Heresy? Subaru...

[4RunnerV8]

I have a 2004 V8 4WE SE. It's at 205,000 miles now, with the only major problems being the driver seat (repaired under warranty) and the transfer case actuator (not under warranty - ouch). It's been a good truck - not quite as bulletproof as my 97 SR5 4WD with similar miles.

I loved the G3 body style, and the G4 drivetrain, but really don't like the steps back in the G5 drivetrain (no V8, part time 4WD) and honestly, I, personally, don't like the size and styling, interior or exterior. Not looking for another debate on V8 v V6 of G4 v G5. Just my opinion.

Here's the heresy part - I'm considering a 2013 Subaru Outback - I know that it's not in the same class as the 4Runner - no reason to hash through all that - but has anyone else made a similar change? I haven't had the 4Runner on difficult offroad sections in 3 years, and would love to gain a few mpg. The interior is bigger than the G4 runner, in the passenger area, smaller in the cargo area. It will get me onto the Outer Banks, and through the minimal snow around here. I no longer need to tow anything larger than 2K.

Any thoughts or experience in moving from the 4Runner to the Outback? I also posted over on subaruoutback.org.

Thanks in advance.

 

[superman3043]

Love my 4Runner. Probably wouldn't trade it for anything. But I can totally get behind anybody interested in buying a Subaru. I've owned one as my first car and I will have another one in the future. They build great cars!

If you make the switch, good luck. I'm sure you'll be happy with it, but I'm also sure you'll probably miss the Runner before long. But a little change every now and then could be good for you.

 

[4RunnerV8]

I know there is much I'd miss about the 4Runner - I really love the V8 -smoothest engine I've ever owned. The low end torque is addictive. I just wish Toyota had gone similar or smaller size with the new model, and kept the 4WD system. I need reliability...(213K on 97 4Runner, 207K on 90 Blazer, 205K on current 4Runner), comfort, reasonable room, and the ability to get around on fire trails, the beach, some snow, etc.

There isn't another SUV I'd buy - the Outback seems like a decent alternative, and I'd know it wasn't a 4Runner, but I think my expectations would be different than they would be for another true SUV (although I don't see any option to the 4Runner for true SUV)

 

[RonMAIDEN]

I kept my 4Runner and got this but it sucks having a car payment again.

We looked at an Outback but my wife said no to a wagon so I'm glad they switched to the Hatch with the Impreza.

 

[emelianenkov]

I have a 2004 V8 4WE SE. It's at 205,000 miles now, with the only major problems being the driver seat (repaired under warranty) and the transfer case actuator (not under warranty - ouch). It's been a good truck - not quite as bulletproof as my 97 SR5 4WD with similar miles.

I loved the G3 body style, and the G4 drivetrain, but really don't like the steps back in the G5 drivetrain (no V8, part time 4WD) and honestly, I, personally, don't like the size and styling, interior or exterior. Not looking for another debate on V8 v V6 of G4 v G5. Just my opinion.

Here's the heresy part - I'm considering a 2013 Subaru Outback - I know that it's not in the same class as the 4Runner - no reason to hash through all that - but has anyone else made a similar change? I haven't had the 4Runner on difficult offroad sections in 3 years, and would love to gain a few mpg. The interior is bigger than the G4 runner, in the passenger area, smaller in the cargo area. It will get me onto the Outer Banks, and through the minimal snow around here. I no longer need to tow anything larger than 2K.

Any thoughts or experience in moving from the 4Runner to the Outback? I also posted over on subaruoutback.org.

Thanks in advance.

My grandparents have a 2011 outback and I have to say, that car sucks. Sure it has paddle shifters, but they got rid of the slap stick on the gear shifter. I also HATE CVT transmissions. There is no power it feels like its lugging constantly. It has good mileage, but I love the feeling of having 5 solid gears with their own ratios :driving:, not 1,000's of possible ratios to save something so frivolous as gas. No thank you. So Gay

I like subaru, but their automatic transmissions are really lacking in every form of driver-pleasing powahhhhhh!!!!!

