Subaru Legacy/Outback

MrKablooey

Found this intresting, particularly the last myth:

http://www.mobil1.com/why/myths.jsp

K9Leader

I concur that higher mileage is no longer a barrier to switching to synthetic. Although my daily driver is a 2000 OBW, I also have a 1994 Lincoln Mark VIII that is my play car/fun car/project car. I switched it to synthetic at 104K miles, based on a lot of advice (from other Mark VIII aficianados on the two Mark VIII boards I frequrent) and on a lot of research on the Web on synthetics.

I don't drive the Mark VIII that much -- between March 2003 (when I got the OBW and the Mark went into semi-retirement) and December 2003 (when I switched it to synthetic) I had only put 800 miles on it, so I am looking at only putting 1200 - 2000 miles per year. I wanted to be able to go 6 - 12 months between changes as the mileage will never be the dictating factor in when to do a change. Also, the Mark VIII has Ford's DOHC 4.6L modular V8 (the same one used in the Cobra, and, in fact, used in the Mark VIII before it was used in the Cobra) and Ford recommends 5w-30, even at high mileage (I often have to fight the mechanics who want to use something thicker). I went with Mobil 1 over the others (including Amsoil) just because it is what I can get at a really good price at Costco.

I have been thinking about switching the OBW over to Mobil 1 as well, and it just hit 46K.

--K9Leader

ateixeira

I can't load that page, oddly.

Any how, the techs were here about 2 years ago, I'd guess, plus they're looking at historical data, or cases they'd seen first hand. So their theory might apply to synthetics from 5-10 years ago?

-juice

subearu

I know this has been posted elsewhere on TH, but this is an ongoing study of synth oil with plenty of reasons to switch and lengthen the interval: http://oilstudy.spacebears.com/

-Brian

ateixeira

A bigger factor than the cost of oil changes is your factory warranty on the powertrain, though. You gonna void those to save $40?

Go with Subaru's less severe schedule, 7500 miles, to keep covered.

-juice

subearu

I don't even go that long, ends up being a 6 month cycle for our cars and about 5k miles.

-Brian

jlemole

Although you might be able use a very long drain interval, to do so on any car where synth is not specifically recommended is playing with fire. I do 5,000 mile intervals, and stick with the OEM filter, which I buy at my local Subie dealer for added record keeping.

Jon

ateixeira

Extend the interval, just don't go above the manufacturer's "light use" recommendations.

-juice

dudleyr

I used to do 3k miles w/ dino oil, but after 100,000 + miles on snythetic I finally wised up and switched to 5k. At 3k the oil looked pretty clean when it was coming out. I might move up to 6k or so. I don't have the stomach for 15k like some people do.

jlemole

That reminds me -- when I first switched to Mobil1, it was at a dealer oil change, and the tech specifically told me I wouldn't need another change for 10,000 miles. He even wrote it on the window sticker! I can't imagine that this info came from any "official" Subaru spec.

Jon

subearu

a friend with a MB c-class kompressor is just going in for his first oil change at 10k per the MB books (which for him was 6 months). Of course, they fill at the factory with Mobil-1 and will continue to do so.

I also use the OEM Subaru filter with Mobil-1.

-Brian

MrKablooey

my '02 CR-V EX suggests 10k as well. After the first few times it's not so hard to get used to... the light comes on as you approach the 10k mark since the last change.

WRT the C-class, a buddy of mine took his SLK in at 3k miles for an oil change. He got a letter from MB stating that he was more or less wasting his time and theirs so not to bother coming in until the light came on.

One last thing, the myth posted on Mobil 1 website was:

Myth: Mobil 1 will leak out of the seals of older cars.
Reality: Mobil 1 does not cause leaks. In fact, new Mobil 1 with SuperSyn™ was tested in dozens of industry standard and OEM tests to prove its seal performance. It is fully compatible with the elastomeric materials from which all automotive seals and gaskets are made.

ExxonMobil engineers are wary of conventional oils that tout their use of additional seal-swelling agents. With extended use, these agents can over-soften engine seals, resulting in leaks. More to the point, an oil additive will not rejuvenate worn or damaged seals. The damaged seal may have been caused by a worn rotating metal component in the engine.

