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Comments
I was in the 1:21 range, still a couple of seconds off the instructors' pace. 2 seconds is a life time on a track, though.
-juice
ChuckB
How aggressively do you drive? If you feel like the Bean leans too much in corners, a sway bar would address that. A fatter rear sway bar also reduces understeer, so it can feel sportier, more neutral.
But understeer can be desirable in that it is very predictable and safe, even if a little boring. So you decide which you prefer.
In all honesty, the Bean is so luxurious I doubt you'll push it that hard. The GT is sportier so a sway bar upgrade seems more natural. Just my 2 cents' worth.
-juice
Heather
Anyway, he is very happy with the Bean and loves the luxury feel to her. I am much more the sports car type and MUCH prefer the GT! At least we are both happy and tend to keep our cars for a very long time!
Heather
Greg
I am coming up on 30000miles in my '01 Bean. Looking at what the dealer I use recommends, there is a long list of stuff they actually do (versus most services which consist mostly of inspections, not actual work). The list of items consists of:
coolant replacement
brake fluid replacement (actully pressure bleeds out the entire system)
pcv valve replacement
replace transmission fluid
replace differential fluid
replace oil and filter
replace fuel filter
In addition to this list, there are a number of typical inspections.
I normally do all the work on my cars myself (except for stuff like alignments, ballancing tires, etc.). I also try not to mess with auto transmission fluid or coolant mostly because of not having a place to dispose of that stuff. My question to the group is:
For $450, wouldn't it be worth it to just let the shop do all this work?
If they truly replace all the stuff they claim, plus pressure bleed the brakes, my gut instinct is that $450 is not too bad a price. The flip side is, its still $450!
Any thoughts on this?
-r
Yeah, 3000 is just an oil change and the basic checks. At 7500 I would have the wheels rotated. If you DIY, wax the wheels to keep them clean.
r: if it's an auto, flushing the ATF is a difficult task you cannot do without the right machine, so I'd let the dealer do it. If it's a manual, you can drain/refill the tranny without much difficulty. I did most of that stuff myself.
-juice
My view of "prepackaged" 30K/60K/90K service deals is that they're generally overpriced for what you get. I have used a nearby shop (a family-owned major franchise name) for nearly all my service for years with great success. I take the responsibility to make certain that all required maintenance is done - I do some myself (mainly oil changes and inspections at this point) - then the shop performs all the other items that I specify - in addition to an overall inspection/looksee at the same time. In part I do this because they are excellent mechanics who do good work at a fair price; in part because their location is much more convenient (than the dealer), and in part because I give them all my business (for all my cars), they treat me well. They've done the 7.5K, 15K, and will shortly do the 22.5K service (not including the oil changes) for no charge, and I'll have them do the 30K sometime next year. We talk the same language - and they know my level of mechanical skill - so there's effective communication. No reason you couldn't try to establish this relationship with a dealer, but my impression is that they have less flexibility in most cases. So I'd suggest you do everything you feel comfortable doing yourself - then find a shop that will do the rest at a fair price. $450!? I expect to pay less than $200 for what I'll have done (all the less frequent fluid changes, etc.)
And for you Seattlites who'd like to know where this shop is - just ask.
Cheers!
Ken in (about to be) sunny Seattle
I do exactly what you describe. Because this is my first Subaru, though, I don't have that kind of relationship established with a good Subaru dealer...yet. I do, however, have the kind of relationship you describe with a Honda dealer.
I normally would do most of the stuff myself, but, as Juice said about the auto tranny...some things are best done at a shop.
There are independent shops around that I could choose from, but most of them don't have some of the tools and gadgits that a dealer would...especially when it comes to special tools or oem parts. My preference is to stick with OEM when it comes to service and maintenance parts. Most independents would probably just use generic parts (ie brake pads, air filters, oil filters, etc.) On the list of replacement items, there is the PCV valve (trivial to replace but a costly part if I remember correctly) and pressure bleeding the brake system.
I could easily replace the brake fluid myself, but I would never be able to pressure bleed it.
Hmmmm.....
