Ernie's Subaru Menagerie

[subaruguru]

As it appears that the old Subaru buying tutorial thread has been closed after 13k+ hits (!), perhaps it's easier to see what's available by starting a new one. Those readers expecting to read my Subaru piece should find the old thread posted down in this Events & Commercial Claasified listings group I trust.

May 21

TheSubaruGuru's current menagerie, annotated a bit for us kayakers:

......Classic ('02-'04) LEGACY/OUTBACK 2.5 WAGONS (a bit more storage and rear legroom, but louder; crisp handling rewards driver's assertive actions):

'04 rare OB FIVE SPEED MANUAL, SeaMistPearl/TanCloth, Cold Weather Pkg; rare nice clutch, w/ '05 motor for brisker response, and autodimming compassed rear view mirror. Long cluych reach requires long-legged driver. Only $10.5k

'04 OB, Auto, rare Quasi-Limited (heated leather but no moonroofs, +CWP), SeaMistPearl/TanLetaher, premium audio, fancy mirror, and '05 motor. $11.7k

'04 OB, Auto, full LIMITED (heated leather, twin moonroofs, 6CD premium audio, CWP), SeaMistPearl/TanLeather, '05 motor. Only $10.6k!

'02 OB, Auto, Sapphire/GrayCloth, CD+Tape(?!). Very late production '02 with remarkably clean (unrusted) body. Thus an extremely fine value at only $8300.

'02 L Wagon, TimberlineGreen/GrayCloth. LOWER chassis with non-power seat is a bargain for the TALL kayaker only. Has a freshly-gasketed younger motor, that fancy mirror w/ compass; my current 'yak-hauler as the 2" lower roofline allows easier solo-loading. $6900 with decent tires good for another winter; $7200 w/ 8 tires (set of 4 additional new loose).

.....NEW-STYLE ('05+) Legacy/Outback Wagons (very quiet, zoomy interior, smaller wayback volume and rear legroom, but gently sloped roofline eases rear 'yak loading; slightly softer suspension favors passenger comfort; "tracky" very high speed touring ability; aluminum hood/hatch and extra wheel well protection should slow rust curve):

'05 Auto, WillowPearl/TaupeCloth, CWP, wired strong towbar. Only $11.8k!

'06 Auto, Platinum/grayCloth, CWP, 17" alloys. $14.2k

'06 LIMITED, Auto, Platinum/Charcoal LEATHER, huge twin moonroofs. Orig $29k+! Only $15.7k with decent vestigial high-end Toyos. Only $16.1k w/ 8 tires (new set of high-end Kumho KH16, ASX or Falkens 912 for next year).

...Imprezas ('02-'07)

None, as they've all been overpriced lately. Paying the same as a Legacy/OB to get only +1mpg and lose the back half of the Subie is nonsensical. You'll see another Imp Wag from me when it's $1.5k less than its larger brethren.

As always, call me if you need any Subaru service advice, and see you on the water soon.

Cheers.

Ernie

TheSubaruGuru

781 483-3922

[subaruguru]

Late summer finds a shortage of good used Subie 4cyl Wagons as there are few trades among the '02-'07s that I revere. Hence a smallish menagerie:

'04 rare OB FIVE SPEED MANUAL, SeaMistPearl(light green)/Tan Cloth, Cold Weather Pkg; rare nice clutch, w/ '05 motor for brisker response, and autodimming compassed rear view mirror. Long clutch reach requires long-legged driver. Only $10.4k

'02.5 (late production) OB, Auto, Wintergreen(light green)/Tan Cloth, CD+Tape(?!). Very late production '02 with remarkably clean (unrusted) body, and thus an extremely fine value at only $8150.

'03 Legacy OUTBACK LIMITED, auto, rare BlackPearl/Charcoal Heated Leather, dual Moonroof, 6CD, Cold Weather Package (CWP), etc. Orig $29k! (NADA $11.4k) Only $9850! (Currently my kayak-hauler)

'03 Legacy OUTBACK, auto, SeaMistPearl/Tan, CWP, CD. (NADA $10.2k) Really clean, rustfree, late '03! (NADA $10.2k) Only $9075!

'03.5 Legacy OUTBACK, auto, Timberline/Tan, CWP, CD. (NADA) Another beautiful, un-rusted late '03. Only $9700.

