Subaru Legacy/Outback

ateixeira · May 2002

Heather: congrats all the way, sorry if I didn't say that already!

Just from personal experience, I've heard more complaints of clutch chatter or weak clutches than I have about any problems with the automatics. Then again, maybe I'm hanging around in the Mods topic too much with auto crossers that drive 5 speeds.

BTW, I put my wife in a Bean, and she's just not into luxury right now. Weird 'cause she was last time we car shopped. She wants to try an L 5 speed. She also liked the CR-V better than the Highlander, go figure. I felt the opposite way.

We didn't have time to test drive the Subies - it was 10pm! But we'll try them Friday.

A 6 speed manual H6 combo would be a no-brainer. We'd get that all the way. Maybe in a GT.

-juice

rob999 · May 2002

Wouldn't a 6 speed be the cat's meow?! A lower 1st gear to address the clutch chatter issue with some, and a taller 6th gear for high speed highway cruising. It would be a dream.

kens · May 2002

Well, there is the STi 6-speed manual for the WRX. All Subaru needs to do is put a flywheel on the H6 and it'll be ready to go!

I'm not sure how a shorter 1st gear would help with the chatter. I think it actually might make it worse since you'd be pumping even more torque at the pressure plate.

Ken

heatherbean · May 2002

I have been a bit sad (to say the least) since we traded in my 99 Outback Sport 4 weeks ago for a L.L. Bean. Because of the automatic, because it is "our" car wheras the Impreza was all mine. Other then that I love it! Getting the spoiler on the blue manual now... I got her Michelin tires this week for both cars and a K & N filter. The manual is great (named her Great Blue) but still not fun like the Impreza was.

Yes my dream car is the H6 in a Titanium Pearl MANUAL GT wagon. I love SilverStone but the metallics on Subarus chip something aweful! Our 1996 L was wintergreen and after 3 years she looked like she had the worse case of ache ever! All the pearl really last great. If that car comes out, or should I say when, I would be able to stop myself from trading in the Bean. I think 2004 models(just 14 month's away)will have that engine! I bet ya!!

I wish I could overcome my Impreza heartache. At the dealer today, when getting the spoiler installed, i saw the WRX's and the OBS's. I liked the white OBS best! Same color as my ex-OBS and I love the light grey interior!

Trying hard to become a Legacy person after 5 years of owning 3 Impreza's. It is larger, safer and better for our family, so that is why we bought it. I will let you know how the spoiler looks. Just $250 for the spoiler plus the Dealer install. They come painted now!
Heather

bat1161 · May 2002

Congrats to both Heather and Cynthia! Welcome to the OB family. Heather- I also have the Deep Sapphire Pearl in the base OB. The only "bad" thing with that is when it gets dirty, everyone says "what a nice BLACK car".

The OB is a nice car, so to both of you, Enjoy!

Mark

hypov · May 2002

it still does look Black when it's clean

The pre-2K Deep Sapphire looks blue'r.

-Dave

ateixeira · May 2002

The cure, Heather, is a WRX wagon. Go for it. Your other car can be the practical one.

-juice

nygreg · May 2002

Congrats - you are more than welcome here, especially with 2 subies. I feel similar to you. We have a minivan and an OB and do not distinguish between hers and his. I would love to add a manual RS or WRX to the stable that can be all mine. I am actually looking forward to when the kids are old enough and we don't need the minivan any more. At that point the oldest will be driving. She can have the current OB, I can get a new impreza and my wife can get whatever she wants (I think it is a red BMW 330). Hmmm, better start working harder.

Greg

lott42 · May 2002

Just my 2-cents. I bought the 2000 Non-Limited 5-speed Manual back in Oct. of 99. I've got 55,000 miles on it so far and I've had no problems with the clutch or the car for that matter.

I was leaning toward the Forester back then but after test-driving the two, I knew the Outback was for me. Although the Forester was more "fun" to drive, the comfort level and layout of the interior of the Outback was much better(IMHO).

