Subaru Outback as bowhunting SUV
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I think it will make a great bow hunting vehicle. I've never owned an Outback, but Subies have a pretty good reputation. I refuse to pay the ridiculous prices for a new truck or full size suv. I have a compact suv and a small trailer for behind it. Does everything I need it to. I hunt several states per year and get by just fine. Good luck in your search!
I love my 97 Subaru. Dirt roads and mild fire roads are fine. The Subaru does not have the ground clearance or low enough gear for steap nonmaintained mountain two tracks.
I take the Chevy S-10 and Dodge Durango places I could never take the Subaru, and all are stock vehicles.
2008 4 cyl. gets 33 mpg under ideal conditions, 27-28 mpg is more typical. Will go most anywhere with the right tires. Will not pull much of a load. Zero problems so far, VERY dependable. My only complaint is noise from wind, rain and road. The ride is a little rough too, it's not a luxury car or big truck ride. The newer ones are bigger and ride better. A friend owns a 2016 and absolutly loves it.
I just bought my wife a 2016. She loves it. Great reviews on Consumer Reports. Ed F
Depends on where you want to go, what you want to carry and/or pull behind.
In the CO or WY mountains it's not very practical for a big game hunting vehicle. In the midwest or east, probably fine.
If you do get one, don't forget the Bernie and Coexist bumper stickers. I believe they are a requirement.
Is it time to resurrect the Lezbaru thread?
They're a great vehicle. Reliable, safe, and will get you most places you want to go when hunting.
Most places, but not all places.
In the rock-paper-scissors game of life, mud beats car.
This truck was purchased with a specific forest service road in mind.
It's 2016, it's ok to just come on out of the closet man!
I run my Subie 90% of the time during the hunting season (31 MPG is nice) . I have a game sled that I use to transport my deer in and it fits nicely in the back with the rear seats down. In snow up to 6-8 inches I have no problem. The biggest issue is when there is mud. I also have no problem pulling a 5x10 trailer with my ATV on it.
I put 55000 miles, hit 22 states and 2 countries with this one in 2 years. 2 inch lift, 215/70/16 Grabber AT2 tires, it worked very well.
i ran a lwzbaru for awhile i drove the forester for 75000 miles and the engine blew... DO your research.. they have been having engine issues..
I bought a 99 Grand Cherokee in 2012. It had 47,000 miles. $9000 cash, and since then, I've got under $500 in it for unscheduled repairs. Things like tires and brakes, wear items, don't count.
I'll suggest a used real 4x4 with low miles might be a better choice. New car prices are ridiculous nowadays.
I'm on my 3rd right now. I put well over 200K on my other two without any issues. If I could find it, I have photos of 4 deer stacked like cordwood on top of my Subie. I even had people stop me to take photos. It's an all around great car, safe, good mileage, AWD, roomy. Put a hitch hauler on it and you can really haul a lot.
Lesbarus!!!
That's the state vehicle of Colorado...
Gene, Can you post a pic of your the rear gate that you made. Is the gate and lift doable on the newer models? Probably a stupid question. What year is yours?
In the world of used economical SUV hunting trucks with purpose... Hard to beat the Honda Ridgeline. I had mine for 215,000 very trouble free miles. The large and secure watertight compartment under the truck bed is fantastic!
Buy used, diesel runs for long time. I have my truck for the last 6 years and no issue except for maintenance that is due but other than that, it will run for long time, especially 7.3's I just fixed her up last year, with Superliner spray line on body. No more redneck striping! lol
Diesel can run up to million miles, which I've seen some owners achieve that, most of time over 500-800k miles. I have 246k miles on mine and still run strong.
Im a used ToyotaTacoma man, I start searching months before its time to buy and I can usually find a great deal on a low mileage one. Just curious- I was told awd is not true 4wd. Is this true?
Im a used ToyotaTacoma man, I start searching months before its time to buy and I can usually find a great deal on a low mileage one. Just curious- I was told awd is not true 4wd. Is this true?
AWD is a full time 4wd with no low range. NFG for hunting, at least where I hunt.
