At $8,000, Is This 2005 Subaru Outback The Wagon To Need?

Why spend nicely into six figures on an Audi RS6 Avant when at present’s Good Worth or No Cube Subaru packs comparable house, a turbo motor, plus a uncommon five-speed stick? Let’s determine what this desirably-kitted wagon would possibly simply be value.

There’s a sure age — amorphous and indefinable — when the issues we use makes a magical metamorphosis from being merely outdated into turning into “basic.” Few of us can pinpoint that actual second when such a change occurs, however, admit it, everyone knows the distinction once we see it.

We noticed that in yesterday’s 1974 Lotus Elite 501. At simply shy of fifty years of age, the British coupe definitely qualifies as a basic primarily based simply on the years alone. That, together with a laudably sturdy presentation and no main points famous by its vendor, went a good distance in assist of its $12,500 asking value. Reality be informed, that’s fairly low-cost in terms of any basic automotive, and within the case of our Elite, value a strong 56 p.c Good Worth win.

As we mentioned yesterday, the Elite was Lotus’ try at a extra grown-up, and sensible sports activities automotive. After all, a automotive can solely be so sensible earlier than all of the enjoyable will get leached out of it. With its turbocharged 2.5-liter motor and five-speed stick, at present’s 2005 Subaru Outback XT Limited wagon has fortuitously stored that steadiness intact.

The truth that Subaru provided each the 168 horsepower turbocharged mill and handbook transmission in its AWD wagon is a testomony to the corporate’s need to remain quirky and provides its loyal fanbase all of the extra motive to stay round. In reality, if you wish to go turbo 4/handbook gearbox/awd, your choices over the course of the previous couple of many years have been sorely restricted. Audi and Subaru have been the format’s major flag-wavers, and of the 2 marques, Subaru has the higher fame for reliability and longevity.

This Outback rides excessive however hails from an period earlier than Subaru festooned the mannequin with bumpy plastic trim to present it faux-macho cred. As a substitute, now we have a wagon with easy strains, tarted up solely by a big, practical, scoop on the hood and a few nice-looking manufacturing facility alloys that supply the automotive’s solely main brightwork.

There are 165,194 miles on this Outback’s clock, and the bodywork and paint present some put on for these miles and the automotive’s nearly two-decade life. The nostril has some dings and the headlamps are beginning to cloud. Overall, nonetheless, it appears to be like completely serviceable. An excellent detailing would most likely deliver some life again to the paint and clear up these headlamp lenses. On the plus facet, the Continental tires the automotive wears have just a bit greater than a thousand miles beneath them.

It’s a lot the identical story within the cabin. This being a Restricted mannequin, it’s seats, wheel and shift knob are all upholstered in leather-based and there are options loads of bells and whistles to go together with that. The automotive’s age is apparent within the lack of any form of in- or above-dash display screen, and… nicely, the truth that it has a handbook transmission.

The vendor doesn’t give us a lot in the best way of mechanical specs and situation however does present us the engine bay which appears to be like clear and, extra importantly, unmolested. There’s no chilly air consumption or different wacky aftermarket mods right here. The one potential concern is that, within the advert, the vendor describes the automotive’s situation solely as “good.” That feels a bit like one thing probably dangerous has been left intimated however undisclosed. Perhaps it’s simply my Spidey Sense being a little bit extra suspicious than most, however with Subaru’s fame for infrequent engine grenades, it’s warranted.

What we do know is that the AC and heater each do their respective jobs and that the vendor is up for take a look at drives with potential patrons. The presence of a clear title and present tags ought to put these prospects comfy, as nicely. Anybody all for pulling the set off after such a take a look at drive ought to deliver alongside $8,000 as that’s the automotive’s asking value.

What’s your tackle this Outback and that $8,000 asking? Does that appear honest for the automotive because it’s described within the advert? Or, is that value a hill that not even this Subaru’s AWD can climb?

You determine!

Los Angeles, California, Craigslist, or go here if the advert disappears.

H/T to Paul Garcia for the hookup!

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