any real issues, driving or otherwise

[historyteacher]

So some of you may know that I'm looking at the 4Runner and the new Outback for my next car, probably at the end of this year or early next. As I'm reading the Outback message board, people seem to be finding more issues with the new Outback, the biggest of which is major steering wheel vibration. Subaru has not been able to isolate and fix the problem which has me concerned.
So I'm wondering if anyone has had any real issues with the new 4Runner; being the first year of the new model.

 

[bradj]

So some of you may know that I'm looking at the 4Runner and the new Outback for my next car, probably at the end of this year or early next. As I'm reading the Outback message board, people seem to be finding more issues with the new Outback, the biggest of which is major steering wheel vibration. Subaru has not been able to isolate and fix the problem which has me concerned.
So I'm wondering if anyone has had any real issues with the new 4Runner; being the first year of the new model.

I love my '10 SR5 4runner. I've only got about 1000 miles but so far I can't think of a single thing to complain about.

It rides very smooth, the interior is nice and quiet, the seats are firm and supportive with alot of headroom/shoulder/leg room.

My favorite feature is being able to ride with the sunroof open and tailgate window down. I can even talk on the bluetooth handsfree while doing this with no complaints from the caller.

I've never driven a outback but I don't regret buying my 4r at all and can't think of anything I would want to change on mine.

 

[VonMussa]

I think either car will be the right choice for you. My wife and I each own a 2005 Legacy GT and I just bought her a 2010 T4R Limited. We LOVE our subies but we needed something bigger. Subaru in the past 5ys have had a new commitment to quality and it certainly shows. The interior of the Subarus now are almost on par with the German automakers. I dare say on this board that the interior on our '05 subarus are a bit nicer than the new '10 T4R. The reliability of the Toyota has been spectacular and I don't need to explain that any more. The reliability of the Subaru is approaching that (and some say surpass that) of the Toyotas.

As far as model specific issues, ANY model you buy will have it's own quirks. For us, our '05 Subies have an integrated (and utterly horrible) audio and climate control system. You are unable to upgrade the stereo without some SIGNIFICANT cash and custom work.

The T4R has poorly positioned window controls (personal preference).

When it comes down to it however, if you are having a hard time deciding between either, realize that it must be because both are exceptional vehicles that you would be more than happy to drive for a number of years. They certainly are in different categories however; mileage, size, driveability, etc. That ultimately may be the deciding factor for you. Do you want one of the baddest 4x4s on (and off) road that relatively speaking sucks down the gas, or do you want an amazing handling sport-ute that gets decent mileage and can handle some nasty road conditions that is significantly smaller?

 

[historyteacher]

I've been wanting an OB since I bought my current Subaru 5 years ago, so it's been disappointing to read the recent issues. The big thing is that I'm worried the OB vibrating steering wheel will start off as just being annoying but has the potential to turn into a safety issue.
Reading a letter/email an OB owner received from Subaru of America, they acknowledge the problem, can't find a cause/fix and are simply encouraging potential buyers to "thoroughly test drive" their cars before buying. This has the potential to be a deal breaker for me, as some people's are starting to vibrate after owning for a few months.
I see the window switch placement as one of those things I'd just deal with, not a deal breaker. (That seems like a surprising design flaw though.)

 

[SeattleMike]

I've put 1400 miles on my TE in 3 weeks. I've driven streets, roads, gravel roads, freeways, driveways, dirt roads, a few sizable mud-filled dips in the road, and a snow-covered "road" that I found out later was only to be used for snow mobiles.

My only complaint is that I can't seem to stop driving it.

As for the window buttons, they only issue is learning where they are. The location is only a problem if water collects on them, meaning you either have your window down or your door open when it's raining. Frankly, you would have to be an idiot to do either long enough to do any damage.

 

[desertred]

My biggest issue is trying to decide what XM package I want as my trial period expires in a couple weeks. Crap!

There have been a coupe of small issues mentioned. The most annoying would probably be that some T4R owners are experiencing a squeaky lumbar on the power seats. Other than that, some folks are in a slight tither about the ipod/stereo interface in regards to browsing music selections. I have not experienced the first and am still becoming acquainted with the ipod interface. The Subie OB is a nice vehicle. Good luck with your decision.

