04-06 vs 07+

[gubbo]

Hey all,
New here but am looking at getting a liberty 3.0r-B in the next few weeks.
Have a baby on the way so need something a bit bigger than my current ride and these seem perfect.

I'm considering an 06 manual wagon which i have taken for a drive and is in great condition but am wondering if potentially waiting for an 07+ model
to come around. I know that these generally tend to be more expensive by about 4-6K more but is it actually worth it?

As far as differences are concerned, i understand that there is the idrive, ipod aux in, slightly different bumpers and something different with the instrument cluster but what else is there?
Are the 04-06 models HID already? they look like they have projectors but haven't found anything that says whether they are or not?
Is the difference in sound systems noticable? worth the upgrade?

thanks!

[AWDDave]

:The list of differences are (I've owned both) - the 07+ include

- Revised front and rear bar
- Revised front and rear lights
- HID lights
- Aux input on McIntosh Stereo
- Paddle shift for automatics
- SI Drive
- Revised dashboard (more information on screen)
- Revised centre console - is one piece rather than two pieces
- Extra centre speaker on the dashboard
- More buttons on the steering wheel (to control the dash screen)
- Revised wheels

Dave

[Loose1]

Here we go ....HOLD ON

[Ric]

There's one "gotcha" to watch out for on manual 3.0R models from before 07, excessive oil consumption.
Some have it, and some don't.
All boxers are designed to use "some" oil between services (unlike my previous car, which NEVER needed topping up between services).
Subaru say the anything less than one litre per 2,000 km travelled is acceptable.
You have 5.5 litres of oil, so you could run dry in 12,500 km, and still be under the limit.
The pistons and rings in the H6 engine were revised from 07 onwards to reduce this.
It could be an idea to ask the current owner how often it needs topping up.

Note: the varition probably comes down to how the engine was run in, and the driving stye of the current owner. The oil seems to be sucked around the rings under engine braking, which is why it doesn't seem so severe in autos.

[teK--]

1.0L per 2,000Kms!

I used to have to deal with owners spitting chips when their Chevy LS1 engines used 2.5L per 10,000Kms! (Which was Holden's acceptable spec btw).

[Ric]

Mine was over the limit, so a short engine swap was done under warranty after I'd done 29,000km, so I have a MY06 with an M07 block, pistons and rings.
It still needs top-ups between services, but not as bad as before.

You can see the engine change in progress here: viewtopic.php?f=11&t=694

[gubbo]

thanks for that guys.
The car in question did have this excessive oil consumption problem but the short block was replaced by subaru docklands and since then there has been no problem.

I guess what i'm trying to figure out is whether or not an 07+ is worth the premium or is it just a newer car with a few extra functions/bits that don't really add to the overall value. From what i've seen, i'm quite happy with an 06 model, but as I haven't driven an 07, don't know potentially what I might be missing out on.

AWDdave - did you choose to upgrade to the 07 from a 04-06 for any particular reason? Was it a lease car and you couldn't find a better car in your price range and so stuck with what you liked albeit newer?

[AWDDave]

Gubbo - I had my heart set on a Euro car... however, when the Spec B came up, it was too good of an offer to refuse (was getting post-facelift for pre-facelift price...). So really, there was no particular reason... just the opportunity came up.

thanks for that guys.
The car in question did have this excessive oil consumption problem but the short block was replaced by subaru docklands and since then there has been no problem.

I guess what i'm trying to figure out is whether or not an 07+ is worth the premium or is it just a newer car with a few extra functions/bits that don't really add to the overall value. From what i've seen, i'm quite happy with an 06 model, but as I haven't driven an 07, don't know potentially what I might be missing out on.

AWDdave - did you choose to upgrade to the 07 from a 04-06 for any particular reason? Was it a lease car and you couldn't find a better car in your price range and so stuck with what you liked albeit newer?

[Woodduck]

Arnt the seats in the 07+ alot less comfortable? Thats what iv heard mutliple times anyway haha. Drive wise, id say they are very similar cars, almost identicle. It would be cosmetics and features that you would be paying the extra for. Its all up to you if its worth it or not mate. Either way you wont be disapointed!!!

[smythie]

yes, the seats in the facelift cars do not have as much bolstering as the pre-facelift cars.

[gubbo]

Thanks for that everyone.

I made my decision on the weekend and ended up going with a black MY06 3.0r-b wagon
Will be getting hold of it tomorrow and I can't wait! Trying to hook up a few mods for it
during the week so hopefully should have a few bits and bobs next week to put on the car.

[smythie]

well done. Enjoy

[AWDDave]

well done Gubbo... you won't be disappointed. My ex-boss drives an '06 3.0R-B sedan/manual, and he loves it. I took it for a spin and absolutely fell in love with the suspension setup.

However, my first suggestion: get a V-tune...!!!!
Second suggestion: enjoy!

Yes, the pre-facelift GT and R-B had more bolster, but was quiet hard.
post-facelift GT-B and R-B had less bolster and are flatter, but has more grippy leather (if that makes sense!!)