Subaru XT Turbo Forester

pitbull

OK, I know the oil subject has been pretty much discussed & debated to death (in every forum on the internet it seems!), but I have a question that I haven't seen yet anywhere else.
  
Mine is an '05 F-XT (PP/auto), and is my first turbo car.
I'm fairly technically knowledgeable, but I wanted some feedback from others.
  
 I've been using Mobil-1 since pretty much the time it was marketed for mass consumption, and I probably always will.
 I have long believed in the principle of using 'lighter' oils for easier startup and better flow in plain bearings (crank, cams, etc.).
  
 In the interest of any potential improvement in fuel economy, and concerns for maximum lubricity & cooling for the turbo itself, as well as freeing up a few ponies, I am considering using Mobil-1 0W/30 for the next change (5000 mile mark).
  
 Has anyone heard of any specific or significant concerns about this oil for this car?
 Anyone have personal experience with Mobil-1 0W/30 (in any car)?
  
 I can pretty much guess Subaru's advice to toe the company line and recommend "only" 10W/30.
  
 Thanks in advance.

ateixeira

Turbos run hotter so if any engine can benefit from synthetic this one can.

And keep in mind this is coming from someone who has never paid the extra money for synthetic oil. Except for gear oil.

-juice

deadeye5

PITBULL: I also have a F-XT PP and my manual
          shows 5Wx30 Perhaps in hot wea. and
          long hwy trips in the summer heat I may
           go to a little more heavy viscosity..

                             Pleased with mine,
                                 Deadeye sends

miamixt

Larry, I didn't go with the GT, sounds like it is well worth the extra price!

Juice, I remember you from the Honda CRV Forum from 2000, and you are very knowledgeable and give great answers. At work when I parked between a CRV & a RAV 4, the XT was not as tall as the other two. However no question on which Make was better!

ateixeira

The taller, the more likely it is to roll over! LOL

Just kidding.

You can't please everyone, you think the Forester's too short, yet other complain it's top heavy and needs a tighter suspension to handle even better.

I find it a good compromise between fun and practical. I like small cars, so to me that was an advantage. Our Legacy is less fun mostly because it is bigger.

-juice

miamixt

I always thought Juice that you have one of every Car, and your XT advice is on target. I loved the size, I will miss it!

And Corkfish, the XT is no $24K SUV, my Sticker was $29K, share with the others here how they can obtain one for such a Deal?

pon1

I'll live with all the compromises (size, tallness, tires, mpg, gearing) and the few issues (climate control, hmmmm what else?).

Some of this is easily changed/fixed.

I still think the XT is far and away the best package out there if you want it all (performance. AWD, utility, safety, fun, bargain price, etc).

Just please please make mine reliable this time around, and I'll be happy.

JP

ateixeira

That's because SoA only allocated one XT to Florida and you got that only one. Supply and demand. ;-)

Actually prices have just come down. It's such a buyer's market now.

-juice

crashton6

I think there must be something wrong with my new XT. It doesn't do any of the things yours did.;-) I wish you luck with your new Hyundai.

crashton6

I thought the company line was 5w30 for the XT. As far as using Mobile one goes I'm with you. Maybe by the time we figure out the 0w30 vs 5w30 I'll have enough miles on mine to start using synthetic.

miamixt

No Juice, you are not too far off on allocations for this Area, when I bought mine there were only 4 available in the entire County from 2 Stores. I just checked the exclusive Edmunds TMV Price, what others are paying in my area for a 2005 and with Options it's $28K, with Tax and Title it would be $30K, almost exactly what I paid in 2003 for the 04. A used 2004 XT A/T PP is worth around $25K, and to the Dealer $22K or less. And yes I got less, but I also picked up the 05 Elantra for $10.8K,(TMV Price $13.3K) and the MSRP was $14.9K. And CRASHton, many of the same things I spoke about have been experienced by others. I did forgot to mention, my XT, StuHall's XT and a couple other 04 XT owners had some serious Transmission issues, the A/T sometimes would fall out of Gear, OR not catch a Gear, that is the reason I Smoked all 4 Wheels going 35 and lost Control. And you can use any Oil you like, but similar to doing any Modifications, be prepared to face denial of any Warranty Claims, it happened to me in the 86 Dodge/Plymouth/Mitsubishi Turbo Colt, and I had used the correct Oil, lost my Turbo in 2 Months and Chrysler did fix it, just went to a different Shop . In fact the reason these Companies can offer 100K Coverage is because they will go over your Service records like a fine tooth comb, looking for any way out. I will enjoy my Hyundai in a limited sense of the word, it's no XT, but it should get 32MPG instead of the 17 MPG in the XT, and without the Premium Gas, in fact you should take even more liberties and use Regular Gas, who will know?

pitbull

Yeah, you and crashton6 are right - The OM says 5/30, not 10/30 - A typo on my part.

