Consumer Reports ranks the reliabilty of some of them quite high. While I personally don't believe in auto stereotypes and have written at length against them........most of you who know me know that.......the unfortunate fact is that Buick DOES have a reputation, justified or not, as a Grandpa / Grandma car. But you also have to consider that I am not a very young person myself anymore.
So....you guessed it.....I came home today with a new 2006 Outback. Atlantic Blue monotone with a light beige (taupe) brushed-aluminim and wood-trim interior. This color scheme is new for 2006, although i would have preferrred the two-tone blue / gray they had last year and dropped this year. I don't have a digital picture I can load, but here is a rough picture of it on a Subaru website: It looks bright blue in the picture but is actually a very sophisticated gunmetal-blue.
http://www.cars101.com/subaru/outback/outback2006.html
I have thought for some time now that this car, along with some new Hyundais, represents one of the best bargains on the marketplace....but Hyundai / Kia does not produce a vehicle like the Legacy or Outback. Their AWD's are essentially tall, tipsy, narrow, car-based SUV's. IMO the Outback was a steal at $25,000 out the door ( yes...out-the door-everything) .....4-stage heated seats, 8-way power driver's seat, electric de-icers in the lower windshield for the front wipers, a slick, Lexus-like fit-and-finish inside, and a proven AWD system.....one of 5 different AWD systems Subaru produces. And, of course, knowing the salesperson very well and having dealt with him several times before with my brother and neighbors didn't hurt either.....he bent over backwards to give me a good deal.
There are turbo Legacy / Outback versions for the speed freaks but most of you know I'm not a hard driver and don't need the extra power. In fact, with gas prices headed up even more the way they are ( this is going to be a serious concern....trust me) I wanted something with fairly good mileage and regular gas. Subaru, of course, does not market diesels....all of their engines are either H4 or H6 gas-powered. I also wanted foul-weather TRACTION...something my IS300, while a superbly-built car, never had. I've said many times....and still honestly believe....that Subaru does the best job in AWD systems in the $30,000 and under class. Lexus, of course, builds excellent AWD systems, but they all run at least $40,000....and sometimes much more. Ditto for the sophisticated Acura RL SH AWD....it is $50,000.
Anyhow, I had PLENTY of money in my checking acount saved up for a new car and COULD have bought a much more expensive car than I did, ( yes....even the new GS 300 AWD ) but I felt this was the wisest thing to do now.....and use the extra money I didn't spend to buy tax-free bonds for my retirement income.....something I will be glad I have later.
OK.....I know some of you may think I got an old man's car...too stodgy, too low-powered and too mundane for your tastes. You're entitiled to your opinion...but I am quite satisfied.
Now.........as a non-Lexus owner......what does this mean for my future at CL? This may or may not disqualify me for the upcoming CL East Coast event, but I am looking far beyond that, too. By all means, I plan to stay on as a regular CAR CHAT, CLUBHOUSE, and DEBATE member...and sometimes post in other threads, as I do now. They don't call me Mr. Car Talk for nothing. Though I make my living in the aviation field, cars, car talk, auto consulting, and the auto market are practically my whole life away from the office. I even practice it as a ministry through my local church....helping people find their new cars. I have an extremely high opinion of Club Lexus.....more so than the Subaru forums.....and I'm going to stay on with car talk as long as you guys want me to. Though I have not met many of you, (except Incendiary and his friends), and we sometimes disagree on auto opinions or politics, you guys are like a second family to me.
Cheers
Guest
Posts: n/a
Originally Posted by mmarshall
Well, guys, It's been a long day for me.....and I'm tired. Just getting around to posting now.
After all the time, chat, recommendations, and shopping with so many other people for their new cars, it's my turn now. I usually...not always.... get new wheels at 4-6 year intervals. Some of you know I was somewhat torn between the excellent 2005-2006 Legacy / Outback, the much more expensive ( and also excellent ) 2006 GS300 AWD (which I test-drove and wrote-up several months ago ) , waiting for the upcoming 2006 IS250 AWD, and indulging in a Detroit muscle-car like the GTO, Mustang GT, or Charger RT.
