2016 Subaru Forester or 2016 Subaru Outback?

JackOfNoTrade on 20/03/2016 - 10:08
Last edited 25/03/2016 - 23:05

Hi Everyone!

Which one of the two do you think is the better buy? 2016 Subaru Forester or 2016 Subaru Outback? They've got a 5 year warranty deal going on right now, so I'm thinking about pouncing on one of these.

Also, if current owners can share what the best price was that they got on one of these, would appreciate it.

Main purpose is to pass on the car to the wife, with a baby coming along in a few months or so. Was wondering if this car will suffice for prams, cargo space and also for situations, where getting the baby in and out of the car seat won't be as much of a hassle on the back as it is with a sedan.

Thanks in advance for your opinions.

UPDATE:

Thanks again to everyone who responded. Seems like the Outback is the clear winner!! :-)

Automotive Subaru

Comments

  • oscargamer on 20/03/2016 - 10:53
    +1

    If you are already choosing between these two, then it's just on looks isn't it? and that's a very personal decision.

    I prefer the Outback.

    You should be able to get between 6-9% off RRP (after you get free mats and tints)

  • eatwell365 on 20/03/2016 - 12:42

    I looked at it too. Outback.
    Car Sales said outback was more expensive but dropped $10k from previous year due to signing off trade agreement between Australia and Japan. Less in forester. Told outback is the newer model so will last few more years before changing shape,
    Bear in mind, car salesman may BS to me.

  • captobvious on 20/03/2016 - 12:43
    +1

    Outback is slightly larger, more trunk space than a forester considering you are doing the family thing. Ride comfort is better too in my opinion. Forester has higher head space but that is about all.

    Also recommend the Subaru Diesel if you can spend the extra cash,very good economy, quiet and fast for a diesel.

  • Bargainkappa on 20/03/2016 - 12:54
    +1

    I have a forester 2014 model bought new at time. Would have loved to get the outback at the time, but it was a 10k difference. Outback has a bigger cargo bay.

    Forester is fine, but once you put pram, nappy bag and a couple other things in, not much room for much more. Outback appeared bigger.

  • Vieira4 on 20/03/2016 - 12:58
    +1

    Rear air vents in the Outback are not in the forester. Better for kids in the back when it is hot.

  • Hiroko on 20/03/2016 - 18:00
    +1

    theres a new facelifted MY17 forester coming very soon.
    there was one that came through the docks last week, possibly for road testing.
    the new front end looks a lot nicer.

  • mrtin on 20/03/2016 - 18:49
    +1

    Bought outback 2.5l std last june 15. Just over 36k. Melbourne.
    We just had baby. Huge space.

  • JackOfNoTrade on 25/03/2016 - 23:08

    Thanks everyone for your responses! It really helped me to narrow down my choices. :-) I was also considering Hyundai Tuscon, but am leaning more towards the Subaru Outback 2.5i premium. The only thing that bothers me about the car is the 6 month service frequency and the fact that Subaru charges $299 for each service! OUCH!

    • lepenseur on 31/03/2016 - 01:39
      +1

      We have Subaru and Toyota.
      Subaru service: 6 months or 12,500 Km http://www.subaru.com.au/service/schedule
      Toyota service: 9 months or 15,000 Km
      … and Subaru services are more expensive than Toyota services.
      Note in the above web page that the BRZ, which is shared between Subaru and Toyota, has Toyota-style service intervals. Subaru can do it if they want to.
      And why do the Liberty and Outback need an extra service at 5,000Km / 3 months that the other models don't need, not even the WRX which is the most highly-stressed ?

      New Impreza had to have 6-month first service which cost $300 and was barely more than performing checks and minor fluid changes.

      Subaru seem to be behind the modern standards here. We cannot see the justification for the more frequent services.
      There might be some minor reason for service costs to be higher given the all-wheel drive, but …

      Another difference: with Toyota you can exercise discretion as to when to delay a service.
      With Subaru, you cannot. The service centre emails, sends postal mail, and telephones in an aggressive manner, threatening (in writing) breach of warranty. In our case the Subaru does few Km, longish trips only, and forcing us to pay for service every 6 months is unjustified, but they don't stop.

      Subaru is highly profitable, they discount sales less than other motor vehicle operations, they spend less on marketing, and they charge more.
      I think it is pure profit, and not justified. It significantly increases cost of ownership.

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