Subaru Outback (2003 - 2009) 2.0D RE Outback 5d (2008/08) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Doesn't quite fit the norm', maybe a little quirky but also practical and a wolf in sheep's clothing.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Family are jealous that I get 42mpg+ compared to their petrol engines. Friends are surprised that its a 4 wheel drive but doesn't look like a Chelsea Tractor. Strangers have stopped to ask me about it in car parks!

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes. Its practical, comfy and fun to drive. Although I've only owned it a few months so far its surpassed my expectations.

What are you likely to buy next?

I don't intend changing for a few years so have no idea!

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£24,950

When did you buy the car?

April 2008

Did you get a good deal and why?

There were very few offers available due to a waiting list for the diesel engine. I did manage to get a few bits thrown in such as a boot liner, rear scuff plate and an Aux in port (in the front armrest cubby hole)

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Both my parents own Subarus and have found them reliable. With an increased commute and living in the countryside the diesel Outback Estate ticked all the boxes.

What was the dealer like?

The first one I visited was dreadful - rude, spoke to my (non-driving) husband instead of me and treated us like timewasters. The one we bought from couldn't have been more different. They were a joy to do business with and made parting with almost £25k a pleasant experience!

What's it like to drive?

Its glued to the road yet has decent acceleration. It pulls uphill forever, hills that seems to leave most other cars floundering in low gears. It does have a very defined power range between 1800 and 4000rpm, lower than that and it does tend to chug, over it it runs out of power pretty quickly. I've not had a diesel before but have read that this is typical of diesel engines. The only criticism I have is that fuel consumption is not as good as the official figures suggest, 44-46mpg is the best I've achieved but my average commute is nearer 40mpg. However, I'm told that the mpg will get better as I get more miles on the clock (still under 5000 miles at time of writing), and that it can take upto 10k on the clock to be properly run in.

What's it like to park?

Its an Estate but the rear sill does poke out a good 3-4" further than the rear window. As long as I remember this then its easy to park as visibility is good. In my opinion there's no need to pay for reversing sensors if you are confident at reverse parking.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Nothing so far (owned for 6 months at the time of writing)

What's most practical about your car?

It has a very large boot when the rear seats are dropped.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Simple but effective - the bag clips in the boots. Gadget that saves arguments - dual zone climate control.