Browse over 9,000 car reviews

Should we replace our Holden Commodore with a Subaru Outback?

Holden Holden Advice Holden Commodore Holden Commodore Advice Holden Commodore 2006 Subaru Subaru Advice Subaru Outback Subaru Outback Advice Subaru Outback 2014 Ford Ford Advice Ford Territory Ford Territory Advice Mitsubishi Mitsubishi Advice Mitsubishi Pajero Mitsubishi Pajero Advice Toyota Toyota Advice Toyota Prado Toyota Prado Advice Nissan Nissan Advice Nissan Pathfinder Nissan Pathfinder Advice
...

We have loved our old Holden Commodore V6 executive wagon. It was old (around 2004) but very dependable. It's finally time for a new (used) car. We absolutely love the size of the boot (for camping gear for the whole family) but would like something with a higher ground clearance. We've been looking at the Subaru Outback (2013/14 models) but are feeling a bit daunted by the servicing costs. The all-wheel-drive is appealing for gravel roads. Any advice would be appreciated!

A car with a little extra ground clearance is great for camping as it often allows you to get a little farther away from the masses in their caravans who tend to huddle around the shower block at bush campsites.

The Subaru Outback is a good, solid choice and if you can find an independent workshop to service it, you’ll avoid the cost of dealership prices. And you’re right, the all-wheel-drive would be great for gravel roads. Another vehicle to look at would be a late-model Ford territory diesel which is big and clever inside and has the option of all-wheel-drive. The diesel engine is a plus on the bush where that fuel is more readily available (in really remote areas) and gives you more range for big holidays in the mulga.

Don’t rule out things like the Mitsubishi Pajero, either, which won’t be as around-town friendly, but is a proven quantity and is absolutely tremendous off-road. The same goes for a Toyota Prado or Nissan Pathfinder prior to the current model (which is a bit less hard-core adventure).

Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.

Comments

Have a new question for the CarsGuide team?
More than 9,000 questions asked and answered.
Complete guide to Holden Commodore 2006
Complete guide to Holden Commodore 2006 CarsGuide Logo
Reviews, price, specs and more