Subaru Crew: Official SOA Presence (aka Patti)

fibber2

I didn't get one for my '02 OBW either. And the leakstop wasn't available yet when they did my leaking drivers side head gasket in '03 (?). I asked Patti about it some time ago, and she replied that my VIN was not on the 'service campaign' list. What I did not get clear was whether the new gasket was in some way different from the original, and thus fixed the problem, or if for our build period there is simply no fix... Should we add it ourselves? And are we covered by the warranty extension? I only have the 6yr/85k Gold plan, so the 8/100 would still buy me some piece-of-mind a few years out.

 

Steve

ateixeira

Given the price Colin mentioned, I might just add it myself.

 

-juice

fibber2

but are we covered from a warr extension standpoint?

ateixeira

Hmm, good question.

 

I'll keep the receipt for the additive, and record the service on My.Subaru for later.

 

I have a 7/100 Gold warranty anyway, so I'm not worried.

 

-juice

kellerc4

Should a dealer include brake fluid change in the 30k service? It is called for in the owner's manual for my 03 Outback wagon 5speed, but the dealer says they do not do this service at 30k, 60k or 90k.

Seems to me that this means I am not maintaining my car according to SOA recommendations, but only because the dealer has taken it upon themselves to eliminate a called for service!

Please advise.

jon_in_ct

Subaru dealers can and do devise their own schedules for inspection and maintenance services on Subarus based on local driving conditions. Dealers, though, will honor a request to perform exactly the maintenance and inspections recommended in your car's Warranty and Maintenance Booklet, and they frequently have a set price for it, too, which may be different than their advertised 30k service package.

BTW, perhaps Patti, since she is no longer a "presence" here, should request that KarenS make this thread/board "READ ONLY."

aaykay

Maybe this has been answered before but are there any definite plans to bring out an H6 equipped GT wagon ?

Since there is only any additional 35lbs for the H6 when compared to the 2.5T, I would assume that it would be a good match on the lighter Legacy frame. Moreover, the CG should be lower in the H6 than the 2.5H4T (which has all those turbo hardware sitting above the H4 engine thus raising the CG). This would ensure even more stability for sharper handling when compared to the 2.5T.

I like to drive turbo equipped cars but for long term ownership, I still prefer NA engines. The fact that Subaru has got a "Turbo Surcharge" in their extended warranties, just reinforces my preference for a NA engined vehicle for long-term ownership.

TIA.

jon_in_ct

Subaru has, so far, not announced any plan to sell a 6-cylinder Legacy wagon in the US. You can find speculation about Subaru's future plans in the discussion Subaru Crew - Future Models II.

I didn't know about a "Turbo Surcharge" for a Subaru Extended Warranty. Is that term actually used or is the extended warranty simply more expensive? For instance, is the extended warranty on a 2005 Outback 2.5XT Limited more expensive than one on the 2005 Outback LL Bean?

dcm61

I didn't know about a "Turbo Surcharge" for a Subaru Extended Warranty. Is that term actually used or is the extended warranty simply more expensive?

From the Added Security price list:

"Turbo Surcharge: add $250 to 80k and 100k plans"

DaveM

locke2c

that's a good idea, it can come back if the official presence comes back...

c_hunter

I think the difference in handling due to the engine is going to be minimal, given the various trades between the H4 and H6. Yeah, the H4 turbo has a top mounted intercooler, but in every other respect the H6 is equal or heavier.

The big difference between the two is the torque and where it comes on. H6 is fast at highway speeds, but the H4 turbo is superior off the line.

Craig

jon_in_ct

It seems to me that, interpreting aaykay's post, the issue isn't whether the H6 handles better/worse or weighs less/more than the turbo H4, it's whether the H6 is expected to be more durable/reliable than the turbo H4. He certainly raises a credible concern about the turbo H4's durability/reliability by drawing attention to the fact that an extended warranty from Subaru costs an extra $250 dollars whenever a Subaru's engine is turbocharged.

kens

I dunno. The presence of a turbo surcharge doesn't explicitly say anything about reliability vs. NA.

It could be as simple as Subaru guessing that more turbo owners will drive harder thereby increasing failure rates. I can definetly see that being representative of the WRX crowd. Or, it can be that the H6 makes up a relatively small portion of all engines sold so that's it wasn't worth administering the surcharge for that configuration.

Or, it might be that it's easier to justify charging more for a turbo engine just because people think it's less reliable -- extracting consumer surplus so to speak.

I think we'll know the answer in about five years from now when a good number of people are well into their extended warranty period. But I agree, that having a surcharge does send a message to be questioned by the owners.

Ken

ateixeira

Spec B, anyone?

If only for the 6 speed and 18" rims.

-juice

p0926

Excellent points Ken :-)

-Frank

Karen_S

..until Patti is permitted to return, this discussion will be read only.

Patti, everyone is hoping to see you back here soon!