[ventouxbob]

I currently have a 2009 E90 328 xi with 62,000 miles.

I was thinking about a larger car for hauling bikes and my kids.

I found a 2014 Subaru Outback with 67,000 miles for 13,800 its a good price but I have not driven it yet.

any thoughts?

thanks

Bob Illy

[ctuna]

Is the 328xi a wagon?
I went for a used e91 325xi as it wallowed less and was lower.
And it is a 6speed. I don't like the vagueness of auto transmissions
or the Subaru CVT transmisson but it's popular car.

Your right much more room in an Outback.

[hassmaschine]

if you are talking about an E91 - I've had both (wagons), I would never buy another Subaru again. It's like driving a refrigerator on wheels, powered by a tractor engine. Ugh. And it was even a 5mt, which is probably the only thing that made it livable - I couldn't imagine being stuck with an AT or a CVT.

If it's not an E91, then well, they are very different cars. The E91 is a little smaller but with the fold down seats and a roof rack there was plenty of room to haul shit (lumber etc). I never once missed the Subaru.

[avocet]

Yes they are an appliance. But, like appliances, are very useful and practical. If you are willing to give up an engaging drive then you will love it.

One caveat is the oil burning issue. Not sure what years exactly, but I would research it before buying.

[OTO335i]

I'm in the same boat lol I was trying to sell my E90 335 to get into an outback. You can get them in a 6 speed manual transmission. They are so practical and they have way more room plus the ground clearance is sweet.

I haven't been able to sell the 335 over the summer and I haven't found anyone to trade with so I guess I'll stick with the 335 for the winter.

[hassmaschine]

Originally Posted by avocet

Yes they are an appliance. But, like appliances, are very useful and practical. If you are willing to give up an engaging drive then you will love it.

One caveat is the oil burning issue. Not sure what years exactly, but I would research it before buying.

I'd rather have an E91 all day long. Or stab myself in the eye.

[delmarco]

I was thinking this was a race story from the title of the thread.

Subaru's are good family/gear/pet haulers.

[ventouxbob]

no my Bmw is a sedan.

[bushwa]

Here's an option. Hitch and wiring was less than 200. Can mount a bike rack on the hitch too.

[hassmaschine]

Originally Posted by delmarco

Subaru's are good family/gear/parts cars.

FTFY.

[e90yyc]

Originally Posted by bushwa

Here's an option. Hitch and wiring was less than 200. Can mount a bike rack on the hitch too.

The wife and kids would fit in there nicely!

Plenty of room for the bikes in the back seat

[bushwa]

Originally Posted by e90yyc

The wife and kids would fit in there nicely!

Plenty of room for the bikes in the back seat

Now that's a good idea. Kids have a tendency acy to make a terrible mess in the car lol.

[nsjames]

I own an e91
my inlaws own a 2014 outback.

the outback is larger, slower and far less fun to drive. I find the seats terrible. It does require less maintenance, but that's only because it has about 20K miles on it. They drive very little (03 silverado has only 35K) The only issue their outback has had was the need for a new harness, but that was rodent damage, because it literally sat for months in the barn.

if you're looking for a practical appliance, the outback is that.
If you're looking for a fun engaging car, keep your BMW.

[hassmaschine]

oh yeah, I forgot about the seats. Driving more than about 50 miles was nearly unbearable.

I found the E91 to be just as practical and honestly, it was more reliable. The Subaru never stranded us, but it definitely had issues. And the mileage was really poor for how damn slow it was..

[AllBlackBimmer]

subaru's are good cars... pretty reliable. They have their issues though, many of their engines suffer from inevitable head gasket issues, but a solid 'everyday', practical and economical vehicle. AWD is nice if you live in snowy climates. Wont be nearly as refined as a BMW, but the subaru is also much newer... it is really up to your needs.

[ventouxbob]

Originally Posted by bushwa

Here's an option. Hitch and wiring was less than 200. Can mount a bike rack on the hitch too.

I have a 1 1/4 inch hitch for my bike rack I guess if I really need more space I can get a roof box.

I think I'll keep the BMW.

thanks.

[mecheng77]

Does anybody have pics with their BMW with a hitch, I'm thinking of getting one.

[ventouxbob]

I decided to test the outback and see for my self. I did not like it At all as many of you predicted.

my 328 is faster, more maneuverable, better looking, nicer interior, quieter, better stereo and since I have X drive and winter tires no worries in the snow.

and does not require a timing belt replacement.

Also the BMW comes factory equiped with a pussy magnet.

The outback only attracts lesbians and soccer moms. LOL

[K9Leader]

I've driven Subarus for a number of years - 2000 Outback as my daily 2003 - 2010 and 2003 Baja from 2010 - 2016. Now daily a 2010 E91 (still have the Baja as a utility/hauling/winter beater). My only real complaint about the Subies was the lack of power. Might have improved that situation with a turbo or the H-6 engine. The E91 is great, more power, better handling, more refined - a better driving machine. But the Subarus have the advantage for utility, kid and dog hauling, more ground clearance for camping/mountain biking/snow. Had I gone with a Subaru this go around instead of the E91, though, I would have gone for an H-6.

K9Leader

[TrickieRD]

God, I spent a year looking for my E91 just because I refused to buy a Subaru - they feel just terrible to drive. I test drove a manual Forester I really thought the shifter was going to break.

The E91 is a little small for all my camping stuff, but man it's so much nicer to drive. Put a trailer hitch on and get a basket -

[e9221228]

Originally Posted by TrickieRD

God, I spent a year looking for my E91 just because I refused to buy a Subaru - they feel just terrible to drive. I test drove a manual Forester I really thought the shifter was going to break.

The E91 is a little small for all my camping stuff, but man it's so much nicer to drive. Put a trailer hitch on and get a basket -

There's truly no comparison. Apples & oranges. That said, I've had Outbacks for several years alongside my 3-series coupes. They're fantastic in the snow. Haven't driven any of my Bimmers in the rain or snow for years. The dogs and bikes go in/on the Outback. If you're seriously considering one, try driving one that's got all the bells & whistles with the H6 engine that's a couple years older. I usually buy mine with about 40K miles and love 'em.

[hassmaschine]

Personally, i found subarus to be disappointing in the snow compared to my E30 325ix - too heavy, vauge steering, poor weight distribution. I wanted to believe the hype, but just - meh.