Buying a used Subaru Outback (2003-2009)
With a smart new shape and engineering advances, the third-generation Subaru Outback provided plenty to entice buyersSUBARU OUTBACK (2003-2009)
The revamped Outback that arrived in Australia in 2003 followed a path to sales success already well-trodden by previous versions. Since the late-1990s, Subaru had been selling more than 400 Outbacks per month in the competitive soft-roader segment. The new model brought significant design changes and a big power boost for six-cylinder versions, ensuring that even more buyers would come knocking on dealership doors.
The previously restricted colour range was expanded to allow buyers to choose from virtually any shade in the Liberty range. Colour-keyed bumpers and side-pads replaced the silver-only embellishments fitted to preceding Outbacks.
A lower centre of gravity, achieved by structural changes and use of alloy for some body panels, contributed to weight-saving measures that kept the four-cylinder at 1430kg and the flat-six to a surprisingly-light 1540kg.
Mechanically, the restyled model differed in slight but significant ways. Output from the 2.5-litre four-cylinder motor increased by 6kW – from 115 to 121kW – and it was matched to a dual-range five-speed manual or a four-speed ‘Sport Shift’ automatic.
The horizontally-opposed 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine received an even more significant boost over the previous ‘H6’, with output rising from 154 to 180kW.
Value-for-money remained a major part of the Outback’s appeal. The basic 2.5i manual
was listed at just over $38,000 but still included front air-bags, climate-control air and a six-stack CD system, plus the usual complement of power-operated gear.
The $4000 jump to a 2.5 manual Luxury added leather upholstery with power seat adjustment, side-front air-bags and electric sunroof. Above this was the even better-appointed Premium which, with automatic transmission and self-levelling rear suspension commanded a price of more than $46,000.
The appropriately-badged Safety model released in 2004 incorporated head and side air-bags, missed out on leather but did include a sunroof and slotted into the range between the Luxury and Premium.
With its large and slightly lazy six-cylinder engine the 3.0R was available only with Subaru’s new five-speed automatic transmission. If you wanted a 3.0 manual wagon the sole choice was the rare six-speed Liberty Blitzen.
The basic 3.0R at $45,990 was $5000 more expensive than the 2.5-litre equivalent but came with larger alloy wheels. Further up the tree, the fully loaded 3.0R Premium cost more than $53,000 but came with a full complement of air-bags, double-length sunroof and standard Vehicle Stability Control.
A new grille, reshaped headlights and trim changes identified the revamped Outback that arrived in 2006. Most significant among the changes was adoption of an ‘Intelligent Drive’ transmission for the 3.0R automatic – with column-mounted shift paddles – and structural modifications that strengthened the front strut mounts and were claimed to reduce harshness and vibration.
The design was intended to attract Americans who wanted Euro-style luxury in a vehicle that could deal with icy conditions without looking or handling like a lorry.
Australians adopted the Outback for many of the same reasons. They’re hugely popular with skiers and those in rural areas who appreciate their poise and stability on unsealed roads.
Although Subaru trumpets ‘symmetrical’ All-Wheel Drive, the Outback under normal conditions delivers 8 percent more drive to the rear wheels than the front. In slippery conditions the centre differential can apportion virtually all of its torque to the end that has greater grip.
The steering in Outbacks may feel light by comparison with other cars in the category but communicates well and delivers a welcome 10.9 metre turning circle.
Which engine/transmission combination to choose is a quandary best solved by driving a variety of vehicles. Despite giving away almost 60kW in output to the 3.0R, the 2.5i manual with its more accessible torque band can deliver pretty acceptable performance. However, the automatic transmission takes the edge off acceleration, especially with some passengers aboard.
Left to its own devices, the five-speed auto-box is lazy and doesn’t exploit the 3.0-litre engine’s potential. Using the ‘Sport-Shift’ slot demands some extra driver input but delivers good results. Second gear runs to precisely 110km/h when red-lined and acceleration tests clocked the Outback at 4.8 seconds for the 80-120km/h sprint – identical to a Porsche Cayenne S.
Low gearing has its penalties in freeway running, where even the 3.0R is spinning at around 2500rpm. However, it does allow the dual-range manual 2.5 to trickle along at walking pace in off-road conditions without needing to slip the clutch. That’s not such an option in the 3.0R, which moves at a fair bit more rapid 10.1km/h per 1000rpm in first.
The Outback offers a full-sized spare wheel and decent load-space for its size. Child-seat mounts in the roof are easy to use and don’t compromise carrying capacity.
Manual 2.5s will easily achieve sub-10L/100km fuel economy, with the automatic using 10-15 percent more. Tests of a 3.0R delivered an average of 11.5L/100km, but exploiting its performance will send consumption into the 13-14L/100 range. The 2.5 will handle 91 RON fuel but 95 Premium is mandatory for the 3.0-litre.
>> Inappropriate off-road use can crush or gouge exhaust components, causing leaks and the potential for fumes to enter the cabin. Check also for torn driveshaft boots that can allow dirt to destroy CV joints.
>> Both engines can suffer coolant leaks from faulty head-gaskets. Overheating and eventual engine damage result if not corrected and new heads are very expensive. If there is a chemical smell under the bonnet when the engine is hot, arrange a professional check before purchasing.
>> Spark plugs in the 3.0R are designed to last 100,000km but the costs of new plugs and installation runs to a few hundred dollars. Service books will reveal when they were last changed. If not, allow for replacement when negotiating a purchase price.
>> Well-maintained auto transmissions should reach 250,000 without a problem but beware of any that thump or vibrate when down-shifting of that don’t respond instantly when shifting manually. Clutch wear can manifest in 80,000+km four-cylinder versions, especially those that have done some towing.
>> Test that the cruise control system functions properly. In particular, check that Cruise disconnects immediately when the brake or clutch pedals are pressed. Early cars have a lever operation, later versions use wheel-mounted buttons.
>> Leather trim needs ‘feeding’ and careful cleaning to minimise wear and cracking. Cars with noticeably worn seats affect resale values. They also point to a former owner who may have neglected other, more significant maintenance tasks.
>> Carefully check sunroof seals for damage that may allow moisture into the cabin. Failed seals can allow water to collect behind the interior light switch panel.
USED VEHICLE GRADING
Design & Function: 16/20
Safety: 17/20
Practicality: 15/20
Value for Money: 15/20
Wow Factor: 10/20
SCORE: 73/100
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This article was first published September 3, 2012.
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