Happy Outback owner, Larry

heatherbean · May 2002

I got my spoiler installed on the blue OB. Looks good! Spoiler, install plus tax was $200. Not bad huh?! It looks to be the same style spoiler as on the WRX wagon. My only wish is for the Outbacks seats to sit more straight up! I hate leaned back seats! The L.L. Bean has different 8 way seats that do sit straight up. The only problem with that is the moon roofs take 2 inches of headroom away and my head hits the top of the car! Better then leaning back. I'd be happy with the manual OB if the seats were different. I told hubby how I admired the 2002 white OBS on the lot and he said, "Too late! We just bought tires and spoilers for our cars!" In other words, NO WAY! So I have to get over Imprezas until my child goes to school and I get a job (3 plus years away!)
I am getting more and more used to my Timberline Green Bean. She is really spunky! I like her light leather seats and he premium sound. I love the momo steering wheel and the off the line power! If she was a manual I'd be on happy person right now. Will I ever adapt to an automatic?
Heather

mrk610 · May 2002

I have a 2002 outback same dark blue color and love it .

mike k

sukibear · May 2002

OK, since everyone is discussing Outback colors here, this is something that I haven't seen mentioned. Why is the (standard model) sapphire blue the only one that comes with a dark gray interior? I think that all of the Outback paint colors are beautiful and I might have gone with something other than the sapphire blue (for a change, since my last wagon was blue) except that the light tan interior didn't make any sense to me. I mean if you are going to be driving off the beaten path doing the things that Outback owners do, you're going to get muddy shoes, muddy dog paws etc. Maybe you all remove your shoes before getting into your cars.... Anyway, it seems that Subaru would get a clue on this one and offer more choices for dark (dirt hiding) interiors.

Kim

rob999 · May 2002

I liked all the exterior colors about the same, but I chose the Sapphire because of the dark grey interior, which I still like.

I believe grey interiors were also available with White (in 2001) but white would not be my first choice for keeping clean during Midwest winters.

jay_24 · May 2002

I too got the Sapphire Blue partly because of the grey interior. Kids in car seats equals muddy shoes on the back of your seat. That tan would just show way too much dirt. I wanted white or maybe blue and my wife wanted blue.

Rob: not sure I agree with widwest winters and color. White actually stays fairly clean looking under all that white salt. Even my blue OB is mostly white by the end of the week :0 My first car was a white Ford Escort. It stayed cleaner than any dark colored car.

--jay

heatherbean · May 2002

Yes we choose blue for the grey interior as well. It looks sportier and better! Not for any functiona; reason. My 2002 L.L. Bean is Timberline green and looks good with the beige/brown leather. I am getting used to beige, although if it came in grey (other then a black car!) I'd get it! My choice would be white with grey interior like my ex-OBS had. BTW- my spoiler looks fanstastic!!!!! I am getting one on the bean today as well.
Heather

otis123 · May 2002

Where I live (northern suburbs of NYC), mud dries a beige/brown color. When my 5 yr. old daughter presses her sneakers against the beige back of my LLBean seat, I hardly notice it. I always noticed it in my grey Camry seats, since mud doesn't dry to a grey color in my neck of the woods... ;-)

BTW, BLACK OUTBACKS RULE!!!!! LOL!!!!

nygreg · May 2002

I have the small Bissell wet vac to clean the carpets in my cars (both beige). Does a pretty good job. Beige is holding up better than I expected.

Greg

bat1161 · May 2002

After all this discussion I am curious as to what color Subaru everyone has? Are there more Deep Blue owners, or Wintergreen? What does evryone have?

I'll start- 2000 base OB in Deep Sapphire Blue, only 27050 miles.