Thanks for the responses.

My question tho' was whether anyone had any personal experience or other info regarding 0W/30.

I guess I'll just go with it and see - Shouldn't be a problem, but I was just curious for feedback.

I guess I'll be the first to report on it!

I expect the next change to be due in about the next two weeks or so, so I'll give my feedback after using it for a while.

I'm kinda curious to see if it revs any quicker, or if the seat-of-the-pants-omometer notices any increased thrust, and any improvement in fuel mileage.
The way I drive I'm challenged to average 20 mpg through a tankful, so any improvement will be welcome!

ps - Miamixt - Sorry to hear of your disappointment with the FXT.
FWIW - I almost went with an Outback XT (red w/tan leather & sportshift auto trans), but the FXT is just so fun and tossable that the sheer grin factor helps me forgive it's foibles.
The Outback XT, while fast, felt a bit more reserved - The FXT feels like a full-scale RC car!

Best of luck with your new ride!

miamixt

Hi Pitbull, please know the XT is really not a dissapointment, I would not post that, and in a same sentence tell you about a Hyundai. I loved the XT, I drove it hard, and really aside from the tranny issue, and the fact that in 30 years of driving, this was the first vehicle that I lost control in, and it was a real nasty recovery. I live in Miami, where many people drive terribly, in fact South Florida has the 2nd highest Insurance Rates in the Country, and is one of the worst cities for Traffic. The XT does give the feeling of a Race SUV, and that 2.5 Engine which can produce 300 HP is solid. However there is a reason why it's so quick off the line, a trade off at other Speeds. When I was 17 with my 73 Dodge Charger, and even with my 86 110 HP Turbo Colt, I never would bolt out of an Intersection, OK I did once in my Charger, and my Friend who had a 426 Hemi Six Pack Charger was in the next lane, but not for long, now that was a dissapointment!

bkaiser1

I used this weight of oil years ago in my 88 Accord, thinking it would be beneficial. The car had about 60k miles at the time, and I wanted to give it the "best" I could find. What happened, though, is that the oil was so much lighter than what was normally in there that the engine made an unsettling clattering (valves) at idle. There was never any history of engine trouble with the car, and the noise really worried me. Less than 1,000 miles later, I changed the oil back to regular weight oil and the noise disappeared.

True, every engine could respond differently to the oil, but ever since then I've just stuck with synthetic oil in the same weight as recommended.

Brian

atlgaxt

I'm sorry if I missed this or forgot this, but could you give a brief recap of how you lost control of your XT? In my mind, this is such a stable car, I cannot fathom how that might have occurred, and am truly interested in what happened.

Please do not get offended, but it seems to me that you have driven your XT very aggressively, but I am not sure how rapid acceleration off the line is a problem. And now you decide to get a Hyundai? I'm not trying to be mean, but I am not sure that I am following the logic.

ateixeira

Wow, here I was joking but I'm almost right. 4 in the state of FL?!

