About the Subaru Outback
R Clarke purchased this Subaru Outback new with additional options for $44,000 (including all on-road costs). R Clarke would buy this car again because: “The Subaru Outback has come a long way since I owned one in the eighties, but this new model, even though it is the budget version lacks no creature comforts with high levels of tech safety and a strong feeling of safety and comfort inside the cabin. We feel safe and secure wrapped inside its metal cocoon, which is very quiet. “
How reliable has your car been? Tell us about any issues.
So far in the past 12 months there have been no issues with the car other than a standard safety recall by the manufacturer to update the Eyesight software.
The stop/start system seems very reliable although it chooses when to operate based on parameters built into the software.
What do you think of the ownership experience with your car?
The ownership experience with this car has been exemplary, much better than any I have had before, which includes Holden, Ford and Kia.
I believe this is because Subaru excels in customer service, not simply just to extract your money from out of your pocket during the sale but are open to courteous exchange over any concerns we may have which we find reassuring as owners.
How has the purchase and aftercare experience been with your car?
The purchase was a bit bumpy during the initial negotiations but that may have been due to a misunderstanding. That was soon sorted out and we came on board again after speaking with the manager who was most courteous.
We opted for a no Bow Tie obligatory photograph, as we felt we were too old for such nonsense and settled for a simple photograph next to our new car.
The aftercare experience has been lacklustre as there had been no contact other than the Eyesight safety update recall and no reminder for the first service.
Also when the vehicle was taken in for the free first check we were not spoken to as refereed to in Subaru’s advertising literature and asked how we were going with the car. Even after the first service had been completed there was no attempt by the company to gauge customers thoughts on how they were receiving the vehicle.
Are you happy with the price and features of your car?
We feel even though new car prices are rather high, the car we purchased is very well priced in the market with amazing amounts of safety tech included in the base model and we felt no need to upgrade to a more expensive model.
Although it must be said that as there was at the time, and even more so today, a shortage of stock, the salesman never even attempted to up sell us as I feel he was just trying to unload his demonstrator of which it was he who approached us to come in and purchase.
What do you think of the performance and economy of your car?
Although I have seen many reviews on our vehicle, some of which state it is underpowered, I cannot agree with this assumption.
Both my wife and myself feel it is more than up to the task of pulling both us the occupants inside and the car itself at speed when demanded by it.
There has not been a situation as yet where we say to ourselves, ‘wow, we could sure could have used some more power there’.
The fuel economy so far is around the manufacturer’s figures, some times lower and some times higher depending on how I drive it. But all in all, I would say it does what is says on the tin.
What do you think of the technology in your car?
The technology in the car is amazing, I especially like the blind spot monitoring when I am reversing. It is very comforting to have warning of an approaching car.
And then there is the lane keep assist steering which almost drives the car by its self. I like to use this on long drives and it helps reduce fatigue.
I often find myself using the adaptive cruise control even just when driving around town as it allows me to just steer while the car keeps up with the traffic and then stops by its self when required. It took some getting used to at first, trusting the system, but now it seems second nature to allow the vehicle to sit quietly with the engine off when stopped and then move off again with the traffic as required.
What do you think of the ride comfort and handling of your car?
The ride and comfort of this vehicle is above acceptable and borders on luxury. The car handles road irregularities with ease, giving an acceptable acknowledgement of any bumps but without any harshness inside the cabin.
The cornering, although very good has to be tempered with the fact it rides higher than most wagons and with this in mind we feel it does a more than acceptable job of going around corners without the obligatory lean.
Do you have any additional comments about your car?
I would like to see the manual adapted to be read on the info screen instead of a huge book to carry around, and some way to adjust the lane centring for Australian conditions as it has a tendency to venture too close to the middle of the road.
Also as this is a car that is meant to take the dirty roads perhaps a secondary seal system inside the doors and tailgate to prevent mud being splashed where clothes will rub on ingress and egress.