-r
discount tire.com indicates that a plus zero size for the outback would be 235/60/16. According to a tire sizing chart, the tire would be approximately .6" taller in diameter and about .3" wider than the stock 225/60/16. Does anyone have any experience with this size tire in place of the stock? Does it fit well without looking like a doughnut? Would there be an advantage to the increased contact patch?
My speedo is already about 7% off (too slow) this would throw it off even more.
Here is a question for Heather: how much louder are the Pilot XGTs than the stock? Also, what tire size did you put on?
-r
P.S. Just found out from my car dealer loan that someone stole my identity, social security, name and date of birth and got lots of credit cards in my name and now my loan will not go through. So sad and digusted. I had the top credit rating score until now!
Heather
I'm really sorry to hear about the identity theft incident. More and more, I worry about that and the resultant mess to clean up. Good luck!
Ron
Heather
The only reason I asked about the X1's is that I notice it comes up quite a bit (along with the Dunlop Sport A2's) on the tire board.
One more question, are you in 'snow country'? The deciding factor for me may be which tire is rated higher in terms of snow traction. I am not going to buy a separate set of snows for winter use. We don't get enough snow to justify it.
I'm just doing research now and am interested in people's opinions. My purchase is still probably down the road a bit.
Thanks again,
Ron
coolant replacement
brake fluid replacement (actully pressure bleeds out the entire system)
pcv valve replacement
replace transmission fluid
replace differential fluid
replace oil and filter
replace fuel filter
To everything but the engine oil and filter, my response to these items is an enthusiastic YES!!
I have learned by expensive experience that the transmission is sadly neglected. Even by dealers. Do that one at a minimum. I do a drain and fill of the tranny service every 2 years or 15000, whichever comes first. I also change the power steering fluid at 30K.
If you want to keep the vehicle I would recommend the extra services. If you are leasing, probably do the required ones only. The dealer schedule will recommend what is better for the car, the manufacturers will recommend what you can get by with.
Don
As for the tires...I have Xone Michellins on my Odyssey. For that vehicle they are perfect. They are quiet, have great road feel and handling characteristics, plus they don't give any feel of hydroplaning in the rain. They stink in the snow (only once a year hear in ATL). I don't think it is the best tire for the Outback, though. I think you will compromise some of the increase traction that the OB has to offer with its all wheel drive...mostly if you plan to do anything on dirt, snow, slushy stuff (mud) etc. Then again, I don't think the XGTVs are the best for that either but those are most likely what I will buy next.
Heather...Sorry to hear about your ID theft. Our local consumer activist, Clark Howard, gets calls time and again about that. Best advice he has is to call all your credit agencies and put a fraud alert on. Check out his web site: clarkhoward.com there you will find lots advice and pointers to other web sites that will help you claw your way out of this mess.
Question about your speedometers....in the Outback, my speedo indicates on the fast side (indicates 70 and you are only going 67). Do you find that your GT is more accurate with the lower profile tires?
-r
-juice
oclvframe - what's NOC? And how do I get a $200. certificate??
Thanks!
Ralph
BTW, lots of automakers do this but Subaru is the best at it.
-juice
Ed
Greg
marked in vivid yellow where?
All fluids under the hood are marked with a vivid yellow color, i.e. the oil, transmission, front differential dip sticks, washer fluid, coolant, etc. The differential is kind of hard to see. It is located low on the passenger side by the firewall.
Greg
Means I'll have to be even more aggressive to wear those RE92s out ! Thats it! I need to drive my GT wagon like my WRX from now on! Unfortunately if I did that I probably won't have a decent running GT when its time for her to learn to drive!
But seriously, pop the hood and take a peek. They made it relatively easy, even if it's your first time popping that hood.
BTW, want to learn the "secret handshake"? The hood release knob on every Subaru lines up with the right-most star on their grille logo. Neat, eh?
-juice
There are lots of other perks available...look on the Drive magazine back cover for some of the affiliation info.
Although I love my Xones on the Odyssey (and when I had them on my Accord), I don't think it is the best tire for all terrain driving. I think they are pretty poor on snow traction. Either that or the van just had a hard time dealing with the low traction driving conditions this past winter.
