Subaru Crew: Official SOA Presence (aka Patti)

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Comments

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    You can't open your presents until *after* breakfast...

    -juice
  • nygregnygreg Member Posts: 1,936
    I can eat a donut pretty quickly!
  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
    I'd be curious about those delivery times too, though not for the Legacy. ;-)

    Ed
  • njswamplandsnjswamplands Member Posts: 1,760
  • twrxtwrx Member Posts: 647
    Here in Newburgh IN several are still being used on routes.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Patti ran off to the shore, folks, said she'd be there for a full week. So don't expect her back until...July 19, at the office, at least.

    -juice
  • hgutsteinhgutstein Member Posts: 65
    I second that remark... ;-) Although Subaru will make money on giving me the coupon - we only put about 5K miles/yr on each of our subies...

    All the best,

    Howard
  • ryanl1ryanl1 Member Posts: 55
    I don't mean to beat a topic to death but how would you feel if your co-worker got free dental care for 3 years and you didn't? Would you want to bargain with your dentist? The marketing dept. obviously screwed this one up.
    Next time SOA instead of separating haves/have nots you should include something as simple as air filtration as standard equipment on GT or an immobilizer on 2.5i so ALL CAN ENJOY!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Funny thing is I never actually got one - they sent it to my brother but to my address. Go figure. No idea what their logic was in choosing the mailing list.

    -juice
  • hunter001hunter001 Member Posts: 851
    Have they any intention of bringing over the 3.0R engine in the Legacy GT body ? In other words, everything the Legacy GT Limited has, with the 3.0R engine instead of the Turbo ?

    If such a combination were available with the Navigation system, I would pick that up in a jiffy and it would keep my present OBS company. The low-end torque challenges of the 3.0R would not be as prominent in the Legacy GT's lighter body, I would presume.

    I am willing to wait a bit for that to happen....assuming that is a possibility in the future.

    TIA.

    Later...AH
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    It might. Japan gets such a car, I believe.

    -juice
  • hunter001hunter001 Member Posts: 851
    Also, the difference in weight between the Outback 2.5XT Limited 5EAT and the Outback LL Bean with the 3.0R and 5EAT is just 35 lbs !!

    So the 6-cylinder adds just 35 lbs to the equation, when compared to the 2.5Turbo, which will obviously not adversely impact handling or any other consideration that an automaker might have for not introducing it in a sporty model like the GT limited. So from a weight gain perspective, there is no advantage from the 2.5Turbo 4-cylinder.

    The difference in weight between the 2.5(non-turbo) and the 2.5Turbo (OB 2.5i Limited vs OB 2.5XT Limited) seems to be a whopping 155lbs !! So all the turbo hardware and the DOHC hardware, collectively adds 155 lbs. That is significant.

    That
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Yeah, also throw in a semi-closed deck, beefier valves and pistons and the weight does add up. I think one reason why Subaru currently keeps the 3.0R out of the GT is that it doesn't have as broad a torque curve as the 2.5 turbo.

    I've driven an 05 LL Bean and it's smooth and civilized, but doesn't have that rush of power as with the 2.5 turbo.

    Ken
  • njswamplandsnjswamplands Member Posts: 1,760
    >>>>
    Funny thing is I never actually got one
    <<<<

    like mitsubshi looking for autocrosser on the web, subaru scans sites and knows what a coupon whore you are, lol, and the founding member of the fence sitting club.
  • cbellcbell Member Posts: 11
    Two weeks with the Legacy GT, and I'm quite pleased. One option that I haven't heard about yet is mud flaps.

       I think that I see the holes where they can be bolted in. Are there any plans for OEM mud guards for the Legacy? Thanks again.
  • hunter001hunter001 Member Posts: 851
    I am also curious as to why the 3.0R engine has a higher towing capacity than the 2.5Turbo. The 2.5Turbo has a higher Torque rating than the 3.0R engine and supposedly the low-end torque is also better in the 2.5Turbo engine.

    So why has Subaru accorded a higher towing capacity to the 3.0R engine, especially since quite a few reviewers have alleged that the 3.0R engine is low-end torque challenged, when comparing it to the 2.5Turbo engine ??