Mark

subearu · May 2002

'classic' Winestone, 2000 base OB

-Brian

heatherbean · May 2002

2001- Deep Sapphire Blue
2002- Timberline Green L.L.Bean
This area (Northern CA) has over 75% Wintergreen and White.
Heather

heatherbean · May 2002

So glad i was in a Legacy Outback! My 20-month-old and I just got hit head-on by a huge van! He merged right into us! If I was in an Impreza she would have been smashed, but the Outback only has a mangled bumper. It was hit at the very top of the bumper since the van was taller then my car. I was leaving the Dealer after getting my spoiler installed too! We are fine. Makes me really appreciate my Outback and makes me feel I did the right thing trading in my Impreza!
Heather

mrk610 · May 2002

2002 outback base wagon
deep sapphire blue
8400 miles
I also got the blue color because of the dark grey interior .

mike k

aps5 · May 2002

Someone posted earlier that the speedo was 6% off in their LL Bean OB 02.

I found one of those "your speed is" signs and tried it at various speeds.

25 on the speedo was 23 on the sign.
35 on the speedo was 32 on the sign.

this does seem like 6-8% error, which does cheat us all on the warranty. I bet all Bean OB 02's are like this.

Did anyone take this problem to their dealer?

This explains why I have been surprised that everyone here in NJ is going 80 mph with me, on route 78. They really are going 73-75 mph!

Andy

ateixeira · May 2002

Glad you were both OK, Heather.

'98 Forester L Acadia Green Metallic, Beige interior
'02 Legacy L Wagon Wintergreen, Medium Gray Moquette interior

Yep, that 2nd one we just picked up today! If you want to read the whole story, well, read all the posts in Subaru Crew for the past 2 years! But the test drive story is in Meet the Members.

We love the gray. We were both tired of beige and really wanted a change of scenery, so this was just the ticket. The fabric is soft, comfy, seems durable.

Paid just $17,827 plus tax. Better yet, no fees or add-ons. They even let us put $3 grand on a credit card, so we'll get 1% back on that, or $30. :-)

Now that is value that cannot be beat, period. The Camry LE we looked at, with no ABS, no AWD, no temp gauge, no wagon bodystyle, no rear disc brakes, and lots of other missing features ran $17,999 at the same dealership.

Did I mention we got 6 free oil changes and a free service loaner for life? And that price included carpets and keyless entry. It even had pinstripes but they did not charge us (I may remove them, not sure).

A CR-V EX would have been $22k and added only a moonroof in terms of significant features. Plus it didn't feel as substantial. The Highlander I liked (she didn't) ran $26k and up.

We also drove a Bean, and Heather, you have GOT to learn to appreciate that thing! Man, it is SWEET! The engine is so quiet you cannot hear it idle. I had to look at the tach. Even under acceleration it whispers! Sound insulation is fantastic. That thing spanks the Highlander silly in comparison. Much more refined power delivery, and so many features I forgot to even point half of them out to my wife! Loved those heated seats especially. She's pregnant so she was cranking the A/C, and probably could not appreciate them.

She went for the budget buy, so we chose the L 5 speed wagon. Still nice, refined and stiff chassis, roomy, quiet, torquey Phase II engine doesn't need to rev high to make power.

I like the Wintergreen, and would describe it as a mix of silver, gold, and green, metallic covered and clear coated. Very nice.

It was a great day. I am one very happy camper. Sandy has a new car-port-mate, and she's happy too. I think I'll give her a nice wash tomorrow so they match better.

:-)

-juice

rob999 · May 2002

Juice - Congratulations on the new ride! I'm sure it will be a fine choice and lots of fun.

Heather - wazis the brand new car? Aaargh in either case. Glad to hear you and yours were OK

jim255 · May 2002

My 2002 Outback (Base Model) also has a problem with speedometer & odometer errors.

I used the mile markers on the NYS Thruway as the basis for my calculations and found that the odometer reading was 2% high (50 actual miles registered 51 miles), and 5.2% low on the speedometer reading. I drove 50 miles at 70 mph and it took 45 minutes, 9 seconds which equals an actual speed of 66.4 mph. My tire pressures were at 32 psi which is a little higher than what is recommended, but it doesnt seem that it would make that big a difference. I did this twice with the same results, but have not taken it back to the dealer yet.