Just my $0.02. Please disregard.
-Alex

 

[4RunnerV8]

My grandparents have a 2011 outback and I have to say, that car sucks. Sure it has paddle shifters, but they got rid of the slap stick on the gear shifter. I also HATE CVT transmissions. There is no power it feels like its lugging constantly. It has good mileage, but I love the feeling of having 5 solid gears with their own ratios :driving:, not 1,000's of possible ratios to save something so frivolous as gas. No thank you. :so gay:

I like subaru, but their automatic transmissions are really lacking in every form of driver-pleasing powahhhhhh!!!!!

Just my $0.02. Please disregard.
-Alex

I wouldn't go with the 2.5 and CVT - I'd go with the 5 Speed auto and H6, which, by the way, has about the same power and torque as the 4Runner 4.0 V6, and a lot less weight. The 5 Speed EAT from Subaru has paddle shifters, and matches revs, which is pretty cool...

 

[4RunnerV8]

I kept my 4Runner and got this but it sucks having a car payment again.

We looked at an Outback but my wife said no to a wagon so I'm glad they switched to the Hatch with the Impreza.

Love to have a WRX...just not in the cards right now! That thing has to be a blast.

 

[emelianenkov]

I wouldn't go with the 2.5 and CVT - I'd go with the 5 Speed auto and H6, which, by the way, has about the same power and torque as the 4Runner 4.0 V6, and a lot less weight. The 5 Speed EAT from Subaru has paddle shifters, and matches revs, which is pretty cool...

Ok. I've only driven the 2.5 outback and a WRX STI. I love the WRX! Still nothing compares to my cobra with a 342 stroker . But that was sold for my 4Runner

 

[superman3043]

I kept my 4Runner and got this but it sucks having a car payment again.

We looked at an Outback but my wife said no to a wagon so I'm glad they switched to the Hatch with the Impreza.

Nice Ride Ron :thumb3:

I've been eyeing those for so long now but haven't brought myself to pull the trigger. I'm torn between getting a toy (the STi) and a big boy car (some sort of luxury sedan). Ah, the decisions we must make as grown ups....

 

[450exc115]

I've owned 2 Subaru's and my folks have one also. We looked to replace the wifes 02 with another till we drove them and I read about all the quality problems. Back in the 98-03 area they had head gasket problems and the WRX I had was OK. Fun to drive but a soft manual transimission for anything with decent power. The newer ones seem even cheaper than the generation I owned.

 

[TRDCal]

Still nothing compares to my cobra with a 342 stroker .

:lmao::lol: Are you serious? :rockthrow::bash:

As for Subaru's I have alot of respect for them because of the WRX and would love to own a STI one day. Also my uncle has been driving Legacys for as long as I can remember, and he seems to be satisfied.

 

[Flyer]

I also own a 2006 Forester and my buddy has a 2007 Outback. Both have been reliable but the V8 4R is leagues above due to its V8 and smooth drive. However, the Outback is roomy and does okay with its AWD. You wil prob get 25-27 mpg. I get 26-28 on my Forester. The Outbck also has good clearance so will take you most places, as long as you don't need low gearing. I say- Go for it!

 

[emelianenkov]

:lmao::lol: Are you serious? :rockthrow::bash:

As for Subaru's I have alot of respect for them because of the WRX and would love to own a STI one day. Also my uncle has been driving Legacys for as long as I can remember, and he seems to be satisfied.

Yea I built a factory 5 kit by hand in my garage. Then I was like... I want a 4Runner and I sold my cobra . I miss it so!