If an older engine is in good condition and does not have oil leaks, Mobil 1 with SuperSyn™ provides the same advantages as when used in a new engine. ExxonMobil recommends taking measures to repair the leaks, then using Mobil 1 with SuperSyn™. ExxonMobil also always recommends following the automobile manufacturer's manual for the proper oil to use.

tomr

After two years of following every post I finally pulled the trigger on a 2004 Outback Wagon auto with all weather mats, cargo net, dust deflector and rear bumper cover. I paid 20,260 plus tax and tags in Dutchess County N.Y. The car is Silver Stone Monotone and it looks good. I still have my 1995 corolla with 265000 miles that I use for a 100 mile a day commute.

c_hunter

Great! Congratulations on the new car. I'm sure you'll be as happy with your Outback as I have been with mine.

Craig

MrKablooey

you got a great deal on your car, I'm sure you'll enjoy it!

fitzy2

I'm in Albany NY TOMR and I just pulled the trigger on a 2002 Outback LL bean......got a great deal and i had been researching the Subaru's for about a year......I am hoping we will be driving for a long time to come...I personally am planning to keep this car for at least 10 years....good luck with yours.....Irish.

hammerhead

Would switching to a synthetic blend overcome the alleged seal issues? Dino for the seals, synthetic for the enhanced flow & anti-wear characteristics?

Cheers!
Paul

srhom

I have a 2000 Legacy L wagon with a big dent (area covering the size of my hand) on the front of the hood, extending from the front edge towards the windshield about 7 inches. Does anyone know whether the hard acrylic black hood cover that Subaru sells as an accessory would cover most/all of this dent? Or is there another hood cover that would cover this up? Also, I bought the car used, with 107K miles on it. The dealer had a printout of all major service done on the car - including but not limited to new control arm, catalytic converter, starter, alternator, heads, and camshaft! Was I dumb to think that this car will go another 50K miles since I have all this new stuff I shouldn't have to worry about? One last thing: At very low speeds/parking, there's substantial vibration when turning the steering wheel, like the power steering pump is having difficulty. No problem at moderate or higher speeds. Any thing I should worry about? This is my first Subaru. I am a solid Toyota guy (traded in my 1985 Supra that was rock solid) but Toyota doesn't make a wagon with a rack and I hate SUVs. Any comments would be much appreciated (other than "you're an idiot.")

cptplt

from what I have read they are a waste of money as you don't really get anything near the advantages of the synthetic and you pay more than dino

pathtomax

I just placed an order for the Bridgestone Turanza LS-H tires from Tirerack.com. I got a good 45,000 miles out of my OEM Wilderness. How does that match up to everyone else? They are only OK in snow and I have some open cuts on two of my tires. I bit the bullet tonight and hopefully will have them installed this week. Should be getting some snow this week in New England.

Hood deflector- I commute 120 miles/ day and the deflector shield has saved the hood of my car. Not too many chips at all...knock on plastic wood

jfl

I have 87k trouble-free miles on my 2000 Legacy L. It's rare to hear of starter, alternator, and camshaft problems on these boards.

As for the heads, some are having external leaks with head gaskets.

At 107k miles, has the timing belt been replaced? I believe it's a service item at 105k miles.

Welcome to the family and I hope the problems are behind you.

Jim

jrosasmc

Ok- Does anybody here know the tentative American launch date of the '05 Legacy? I saw the pics for the first time and I should note that it is a great-looking car, much more so than the Camry/Accord and certainly more than the Maxima. (Juice, my dad has decided to hold off purchasing an '04 wagon and wait for the '05 2.5i)

Also, a little off-topic, but which of the current Subaru, in your opinions, has the best-quality interior, in terms of material and design? My pick: the Forester. And just for kicks, which model would provide the smoothest ride?

ateixeira

Congrats to the newest owners!

-juice

bat1161

The '05 base Legacy should be in showrooms in mid May, with the GT and Outbacks hitting mid June.

Mark

bat1161

Congrats, and welcome to the "family".

Mark

bkaiser1

I saw a Subaru commercial last night for the 2004 Outbacks and it mentioned something to the effect of "now in classy monotone colors" while a monotone Sea Mist green Outback flashed by on the screen. They've had the monotone silver all model year on the base OB, but it seems that for the final batch of 04 Outbacks they are also offering monotone paint in other colors, too. Has anyone actually seen one? Are green and silver the only ones, or are there other monotone OB's? Just curious...there's no mention on the website of any color changes.

