I am planning on getting a new (new-to-me) car sometime soon. Probably next Spring if I can hold out. I want a used Subaru Outback. Definitely want the H6 engine, and leather, dont really care about whether it is the LLBean edition or if it has VDC. When I first saw the 2005 Outbacks, I didnt like them as much as the 2004, but now I saw one in person and changed my mind. But besides personal preferance (appearance) is there any reason to get a 2005 over the 2004?
Thanks.
It really is personal preference. The 04 models you are wanting have OnStar, which is a nice safety feature, though there is an annual charge if you want to keep it activated. They are also a mature platform, IOW, all of the bugs have been worked out. There was only one minor recall on the '04 (cruise control cable clip). The '05 does not have OnStar, but does have side curtain ("head") airbags (the '04 only has side "body" airbags). The '05 has about 1" more ground clearance but a _lower_ center of gravity (lower = better). The '05 is a new platform (the general wisdom is never buy a first model year car), and will cost more. If you really like the '05 more, wait for the '06.
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