 

[4RunnerV8]

Thanks all for the responses - I'd still love to hear from folks who may have made the switch, or are considering it, to an Outback or other Subaru. I wish that Toyota had gone in different direction with the G5 - no size increase, retained V8, kept 4WD system, etc. It seems like they were designing it to be more like a little Hummer than a traditional 4Runner (my opinion ONLY). The current Outbacks seem to have problems with steering wheel shake on some, and a loose rear end - not much else, though as far as problems go.

 

[Flyer]

Look at the Forester as well. It is a bit taller but a bit smaller in length and width. I prefer it to the Outback. It has been very reliable except for some of the new Turbo versions this last go-around (2012?). Anyway, mine has 93,000 miles...zero issues.

 

[4Beast]

First, don't forget that Toyota and Subaru are somewhat the same company now. This has resulted in more of a dilution of the Subaru styling, rather than any effect on Toyota (IMO).

I had two Subarus, an older Outback Sport (Impreza hatchback) and WRX, got may parent an H6 Outback and my sister is on her second Outback sport. I got rid of my last Subaru (WRX) with over 150,000 miles and nothing other than routine maintenance (brakes, oil etc). Even with 225 horse at the wheel (souped up) it was still on the original clutch!? I can't speak for the newest generations of Subarus, but the past ones held their own.

Honestly, even my V8 Runner is a dog compared to my WRX and isn't as much fun in a lot of different ways. I wanted a little more cargo room for camping and bike stuff etc and I got sick of spending money on premium fuel just to waste it sitting in crawling traffic for an hour every morning, with a 5 speed, so i ended up with a 4Runner.

I'd say you will be happy with the Subaru, as it probably does as much as most 4Runner drivers would want, and may be more comfortable. (haven't driven the new ones)

 

[thegreatdivorce]

Before this 4Runner, I had an '06 WRX Wagon, and then an '05 Outback XT (XT = 2.5L turbo + Limited trim ) Loved them both to death. If the Outback hadn't gotten taken out by a drunk driver, I never would've sold it. More power and interior headroom than the 4Runner (I'm only 6'1", and my head always touches the roof of my Runner), and the Subaru AWD system is miles ahead of Toyotas.

If you're hardcore offroading, then the 4Runner is the clear choice, but the Outback is no slouch ... once you gird your loins and take it off road, you realize it's quite capable. I have no reservations about recommending a Subaru to someone.

 

[NJshadow93]

Have you considered a new V6 RAV4? Those things are pretty quick, and the 3rd gen might be the size vehicle you're looking for. Decent MPGs too.

 

[4RunnerV8]

Have you considered a new V6 RAV4? Those things are pretty quick, and the 3rd gen might be the size vehicle you're looking for. Decent MPGs too.

The V6 is really quick, but I looked at it and it just felt a bit dated to me, and from what I've read, the 4WD system on them is no match for the Subaru, or the 4Runner. There is actually more room in the Outback, too. It also seems to be too much of an SUV, and not enough, if that makes any sense.

I'm sure it's a nice vehicle - but I feel like either it's a 4Runner, or Subaru. If I'm in a SUV, it will be a true body on frame 4Runner - if not, I'll not go the Crossover route - the Outback just seems like a more viable alternative if I'm not going to be in a real SUV.

Does that make any sense? Hard to put into words...

 

[NJshadow93]

The V6 is really quick, but I looked at it and it just felt a bit dated to me, and from what I've read, the 4WD system on them is no match for the Subaru, or the 4Runner. There is actually more room in the Outback, too. It also seems to be too much of an SUV, and not enough, if that makes any sense.

I'm sure it's a nice vehicle - but I feel like either it's a 4Runner, or Subaru. If I'm in a SUV, it will be a true body on frame 4Runner - if not, I'll not go the Crossover route - the Outback just seems like a more viable alternative if I'm not going to be in a real SUV.

Does that make any sense? Hard to put into words...

I think I know what you mean, lol. But I read somewhere that the new gen of RAV4 is going to start with the 2013 model and they are going back to it's roots of a sporty compact SUV, as opposed to what it is now in it's latest 3rd generation state.