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I was able to use half of my GM points to help my brother get a decent discount on the Cobalt he purchased early last year. That was a nice feeling, and I did not even have to settle for a GM to use the rebate!
The kinks have been worked out so the Outback is a pretty safe choice, IMHO. We haven't seen many HG failures since MY03 or so, and that's 5+ years.
1) I'm looking to replace the boring rubber shift knob with something nicer. Does anyone have any suggestions? I like the Momo one offered by Subaru accessories but it's kinda pricey. Also, can I perform the switch myself, and if I don't buy a Subaru-approved unit, can I be sure that it will fit my shifter?
2) Center arm rest extension - does anyone actually buy this? If so, is it worth it? I think it'd be nice. Can I perform the install myself?
Thanks.
Get the Momo shift nob, but not from the dealer. Get it off of eBay or somewhere else you can get it cheaper- then you're guaranteed a good fit.
Mark
Removing the knob is basically a twist-off deal where you're breaking some kind of adhesive bond. Some of the aftermarket suppliers post the installation instructions when they list the Momo know. You can also probably find instructions at the above mentioned forum. Because it's basically a twist-off, a lot of aftermarket knobs should fit.
I'm the opposite of Wallie. My wife drives the LLBean Outback and I drive the Legacy. We both have the extended armrest. My wife doesn't use hers. I couldn't do without it.
However the Legacy just drives so much nicer than the taurus that the climate control thing is a worthy sacrifice.
Outta curiosity, does your LLBean have the 6-cylinder or the 2.5 4-cylinder?
Are you accustomed to driving FWD vehicles? If so, take some time to learn how to drive the Subaru AWD and control the rear end, and you will come to appreciate the responsiveness and ability to control the car. It is truly a joy.
You are right - without gutters, the racks use clips that will just touch the frameless windows. We're just careful. The manufacturer sites list the applications and part numbers for your specific year & model.
Good luck in your hunt. I would think the factory mats should be readily available, but sometimes the simplest things turn out to be the most complicated!
1) New 2010 Outback being launched at the NY autoshow (will start showing up in dealerships for showing in May) and sale in June/July
2) Diesel is a potential for the Outback (NOT the Forester) this year. Launch hesitation is due to US drivers overwhelming preference for automatic, and they currently only have a manual transmission. Trying to get something to work - which may delay things. This individual mentioned it would be a 2.5L Diesel, rather then the 2.0 in Europe (if true, bummer IMO as it would likely affect fuel economy)
3) There will be a larger distinction between the legacy and outback styling-wise as Subaru tries to extend their customer-base beyond the types who post to this forum.
4) No pictures, but a comment that the Outback may be a bit bigger and with styling more 'squared-off'
5) They also mentioned the possibility of an electric car in testing. Unique model, very small.
jh
I think you should be perfectly safe running the tires at 35-40. If the tire squats significantly at that pressure (which it shouldn't without a load), I would give it more pressure. The high pressure rating is only for safe load carrying, which is something like 2500# per tire, so you can run the vehicle at highway speeds without excessive heat buildup in the tire.
Seriously, order another for when you sell the car.
The fact that the 2.0 already has an auto corroborates they actually may be launching a 2.5L diesel
Speaking of European Diesels - had my first experience while on vacation in Spain in a Ford back in 2004 (something slightly smaller then a Fusion - Mondeo?) Anyhow - that thing was amazing. We're in the mountains and you could feel the thing accelerate so strongly when passing on the Interstate going up a steep hill. I finally understood what Torque really means! It got crazy good mileage - and you needed it given the gas prices and expensive tolls.
For what it's worth, the drive from Barcelona to San Sebastian seems so close on a map - don't make the same mistake, take the train. With the exception of some cool low-altitude mountains by the Atlantic, it's mostly desert-like with probably thousands of windmills
Thanks very much.
The 3.0 likes 91-93 octane.
Is your engine temp normal when it stutters....the 3.0 is known to have some hot spots in the cylinder head which were cured in the 3.6l re-design. The cooling changes are what permits 87 octane in the 3.6. Check coolant level. Some earlier 3.0 engines needed "burping" to get rid of air in cooling system...try a search for much earlier posts.
Are you sure there is no water in your fuel?
Have you tried an Italian tune-up...wide open throttle to max shift points under full load several times.
The problem with the Subaru design is that the "feet only" setting is almost identical to the "feet and windshield" setting, where most air flows out of the windshield vent and the console vent, and just a fraction comes out of the floor vent.
I wonder if this is something the dealer can tweak. Otherwise this car is going to be a major main for me to drive in the winter...which ironically was what we bought it for!
When it comes to climate control, you, unfortunately, have one of the worst cars in the world. Subaru just doesn't get the concept, even after all these years.
This doesn't happen when I first start the car for the day. It happens after it's run a bit but then been sitting for a little while, so it's not usually cold again yet.
I use premium gas and just had all the fluids service done. Since then, I've tried a few Italian tun-ups and will try a few more. I'll also check on the other things you mentioned.
Thanks so much.
It was normally associated with 2 generations prior 2.5l engines. In '97 or 98 through 2002, it was a matter of time, apparently. Many were covered by the Subaru provided extended warranty through 100k miles. Others were offered goodwill cash to offset the cost of the repair.
So far, including yours, I have heard of 2 head gasket failures with 2005+ motors. I don't know if that constitutes a massive upheaval at this point. My '05 only has 40k so far so I hope it holds up. Its had its first coolant change at 30k and everything looked fine at that point.
I would definitely contact SOA and see what they can do for you. They seem to be very reasonable if you can provide maintenance records to show the car has been taken care of. Good luck with your repair.
At least you can take advantage of the Subaru's stellar resale value when you get your SUV!