Will see you on the water soon.

Cheers.

Ern

TSG

781 483-3922

PS Truly colorful assessment of the new 2010 OBs that echoes much of my preliminary thinking: http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/review-2010-subaru-outback/

Further indication that Subaru, now partially controlled by Toyota, is losing its way with the too-tall '10 SUV-like new OB, and that the '01-'09 Legs and OBs will go down in history as the best Subie wagons produced.

[subaruguru]

Happy Autumn Paddling!

My current smaller menagerie:

.........CLASSIC 2002-2004 LEGACY and OUTBACK WAGONS (OB=raised suspension, tall tires for pothole comfort/clearance and power seat for superb visibility for even very short drivers):

'03 Legacy OUTBACK, auto, SeaMistPearl/Tan, CWP, CD. Really clean, NO RUST, late '03! (NADA $10k) Currently my kayak-hauler. Only $9100.

New! '03 Legacy OUTBACK, auto, Timberline/Tan Cloth, CWP, CD, Sturdy TowBar. Only $9200.

NEW! '04 Legacy OUTBACK LIMITED, rare 5spd manual, PearlWhite/Tan LEATHER, Twin MOONROOFS, CWP, 6CD...even REMOTE START! Strong clutch...all highway driven; being a "stick", it's best for taller drivers who don't live on a hill nor do primarily urban driving, of course. (NADA $12.5k) Will only be about $10.2k!

..........NEW BODY STYLE 2005-2008 LEGACY and OUTBACKS (Quieter esp at high speed, aluminum hood 'n hatch, beautiful interiors, slightly quicker motor, but slightly smaller cargo volume):

'05 OUTBACK, Automatic/Tiptronic, PlatinumSilver/Gray Cloth, CWP, CD etc. (NADA $14.1k) Only $12k! (Deposit received)

NEW! '08 OUTBACK LIMITED, Automatic/Tiptronic, GraphitePearl/Charcoal LEATHER, Twin Moonroofs, 6CD. NOT one of those Hertz ex-rentals. Extremely rare opportunity in an as-new specimen. Orig $29k (NADA $21.5k) Will be only c. $19.1k!

........... LEGACY L, SE, 35th Anniv & GT WAGONS and SEDANS (non-OB=lower chassis, thus crisper handling; some with power seat):

None, as there's been a dearth of good Subarus (exc unwanted Foresters and turbos) in the wholesale market this year.

*******

[subaruguru]

Happy October Paddling!

Current menagerie:

.........CLASSIC 2002-2004 LEGACY and OUTBACK WAGONS (OB=raised suspension, tall tires for pothole comfort/clearance and power seat for superb visibility for even very short drivers):

'03 Legacy OUTBACK, auto, SeaMistPearl/Tan Cloth, CWP, CD, Sturdy TowBar. Only $9250.

'04 Legacy OUTBACK LIMITED, rare 5spd MANUAL, PearlWhite/Tan LEATHER, Twin MOONROOFS, CWP, 6CD...even REMOTE START! Strong clutch...all highway driven; being a "stick," it's best for taller drivers who don't live on a hill nor do primarily urban driving, of course. My current kayak-hauler. (NADA $12.5k) Only $10.3k!

'03 Legacy OUTBACK, auto, WhitePearl/Tan Cloth, CWP, CD. All highway miles. Only $8575!

'04 Outback, auto, SedonaRed/Tan Cloth, CWP, CD, REMOTE AUTO-START, '05 motor! Will only be about $10.6k

..........NEW BODY STYLE 2005-2008 LEGACY and OUTBACKS (Quieter esp at high speed, aluminum hood 'n hatch, beautiful interiors, slightly quicker motor, but slightly smaller cargo volume):

'05 OUTBACK, Automatic/Tiptronic, AtlanticBlue/Gray Cloth, CWP, CD, REMOTE AUTO-START! (NADA $13.9k) Only $12k!

'05 OUTBACK LIMITED, Automatic/Tiptronic, WillowGreen/Taupe Heated Leather, Twin Moonroofs, Dual Auto-Climate, 6CD. Only $13.5k (Deposit taken)

See y'all on the water.

Ern

TSG

781 483-3922

[subaruguru]

Happy November Paddling!