Eight years ago I bought a 2001 Toyota 4runner 4wd for my kids to drive while they are in HS. So far 3 have used it and my last kid is a senior and this is his last year to drive it. Once he graduates it becomes mine and I am fixing it up for hunting. Right now it only has 143K miles and runs perfect. Gas mileage sucks. It is a 6 cyl auto and gets 15-16 mpg.
In AZ a subaru just would not work. Way too many big rocky roads and ground clearance is a necessity. My best friend has a Forester and he loves it but never takes it off a maintained dirt rd. I'm embarrassed to ride it. Just not for me I suppose.
Many years ago I had a VW 411 Station wagon. Basically a large version of their regular bug wagon.
It had the rear engine, enough room for 2 of us to sleep in the back. With the rear engine, it would go through things you would not believe. Pushed snow with the front bumper more than once.
While the Outback may not go where a hi-lifted pickup will, it will serve you well. Look at where you go and when. You aren't going to get everything on a limited budget, but it isn't a bad choice.
Out west most of the areas on federal lands don't allow you to off-road anyway. It's very rare that I even need 4-wd. Your only issue will be ground clearance.
What is it's clearance? What is an F-150,s?
Outback ground clearance 8.7"
F-150 ground clearance 8.8"
Since we had the skid steer out improving the roads on our lease I have been thinking of using a SUV vs. my quad to get to stand,
I am looking at several jeep brands for this I am looking at getting a Jeep Cherokee (square front end straight axels, Jeep Liberty, or a jeep grand Cherokee. if I go with the Liberty then I will need to look for a Trail Rated version. I can easily lift any of the three 3 inches for less than 450.00
All older models of course but I can them with less than 150,000 miles for under 4000.00 that is a lot cheaper than any new side by side. The last year they made the square Cherokee with the 4.0 engine was in 2001.
I like the idea that the SUV will be much more quiet than an ATV or SxS. Plus I can keep dry if its raining out and keep gear dry all the time.
If its super muddy or snowy then I still have my atv I CAN USE.
If any Bowsiters have a good clean Cherokee with the 4.0 motor and want to sell it please let me know.
It's not totally the same, but I drove a Subaru forester from maybe 02 - 10. Thing was great. Good mileage, could get it into areas that surprised folks with 4wd trucks and, the added benefit was that people would see a Subaru and think "Audobon/brid watcher/hiker" and not "hunter". It was like I had a spy car. Park almost anyplace and never had issues with folks who didnt like hunters.
That pic above with the elk antlers on top is awesome!
I got a Tacoma in 2010 and it's been good to me, but I have to admit, the Sub did most everything great for me.
Only "glitch" was that you really had to "line" the back with a tarp and I used body bag's to keep tick's from dropping off deer when I loaded them into the back. Worked fine.
SilentAssassin, we use all Ford diesels at work and we just had a 2012 with 130,000 on it crap the bed. Engine rebuild for it $7000. We bring in Fords all the time for engine work. They will not go a million miles.
Consumer reports says they are one of the most dependable on the road.
Next in line is Toyota.
Other than the 7.3L the Ford diesels suck! Buy a Chevy or Dodge, they will go 2-300k pretty easy if you take care of them. The last ford I owned went through three motors in 2 years! Total POS!
The Subaru appears to do very well, but I would prefer a full size SUV with real 4wd. Just my opinions... you could also look at the Jeep Commanders. I had one that was awesome off road, but kinda crappy mileage:/
Scar.
Smart car, then you can sneak right up to them... Hahaha
Good deals on full sized Chevy Blazers would be something to look at too. They can get you pretty much anywhere
Ned,
Here is about the only pic that I have. Most were on my old phone that locked up and I have sold the suby. Mine was a 2003. The tire carrier swings out and the hatch goes up like normal. I'm sure a similar setup could be built for any year. I removed everything that didn't need to be there and started building from there.
Thanks, I have always admired that setup
Don't forget to put a Coexcist sticker and a bunch of other left wing ones. Aside from that they are a good vehicle. Ground clearance could be an issue depending where you went. I took an 84 ford escort elk hunting one year.