BTW Free oil changes is all the Bean comes with...the 30k mile service is not part of the deal. I am at 28kmi and I have used up all my free coupons....from now on I will change my own oil.
As for the 30k service...I spoke to other Subaru dealers around here..they charge as much but don't do as much (or use the same methods) as the Caddy dealer I have been going to...Although $450 is a bunch of dough, it is beginning to sound like a good deal compared to the other dealers here in town. This is mostly due to how they perform the service...not so much what they actually do. I think pressure bleading brakes is far mor effective at removing contaminants in the brake fluid than the old fashioned blead method. they also replace all fluids...tranny, diff, etc. whereas others don't but still charge as much.
I have started a 30k mile service savings fund...hopefully it will be up in time before I hit 30k miles!
-r
1. single CD player standard on base Outback.
2. All Weather Package standard on base Outback.
3. Side airbags STILL not available on base Outback.
I am surprised and disappointed that Subaru is still not putting side airbags on the base Outback. Safety is obviously a big part of Subaru's marketing strategy and side head and shoulder airbags are now standard on all 2003 Forsters.
-juice
- John
-juice
You've got AWD and a little more weight.
-juice
There is data from controlled studies on identical vehicles with and without head airbags:-
http://www.hwysafety.org/sr.htm
IIHS Vol. 36, No. 1 January 6, 2001
Special issue: head protection in side impacts.
The NHTSA and IIHS tests today simulate side impacts from passenger cars, not the higher SUVs and pick-ups. For me, I think there's enough evidence to make me only choose a vehicle with side chest and head protection for my next one. The 2003 Forester is the only Subaru that meets this criterion today.
It is well worth everyone's time to read this.
Safety was a major concern for us when when bought our Outback five and a half years ago. There is no doubt that the vehicles that we share the road with have gotten "taller" since that time. This type of side-impact head protection will be required equipment in our next vehicle.
As I indicated in my earlier post, I was both surprised and disappointed that Subaru is not making side airbags with head protection available on 2003 base Outbacks. Instead we are offered a CD player and a seat warmer as standard equipment, without what has become an essential safety feature even being available as an option!
And why make these airbags standard on all Foresters but not Outbacks?
7.9L/100 Kms. In Canadian MPG that's 35.2. In U.S. MPG 29.8.
2.5 engine.
I checked the owner's manual which said replace
them at 60,000 miles or 5 years.
I've always changed plugs at 36,000 or 3years
if they are platinum, which these are.
I think 5 years or 60,000 mi is too long, what do
you maint guru's think.
Also, how come I can't find a service manual for
my vehicle?
SOA says contact Helms, they don't have it in stock, besides it costs over $200.00.
Chilton's only go up to 1996, what's up with that?
I love the boxer engine, but those plugs are hard to reach, anyone got any hints on what all needs to be removed to get to them????
Every time I refer to the owner's manual about
maint it says "should be serviced by an authorized Subaru dealer only".
Seems like SOA is trying to make more business for
their dealers, come on, let's be serious, some
things can be done by a person who knows a wrench
from a screwdriver, when the day comes that I can't replace the air filter myself, I will hang up my wrenches on the garage door and wait for the grim reaper.
2) Unfortunately on new cars plugs are not easy to get out due to all kinds of other ductwork you sometimes need to remove. You may need to remove the intake etc to get to em. On my '91 XT6 luckily all 6 are on the top of the engine for easy access on the H6
3) Most manufacturers send out their repair guides to 3rd parties for printing and sale. $200 is cheap, for my XT6 from SOA it's $150 x 3 or 4 manuals to cover the entire car. I bought a Helm for my Trooper on CD for $100 paper would have been $200
4) Chiltons are pretty useless manuals with instructions like "remove transmission and then do XYZ to it"
-mike
I have a Chilton's for my Miata and they are pretty useless. I have had to refer to Miata.net for "custom" instructions almost every time. In this case it was to adjust the timing, which was very non-specific in the Chilton's.
-juice
However, I would really prefer a model specific Haynes for the basic work I do.