Though it would be nice to go back to my youth with the late 60's muscle-cars, I was not impressed with the overall build quality on any of American muscle-cars I looked at. The Mustang's interior, especially, was C-H-E-A-P even if nicely retro-styled. I also considered a top-line L.L. Bean Forester but was not impressed with the steering and ride.
The GS300 AWD was excellent in many ways but was a pretty good chunk of cash.....even after selling my IS300. The upcoming IS 250 AWD, while having a nice interior, is going to have minimal ground clearance and somewhat harsh-riding ( for my tastes ) ......45-series tires. 55-series tires like on my present IS will not be an option like it was 4-5 years ago. Also, DIY oil-changes and minor service is difficult on many Lexus products I've seen. I like some Buicks and the way they ride, but I am not impressed with their build quality....although Consumer Reports ranks the reliabilty of some of them quite high. While I personally don't believe in auto stereotypes and have written at length against them........most of you who know me know that.......the unfortunate fact is that Buick DOES have a reputation, justified or not, as a Grandpa / Grandma car. But you also have to consider that I am not a very young person myself anymore.
So....you guessed it.....I came home today with a new 2006 Outback. Atlantic Blue monotone with a light beige (taupe) brushed-aluminim and wood-trim interior. This color scheme is new for 2006, although i would have preferrred the two-tone blue / gray they had last year and dropped this year. I don't have a digital picture I can load, but here is a rough picture of it on a Subaru website: It looks bright blue in the picture but is actually a very sophisticated gunmetal-blue.
http://www.cars101.com/subaru/outback/outback2006.html
I have thought for some time now that this car, along with some new Hyundais, represents one of the best bargains on the marketplace....but Hyundai / Kia does not produce a vehicle like the Legacy or Outback. Their AWD's are essentially tall, tipsy, narrow, car-based SUV's. IMO the Outback was a steal at $25,000 out the door ( yes...out-the door-everything) .....4-stage heated seats, 8-way power driver's seat, electric de-icers in the lower windshield for the front wipers, a slick, Lexus-like fit-and-finish inside, and a proven AWD system.....one of 5 different AWD systems Subaru produces. And, of course, knowing the salesperson very well and having dealt with him several times before with my brother and neighbors didn't hurt either.....he bent over backwards to give me a good deal.
There are turbo Legacy / Outback versions for the speed freaks but most of you know I'm not a hard driver and don't need the extra power. In fact, with gas prices headed up even more the way they are ( this is going to be a serious concern....trust me) I wanted something with fairly good mileage and regular gas. Subaru, of course, does not market diesels....all of their engines are either H4 or H6 gas-powered. I also wanted foul-weather TRACTION...something my IS300, while a superbly-built car, never had. I've said many times....and still honestly believe....that Subaru does the best job in AWD systems in the $30,000 and under class. Lexus, of course, builds excellent AWD systems, but they all run at least $40,000....and sometimes much more. Ditto for the sophisticated Acura RL SH AWD....it is $50,000.
Anyhow, I had PLENTY of money in my checking acount saved up for a new car and COULD have bought a much more expensive car than I did, ( yes....even the new GS 300 AWD ) but I felt this was the wisest thing to do now.....and use the extra money I didn't spend to buy tax-free bonds for my retirement income.....something I will be glad I have later.
OK.....I know some of you may think I got an old man's car...too stodgy, too low-powered and too mundane for your tastes. You're entitiled to your opinion...but I am quite satisfied.
Now.........as a non-Lexus owner......what does this mean for my future at CL? This may or may not disqualify me for the upcoming CL East Coast event, but I am looking far beyond that, too. By all means, I plan to stay on as a regular CAR CHAT, CLUBHOUSE, and DEBATE member...and sometimes post in other threads, as I do now. They don't call me Mr. Car Talk for nothing. Though I make my living in the aviation field, cars, car talk, auto consulting, and the auto market are practically my whole life away from the office. I even practice it as a ministry through my local church....helping people find their new cars. I have an extremely high opinion of Club Lexus.....more so than the Subaru forums.....and I'm going to stay on with car talk as long as you guys want me to. Though I have not met many of you, (except Incendiary and his friends), and we sometimes disagree on auto opinions or politics, you guys are like a second family to me.