    Just curious.

    Later...AH
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    Automatic transmission only would be my educated guess.

    ~c
  • subaru_teamsubaru_team Member Posts: 1,676
    quickly, so.....

    Ken - I don't know the details on transit times, but since you have a VIN, you can call it into us and our Reps. can check an ETA. If you get a Rep. that is unsure how to do this (since I'm out) you can tell them to check with "Ray". Ray isn't on phones, but he works with me and knows how to do this. I'm sure the Rep. will get a kick out of this round-about way, but for you Ken (and my other Edmunds friends) gotta find a way!

    Patti - back to the beach!
  • subaru_teamsubaru_team Member Posts: 1,676
    feelings - but that being said, it does happen for all kinds of things - a friend/neighbor gets a discount that I don't get, etc. I know how it feels.

    Anyway, I'm sure they will take everyones feelings into account when they launch the next campaign. I do know that offers like this do help measure the impact of various programs, internet sites, marketing affiliates. Who knows what the next offers will be!!

    Patti - really back to the beach now!!
  • cbellcbell Member Posts: 11
    Here's something that I've been meaning to ask about, but keep forgetting (having too much fun I suppose). My 05 GT Limited wagon seems to track perfectly; but, the steering wheel is tilted just the slightest bit to the right, when I'm going straight ahead.

    At first, I thought that this might be an optical illusion, due to the asymmetric lines below the gauge console around that area. After two weeks, it seems clear that the wheel really is just a bit off. I remembered to post after seeing another post elsewhere, by somebody with the same issue on their 05 GT.

    The tires are at equal pressure, and steering is fine. Have you heard anything about this issue? Will the dealer (I haven't contacted them yet) be able to make a minor adjustment so that it's right on? Thanks again.
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    My '98 OB steering was cocked to the right [@ 12:30], my '99 OBS is too, my '03 WRX... well was cocked too but it's left now, and other owners I've asked also notice the slight off-center.

    If the car is tracking straight without your input, the dealer could pop the steering and center it, like it was done on my '98 OB. You got to be very certain that it is tracking straight before getting it centered.

    -Dave
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The H6s are (slightly) heavier and perhaps they feel a more substantial tow car can have a more substantial trailer behind it. This is so you don't end up with the tail wagging the dog.

    Also, I bet there is an oil cooler on the H6.

    I'd have the dealer align the wheel.

    -juice
  • aaykayaaykay Member Posts: 539
    The local Subaru dealership here in Jackson, MS, charges 32+ dollars for a simple oil change for my 04 OBS. Is that typical ? I am a bit frustrated, since the next closest Subaru dealership is over 100+ miles away.

    I shudder to think what they would charge for a major one like a 15K or 30K service. Yikes.

    For comparison, the Honda/Toyota/Mazda dealerships etc around here charges approx. $22 for regular oil changes.
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    So don't give them your business. Oil changes aren't exactly rocket science but to play it safe you can avoid the minimum wage quickie places, just use any reputable mechanic.

    -Frank
  • rob_mrob_m Member Posts: 820
    I paid $29.95 for my last oil change. I can remember paying $22 not so long ago. After a much needed relocation of the dealer, I guess I am helping to pay for the new building, granite fireplace, tile floors, log cabin waiting room, touchless indoor carwash ....
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Be happy. Honda gives their techs just 12 minutes to rush through their oil changes, and now 27 CR-V have spontaneously combusted into ashes.

    Go check out the CR-V threads, the last thing you want is to put pressure like that on your service staff.

    -juice
  • discopetediscopete Member Posts: 21
    The two Subaru dealers in the Baltimore/Annapolis area that I have patronized charged $40 and $32 respectively for an oil/filter change. The $40 job used synthetic blend oil. This is a high cost of living area compared to many other places.

    -PW
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    My dealer charges $22, they advertise $19.99 but then they add a $2 "environmental fee". Nonsense, I say, it's $22.

    -juice
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Patti,

    No need to track down my vehicle. I took delivery this past Monday and I'm loving it!

    Have fun at the beach!

