Subaru Legacy/Outback 2005+

paisan · July 2008

The Axxis deluxe are ok pads if you are going to be trading in the car shortly. If you are planning on driving it though Hawk HPs pads are the way to go.

-mike

feilo · July 2008

I have had experience both Axxis Deluxe and Ultimate on my ex-Passat; both worked far better than the OEM pads. Ultimates were great but DUSTY; Deluxe has sidgen less bite than the Ultimate but almost NO dust ... both had decent service life too.

I'd go with Axxis Deluxe on my OB when its due.

luck11 · July 2008

Thanks guys. Shop is telling me that I currently have about 30% left on front and back at 30,000 miles (car will be 4 yrs old at end of Sept so average about 7,500 miles per year)

If I plan to keep the car for another three months or so, do you think my brakes will last to past a safety, or should I bite the bullet and get them changed now?

thx.

kyfdx · July 2008

30% is almost 12,000 miles left... I'd leave them be...

luck11 · July 2008

Thx. But is that until their done, or until they would no longer pass safety. Here, I beleive min of 1/16" is required to pass safety. Not sure what that translates into % of pad left though.

kyfdx · July 2008

You'd have to be below 10% to worry about safety.... maybe way below..

At 90K miles on my CR-V, they said I had about 15% left... I drove it until the next oil change at 97.5K before doing the brake job... no issues..

If you are only putting on 7.5K/yr, then you've got a good 18 months left..

paisan · July 2008

I wouldn't worry, you probably have another 5k miles left on those pads. Out of the 200-300 brake jobs I've done on subies, rarely do I see the pads needing replacement before 30k miles, especially on non-enthusiastically driven cars.

-mike

luck11 · July 2008

Thanks guys. My service guy called me that car was done. They serviced the brakes and said that I don't need new pads. Given the distance I drive in a year, he said that I won't need brakes until next year.

Cheers.

ateixeira · August 2008

That wouldn't look out of place parked between an Audi and an Infiniti. :shades:

bburagos · August 2008

Hey I am new to this Subaru thing. Just got my first Subaru Outback. can you tell me more about the Subaru Bucks and how do i receive them?

Also i saw a conversation about the Ipod Integration kit. I dont think the impreza kit works for ourbacks but i have found an aftermarket kit. Let me know if interested I will provide a link.

Thanks

ateixeira · August 2008

You sign up for a Chase Subaru credit card, with Chase Bank.

Once you have it, you get a 3% rebate on all purchases. They come in $100 Subaru Bucks at a time, up to $500 per year total.

Over time we used $400 and accumulated another $1600, which we applied towards our 2009 Forester purchase. We got a Limited model for $23.4k after that credit. :shades:

plim77 · August 2008

Subaru Bucks can also be used for parts, accessories, and service at your Subaru dealership. If you use a $100 certificate, make sure you purchase $100 worth of stuff- they can't give you change back.

I've used my bucks for all weather floor mats and air filters. I'm saving them up now for the next time I need an expensive service that I only want done at the dealership.

99solara · August 2008

bburagos does the aftermarket kit allow full integration? ie can you use the buttons on the steering wheel to control the ipod?

ateixeira · August 2008

For sure...we used $100 for accessories (mats and some other little stuff) and then another $300 at the Fitzgeral Subaru body shop!

The cool thing was we were reimbursed by insurance so that meant we got $300 cash. Ka-ching. :shades:

goneskiian · August 2008

Good thing I decided to check back here today! Looks like others answered your question on the Subaru Bucks. I've used mine to replace a windshield, buy accessories and for service at the dealership.

As for the iPod integration kit, I believe it will work with any OEM stereo that has satellite radio capabilities. You won't be able to have both though as the iPod kit uses the satellite radio input on the back of the head unit.

I've got it working on an '07 head unit (that I bought with Subaru Bucks

). I don't know if it will work on the newer head units, but I suspect it would. If you buy it and it doesn't work you could always sell it on the lgt.com classifieds.