Current menagerie:

.........CLASSIC 2002-2004 LEGACY and OUTBACK WAGONS (OB=raised suspension, tall tires for pothole comfort/clearance and power seat for superb visibility for even very short drivers; SE, 35th Anniv, L and GT have lower chassis for easier kayak solo-loading, but best for taller drivers):

'03 Legacy OUTBACK, auto, SeaMistPearl/Tan Cloth, CWP, CD, Sturdy TowBar. Only $9250.

'04 Legacy OUTBACK LIMITED, rare 5spd MANUAL, PearlWhite/Tan LEATHER, Twin MOONROOFS, CWP, 6CD...even REMOTE START! Strong clutch...all highway driven; being a "stick," it's best for taller drivers who don't live on a hill nor do primarily urban driving, of course. My recent kayak-hauler. (NADA $12.5k) Only $10.3k!

'03 Legacy OUTBACK, auto, SedonaRed/Tan Cloth, CWP, CD. All highway miles. Only $8600!

'04 Legacy OB, auto, SapphireBlue/Gray Cloth, CWP, CD. Punchier '05 motor. $9900.

'03 Legacy Special Edition Wag, auto, SeaMist/Tan cloth; dual power moonroofs and 16" alloys... thus all the GT toys EXCEPT no power seat, so for taller driver only. Will be my kayak-hauler as the lower roofline is an easier loader. Probably just around $9k

..........NEW BODY STYLE 2005-2008 LEGACY and OUTBACKS (Quieter esp at high speed, aluminum hood 'n hatch, beautiful interiors, slightly quicker motor, but also slightly smaller cargo volume):

'05 OUTBACK, Automatic/Tiptronic, AtlanticBlue/Gray Cloth, CWP, CD, REMOTE AUTO-START! (NADA $13.9k) Only $12k!

'06 OUTBACK, Auto/Tip, WhitePearl/TaupeCloth, 17" alloys. (NADA $15.6k) Only $13.6k

See y'all in the COLD water!

Ern

TSG

781 483-3922

[Paul Sylvester]

Ernie,

Would you have any extra rims around for an 08 legacy?

I have been thinking about winter tires on my wifes car. It has 1/2 worn 50 series low profile wheels right now, figure that a narrow tire would be better for the winter.

Plus I could keep the alum. rims out of the salt...

4 rims or 4 rims and tires?

steel, no aluminum

The local scrap yards have none and said aftermarket would be cheaper than them finding them through parts search.

thanks,

Paul

[subaruguru]

Ernie,

Would you have any extra rims around for an 08 legacy?

I have been thinking about winter tires on my wifes car. It has 1/2 worn 50 series low profile wheels right now, figure that a narrow tire would be better for the winter.

Plus I could keep the alum. rims out of the salt...

4 rims or 4 rims and tires?

steel, no aluminum

The local scrap yards have none and said aftermarket would be cheaper than them finding them through parts search.

thanks,

Paul

Hi Paul,

For the first time in years I bought a Subie last week with the surprise of a new steel rim and new Cooper 225 60 16 stored as a spare.

Doubtless someone will want this as a 5th "true" spare soon, but if you can use it you can have it for $50, or $100 with tire on it.

Tirerack used to be a cheap source for steel OE rims...even Subie dealers used to sell take-offs for $35-ish, but this practice had fallen by the wayside as all Subies came with alloys.

But in the past two years Subie sold stripped simple OBs and Leg sedans with steel wheels, so I'd ask around.

If you have 50 series rubber I suspect it's the same as my '06 Ltd Leg, the fine 205 50 17 size, probably shod with Yoko ADVAN A82 made specifically for Subaru. I've collected a few rare used ones, as this is a very pricey tire new, if you need a couple (I need to keep a couple for Ellen's).

The proper size 16" for the OE 17" you have would be the popular 205 55 16. There are many snows available in this size. You'll find them more forgiving than 205 50 17....

My favorite "wintry" all-season in this size is the Sumi HTR+ which I get from TireRack. It's a

great sport tire that happens to be soft enough for fine snow performance.

Ellen and I have been pretty happy with the ADVANS for three winters, but indeed 16" HTR+ or Conti ExtremeContacts would be better winter-use all-seasons.