-juice

miamixt

We know the problems with the Geolanders, they are great looking Tires that are really sub standard. And you have read about others installing Sway Bars. In my incident, I was making a left turn, on a dry day here in Miami. At the point where I started turning left, there was a Car coming out of a Gas Station to go the same Direction I was headed. He didn't see me, and I did give the Throttle by Wire (still trying to figure out the real difference) looking back a very wrong command? We talk about virtually no Turbo Lag in the XT, and that alone is amazing. Anyway I cancelled the command but it was too late, when the Car turned the 90 degrees to complete the turn, the Turbo kicked in, and smoked all 4 Wheels at 30 MPH. Keep in mind the XT does not loose traction from a straight start, it's incredible! Well it was just like what you see on those cornering and rollover tests, without those Red support arms. I lost it, almost did a 180, actually it was more like a 90 degree slide to the left and then a 90 degree slide to the right. Was it the XT's fault, no. Does the XT handle well in an Emergency, not really. As I mentioned previously, you can drive the XT with one finger ( I don't suggest it), and with the combination of the poor traction from the OEM Tires, and the propensity to slide & sway from the rear, especially on wet days, I felt like I needed a change, granted a strange change. I framed a Subaru Ad 14 Months ago featuring Lance Armstrong and my Black XT. I think I should mail it to Juice, as I promised him my XT if I didn't make it through that Giant Hurricane that missed Miami, but Killed a 100 people in 10 States. The Ad talks about the assuring traction, balance and control of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. In other words, it goes straight great! Enjoy the XT, consider adding those modifications others are doing, and for good reason!

ateixeira

You just experience a big turbo boost at exactly the wrong time. Pretty rare occasion.

-juice

pitbull

Yeah, to be honest I've very nearly had a few of those moments myself - It will definitely get your attention and raise your pulse!
Just this morning (in moderate rain) I got stuffed by a Rav4 at the last moment as I was approaching a red light in the 'right turn only' lane. After cutting me off doing about 10mph, she slowly meandered up to the light, then liesurely drifted around the corner. Naturally, right when I (finally...) got to the light, the two lanes of cross traffic on my left had just started to move.
Not wanting to get stuck behind another thousand or so giant SUV's etc., just to go two blocks to make a left turn, I instinctively punched the throttle...
Having actually experienced the quick spool-up and sudden hit of power in a similar situation previously, I was somewhat ready for it.
Sure enough, after a moment of lag, the power came on 'now', with my wheels still turned fairly sharply to the right (but not full-lock). The FXT couldn't seem to decide whether it wanted to power-oversteer, or understeer towards the outside - Each end seemed to want to do it's own thing! (kind of a cool feeling in a way - it seemed completely confused!)
I just kept the front wheels pointed where I wanted to go and held the throttle steady where I had it (about 3/4's) and let the mechanicals figure out just what to do to cope with my demands from the helm.
Meanwhile all 4 tires were scrabbling for grip.
A bit of opposite lock as it drifted towards the deep drainage ditch in the median, and it recovered and pointed itself up the road pretty much in the direction that I originally intended.
Great fun when you're ready for it, but it can almost instantly get past the point of no return if you're not anticipating it.
Just something that FXT owners need to be aware of.

As far as the tires I agree - The O.E. Geolanders are decent for most folks, but not great for enthusiasts.
They're (from what I've been told) really light truck tires with a sporty looking tread.
I'll be changing to Conti ExtremeContacts in 225/60-16 as soon as my budget allows.

I do agree that it's nose-heavy, and it also handles with resolute understeer, because auto mfg's feel that most drivers are 'safer' with understeer than a propensity for oversteer.
I personally prefer to drive with the back end more than the front, so I also plan to do the STi rear swaybar mod asap to make the handling more neutral.

The car is setup for the 'average' driver - Clearly most of us here on this forum are probably more 'enthusiast' than 'average', but the fixes are pretty easy and relatively cheap.

Got any mods planned for the new car yet?? ;-)

FWIW - I also grew up driving RWD Detroit iron with big V8's; Usually rusted out old buckets with bald bias-plys and "iffy" drum brakes (in winter in New England...).
We built them to go fast in a straight line; "Brakes? Who needs 'em? They only slow you down!"...

The well-rounded performance and relative civility of these new cars is amazing!
And the potential for easy major-league horsepower was the stuff of dreams way back when.

* Thanks also to you, bkaiser1, and others for the oil feedback.
From the responses here & another forum, I think I'll just stick with 5W30 (Mobil-1); I used that in my '01 Leg GT for almost 60,000 miles with no problems, and in a much colder climate than where I live now.
It should be fine, and no possible warranty concerns.

atlgaxt

I think what it comes down to is that the XT is a high powered vehicle with AWD, which means it has enough traction to put the power to the ground. Other typical high powered front or rear wheel drive vehicles would just spin their tires in these situations. I do not think the XT is flawed, but it is just physics that a relatively high powered vehicle with AWD might become a handful in certain rare situations, and we have to use our common sense when driving.
 