Cheers!

julianh · August 2008

At 49K miles under normal hot day highway conditions I experienced smoke from under hood and power loss. It turned out that the rubber hose that feeds oil to the turbocharger crumbled spontaneously and hot oil hit hot exhaust manifold. Not to mention that the turbo was trashed. Both the mechanic and the fire insurance adjuster felt that a rubber oil tube should have never been used in that turbo environment. Fire coverage was declined. Subaru of America was no help as they would only replace with same factory parts and the car is out of warranty. Because it is a fire hazard and a hazard for the guy on the motorcycle behind me (when the car blows out 5 gallons of oil slick on the highway) I want to fix this correctly with none factory parts and aftermarket rigs. I have the offending tube segment in possession and the rubber is literally cooked and brittle.
Any other suggestions? Has anyone have had a similar failure?

paisan · August 2008

I'm assuming you have a 2.5GT Legacy as there is no 2.5XT Legacy.

As for a rubber hose for the oil, I'm fairly certain that there are hard lines that feed the oil to the turbo. The hose may be for the PCV valve or a vaccum line. I'll have to check the factory manuals though.

On a side note, I've gotten my turbo red-hot and never melted that line on my 2.5GT.

-mike
Motorsports and Modifications Host

bdowdy · August 2008

So im intersted in buying a subaru outback. im going to look at a 2005 outback legacy tomorrow, it has low milage, i think it was 32,000 about. Basically im wondering if subaru's end up with a lot of problems later on after a fews years, or if its exspensive to have work done on them? im hoping to get adive or an opinion. im really set on getting a subaru outback, i just dont know much about them. i would appriciate any knowledge, adivce, or opinions. in general ive never heard anything really bad about them but still need to know. please e-mail back if you want at bryanfromcali@Hotmail.com or leave some comments. thanks!!!!

ponytrekker · August 2008

They don't have a lot of problems or problems that are insanely expensive to fix. Overall, they probably have

some stuff I've had or heard of others having had go wrong:

brakes and rotors
struts
engine gaskets
cat converter
tune up

priggly · August 2008

A bad head gasket blew my engine at 139,500 miles. It cost $7,000 to replace the engine. A few other problems including the fuel pump and alternator, both needed replacing. '97 Subaru Outback. Good car otherwise and I am still driving it. Original struts at 170,000 miles. Brakes and rotors are maintenance items, depends how you drive your car how much tinkering you will need.

paisan · August 2008

Wow $7k is a lot to do an engine. A short-block complete is about $800-1000 from a dealer.

-mike
Motorsports and Modifications Host

ponytrekker · August 2008

I don't get that, 7k to repair, what, a 3k car?

julianh · August 2008

The blown rubber oil hose feeds the turbo lubrication on the 2005 outback 2.5xt.
Heat degradation appears to be the factor.Mechanic and insurance adjuster felt it was a poor design in hot area. Anyone experienced similar problem?

paisan · August 2008

Well first off, the insurance company should have investigated this BEFORE writing a policy for a stock car. If they felt it was an insurance risk, they should have charged a higher premium...

-mike

priggly · August 2008

Yeah, costs are a real rip-off here in Canada where the socialist government taxes everything imaginable.

toyo_z · August 2008

I'm seriously thinking about replacing my 13 year old legacy with a new Outback (the old girl is still reliable, but wife wants something 'safer' with a panoply of airbags, so...)

I've got a few questions about the '09s which are trickling in to our local dealers. My impression is that they are basically identical to the '08s, but with standard VDC and a much nicer radio available in the sub-$30k models. Is that right?

My other question had to do with VDC. I've owned several Legacies, none had VDC. In day-to-day driving situations, do you typically feel VDC working at all? or is it only if something goes horribly wrong when cornering? I've gotten sort of used to my Legacy's tail kicking out a bit in icy conditions, i assume VDC prevents those sorts of shenanigans?

thanks!

ponytrekker · August 2008

I can't comment on the Subaru VDC, but here's my observation on BMW's:

When I had my RWD 3 series sedan, I often noticed the stability control correcting a skid or other types of wheel slippage whether it be from slick ground or max performance.

Now I have an AWD 3 series coupe and after 5 months I have yet to feel it engage. No bad weather but you can see it's less likely to be engaged in a full-time AWD vehicile.

paisan · August 2008

VDC isn't noticeable but it will help in several ways.

It will shift power between left and right sides in deep snow and ruts.
It will brake a slipping wheel to put the car in the intended direction based on your steering input etc.
It's not very noticeable.