Lastly, I have an odd experiment you can try: I've a set of Michelin X-Ice studless, very quiet 225 55 17 winter tires with 60-70% tread on craig's for $220 the set. Now these would be 3/4" wider and 3/4" taller than your 205 50 17, as they're for an '06+ OB. They'd fit, and offer slower response, more pothole comfort, and about -10% speedo correction. I've seen folks use taller rubber for off-road and winter, but you might think it'd look a bit goofy to raise your Leg 3/4".

If tirerack's or the dealers are too pricey for new steel I'd consider used 16" alloys from WRX tricksters on eBay. Although you might be afraid of damaging alloys, you should be aware that steel rims do NOT like salty winters, so it's a tradeoff. The combo of a heavy steel rim and a softish winter tire is quite sluggish handling too (like paddling in very shallow water!). If you can get a set of 16" alloys for under $400 that's what I'd do. All patterns interchange, and since they were used back to late 90's Leg GTs there are plenty around.

Then I'd go the 205 55 16 route, with Blizzak WS60, Conti Extreme Winter, Dunlop Graspic, or if you don't mind the noise, the cheap (at tirerack) FS Winterforce for lower speed use.

Having an '08 I assume you've been through 1-2 winters and found the A82's wanting. So be it. But if you haven't I'd give the AWD and all-seasons a chance before chasing a dedicated second winter set. Truly 95% of my 1500+ Subie customers over the years have been just fine without dedicated snows....

Call me if you've further queries.

Ern

781 483-3922

[Paul Sylvester]

If you have 50 series rubber I suspect it's the same as my '06 Ltd Leg, the fine 205 50 17 size, probably shod with Yoko ADVAN A82 made specifically for Subaru.

Yes, what I have......

Lastly, I have an odd experiment you can try: I've a set of Michelin X-Ice studless, very quiet 225 55 17 winter tires with 60-70% tread on craig's for $220 the set. Now these would be 3/4" wider and 3/4" taller than your 205 50 17, as they're for an '06+ OB. They'd fit, and offer slower response, more pothole comfort, and about -10% speedo correction.

Nice offer but I can't mess with wifey's speedo calibration....

If tirerack's or the dealers are too pricey for new steel I'd consider used 16" alloys from WRX tricksters on eBay.

Will try e-bay and tirerack.com

We just bought it so we have not been through a winter yet, tires are half worn and I just don't like the idea of 50's in the snow on such a small car.

You have given me some ideas and things to consider

thanks,

Paul

[subaruguru]

probably shod with Yoko ADVAN A82 made specifically for Subaru.

Yes, what I have......

We just bought it so we have not been through a winter yet, tires are half worn and I just don't like the idea of 50's in the snow on such a small car.

Paul,

I'd just try the OE A82. As winter progresses you'll know whether to change or not. You might think the 50 aspect ratio is not winter friendly, but remember that the width is only 205mm;

thus they bite through snow pretty well, although won't absorb potholes or climb ice/rock hazards as well as the OBs 225's.

The A82 wear pretty well, and don't scallop badly. Nevertheless, cross-rotate and rebalance if necessary to avoid asymmetric feathering of the tread, which would increase noise and slipperiness in the wet.

Ern

[Pintail]

Ernie and Paul,

Google Green Diamond -- I think that's their name: I nearly bought some, years ago, for winter. They come from Finland, I seem to remember and <sound> to be of good quality...

[jason]

Ernie and Paul,

Google Green Diamond -- I think that's their name: I nearly bought some, years ago, for winter. They come from Finland, I seem to remember and <sound> to be of good quality...

To save others some google time...

http://www.greendiamondtire.com/

[subaruguru]

Google Green Diamond -- I think that's their name: I nearly bought some, years ago, for winter. They come from Finland, I seem to remember and <sound> to be of good quality...

Fascinating. Quality is a big question. I wouldn't trust at highway speeds without seeing them spin while balancing AND being assured that the recycled old carcass is at least an "H" rating, not a soft cheap S or T. Retreads are notoriously inconsistent. It'd be interesting to try their "bargain" lot, but they're sold out. At the normal $110 ea +sh there are too many other options with known high speed stability and safety.

For low speed winter and offroad use I might give a qualified recommendation, but high speed touring is another completely different set of stresses.

[Pintail]

Ernie, I fully understand your concern about what I call retreads -- totally in agreement. However, this brand sounds intriguing, doesn't it? And I think they've been around quite a while...