The only thing that might help in these situations would be an electronic nanny like traction control, but in all honesty I think that traction control brings up its own set of problems, as an overly intrusive system can almost become dangerous in some instances, when the computer contradicts the will of the driver.

ateixeira

High power + traction + low gearing = jack rabbit starts.

Fasten your seat belts. )

-juice

miamixt

The closest I ever came to losing control of a Car was in the peppy front wheel drive Turbo Colt, hit some Dirt or Plaster and the Front Wheels Spun, though the Car didn't. It was new, and I learned from my mistake immeadiatly! When I had that episode with the XT last year, very similar to what happened to you today, I almost snapped my Neck, and I just had recent Back surgery, I learned from that mistake as well, however the slipping and sliding continued for the duration of my XT ownership.
Yes, no modifications for the Hyundai ever, but that New Car smell is great, whether it's a Volvo or a Yugo. Actually I've never smelled either, so just go along with me on that! And to see the Odometer with 9 Miles, breathtaking. Have you thought of using a Synth Blend? My Subaru mechanic insisted, and we used a Saab Turbo Oil blend . My selling Dealer who went out of Business 6 Months after they opened(Potamkin), refused to use the correct weight Oil or Filter, at first Dealers were using anything that would screw on, screw them.

edunnett

My dealer's tech (who I respect) told me that when putting synthetic in the XT, 10W30 is a good bet since syn tends to be "thinner" than dyno. Of course, actual viscosity differs from brand to brand. I hear Mobil 1 is on the thin side so for M1, I'd definitely go with the 10W30. If I were doing Amsoil maybe I'd stay with the 5W30 recommendation. I'll let y'all know when I change my oil next in a couple months.
Elissa

njswamplands

they must be cornering ok as with just 11k the sides of the tires are almost bald. hey its not me driving like that its the other person....

lfdal

I've had good luck with the oil that everyone loves to hate - a synthetic blend. Blackstone tells me I can easily push out my oil changes past where I'm at now, and its still a lot cheaper than pure synthetic.

Just to add to the confusion....

Larry

bluesubie

Just to add to the confusion....

Ok, me too. :-)
If you check out the product data sheets on Mobil1.com, you will see that the 0W30 is actually just a hair thicker at 100C than the 10W30!

-Dennis

pitbull

"I'll live with all the compromises (size, tallness, tires, mpg, gearing) and the few issues.
 
Some of this is easily changed/fixed.

I still think the XT is far and away the best package out there if you want it all (performance. AWD, utility, safety, fun, bargain price, etc)."
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Completely agreed!

I think the FXT is a near perfect compromise of all of those things.
I love performance (I also own a hotrodded Yamaha R1), but need practicality for a child & dog (& all the trappings that go along with them!), camping, etc.
I think the suspension damping is a perfect compromise for it's mission; I think the tires are a perfect compromise for the majority of buyers, etc.

It's a true Jeckyl & Hyde car - Innocuous looking to the fuzz ("Who me? No way officer! This is just a harmless little Forester. - hehe!), but will rip the headlights out of most ego-mobiles, and it's also very civil and well-mannered when not pushing the envelope, and has impressive capabilities off road.
What more could one ask for?

Due to it's broad spectrum of capabilities, it does have certain trade-offs that drivers just need to be aware of and respectful of, for instance: If you're moving slowly, and have the front wheels turned sharply, be cautious with the right foot 'cuz you may very well get more than you (thought) you asked for, when you least expect it...

Like I said previously, great fun when that's what you want.
I certainly don't fault the car at all for that.
(I like it!)

Sportbikes are like that too.
All of the top bikes are absolutley fantastic performers, with no real faults. Each one is just a little different from the others, with different strengths and weaknesses.

I am very, very impressed and happy with my FXT.
It's perfect for me & my family.

I think Subaru got it 'almost' perfect.
I just want the full 300hp... .

On the oil: Thanks all for all the feedback.
I've used Mobil-1 for many years in all of my vehicles.
Several bike motors were torn down and looked as new after many miles.
M1 5W/30 it shall be from now on.

bluesubie

.. the 0W30 is actually just a hair thicker at 100C than the 10W30!