I have used this method with several other vehicles and never had a significant error.

cptplt · May 2002

several % either way is "normal" though 5% may be at the limit, I believe it was C & D which had an article recently, IIRC Japanese cars tended to be the most accurate, European cars usually erred on the conservatove side ie reading higher speeds than actual -apparently Euro laws specify they must never read under actual speed.

heatherbean · May 2002

Yes my L.L. Bean was exactly 1 month old. She is fine (Green Bean). She most likely only needs a new bumper. And I am almost sure it was the other guys fault. Hard to say since we were both in the turn lane that goes both ways- dumb! I was waiting in the turn lane to get out and he came in full steam without looking in my direction- WAMM! It must have been under 15 MPH since the air bag did not deploy. I just was coming out of the Dealer after getting the spoiler installed there too! She looks good in the back now at least :>)

Very happy for you Juice! My choice was the L in SIlverstone manual, but hubby wanted that new H6 badly. I will grow to appreciate her more and more I am sure. Just not used to the automatic yet.
Heather

peterson10 · May 2002

Maybe this will make you feel a little better. About 15 years ago, after years of saving and planning, my wife and I bought a brand new, shiney silver, Honda Accord hatchback (the cool one, with the retracting headlights!). We signed all the papers, went out to the parking lot, listened to the salesman's bit about how the ashtray works, I slid behind the wheel, and started it up. It was parked in a very tight spot so the salesman "directed" me as I backed out; one foot, two feet, SKREEEETCH-KRUUUUNCH!!!!!! I tore the rear quarter-panel (passenger's side) right off it. It had been parked about 1/2 inch away from a steel and concrete post which stood about 24 inches high: completely invisible from the driver's side. I have never felt so sick in my life. In the end, they fired the salesman, removed the stupid post, did a really crappy job repairing the damage to my car, and we all went on with our lives. Alas, the Accord's life was short: a few months later the car was sandwiched in a freeway accident (more crappy repairs), only then to have a huge tree fall square across it in a windstorm. My wife and I loved that car, and thanked God when they towed its cursed carcass away. Since then its been Subaru and good luck all the way. OK, Heather, you don't feel any better, but I do.

Glad your precious cargo wasn't scratched,
YetAnotherDave

heatherbean · May 2002

Oh my what a story! Was anyone hurt in the sandwiched freeway accident?! This is Green Bean's second accident. The first was a week after I got her. My husband went mountain biking and "forgot" the bike was on top! He drove into the garage. Needless to say the bike rack was ruined. Luckily we installed the super strong yakima round cross bars, so nothing happened to Green Bean's roof! That would have been bad with the glass moon roofs and all! I only hope she is not jinxed! I bought her at a different Dealer then when I live and where the accident happened. Those guys at the Chico Dealer helped me out and wrote down the other driver's insurance info. Makes me wish I bought the car from them! Anyway, I just took photos of both Outback's with their new spoilers. I avoided shooting the front end needless to say!
Heather

heatherbean · May 2002

How can I post a photo here?

jharford · May 2002

Good evening....

I am new to this board.I have owned a 2000 OB
LTD/AT for 6 weeks and am in love with this car.
My previous vehicle was a 94 AT Grand Cherokee/RWD. This vehicle is wonderful compared
to the previous truck. I am single, with two
older labbies that love to come and play with
their mom....we do a few camping trips each year.

My OB wagon was purchased used. I bought with
leather seats. Where is the best recommended
spot to purchase the Subaru cargo mats that fit
in the way back/safety bars to keep the dogs from coming up into the back seat/roof rack
for additional storage and the cooler that plugs
into the cigarette lighters(I don't smoke-but
the cell phone charger does-LOL?)....

I have spent a quiet Saturday evening at home, sick and found this board...now will return to
reading about my favorite new type of vehicle.
I was turned onto this type of car by other
labby owners who have both multiple labs and
an OB wagon.....had to do it....my 12 year old
boy loves not having to jump into a truck any more....