Cheers
After all the time, chat, recommendations, and shopping with so many other people for their new cars, it's my turn now. I usually...not always.... get new wheels at 4-6 year intervals. Some of you know I was somewhat torn between the excellent 2005-2006 Legacy / Outback, the much more expensive ( and also excellent ) 2006 GS300 AWD (which I test-drove and wrote-up several months ago ) , waiting for the upcoming 2006 IS250 AWD, and indulging in a Detroit muscle-car like the GTO, Mustang GT, or Charger RT.
Though it would be nice to go back to my youth with the late 60's muscle-cars, I was not impressed with the overall build quality on any of American muscle-cars I looked at. The Mustang's interior, especially, was C-H-E-A-P even if nicely retro-styled. I also considered a top-line L.L. Bean Forester but was not impressed with the steering and ride.
The GS300 AWD was excellent in many ways but was a pretty good chunk of cash.....even after selling my IS300. The upcoming IS 250 AWD, while having a nice interior, is going to have minimal ground clearance and somewhat harsh-riding ( for my tastes ) ......45-series tires. 55-series tires like on my present IS will not be an option like it was 4-5 years ago. Also, DIY oil-changes and minor service is difficult on many Lexus products I've seen. I like some Buicks and the way they ride, but I am not impressed with their build quality....although Consumer Reports ranks the reliabilty of some of them quite high. While I personally don't believe in auto stereotypes and have written at length against them........most of you who know me know that.......the unfortunate fact is that Buick DOES have a reputation, justified or not, as a Grandpa / Grandma car. But you also have to consider that I am not a very young person myself anymore.
So....you guessed it.....I came home today with a new 2006 Outback. Atlantic Blue monotone with a light beige (taupe) brushed-aluminim and wood-trim interior. This color scheme is new for 2006, although i would have preferrred the two-tone blue / gray they had last year and dropped this year. I don't have a digital picture I can load, but here is a rough picture of it on a Subaru website: It looks bright blue in the picture but is actually a very sophisticated gunmetal-blue.
http://www.cars101.com/subaru/outback/outback2006.html
I have thought for some time now that this car, along with some new Hyundais, represents one of the best bargains on the marketplace....but Hyundai / Kia does not produce a vehicle like the Legacy or Outback. Their AWD's are essentially tall, tipsy, narrow, car-based SUV's. IMO the Outback was a steal at $25,000 out the door ( yes...out-the door-everything) .....4-stage heated seats, 8-way power driver's seat, electric de-icers in the lower windshield for the front wipers, a slick, Lexus-like fit-and-finish inside, and a proven AWD system.....one of 5 different AWD systems Subaru produces. And, of course, knowing the salesperson very well and having dealt with him several times before with my brother and neighbors didn't hurt either.....he bent over backwards to give me a good deal.
There are turbo Legacy / Outback versions for the speed freaks but most of you know I'm not a hard driver and don't need the extra power. In fact, with gas prices headed up even more the way they are ( this is going to be a serious concern....trust me) I wanted something with fairly good mileage and regular gas. Subaru, of course, does not market diesels....all of their engines are either H4 or H6 gas-powered. I also wanted foul-weather TRACTION...something my IS300, while a superbly-built car, never had. I've said many times....and still honestly believe....that Subaru does the best job in AWD systems in the $30,000 and under class. Lexus, of course, builds excellent AWD systems, but they all run at least $40,000....and sometimes much more. Ditto for the sophisticated Acura RL SH AWD....it is $50,000.
Anyhow, I had PLENTY of money in my checking acount saved up for a new car and COULD have bought a much more expensive car than I did, ( yes....even the new GS 300 AWD ) but I felt this was the wisest thing to do now.....and use the extra money I didn't spend to buy tax-free bonds for my retirement income.....something I will be glad I have later.
OK.....I know some of you may think I got an old man's car...too stodgy, too low-powered and too mundane for your tastes. You're entitiled to your opinion...but I am quite satisfied.