Brian

ateixeira

Saw that ad also, they clearly said FOUR monotone color schemes.

Which ones? I too have only seen silver and light gold.

-juice

rob_m

I saw a titanium one at the dealer. Rob m.

ateixeira

They've had those, Titanium Pearl and Sivlerstone Metallic, but what other 2 are out there? Or was it an error?

-juice

bkaiser1

Yeah, they've had the titanium monotone since 03 on the LLbeans, and the silver monotone on 04 base wagons, but I was just curious about the others. In the commercial there's clearly a sea mist green monotone, which looked quite nice. The 2 tone paint was one thing I never warmed up to with my Outback in the 2 years I owned it.

B

nygreg

Congrats. The hudson valley crew is growing!

Greg
M1, subaru filter every 6K WLC

fibber2

Wappingers or Rugies?

Steve

jlemole

If my memory is correct, you were going 5k miles between oil changes. Did you do an oil analysis which led you to be comfortable with increasing the interval a little? Just curious.

Jon

tomr

I bought the car at wappingers everthing went very smooth. I did go over the car for about 2 hours before I signed anything. How do you break the car in on 684 at 6am? If I go 55 or 60 mph I have to drive on the shoulder with warning lights on!

ateixeira

You can go more than 60mph, just try to keep it down at 4000rpm or less. That should allow 70 easily.

-juice

tomr

I didn't know I could do 70, first car with a tach. Then again everyone can't wait to try their subie in the snow while I don't want to get mine dirty. Hope to get over that real soon though it looks good sitting in the garage. For an avid fisherman that just won't work.

fibber2

Yep, I-684 is bad news. 75mph bumper-to-bumper. My wife use to do the commute from our house (Poughquag) to Pepsi in Somers, and hated that road. Multi-car pileups were a regular thing.

So where do you live? Someday I will have to tell you why I dislike Wapp Toy/Subi so. But congrats on you new wheels!

Steve

nygreg

My goal was 5K. A busy life pushed it to 6K. No analysis done. I just keep an eye on the oil and notice the condition when changing it.

Greg

jlemole

Personally, I'm a little afraid of going any more than 5k miles on the OEM filter. Although I wouldn't mind stretching it out even a little further, I would only do it on something like an M1 or K&N filter.

Jon

tomr

I live in Pawling and I would like to hear about wappingers.

fibber2

Small world... I am one mile off of Rt 55, Beekman Road near the Stop & Shop. Within 10 miles of you... Did you know that there once was a Subaru dealer in Wingdale (just north of you up Rt 22), near the psych hospital? We nearly bought a Legacy wagon there in 1990.

Wappingers? Lets just say 'you don't want to know...' Consider driving over to Colonial in Danbury. Sales at Wappingers is fine, but nobody is minding the hen house back in service.

Steve

mrk610

I have had my oil analysis done. The co I used said that I could go to 6k miles b/4 my next o/f change .I just got my car repaired and they changed the oil .So I'm going to go 5k again and do another analysis .
'Mike

nygreg

3k oil changes are old thinking - unless you have severe driving conditions. Add synthetic to that and 6k is still a very safe interval. Changed my 92 Camry every 5K with dino and sold it @ 200k and it didn't burn a drop of oil.

Greg

tomr

I moved to Pawling in 1993 the year of the snowstorms. I live by the high school. Have you ever dealt with Smith Cairns?

paisan

edit your whereabouts, the thieves are online these days, no need to expose yourself like that.

-mike

postmodern

I've heard that SC service in Yonkers is good, and my daughter was happy with the service at the Mt Kisco dealership (they don't sell Subaru there). The reports on the Brewster location say to avoid them. Your best bet is Colonial -- nygreg has given good reports. I wish Colonial was closer for me -- I've been both happy and not with Curry in Yorktown.

fibber2

Where have you been hiding?

Steve

nygreg

So far any work they have done has been correct the first time. Very happy with the hg work done. A blip with interaction between them and SOA over my knock sensor. Hmm, was thinking of going to Smith Cairns to have the coolant flushed and the conditioner added when I get my official letter. Maybe now I'll just go back to Colonial. How is Ruge's (?) in Orange county? or Kolb in Rockland?

Greg

nygreg

good to hear from you again.

Greg

tomr

Thanks for the heads up what a world huh. Thanks all for the service info.