Jane Harford

subearu · May 2002

here's a link from the Subaru Crew Photo Gallery topic that should help you get started: KarenS "Subaru Crew: Photo Gallery" Jan 31, 2001 11:53am

-Brian

99typej · May 2002

I never thought it was a problem for every subaru..I was driving my subaru and my sis was driving her toyota and We were both going 70mph and she was pulling ahead...That's when I realized that I have a problem...I didn't really mind it but does anyone know how to fix it??

Also Have anyone replaced the brake line with the metal ones by any chance? I read that the stock one is rubber and the metal ones are supposed to give you a better feeling and more stopping power.

00' Subaru Legacy GT wagon- Red with 31,000 miles on it.

storyteller · May 2002

Jane: Let's see if I've got this right. You are a single non-smoker who loves the outdoors and Labradors? And you have an Outback? I think I want to marry you. :-)

While you are weighing that decision, two good sources of dog guards are http://www.subaruparts.com/ and

http://www.subaru-parts.com/

Welcome to these boards!

Steve

(single, non-smoking, outdoors-loving English setter owner, with no OB currently in his garage)

hiker6 · May 2002

Congratulations to Juice on the Legacy L purchase. I just turned 40k miles on my '00 Legacy L 5 sp wagon (Winestone). It has been completely trouble free and I still enjoy driving it, especially it's handling in turns and it's peppy acceleration. I chose it over the Outback because I preferred the monotone paint (more of a sport wagon appearance, though the Outbacks look great too), and in nearly three years of driving have not needed that extra inch of clearance that the Outback offers. This car is definitely not a budget model as it is well equipped and is an overlooked gem in the lineup (I added the CD player, upgraded speakers, and it already had keyless entry). The only car that might tempt me away would be a hybrid Civic wagon as a means to appreciably improve gas mileage, though I know it would pale in driving, especially in winter.

rsholland · May 2002

Maybe we should start a new forum for "Subie Singles," looking for dates. Oh Karen...

Bob

jharford · May 2002

Mark,

It is a pleasure to "meet" you.....and I even
own my own home(condo) that is which is also
very large dog friendly......

We live in Columbia, MD-halfway between Baltimore
and DC. I am happy to get to know other Subaru
owners.

I am going to look for more messages from you....

Jane, Levi(I am 11 years young-black male lab)
and Sandy(I am 5, yellow female and very spoiled).

rsholland · May 2002

Jane, I'm from Ellicott City, and there are several other regulars here from the Baltimore-Washington area; see below. Welcome aboard neighbor!

For such a small state, Maryland is sure well represented here at the Subaru Crew! Bysides myself, there's juice (Potomac), Hutch (Jerritsville), Loosh (Baltimore), Chuck (tincup47) (somewhere in MD?), Mike Smith (Silver Spring), and Michael (declansdad) (Ellicott City).

Bob

jharford · May 2002

Good to know that I come into such a large group
that well represents our fair state.....

We'll have to meet up some time...that would
be fun....I do that already with my lab email
buddies frequently....

Jane

dcab · May 2002

With all the attention on the new Forester, does anybody have any information on what new features or changes, if any, will be on the 2003 Outbacks, aside from the Onstar system?

mrkite1 · May 2002

Hey one more from Maryland...

abchan · May 2002

Hi all! I've been following the Subaru Crew off and on for the past few years and have enjoyed the threads. I figured it's time for me to introduce myself.

Last week, I traded-in one Subie for another:
1995 Legacy L 5-speed, spruce green, 65k
2001 L.L. Bean, wintergreen, 11k
I've been eyeing the new Legacy/Outbacks since they come out, and now I'm happy to say that I finally got one. I was looking at the Passat GLS 5-speed before digging deep down and realizing that I am a Subie Legacy/Outback person at heart. I have enjoyed my Bean so far. Plus we humans and our 3 doggies love the dual moonroofs.

Heather, I know what you mean about switching from 5-speed to automatic! I'm still adjusting to that and the much increased height of my Bean.

Here in North Florida, Subarus, especially Lecacys and Outbacks, are rare. So I smile with glee everytime my Bean gets oogles.

