RE: Subarus...

["Lucas, Brent-Operations Analys" <lucasbl@Maritz.com>]

>I drove a legacy wagon the other day, it was less than ideal compared to my
>11-year old Audi. I stuffed it into a low-speed but sharp corner, the body
>rolled horrendously and it basically just felt lousy.

>On the other hand, I rented an Outback for three days last week while on
>business and... liked it! The body roll was way less, handling felt solid
>and it did well in the snow. I drove it hard for me (car rented -:) ) and
>it really actually did better than any other car I've rented lately...

Have to say that I agree, considering I own one.  It's funny, but
Consumer Reports says the opposite is true, that the Legacy wagon
handles better than the Outback, which they didn't like.  They claimed
Subaru took the perfectly good Legacy and ruined it by raising it up,
giving SUV styling, etc.  Shows how useless most of their reports are.
I am quite happy with mine, and though not in the same class as an Audi,
is what I like to call a "poor man's quattro."  If you don't have the
bucks for an A6 wagon, then the Outback is the next best thing.  I find
it to perform exactly as you stated, and with the 2.5 L engine has
enough power to get by.  Will, if you have any questions about the car
I'd be glad to help you out via private e-mail.


I took mine on a 5500 mile odyssey this past summer from St. Louis to
Seattle / Vancouver, and then back via the Canadian Rockies.  It
performed quite admirably and got the best gas mileage in the mountains.
 It's not quattro, but it does a great job on ice and snow.

I must say I've taken notice of mention of an A4 wagon, and wonder if
anyone has any definite information on its production and arrival in the
states.  It wouldn't be available for $20k, but it shouldn't be a whole
lot more than that I would hope.  Would have to take a serious look at
them when the Outback was ready to retire.  Only thing I would miss
would be the 7.3" of ground clearance.  (There, maybe that will settle
the Outback vs. Jeep argument!)  :-)

Brent Lucas
'96 subaru legacy outback
'95 nissan 200sx se-r