Now.........as a non-Lexus owner......what does this mean for my future at CL? This may or may not disqualify me for the upcoming CL East Coast event, but I am looking far beyond that, too. By all means, I plan to stay on as a regular CAR CHAT, CLUBHOUSE, and DEBATE member...and sometimes post in other threads, as I do now. They don't call me Mr. Car Talk for nothing. Though I make my living in the aviation field, cars, car talk, auto consulting, and the auto market are practically my whole life away from the office. I even practice it as a ministry through my local church....helping people find their new cars. I have an extremely high opinion of Club Lexus.....more so than the Subaru forums.....and I'm going to stay on with car talk as long as you guys want me to. Though I have not met many of you, (except Incendiary and his friends), and we sometimes disagree on auto opinions or politics, you guys are like a second family to me.
Cheers
Aww mahn, awesome write-up. Wow, 25k is a STEAL for this vehicle! Looks like you made the right choice, Lexus really doesn't offer a competitor since there is no upcoming X-cross.
I am glad you plan to stick around, mahn, when I was reading initially, I was like
AS for Lexfest, we have to give priority parking to Lexus but we do have a lot for other cars to park in and walk over. We'll see what we can do for you though
What Suburu forum do u visit? And maybe post your Suburu contact for anyone interested in a Subie themselves.
Congrats!!!
Lexus Champion
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 3,525
Likes: 1
From: Pennsylvania
congrats on the new purchase! i know how much you love scoobie's, and this should be no exception. just don't be a stranger. 
you are MORE than welcome to hit lexfest, lexus or not. i would really love to meet you.
you are MORE than welcome to hit lexfest, lexus or not. i would really love to meet you.
Last edited by adidosc; Aug 6, 2005 at 07:24 PM.
Thread Starter
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,602
Likes: 271
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Originally Posted by AsianGirl007
Good for you! Although I am sorry I did not get to sell you a Lexus.....haha.
I also did not want to wait until Subaru screws up ALL of its models with that awful B9 Tribeca grille. They have already put it on this year's (2006) Impreza, WRX, and STI, and have plans to do so across the whole Subaru lineup in the future. Chris Bangle's influence seems to be spreading.
It will be interesting to see how that new grille impacts future WRX / STi sales and how many people ( mostly younger men but a few women too ) buy the Subie anyway and how many are turned off by it and end up buying Evos, Neon SRT-4 ACR's, VW GTI's, and other competitors....though the Evo is probably the closest one.
Last edited by mmarshall; Aug 6, 2005 at 08:25 PM.
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Guest
Posts: n/a
Originally Posted by mmarshall
Well, Liz....a good salesperson should go a long way for his / her customers......but 3000 miles is stretching it.
I also did not want to wait until Subaru screws up ALL of its models with that awful B9 Tribeca grille. They have already put it on this year's (2006) Impreza, WRX, and STI, and have plans to do so across the whole Subaru lineup in the future. Chris Bangle's influence seems to be spreading.
It will be interesting to see how that new grille impacts future WRX / STi sales and how many people ( mostly younger men but a few women too ) buy the Subie anyway and how many are turned off by it and end up buying Evos, Neon SRT-4 ACR's, VW GTI's, and other competitors....though the Evo is probably the closest one.
I also did not want to wait until Subaru screws up ALL of its models with that awful B9 Tribeca grille. They have already put it on this year's (2006) Impreza, WRX, and STI, and have plans to do so across the whole Subaru lineup in the future. Chris Bangle's influence seems to be spreading.
It will be interesting to see how that new grille impacts future WRX / STi sales and how many people ( mostly younger men but a few women too ) buy the Subie anyway and how many are turned off by it and end up buying Evos, Neon SRT-4 ACR's, VW GTI's, and other competitors....though the Evo is probably the closest one.
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Great choice mmarshall. We had a Legacy wagon in the past (predecessor to the Outback as you know) and it was terrific and the AWD was very reassuring and effective in rain or snow or on any slick areas.