In fact, right after leaving the dealer (Subaru of Tallahassee), we stopped by for dinner. We say two ladies strolling pass my new Bean; they must have liked it because they stood there for a few minutes looking at it, and even as they drove out of the parking lot, they slowed down when the passed by for one more look. Had several such incidences here in Tallahassee since then too.

What a contrast to more Northern and Western regions. We were in Albuquerque and Santa Fe two weeks back. In the hotel parking lot, literally every other car was a 2000+ Outback or Legacy, mostly in white!

abchan · May 2002

Just saw my post and noticed a few typos and an error (must be the sun).

I got my Bean from Subaru of Jacksonville, not Tally. We drove 2.5 hours to SoJax even though we have a local dealer in town and a few others within a 2-hour radius. I decided that SoJax knew their Subies, seemed reasonable and were friendlier.

cynthiag · May 2002

What rotten luck! At least you weren't hurt, but it's just an awful feeling when it happens to your new car!

I'm afraid I have been guilty of new car behavior lately, parking a mile off at the mall and such.

Glad it was only the bumper that got bashed up!

I crashed the old Camry once, lost a rear door and quarter panel and it just about made me feel sick to see her all bunged up, even though she was nearly 10 years old at the time. However, the repairs were top notch, so it worked out in the end.

ffsteve · May 2002

Congratulations on your new car! I have been following your saga with interest. I'm happy that you decided on another Subaru, I know that's the first place I'll look when the time comes.

Steve

ffsteve · May 2002

Color survey: White LL Bean, with tinted windows - love it!

I just locked myself out of the car yesterday at the fairgrounds. Wife and I went to meet friends to see the Cirqe du Soleil, got there late, hassled with the parking, and I managed to lock my keys in the car with the ignition still on and the engine running! (Yes, I'm a candidate for the boob-of-the-month club.)

While waiting around for AAA to arrive, I had plenty of time to consider the situation and try to come up with a reason. Placing my hand on the car, I couldn't feel ANY vibration at all! I could hear the exhaust purring, and the heat was very noticiable, but I couldn't feel anything while the engine was idling. With the AC on too. Wonderful.

Second nice thing was seeing how long it took the AAA tech to get into the car. This not being the first time I have had to call them to get into a locked car, I have watched before and been surprised how quickly one can get into a locked car without a key. Have even done it myself a couple of times on various cars. Not the Subaru! This guy worked for about 10 minutes trying to pry the window away from the door seals to slide his tool inside, without success. He finally got in at the bottom of the window, prying the window away from the door (or the door away from the window) enough to slide his tools inside to hit the power lock button and open the doors (and no damage to glass, seals, or paintwork).

My gripe (first for the Subaru after almost a year of ownership!): I remember now my Toyota power locks would not allow the door to lock when the door was open, and the ignition key was still in the ignition lock. The locks would just pop open again. Obviously this nice little feature is absent in our Subarus. Perhaps this would be a nice added feature in the future?

I'm using extra care to make sure I have my keys in my hand before I lock the doors now!

Steve

hypov · May 2002

Done that to myself the first three days of owning my '98 OB

Luckily the boo-boo was made close to home.
To date I carry two keys; one technically attached to me at all times (i.e. pants).

-Dave

krikor111 · May 2002

Anyone out there carry a canoe on the roof of your Outback? I'm wondering what kind of system you are using. Yakima makes gunwale brackets, but I think you need to add their round bars to use them. They also disclaim "do not carry canoe directly on manufacturer's roof rack." Does that mean I should not even use the side rails with their system? Seems illogical.

Also, where do you tie down the bow at the front the car? I have a rear hitch so that's no problem, but the front is more difficult as there are no readily apparent attachment points.

Thanks.

chuckb5 · May 2002

I am purchasing a new Bean and moving to north Florida and was wondering about the service in Tallahassee. I relized on my last several trips that Subies are extremely rare in Florida. In Alaska every other vehicle in a Subaru. Can you tell me anything about the service at the Tallahassee dealership?
Will be good to know there is at least one other Bean in the area.. Take Care
Chuck B.

Subaru Legacy/Outback

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