    Ken
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    A good wheel alignments should start with centering the steering wheel and either locking in into place (ignition key lock), or if it cannot be held there, by strapping it to the brake pedal or some similar point. Then you adjust the links to set the wheels straight. That should insure that the wheel sits centered in your hands while the car tracks straight on a level road.

    Steve
  • pillowsplat1pillowsplat1 Member Posts: 2
    2003 Outback Wagon 2.5 Limited
    55000 miles
    I got the stop leak installed around 36000.
    I have watched the Coolant just to be safe.
    I have added pre mixed coolant 3x about the amount from the low level to the full level in the resivor bottle every 7000 miles or so. It has been to Fitzgerald for regular service. I usually do the easy stuff. oil, filters, plugs, and air filters.
    Nobody has been able to find a leak. I do smell coolant hitting something hot. I believe it was pressure tested at Fitzgerald. Is coolant resevor bottle refill every 7000 miles sound normal. The car runs great other than this.
    Thanks John Olinski
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I'd consider having an oil sample tested to see if it's going there. A few folks here have done that, it's not that expensive.

    Even if you pay out-of-pocket, I'd want to know.

    -juice
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    I just bought an 05 Outback on Sunday. What do the rules say? Can the coupon be applied retroactively, or is it something that has to be used at the time of purchase?

    thanks,
    Craig
  • lfdallfdal Member Posts: 679
    Craig, they don't seem to put a limit on it, only want the VIN and mileage. Let me know if you want it, you've certainly contributed enough information to make my life easier (and a lot of other people too I bet) on these boards so I'd be happy to send it to you.

    Contact me via my profile e-mail and I'll send it to you.

    Larry
  • rob_mrob_m Member Posts: 820
    I have been quoted $229 and $280 from two dealers for the 15k service. Both dealers insist that the spark plugs, air and gas filters be changed. One dealer wants to change the transmission fluid.

    Isn't this extreme? It sounds like the 30k service. I was expecting an oil change, brake inspection, and tire rotation...

    Thanks! Rob M.
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    $229 with all parts and labor seems within reason for oil, oil filter, air filter, fuel filter although certainly not a "steal".

    $280 to add transmission fluid change to that also sounds about like the typical rate and not at all discounted.

    regarding whether you should change the transmission fluid, your supplemental owner's manual covering the services should show this as an optional item I would think. if it's a mandatory that is a bit surprising. if it's not even optional, then I would question that dealer whether they just recommend it as a personal best practice or what their justification is.

    btw, if these prices seem a bit much all the items I mentioned in my first paragraph can very easily be changed by any hobbyist. the Subaru fuel filter is in the engine bay and easily accessible.

    ~Colin
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    Patti,

    Just curious, as I never received a recall notice on this for my '02 OBW. Are they still going out? As you may remember, I had the drivers side HG replaced at 15k miles, but that was before the additive campagne was announced.

    Thanks,

    Steve
  • rob_mrob_m Member Posts: 820
    Colin - I can certainly handle all of this myself. At this point in my life, it comes to a matter of time and convenience.

    I am more surprised that 2 dealers have told me that spark plugs need to be replaced at 15k. I would expect 30k for regular and 60k for platinum. Rob M.
  • lfdallfdal Member Posts: 679
    30,000 miles. Don't have clue as to why they'd want to do them at 15, except to dig deeper into your pocket. And transmission fluid - if you've turned the OBW into a taxi maybe. Re: Air filter and fuel filter, your owners manual should call them 30k items as well.

    This is from the OBW owners manual on the web for the 15K service:
    Inspect Steering and suspension
    Inspect Clutch operation
    Perform Inspect brake lines and check operation of parking and service brake system
    Inspect Disc brake pads and discs, front and rear axle boots and axle shaft joint portions
    Replace Engine oil filter
    Replace Engine oil
      
    Maybe you should suggest that they're confused and thought you were asking about the 30k service....

    HTH
    Larry
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    OK, sounds good, thanks. Your profile e-mail is marked private. If you want, e-mail me at craig.hunter "at" cox.net and I will reply with my mailing address.

    thanks again,
    Craig
  • subaru_teamsubaru_team Member Posts: 1,676
    Hey Steve! I think the issue you had was different than the scope of this campaign. I just checked and your VIN isn't in the affected list. The letters are all out.

