Subaru Outback (2003 - 2009) 2.5i SE Outback 5d (2005/05) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Different, quirky, out of the box thinking, not Baa-Sheep in inevitable grey German over-rated, fun-policed exec.

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

Love it: knowing nods, like understated looks, 4x4 without aggressive shouty attitude.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Definitely: it's every car I'd ever need: roomy, entertaining, actually quite reasonable on fuel (35mpg average in 2500 miles, and that's a bit of everything), and that's before we've been out in snow.

What are you likely to buy next?

Same again, or at push, Legacy. Would stay with petrol, would like to try revised version of my 2.5.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£2,500

When did you buy the car?

October 2013

Did you get a good deal and why?

Bought privately, got very, very good deal as in hurry to sell as new car taking their only parking space.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Wanted to change from underwhelming BMW 3-Series, came highly recommended from several long term owners.

What was the dealer like?

What's it like to drive?

Huge fun, but quiet and sensible when you just want to cruise somewhere. Brilliant chassis revealed once rear anti roll bar changed to 20mm. Dead steering only gripe, otherwise knocks spots of my last four 3-Series. Did I mention Fun?

What's it like to park?

Not bad, but amazing not shipped with even rear sensors. Luckily being a country bumpkin means not too much to hit anyway. Very good visibility all round makes up for rather long rear bumper overhang.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Not a sausage!

What's most practical about your car?

Rear space, rear seats flip straight down standing from rear of car (no walking around, lifting seat bases etc before lowering). Hi-Lo box surprisingly useful: can be shifted on move, so Lo 1st excellent traffic crawler gear.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

4wd, although typically, literally not a snowflake last Winter. Big sunroof a joy.