If you want to mess around in the snow, there is an "Off" button.

-mike
Motorsports and Modifications Host

saedave · August 2008

In day-to-day driving situations, do you typically feel VDC working at all? or is it only if something goes horribly wrong when cornering? I've gotten sort of used to my Legacy's tail kicking out a bit in icy conditions

I can compare my VDC wagon with a previous VW Passat W8 with stability control: The Subaru VDC is less of a nanny and permits much more sporty driving without intervention, particularly during fast corners. However, pointed straight ahead with heavy throttle on snow, VDC generates a wiggly path versus perfectly straight for the VW.

I would not buy a car without stability control; Subaru's VDC is a good compromise between sport and safety.

lilengineerboy · September 2008

I am trying to figure out how to get a decent bluetooth car kit into the '05 Legacy wagon, base model, and also how to get my iPod through the stereo.
The guy at the stereo place was pushing this Harmon Kardon Drive + Play with an FM modulator (plugs inline between the antenna and the stereo) and mimics the iPod's interface on this screen and knob thing. Its like $80. Drive + Play
That helps the iPod situation I guess.

I am trying to figure out what to do about bluetooth for the phone though. I want it to be built into the car, not my head. I want it to be able to dial by voice (a'la SYNC), and I would like the radio to mute or and see who is calling, but the caller ID isn't imperative.

Any suggestions?

pd83 · October 2008

For all of you who drive the 2005-09 Subaru Legacy, do you experience any leg or knee pain or problems while driving? I read that it's due to the position of the acceleration pedal(hidden behind console). I took it for a test drive but I don't think I will feel anything off one drive. I'm thinking of leasing the 09 Legacy.

jeffmc · October 2008

We've got an '06 Outback & '06 Legacy... no problems for my wife or I. I'm about 5'7" tall and she's about 5'6". If you get a model with a power seat, it's easy to vary your seating position on long trips, helping avoid fatigue from being in the same position for hours. The seats have got quite a bit of fore-and-aft travel to accomodate long- or short-legged drivers. I do wish mine had telescoping steering wheel - the '09s now do (finally).

Everybody's different, but there you have my take on Legacy's driving position.

cptplt · October 2008

I have an 08 OB Ltd, the passenger front seat is manual and its difficult for me ( 5 8") to get comfortable in it as its too low, my legs don't feel right, there is more than adequate legroom per se, just the sitting position is not great for me long distance. the power driver seat is fine as it can be elevated, in fact its about the best in terms of my getting into a real cozy position I have come across. I never noticed the passenger side wasn't a power seat before I purchased it, looking back, I may have sprung for the Bean version which comes with the power seat on that side. My wife who is 5 3 is fine as far as her legs go but feels all the seats are too firm for her.

goneskiian · October 2008

There is someone who's created a way to patch in an iPod to an '05 over at legacygt.com. Search for the jazzy board or the username jazzymt. It requires some modification of the stereo and that you run a "silent" CD, but seems like something anybody that can turn a screwdriver can handle. I have no experience with it so YMMV.

As for the bluetooth, I was in the same boat as you and found that a Parrot bluetooth kit with the quick connect harness provided by www.quickconnectproducts.com was very easy to install. I got the MK6100 for it's integrated mics and low profile look.

If you read back a few pages you'll find that I went a different route for the iPod and upgraded my stereo/climate control head unit to one from an '07 model Legacy (that will plug right into your '05 and work with no modifications) and then bought an iPod integration kit for an '08 Impreza that will work with any head unit that is satellite radio capable (so likely anything newer than '07 as well).

Cheers!
-Ian

PF_Flyer · October 2008

It's Thursday and that means time again for the longest running chat here in CarSpace, the Subaru Crew! The chat opens at 8:45 pm ET and runs until 10 pm ET. I hope you're able to join us tonight for another enjoyable evening with members of the Crew!
See you there!

khallock · October 2008

I need new tires on my 2005 LLBean Outback. The tire size is 225/55R17. It has the original tires on it now and they are completely bald. I am changing to winter tires in another 4 weeks and then in the spring will need to purchase new tires - any recommendations? Obviously something that will last and is safe. I always change over to snow tires in the winter.