    The "problem" was pretty specific and if I recall correctly, yours was in internal leak on the left side? The campaign was for external "seepage". Long explanation, but if you need it....

    Is all okay with yours now?

    Patti
  • mruebuschmruebusch Member Posts: 25
    Patti I want to thank you for you help in getting me info on the 05 legacy gt. I ordered my gt ltd last Saturday and cant wait. Subaru Fairfield of cincinnati was a pleasure to deal with and I cant wait for my first subie.
  • ladywclassladywclass Member Posts: 1,713
    I have one that I will NOT be using (unfortunately) so if someone wants it, post a message here and I'll figure out how to get it to you ...
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    Hi Patti!
    All is well on this end. Except for my poor Honda's tranny (but afraid you won't be able to help me there)... Fortunately, they are taking good care of us (see 'cafe' for details).

    On the OBW, the leak was external. That was how I found it - dripping off the back of the drivers side head. They changed the gasket, but was there a change made to the replacement gasket that would 'solve' the issue? Would I benefit now from the conditioner with the new gasket in place? I don't mind springing for it myself - it is inexpensive enough. Just concerned as to why my VIN isn't on the approved list.

    Thanks!

    Steve

    BTW, Jay say's hi! Also, reports of how you have saved the day have circulated well around our office (John, Jay and me). So now it is payback time - Brett is about to buy an '05! We have talked extensively over the past few months and his interest has grown. Last week I gave him my maintanence coupon, and I think that was the deal closer. Probably an OBW - xt 5spd.
  • darbyqdarbyq Member Posts: 2
    Ladywclass,
    I'd be very happy to use the coupon to help justify buying a new 2005 OB. Is it gone yet?
  • cjsubarucjsubaru Member Posts: 1
    I am yet another disappointed original owner of a 1998 Legacy GT 70K mi with head gasket problems. I thought it was the Thermostat, replaced it myself, this was not the fix, Took it buy the dealer and got a call in 1/2 hour saying that i have the head gasket problem, actually its more of a cash flow problem that starts at $1300 - $2000 depending on what gets discovered. Its an easy diagnostic form them - air bubbles in the water.

    I guess my big problem is COST, a friends dodge neon eats head gaskets every few years and its costs 300-400 to fix. I could deal with that. But this repair to my subaru is about 20%-30% of the wholesale cost of the car.

    So - does anyone at SOA want to take "Ownership" of a customer complaint?

    If my car was a 1999 I'd just have to drop it off for free because you acknowledge a "problem" with generation II engines, which have the same but "different" problems that i have.

    Sounds sorta fishy
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    I can't (or shouldn't?) speak to any of the other aspects of your post, but I can say for sure that the cost of the headgasket swap is due to the labor involved.

    I have thrice had the heads off an EJ series while the engine is between the fenders and it is no picnic at all. Nearly everyone picks the engine because it's extremely difficult to get the head bolts out past the fender/unibody structure. I helped a friend reinstall the engine in his '99 Impreza RS this weekend. (long story-- highly modified.) It's far easier.

    $1200 sounds about like the going rate, anything beyond that had better be additional work.

    ~c
  • ladywclassladywclass Member Posts: 1,713
    check the email on your profile ... I actually ended up sending two since I realized after I sent the first one that the name on the email isn't the same as the user name here .... sorry about that! Trying to do things too quickly ...
    Bren
  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
    Patti: I don't know whether you spoke to anyone at the dealer from which I'm buying my new Forester, but if you did, thanks.

    I e-mailed a letter and two photos of my son in the "Cozy Coupe WRC" to the Drive magazine editor, but I switched personal e-mail accounts and no longer have your address so unfortunately I wasn't able to copy you. I did link to an image gallery of them in the Photo Gallery forum.

    I received one of those '05 Legacy/Outback test drive/gift card/free maintenance packages in the mail awhile back. Since I'm not buying a Legacy or Outback, I'm not eligible for the free maintenance, I have the coupon sitting unused. I didn't realize they were in such high demand.

    Ed
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    I have it sitting here too, and unused.

    -Dave
This discussion has been closed.

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