The Outback's come a long way since that earlier Legacy too. I would have gotten the Turbo I think, not so much for the 'boy racer' aspect but just to have a bit more merging and passing power on crowded highways.
Anyway, looking forward to seeing pictures of your new ride! Congrats.
The Outback's come a long way since that earlier Legacy too. I would have gotten the Turbo I think, not so much for the 'boy racer' aspect but just to have a bit more merging and passing power on crowded highways.
Anyway, looking forward to seeing pictures of your new ride! Congrats.
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,379
Likes: 20
From: St. Thomas, Ontario
Originally Posted by mmarshall
Well, guys, It's been a long day for me.....and I'm tired. Just getting around to posting now.
After all the time, chat, recommendations, and shopping with so many other people for their new cars, it's my turn now. I usually...not always.... get new wheels at 4-6 year intervals. Some of you know I was somewhat torn between the excellent 2005-2006 Legacy / Outback, the much more expensive ( and also excellent ) 2006 GS300 AWD (which I test-drove and wrote-up several months ago ) , waiting for the upcoming 2006 IS250 AWD, and indulging in a Detroit muscle-car like the GTO, Mustang GT, or Charger RT.
Though it would be nice to go back to my youth with the late 60's muscle-cars, I was not impressed with the overall build quality on any of American muscle-cars I looked at. The Mustang's interior, especially, was C-H-E-A-P even if nicely retro-styled. I also considered a top-line L.L. Bean Forester but was not impressed with the steering and ride.
The GS300 AWD was excellent in many ways but was a pretty good chunk of cash.....even after selling my IS300. The upcoming IS 250 AWD, while having a nice interior, is going to have minimal ground clearance and somewhat harsh-riding ( for my tastes ) ......45-series tires. 55-series tires like on my present IS will not be an option like it was 4-5 years ago. Also, DIY oil-changes and minor service is difficult on many Lexus products I've seen. I like some Buicks and the way they ride, but I am not impressed with their build quality....although Consumer Reports ranks the reliabilty of some of them quite high. While I personally don't believe in auto stereotypes and have written at length against them........most of you who know me know that.......the unfortunate fact is that Buick DOES have a reputation, justified or not, as a Grandpa / Grandma car. But you also have to consider that I am not a very young person myself anymore.
So....you guessed it.....I came home today with a new 2006 Outback. Atlantic Blue monotone with a light beige (taupe) brushed-aluminim and wood-trim interior. This color scheme is new for 2006, although i would have preferrred the two-tone blue / gray they had last year and dropped this year. I don't have a digital picture I can load, but here is a rough picture of it on a Subaru website: It looks bright blue in the picture but is actually a very sophisticated gunmetal-blue.
http://www.cars101.com/subaru/outback/outback2006.html
I have thought for some time now that this car, along with some new Hyundais, represents one of the best bargains on the marketplace....but Hyundai / Kia does not produce a vehicle like the Legacy or Outback. Their AWD's are essentially tall, tipsy, narrow, car-based SUV's. IMO the Outback was a steal at $25,000 out the door ( yes...out-the door-everything) .....4-stage heated seats, 8-way power driver's seat, electric de-icers in the lower windshield for the front wipers, a slick, Lexus-like fit-and-finish inside, and a proven AWD system.....one of 5 different AWD systems Subaru produces. And, of course, knowing the salesperson very well and having dealt with him several times before with my brother and neighbors didn't hurt either.....he bent over backwards to give me a good deal.
There are turbo Legacy / Outback versions for the speed freaks but most of you know I'm not a hard driver and don't need the extra power. In fact, with gas prices headed up even more the way they are ( this is going to be a serious concern....trust me) I wanted something with fairly good mileage and regular gas. Subaru, of course, does not market diesels....all of their engines are either H4 or H6 gas-powered. I also wanted foul-weather TRACTION...something my IS300, while a superbly-built car, never had. I've said many times....and still honestly believe....that Subaru does the best job in AWD systems in the $30,000 and under class. Lexus, of course, builds excellent AWD systems, but they all run at least $40,000....and sometimes much more. Ditto for the sophisticated Acura RL SH AWD....it is $50,000.