 

Just to add to this statement. The 10W30 probably has fewer viscosity improvers and will likely shear less than the 0W30.

 

-Dennis

lark6

I had an episode this past Friday that's left me scratching my head. I'll be as brief (Cliffs Notes version) as possible.

 

Get into car ('05 FXT) and attempt to start. Car turns over, won't start. Battery has enough juice to power accessories. Call Subaru Roadside Assistance. Car gets flatbedded to dealer; tow guy asks me to bring along spare set of keys. Car gets offloaded at dealer; tow guy gets into car with spare keys, starts car right up(!). Dealer performs diagnostics, determines car did not recognize my primary key and activated immobilizer. Keys get reprogrammed; car now starts with all keys. Off I go.

 

This wouldn't have been so bad had the tow guy gotten there in the hour Subaru Roadside Assistance estimated, rather than the 3.5 hours it actually took, effectively screwing the pooch as far as my day was concerned.

 

So I'm curious if anyone with immobilizer keys has had this problem yet (mods: maybe I'll cross-post to the WRX STi topic? Please don't hurt me if I do). Dealer said they'd had few reports but not enough to spot a trend. I'm still scratching my head as to why this may have happened. Back in the day when I worked as an R&D chemist I could've seen it; the huge magnets used in NMR spectroscopy routinely wiped out other magenetic devices like ATM cards, access badges etc. Live and learn, I guess.

 

Ed

bluesubie

I've had at least five instances where my car shut down within a few seconds after starting. Twice after refueling.

 

I've been thinking that it might be something to do with my aftermarket security system.

  

In every case the car wouldn't turn over at first, but started up after waiting about 30 seconds. Did you happen to wait a minute and try again?

 

 
-Dennis

rsholland

not work with the remote, if I park near a certain store. Apparently the remote interfered with the store's burglar alarm, and got its signal screwed up. I was able to open the door, the car alarm went off, and 3 quick turns in the ignition switch, and everything was fine.

 

Could a store burglar alarm have been the culprit?

 

Bob

ateixeira

I put new batteries in my keyless remote and the range is a *LOT* better now. I can lock the door from 5 rows away. I used to have to walk right up next to it, sometimes press the button more than once.

 

$3 at CVS for a Duracell.

 

-juice

lark6

In every case the car wouldn't turn over at first, but started up after waiting about 30 seconds. Did you happen to wait a minute and try again?



 

Yes, in fact I also waited about 30 minutes and tried again.

 

Ed

hypov

Dennis-

if it totally shuts down ala Blackjax style, it might be a security malfunction - an intermittent one. The system does do self diagnosis and by-pass the malfunctioning mode(s); maybe why you could start later.

I've not encountered any problems with my security system to date, and that's just me guessing. The next time the instance occur and you're able to get the car started after waiting, let the Blackjax go through it's cycle. If it prompts [chirps] for your code input, then I'm probably off with my guess. But if Blackjax remains silent, then ya problem it's been by-passed.

 

-Dave

Donluce

What would be the advantages going to 225/60/16 ?

(1) Better conering?

(2) Better mpg?

(3) Better and smoother ride?

(4) Quieter, less road noise?

(5) Shorter Stopping distance?

(6) More fun to drive?

(7) Better traction on wet roads?

(8) Longer tire wear, since XT weight spread over wider tread?

 

Any others?

 

Thanks,

 

Don Luce

pitbull

Here's my thoughts:

(since I plan to go to 225/60's myself)

 

1) Almost certainly Yes - Although the O.E. Geolanders perform surprisingly well, it seems fairly safe to assume that almost any decent tire, in a wider size that stock, will provide better overall cornering grip.

 

2) No - Most likely worse fuel mileage, due to wider tread & increased friction, as well as a slight aerodynamic penalty.

Probably not a huge difference - Expect perhaps 1-2 less mpg at most.

 

3) Depends on the tires - Sidewall height will be quite close to stock, but most people run a sportier tire in this situation, which will tend to ride a bit less 'smooth', but with better cornering and feedback.

I'd call it roughly a draw, but probably leaning towards the 'firmer' end of the spectrum.

This area really depends on the particular tire.

 

4) Again, depends on the tire.

