Hey folks, Like I may have noted before, my wife and I had a baby on the 19th of this month, so we're (I'm) kinda lookin around for cars that can replace her current car (2003 BMW 530i). I have a couple of folks that are serious about purchasing the Bimmer, and after looking at every SUV/wagon out there (I feel like, at least), I think that the best car for us to get into would be a 2007-2009 Subaru Outback (Limited or LL Bean) with the H6... First off, convince me why we don't need the extra mmmmmph of the H6... We want leather and loaded hence the LL Bean / Limited. Also, I like the 2007-2009 body-style MUCH more than the current body style which is another reason, I'd like to stick to those years. Finally... what about this one? Problems I see off the bat are 3 owners, starting in NM, then FL, then TN... BUT it was sold as a Certified Preowned Subaru 6k miles ago (according to the carfax)... or the last problem is the color, but I can get over that... Here is the Link
There is a lot that I can't speak to regarding your questions, but are you sure you want to count out the 2010 and newer model years? I know they are not lookers, but I like the 3.6L H6 engine a lot better than the 3.0L in the 07-09 model years. The main differences are: 07-09 3.0L H6 has 245 HP/215 lb ft of torque, but requires premium fuel. Fuel economy from fueleconomy.gov lists the outback with this engine as having 17 City/24 Highway/20 Combined. 2010+ 3.6L H6 has 256 HP/247 lb ft of torque, and only requires regular fuel. Fuel economy is also slightly better than the 3.0 at 18 City/25 Hwy/20 Combined. There are also a bunch of refinements they put into the new Outback that are covered here (http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/suvs/112_0909_2010_subaru_outback_test/viewall.html) I agree with you that the older ones look much better. But if you are looking at the H6 I personally would much rather have the 3.6R than the 3.0R... just food for thought.
Yeah it is so ugly. In either case, if you have an STi I don't think you could go down to a 2.5i... I mean it only has 170 HP. The H6 is a good option no matter which one you go with. A little bit more grunt than the H4 and less maintenance/issues than the turbo. The car you linked to looks great! I just picked up an 08 Legacy myself and am very happy with all of the creature upgrades over my 03 WRX. The only super annoying design flaw in these cars is the Head Unit (the outback appears to be the same one I have in my Legacy). Don't assume that you can install a new head unit/nav in that thing. Subaru combined the head unit with the HVAC controls into the same piece so the only way to get an aftermarket head unit is to order in the JDM HVAC controls and then pay for a new head unit. Its a real PITA and not particularly cheap. GL!