Anyhow, I had PLENTY of money in my checking acount saved up for a new car and COULD have bought a much more expensive car than I did, ( yes....even the new GS 300 AWD ) but I felt this was the wisest thing to do now.....and use the extra money I didn't spend to buy tax-free bonds for my retirement income.....something I will be glad I have later.
OK.....I know some of you may think I got an old man's car...too stodgy, too low-powered and too mundane for your tastes. You're entitiled to your opinion...but I am quite satisfied.
Now.........as a non-Lexus owner......what does this mean for my future at CL? This may or may not disqualify me for the upcoming CL East Coast event, but I am looking far beyond that, too. By all means, I plan to stay on as a regular CAR CHAT, CLUBHOUSE, and DEBATE member...and sometimes post in other threads, as I do now. They don't call me Mr. Car Talk for nothing. Though I make my living in the aviation field, cars, car talk, auto consulting, and the auto market are practically my whole life away from the office. I even practice it as a ministry through my local church....helping people find their new cars. I have an extremely high opinion of Club Lexus.....more so than the Subaru forums.....and I'm going to stay on with car talk as long as you guys want me to. Though I have not met many of you, (except Incendiary and his friends), and we sometimes disagree on auto opinions or politics, you guys are like a second family to me.
Cheers
After all the time, chat, recommendations, and shopping with so many other people for their new cars, it's my turn now. I usually...not always.... get new wheels at 4-6 year intervals. Some of you know I was somewhat torn between the excellent 2005-2006 Legacy / Outback, the much more expensive ( and also excellent ) 2006 GS300 AWD (which I test-drove and wrote-up several months ago ) , waiting for the upcoming 2006 IS250 AWD, and indulging in a Detroit muscle-car like the GTO, Mustang GT, or Charger RT.
Though it would be nice to go back to my youth with the late 60's muscle-cars, I was not impressed with the overall build quality on any of American muscle-cars I looked at. The Mustang's interior, especially, was C-H-E-A-P even if nicely retro-styled. I also considered a top-line L.L. Bean Forester but was not impressed with the steering and ride.
The GS300 AWD was excellent in many ways but was a pretty good chunk of cash.....even after selling my IS300. The upcoming IS 250 AWD, while having a nice interior, is going to have minimal ground clearance and somewhat harsh-riding ( for my tastes ) ......45-series tires. 55-series tires like on my present IS will not be an option like it was 4-5 years ago. Also, DIY oil-changes and minor service is difficult on many Lexus products I've seen. I like some Buicks and the way they ride, but I am not impressed with their build quality....although Consumer Reports ranks the reliabilty of some of them quite high. While I personally don't believe in auto stereotypes and have written at length against them........most of you who know me know that.......the unfortunate fact is that Buick DOES have a reputation, justified or not, as a Grandpa / Grandma car. But you also have to consider that I am not a very young person myself anymore.
So....you guessed it.....I came home today with a new 2006 Outback. Atlantic Blue monotone with a light beige (taupe) brushed-aluminim and wood-trim interior. This color scheme is new for 2006, although i would have preferrred the two-tone blue / gray they had last year and dropped this year. I don't have a digital picture I can load, but here is a rough picture of it on a Subaru website: It looks bright blue in the picture but is actually a very sophisticated gunmetal-blue.
http://www.cars101.com/subaru/outback/outback2006.html
I have thought for some time now that this car, along with some new Hyundais, represents one of the best bargains on the marketplace....but Hyundai / Kia does not produce a vehicle like the Legacy or Outback. Their AWD's are essentially tall, tipsy, narrow, car-based SUV's. IMO the Outback was a steal at $25,000 out the door ( yes...out-the door-everything) .....4-stage heated seats, 8-way power driver's seat, electric de-icers in the lower windshield for the front wipers, a slick, Lexus-like fit-and-finish inside, and a proven AWD system.....one of 5 different AWD systems Subaru produces. And, of course, knowing the salesperson very well and having dealt with him several times before with my brother and neighbors didn't hurt either.....he bent over backwards to give me a good deal.