Take a look at this to get a feel for the pros and cons.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Mq6FPFpDkWE
funny u do realize this company is so against hunting and gun !!!buying a Subaru undermines our rights and passion!!! u guys cant have it both remember that . Driving one is like a man wearing sandals :<
I've owned 5 subaru's in my life. From the little 3 bangers, up through the Legacy wagons, up through the Legacy Outbacks. From 95 through 2006. All were decent cars except the last one. NONE of mine EVER got the mileage everyone else claims. My 2006 Outback was good for 25 on average Even in flat ground it got no better.
The 2006 was bought used with 57,000 miles on it. $8000 cash in 2012. By the time I traded it in last year, it had 175,000 miles on it. I had put two rear ends, two transmissions, changed the wiper motor twice, rebuilt the front end twice with OEM parts, and basically swore off anything Subaru. It was jinxed with the disease of two'fers. I hated and still do hate that dang car. The day I traded it in I basically pushed it on the lot. Got a Ford Fusion and do not regret it for one second. A much better designed, more comfortable, much more dependable, much more powerful, much more economical car that goes just as well backwards pushing snow as any Subie.
I will say this about them. On light covered slushy roads, the older Subies would smoke any 4 wheel drive truck alive concerning the speed you could go and still be safe. They were very stable until the wheels got so wide for the weight of the vehicle. My older ones I would pass everything on the interstare when it was snow covered with ZERO trouble. Stable as all get out because they cut through the junk with those narrow tires.
One other thing is for sure, they were all great in any snow when going backwards. AWD or not. When we'd get 18-20 inches, my truck would struggle coming up out of my driveway. My work truck was toast. But, I'd shovel out the driveway enough to get the Subies turned around and push 200 yards of snow blowing up and over the rear hatch. That's the trick to going in deep snow in any modern AW or front rear drive car. My neighbors would wait on mr to "plow" the road.
Anyways, they are a animal rights loving group that over all makes junk as far as I'm concerned. My mother has a 2015 model that has been back 5 times over motor and transmission issues. I'll never buy another one. And don't miss those at all. I've owned much better cars in the past and currently, than any of the Subaru's I have owned. All but one said Ford. God Bless
be mindful of the head gasket issues but don't let it frighten you away if you can turn a wretch, otherwise expect to pay $1500-$2500 more or less. you'll get a better bang for your buck if you can do it yourself. Less than $900 including water pump and timing belt/components, plugs. I get heads milled just under $100 for both if needed, thats included in the 9 hundred. The job is so simple due to the engine configuration and you don't have to be a mountain goat to climb in a out of the engine compartment like a lifted ride. I've performed two and expect I'll do more since I keep buying and driving them. Easily go 300K, with maintenance, their not rock crawlers. I've read subaru engineers finally got the head gasket issue resolved starting 2010
After market skid plates, winches, tire chains, hell yes it will do mud, sometimes. Which you'll never get it total cleaned out so why do it?
Rated to tow 2000lbs? put a cooler on it or kill the transmission towing anything but that goes for any vehicle according to me
Nice tire swing,huntinelk
Tater john is right about working on them. They are the easiest car on the road to work on. As far as I can tell, they expect you to be working on them frequently so they design them for dumb wrench monkey's like me. I still hate 'em. :^)
God Bless men
WV your experience with the 2006 is not the norm. My 89 had 4WD Hi or Low, got 35 MPG or better. It had 239,000+ and was running strong when I sold it. My 97 only gets 25 MPG, but I have had no issues, and it is on the original clutch, going strong at over 250,000 miles. Routine maintenance only. Great cars, but their abilities as an off road mountain vehicle is very limited.
The Outback is a good vehicle, but given the chance, I'd try to talk you into buying a Tacoma (4x4 with a shell/topper even better).
I make a lot of money working on subarus. Blown head gaskets are pretty sweet if you're a mechanic ;)
I don't really use that as a reason to be against them though. The high number of Subaru jobs is mostly because everyone and their brother owns one where I live. I do see a good amount of melted engines from people ignoring their head gasket. Good little flip if you can buy it and throw a refurbished in it.