 

[LWN]

So some of you may know that I'm looking at the 4Runner and the new Outback for my next car, probably at the end of this year or early next. As I'm reading the Outback message board, people seem to be finding more issues with the new Outback, the biggest of which is major steering wheel vibration. Subaru has not been able to isolate and fix the problem which has me concerned.
So I'm wondering if anyone has had any real issues with the new 4Runner; being the first year of the new model.

5,000 miles already and no issues - absolutely love it, on and off road. I don't have a single complaint. A few days I go I parked it to run some errands, and when I walked back two guys were walking around it, lusting over it lol.

I do wish I got better mileage - the on-board computer says 16.5, but given my driving style, it's to be expected...

 

[simonj]

I have about 2000 miles on my 2010 limited. I'm a former Subaru owner myself (2005 wrx sti). Toyota interiors are miles above Subaru. While they are improving, subie interiors remain a bit plasticy and rattly.

I wouldn't call them quirks, but things I wish my limited had:
- hid headlights
- 6 speed auto
- better iPod interface
- power rear lift gate

otherwise, I absolutely love it. No regrets!!

 

[Quentin]

Having owned mine for 12 hrs, and not driven it yet, it is pretty much perfect. :lol:

 

[Ryan_S]

If you like the outback, what about the Forester? Personally I don't think the OB and 4runner are compareable. It's like apples to oranges. 4Runner to forester, maybe.

We almost bought the Forester, since I love my 06 WRX, but we wanted something that can actually do some offroading and towing, and the 4R is quite a bit bigger than the Forester.

Just my $0.02

 

[Treestand]

1,300 miles on my SR5 and no big issues.

Need to have the dealer customize some of the things like buzzers and light timers.

Like to see them change the slide-out to a locking storage compartment next year.

I also looked at Forester and OB, but Forester was way too small. OB got bigger for 2010 so it was between the t4r and the OB. OB has AWD, decent ground clearance and much better gas mileage than t4r, but with a short memory and low gas prices, went with the t4r.

 

[jca21]

5000km on a TE.

no issues driving wise. i went off roading yesterday and when i put the car into reverse this morning it made a thunking noise for a while. i put it into drive, drove around a bit and put it back into reverse and all was well


the 4runner is a great truck, no issues beyond that freak incident because i've taken it off roading quite a few times and this is the first time it happened.

 

[historyteacher]

If you like the outback, what about the Forester? Personally I don't think the OB and 4runner are compareable. It's like apples to oranges. 4Runner to forester, maybe.

We almost bought the Forester, since I love my 06 WRX, but we wanted something that can actually do some offroading and towing, and the 4R is quite a bit bigger than the Forester.

Just my $0.02

I'm looking for something with more room than my current OB Sport, and the new OB would meet that. I was also hoping the new OB was as fun to drive as the old one (in a toss it around but it sticks to the road kind of way), but it doesn't sound like it is. I also like the look of the OB more than the Forester.

 

[TTown]

I have 3000 miles on mine with no issues. I love it more and more each day!

 

[FlyNavy]

I test drove a new outback a few months back and immediately noticed a vibration in the steering wheel at freeway speeds. Asked the salesman next to me what that was about and he said it most likely needed an alignment. He said they align all new vehicles AFTER they get to the dealership. Really! Shouldn't it be good to go off the truck? Of course it should. I threw up the BS flag and continued on my way. Still a fan of the outback though. I like the redesign and the gas mileage. No complaints with my Trail edition, except I'm having a hard time keeping the miles off of it. Both great products and I'm sure the steering thing will be resolved.

 

[historyteacher]

I test drove a new outback a few months back and immediately noticed a vibration in the steering wheel at freeway speeds. Asked the salesman next to me what that was about and he said it most likely needed an alignment. He said they align all new vehicles AFTER they get to the dealership. Really! Shouldn't it be good to go off the truck? Of course it should. I threw up the BS flag and continued on my way. Still a fan of the outback though. I like the redesign and the gas mileage. No complaints with my Trail edition, except I'm having a hard time keeping the miles off of it. Both great products and I'm sure the steering thing will be resolved.

Yeah, looking at the boards, people are getting different stories from their dealers. Some are saying it's alignment/tires/springs or some other BS answer, while other dealers are being up front and saying Subaru is aware of the problem and is working on a fix.

 

[sandcrawler]

As for the window buttons, they only issue is learning where they are.

:iagree: fwiw, i thought the window switches on my 4G were in a weird spot—too low. you get used it. the big advantage? auto-up/down lighted switches for ALL windows. 'bout time.