A sportier tire will generally produce more road noise, but in this case it may again be a draw, as the O.E. Geolanders are fairly loud (to my ears).

A "Touring' tire will generally be quieter and ride a bit more comfortably, but probably no more grip than the stock pieces, which begs the question: "Why bother?".

Know what I mean?

 

5) Almost certainly Yes.

Just today I noted uncomfortably long stopping distances in rain with the Geo's, but acceptable in dry conditions.

I'd say shorter stopping would be a major benefit of wider rubber.

 

6) Almost certainly Yes.

Better cornering grip, better feedback & turn-in response, and shorter & more confidence inspiring braking all add up to 'More fun to drive'.

The assumption again would be sportier tires than the stock bits.

 

7) Depends on the tire, but generally Yes.

I think the O.E. tires are at best 'adequate' in wet conditions. I don't think it would be hard to improve in this regard with almost any decent 'sporty' tire.

 

8) Probably a draw - Assuming sportier/grippier rubber, which will generally wear faster, all else being the same, but it would be offset by less psi on the rubber contacting the road due to the increased area of contact.

However - You'll probably end up driving more aggressively as a result of all of the above improvements, so equal or a slight improvement in wear rates would likely be the best you could hope for.

 

Personally, I'll trade slightly increased wear for overall better performance and safety.

 

 

9) (No, you didn't ask...)

I happen to think that the 225/60's are more aesthetically pleasing - I just like to fill up the wheel-wells a bit more. Most O.E. tires look a bit undersized to my eye. The 225/60's just look more "stout", and more capable of serious work overall.

 

FWIW - After much research, and some experience with a number of different performance tires on a variety of different cars over the years, I'm planning to go with Continental ContiExtremeContacts.

I think they will be a really good match for the overall mission of the FXT, and well suited to my needs.

It is certainly possible to get more grip, but they seem to be a really good compromise of everything I need from a tire, and probably particularly well matched to the FXT, as far as capabilities and ride quality.

Frankly, this is the tire that I think should be spec'd as O.E. on the FXT.

 

My other choice, if leaning a bit more towards snow performance with year-round capability would be Nokian WR's, if my wallet was a bit thicker.

I used Nokian NRW's on my '01 Leg GT wagon for several years and they were absolutely outstanding in crummy weather.

miamixt

can affect the performance of the Remote Control. My Subaru Dealer, who also is my Hyundai Dealer is located right next to an Antenna Farm, and the Remote has a tough time working. I can't speak about the Key problem in the 05, but it is amazing how the Hyundai works from over 50 Yards away. Perhaps this is an extra added bonus because there are Millions of these Hyundai's everywhere. Juice, I could of saved you the 3 Bucks at CVS, they are having their "Grand Opening" here in South Florida, and the Sunday Paper and the in Store ad's have a coupon for $5 off a $10 Purchase, one free CVS Item up to $3, a free Greeting Card, and $25 free if you get a Prescription filled. In fact I am off now to buy some stuff I don't need!

ateixeira

I shared some answers in the regular Forester thread since I have exactly that size tire on mine.

 

Some opinions differ from above, but we both had the same conclusion - filling those wheel wells is the biggest pro.

 

Of course I've never had 215/60 to begin with, I had 15" rims on there before, and swapped them out. Lucien has owned both stock and 225/60, but the tires are so different it won't mean much.

 

-juice

bluesubie

Thanks Dave. I have a feeling it might be Blackjax related. I'll check the manual or maybe just take it back to the alarm guy if it keeps happening.

 

-Dennis

runs 225/55/17's

samiam_68

Any 2005 or 2004 XT owners like to share the latest MPG numbers? Curious to see if the '05 is actually more efficient or just an EPA "trick". My '04 XT MT averages about 21.8 MPG, lowest ever 19.8, highest ever 24.8 with 17K on the odo and QS full synthetic 5W-30 since 7.5K.

subearu

'04 F-XT MT with almost 5k miles on the odo. Waiting until after 5k (and probably March when it warms up a bit) to change to M1 (maybe by then someone will have figured out what weight to use).

 

It's getting a lot of city mileage, but I don't baby it and routinely shift at 3.5k or more (but will shift earlier if conditions warrant it).