There are turbo Legacy / Outback versions for the speed freaks but most of you know I'm not a hard driver and don't need the extra power. In fact, with gas prices headed up even more the way they are ( this is going to be a serious concern....trust me) I wanted something with fairly good mileage and regular gas. Subaru, of course, does not market diesels....all of their engines are either H4 or H6 gas-powered. I also wanted foul-weather TRACTION...something my IS300, while a superbly-built car, never had. I've said many times....and still honestly believe....that Subaru does the best job in AWD systems in the $30,000 and under class. Lexus, of course, builds excellent AWD systems, but they all run at least $40,000....and sometimes much more. Ditto for the sophisticated Acura RL SH AWD....it is $50,000.
Anyhow, I had PLENTY of money in my checking acount saved up for a new car and COULD have bought a much more expensive car than I did, ( yes....even the new GS 300 AWD ) but I felt this was the wisest thing to do now.....and use the extra money I didn't spend to buy tax-free bonds for my retirement income.....something I will be glad I have later.
OK.....I know some of you may think I got an old man's car...too stodgy, too low-powered and too mundane for your tastes. You're entitiled to your opinion...but I am quite satisfied.
Now.........as a non-Lexus owner......what does this mean for my future at CL? This may or may not disqualify me for the upcoming CL East Coast event, but I am looking far beyond that, too. By all means, I plan to stay on as a regular CAR CHAT, CLUBHOUSE, and DEBATE member...and sometimes post in other threads, as I do now. They don't call me Mr. Car Talk for nothing. Though I make my living in the aviation field, cars, car talk, auto consulting, and the auto market are practically my whole life away from the office. I even practice it as a ministry through my local church....helping people find their new cars. I have an extremely high opinion of Club Lexus.....more so than the Subaru forums.....and I'm going to stay on with car talk as long as you guys want me to. Though I have not met many of you, (except Incendiary and his friends), and we sometimes disagree on auto opinions or politics, you guys are like a second family to me.
Cheers
I have the Subaru Outbck on my radar screen too when the time comes to replace my ES. I personally like the VDC 6 cyl model personally. You can't buy a better FULL TIME AWD system in the industry period than Subaru's! Excellent size & cargo room with fantastic reliability ratings & good fuel economy!Have a look at www.subaruoutback.org
It's a fairly new club site, but one that is sure to get much more popular in the future. Best of luck! I'll probably see you around there as my wife is going to get a 2003 or 2004 Forester XS which they have a forum for. Hey btw, are the 2006 Outback brochures out yet MM?
Last edited by Lexusfreak; Aug 7, 2005 at 09:33 AM.
Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Washington
Well there it is Mmarshall, great choice on the car and frankly I'm not that surprised by your choice. You know how I feel about all variants of the new Subaru Legacy, so I must give you one giant . It's too bad we can't see pictures of it yet, but if you DO end up going to Lexfest, make sure to take some pictures of you and the beautiful new ride so we can see how it looks in more detail.
It really sounds like you made this choice off of some really good hard logic, and it was wise of you to use some of your extra cash to save up for when you really need it, yet not skimp on your mode of transportation. Good luck with the car and keep us updated with how it's going, and like the others say, you better not be going anywhere, you're quite the valuable asset in the car and debate world around here.
James
. It's too bad we can't see pictures of it yet, but if you DO end up going to Lexfest, make sure to take some pictures of you and the beautiful new ride so we can see how it looks in more detail. It really sounds like you made this choice off of some really good hard logic, and it was wise of you to use some of your extra cash to save up for when you really need it, yet not skimp on your mode of transportation. Good luck with the car and keep us updated with how it's going, and like the others say, you better not be going anywhere, you're quite the valuable asset in the car and debate world around here.
James
Last edited by jet864; Aug 7, 2005 at 09:20 PM.
I was recently a passenger in an outback and I find it odd that you complained about the american cars plasticy interiors (which they are) yet you bought the outback. IMO they are just about as plasticy. I was not impressed.
The cars look durable however, congrats on your new ride.
The cars look durable however, congrats on your new ride.