Thanks!
Kristen

samiam_68 · October 2008

Yokohama Avid H4S/V4S series is an excellent tire. Long lasting, great handling, durable, and inexpensive. I have it in both of my cars, and my relatives have it on some of theirs, never a problem.

jdduncan · October 2008

I have a 2005 Outback and the seatbelt light flashes when no one is in the seat. I took care of the chime based on information in the other posts. Has anyone else had the passenger seat belt light come on when no one is in the seat? If so, what is the cause and how do you fix it?

Thanks,
John

julianh · October 2008

I had that problem in my 2005 outback 2.5xt. It was related to the weight sensor embedded in the passenger seat. It thinks someone is seating there and should put their belt on. My wa sunder warranty so the dealer end up replacing the seat sensor. I wonder if the sensor can be disconnected underneath if there is no warranty coverage.
If you have a turbo version beware of the rubber tube feeding oil to the turbo.
That tube should never have been made of rubber in such hot environment. Replace it with none subaru pipe for high temp application before it blows.

riverrat3 · November 2008

Hi All,

Looking at Nokian WR or WRG2 tires, 225-55/R17 to replace the worn out stock Potenzas on our 06 Outback.

I was just quoted $941 for 4 mounted and balanced by a local dealer (central Oregon). After doing some web searching to find a better price I turned up THIS link for "Hakkapeliita WR G2 AW" in the correct size, $788 shipped. I'd still need to pay for mounting and balancing, but I think I could still come in under the local dealer, or get them to price match.

But I thought "Hakkapeliita" was the name of some other Nokian tire model. Is this the WRG2 I want? Or are there different variants of WRG2s? The tread looks exactly the same, but this is the only site I've found that lists the model name this way...

I'm truly astonished at how much these tires cost, but they are supposed to be great tires. We're moving back to the west side of the Cascades, so we'll see mainly rain, but also occasional snow on ski trips and road trips during winter. These tires would be used year round.

Thanks in advance.

steviewonder · November 2008

Hello, the driver's side heated seat in my 05 Outback Turbo is burning my buns even at the lowest setting. More accurately, the temperature fluctuates between "is it on?" and "OUCH!" Anyone else had this problem? Is it a costly fix?

goneskiian · November 2008

That tire looks to be the WRG2. Perhaps that website mislabeled it?

I've got the normal WR's for winter and they're great. I'm on the West side of the Cascades as well, just a bit further North (Seattle).

Those G2's look to be a great choice. Yes, Nokian's are very expensive but supposedly last a long time and are the only real snow worthy choice of of "all-season" tires I could find.

Cheers!
-Ian

goneskiian · November 2008

Do you have a sensitive backside? :surprise:

Sounds like you should get it checked. It shouldn't be that hot in the lowest setting. It does fluctuate the temperature though. That's just how it works.

There have been malfunctions of these units though that can lead to fires (in other brands, not sure about Subaru). Best to get it checked.

Cheers!
-Ian

riverrat3 · November 2008

Thanks Ian!

rob_m · November 2008

I believe there is a TSB for the seat heaters on the Legacy - check with the dealer. Mine cycles between wicked hot and cool on the lowest setting. Rob M

steviewonder · November 2008

Thanks- what is a TSB?

xwesx · November 2008

Technical Service Bulletin

luck11 · December 2008

Noticed this evening that my handbrake indicator light (ie. the exclamation point in brakets in the instrument cluster) remained on after I released my hand brake on my 05 OB XTL. Any ideas on cause? Something I need to take to shop asap?

Thx.

paisan · December 2008

This means that your brake fluid resivoir is low. Usually indicates that your pads are low. How many miles on your car or on that set of pads?

-mike
Subaru Guru and Track Instructor

maxxmd · December 2008

I am considering buying a 2009 Outback Special Edition. I owned a 1998 Outback and got 196K trouble free miles out of it.

I traded it in for a Malibu Maxx as I had a huge GM card rebate. It's time for another new car.

Are there any issues to be aware of in the 2009 models? Are there any build dates to avoid? I know all the information is here in the discussion group (HG, trans, etc) but with over 25,000 posts I don't have time to read everything with the holidays approaching. I am looking for the Cliff Notes version.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Subaru Legacy/Outback 2005+

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