I personally wouldn't buy a Subaru except to sell it.. Maybe if the price was right for a wrx I'd do it for a junker rally car. Wouldn't be my hunting vehicle though.
PECO, I've owned 5 total. That being the last one. None got the mileage. I'm also sure since my pop was the lead mechanic at a Subaru dealership in his day, on top on my own experience, that I can and will say that they aren't the mystic, run forever, go any where, do anything vehicle the stigma makes them out to be. They are just another vehicle that has a following. Nothing more. If you like them that is fine. I don't. God Bless
My family has owned several Subaru cars over the years...the last one my wife was given by her Dad was a one owner 2006 Subaru Baja......I spent almost 2k for the head gasket thing.....I like driving it but I don't like the ground clearance and not having the low 4WD when you need to creep around or crawl up a steep hill is a negative...
I second what a couple others have said...I bought a used 94' Toyota truck with the 22re motor that I wanted and the cheap topper. I throw my stuff in the back with a rolled up futon mattress and stop wherever I'm hunting for the day and take out my camping equipment and coolers in 5-10 minutes and unroll the futon mattress and voila, a comfy full size bed. I wasn't impressed initially with the gutless 4 cylinder motor but in 4wd low it's a different story....and ground clearance out of this world.....did some fix up but I bought it for 2500.00
"Diesel can run up to million miles, which I've seen some owners achieve that, most of time over 500-800k miles. I have 246k miles on mine and still run strong."
When you hear people talk about a million mile motor, they are talking about a Cummins. Not Ford or Chevy's motors. However in most pickups these days the motor is the least of the concern. To get a million miles out of a motor, you most likely will need to put it in 4 trucks.
kellyharris's Link
LOL I don't see many Subarus doing this especially stock.
When I find the right Cherokee I will put a minimum of a 3inch lift kit on it unless I find one already lifted.
I am lifting Michele's 4dr. Wrangler in a few weeks. She asked How high are you going to lift it? Remember I am only 4'11" I said my goal is to have you use a step ladder to get inside!
I get a cheap Toyota truck or Four Runner to hunt with and better car for the rest of the time. Cheap trucks pay for themselves in more hunting trips!
Believe it or not but the JEEP Compass in 4WD makes a great hunting vehicle and it can be had for 10 grand less then the Outback. Also a lot more room in it. Shawn
My little rav4 does it all for me here in the Midwest to include dragging the house around behind me. Have to laugh at all the license plates from the east during the rut on all the jacked up bubba trucks. They spend a fortune in fuel to come drive down a gravel road in November.
Scrappy, you got that right. I get 32 mpg. out of my jeep. I do worry about the roads in Kansas but I made a few friends and can call them if I get stuck. Shawn
Yup I learned real quick what a level B road was here in iowa. I get 28 out of the Toyota without the trailer.
I'm on my 5th Subaru. The current Forrester I have has a switch to make it real 4wd, not just AWD. I'm loving it. No, it's not a truck and there are places I wouldn't take it, but it sure works for me. That and the 27-32 mpg is real nice to live with.
TMBB
Wife bought an Outback yesterday. I have a 93 one ton chevy, 97 F-150 and one of the new Dodge 1/2 tons with the diesel.
All have great uses and I know there are times when I will take the Outback deer and elk hunting.
The common line here seems to be that people who can do their own mechanical work like other vehicles. I get that. If you can fix about anything, then the other vehicles poor record isn't a big deal.
True unlimited choice four wheeling isn't an option for most hunters out west anymore. In Montana you are forbidden to drive on state lands in hunting season.
In the Breaks road access in the block management areas is extremely limited. BLM only allows you on certain roads.
Violate and other hunters will turn you in.
One thing I'll note - the tires make a huge difference. An all terrain or off road tire will get you through a lot of stuff that street tires wont in a Subaru.
Kelly, I've gone over stuff nastier than that multiple times in the Subaru, although I eventually did tear the $#!+ out of the undercarriage after a few years of doing it.