 

I'm averaging 21mpg over 16 tankfuls so far, with the best (twice) at 23 (mostly highway miles on those tanks) and a low of 19. The low was on the last tank, which also is 'winter' fuel, so I typically see 1-2mpg less.

 

For comparison, my '00 Outback AT averaged 22mpg over it's lifetime, with a high of 28, several highway trips of 25-26, and a low of 17 (thanks again to winter fuel).

 

-Brian

Donluce

Thanks for the great input. After reading hundreds of posts, I think I will go with Falken Ziex ZE-512 225/60/16. Good tire, nice price $57.00ea.

 

I am planning to pick up a new XT PP some where on the East Coast in mid April, and then, slowly drive back to California. The big question, is what to do with the new Geolanders?

 

After all the bad reviews they have received on the Forums, do you think I could sell them for $20.00 each? I wonder if Sears would give me some credit for them against the new Falkins?

 

Thanks again for the great information!

 

Don Luce

subearu

Hey, if you plan on selling them for $20 each, let me know ;-) For $20, they aren't that bad...

 

-Brian

njswamplands

4mygrey

I'm at about 700 miles, 1 month, on my 05 FXT AT PP; at last fill-up I calculated about 21 MPG, mostly rural driving, 30-50 mph, with pretty regular turns, slows, and stops (trips about 10 miles each). I've been doing my best to adhere to the break-in "rules" (what a bore!).

 

I swear I recall reading here that the FXT drinks up a lot of oil and also some other fluid during the first few months...what other fluid should I be keeping a particular eye on? I've been searching the forums for 2 hours and can't find the message. Would also love specifics regarding type/brand of oil and other fluid. I haven't done anything myself to my cars in the past. When should I get it changed for the first time? 3000 miles?

 

Also, I'm thinking the air filter (behind the glove box) would be a good idea as it's humid where we live and my last car started to smell musty. Can you get this at any auto parts store? And use regular tools to install it?

 

Has anyone found a good sunshield for the winshield to protect the leather and keep the interior from turning into an oven? Are the custom ones worth it or should I go to Walmart?

 

Thanks in advance!

samiam_68

My 04 XT has not used up one ounce of any fluid and is now past 17K miles. I change the oil every 7500, and don't need to add any oil between changes. I don't even bother checking it regularly anymore, maybe every 2000 miles or so.

once_for_all

Don,

 

I like the Geos and will probably bring my spare out front and buy 3 new ones. I would think they are worth at least double your price.

 

John

roadtripper

The difference is remarkable! I have an '05 FXT (manual transmission). I had the STi 20 mm sway bar plus new endlinks and collars installed. (I wish I could do these things myself... maybe someday.)

 

On my way to the mechanic, I had to drive around these wide, sweeping curves on the freeway. As always, I was frustrated by the understeer.

 

On my way home, there was no more understeer! The ride felt so much more secure.

 

I feel that the 20 mm bar makes the car safer than the stock one. If I ever have to swerve quickly to avoid something, I feel like the 20 mm bar will help keep the car under my control.

 

My next step is to get new tires, so I am happy to see the 2 recent posts about that.

 

I got the sway bar from allsubaru.com (they sell it along with the brackets and everything else you need). I got the endlinks and collars from PolTec (I *think* it's poltecusa.com), and was given a discount for buying a set of each. (but you have to ask for the discount!)

 

It took my mechanic about an hour and 15 minutes to do the installation for me.

 

Just wanted to add my voice to the many singing the praises of this modification.

p0926

With a little over 20k miles (mostly hwy) on the odo my FXT's lifetime mpg avg is 24.1. It had inched up to 24.2 but winter blend gas knocked it back down a notch. Best was 27.0 and worst was 21.2 which I almost equaled on my last tank (21.6)but that was due to towing a 5x8 UHaul trailer for 60 miles at 70 mph ;-(

 

-Frank

pitbull

Your very welcome - I'm happy to help anyone if I think I can add any useful info

I have plenty of questions myself!

 

I have heard only good things about the ZE-512's, although I've never tried them.

 

I'm real curious what you think of the ride qualities compared to the stockers.

 

*Remember - New tires need to be seasoned, just like brake pads for instance.

They'll 'come in' and should work better after a few hundred good miles.

 

Let us all know how they work after you use them for a while.