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From Metra or from the fellow over at Legacygt.com?
Ken
We might be leaning ever so slightly off the fence, so just trying to figure out all options.
TIA
Mark
A true wired FM modulator is inline with the antenna cable. When you switch the modulator on, it blocks the antenna (and all the other FM signals) and pipes it's own signal directly into the radio via modulation.
It's the same way old VCRs used to work -- put your TV on channel 4 and you would "tune" in the VCR while blocking all the other regular TV stations.
As I said earlier, any good installer can put a modulator in your car NOW. I did mine back in September 04 and it's been working great since then.
Craig
Pretty dumb to compare an Outback instead of the GT, really. The whole premise is faulty.
Compare Outback to an allroad or a XC70 instead."
Or to the X3/X5 for that matter.
Sly
Craig
I thought there was a rumor of the 6spd coming to the US? If it's just NAV, then we may look sooner than later since I already have my Garmin.
I wonder if SOA is ever going to extend the warranty to more even the field.
Mark
Wait if you want Nav, though. Or wait for lower prices when the 06s arrive, just be flexible in terms of color and options.
-juice
There was some buzz about a 6-speed option, but it's subsided. No recent info seems to support that rumor. But you never know.
Ken
I am not thrilled with the placement of the antenna. It is right at the right rear by the rack rail. about 1/2 inch from the rear hatch/roofline joint.. I think the hatch will wear on the antenna cable when it is opened and closed.. Is that where they mounted yours ??.
I've seen posts affecting the 2.5L from ~1999 through 2003. Nothing on 2004 or 2005 models, but from what I can gather nothing much has changed in the engine over these years.
I deeply want to avoid any sort of hassle factor of a 10 issue arguing with the dealer over this sort of stuff. Esp. considering it is such a major part - not something like a strut or a rattle.
So please educate me.
My salesperson claimed the whole issue was originally a bad batch of gaskets that they worked through. I took that as total BS given I've read people having to replace the gasket at 60K and then again only 20K later. Why wouldn't the replacement gasket be the "better" one if true?
When you have your Sirius system on, can you receive any other FM reception? I am just trying to see if yours is set up like mine?
Enjoy!
Juice enjoy the show!
Mark
Subaru began offering owners with later Phase II engines with an extended warranty with the use of a special coolant additive.
My guess is that if the 2005 2.5 NA models do not require the coolant from the get go, Subaru made some additional changes to reduce the risk to a level they were comfortable with.
Does your 2005 OB manual state to use a special coolant additive?
Ken
Currently, Subaru's stability control option, VDC is integrated with VTD AWD -- a feature not yet available on most USDM manual transmission models. I would expect to see a non VDC stability option appear on the JDM models before we see it here.
Ken
Neat eh?
~Colin
I've been thinking of upgrading from my 02 WRX wagon to a Legacy GT Limited wagon. Went to the dealer yesterday to check them out. I was really impressed with the fit and finish of the interior. I love that huge sunroof too. When I got my WRX, the interior actually looked fairly good to me, but lately it has just seemed dated. I'd like to have something as nice as my wife's Audi, or at least close to it. The Legacy seems to fit this bill.
Interestingly, they only had a GT with an automatic. I wasn't even going to try it as my WRX is a manual and I have never owned a car with an automatic (though of course, I've driven plenty of cars with automatics). It was all they had though, so I gave it a try. I must say, that after driving it, I am seriously considering the automatic. The 2.5 's torque range is so much broader than the WRX, that the car actually felt faster (or at least more responsive) to me. I also noticed that the car I drove was a demo with 7500 miles on it. Might have to see what kind of deal they'd be willing to work out on it.
I have a few questions. How do the WRX owners here that have upgraded feel about their choice of the Legacy. Also, it seems most people feel the performance of the WRX auto is far inferior to the performance of the manual. I don't get that impression about the Legacy from reading the posts here. Any opinions.
One thing that would be nice. I have 17x7.5 with inch Rota SDR wheels with performance tires (215-45) on my WRX. I know the bolt pattern is the same on both cars, but will the 48mm offset work on the Legacy? I'd really like to be able to keep using these wheels as I have really only used them for 1 summer.
Thanks,
-Rob
This weekend I was at a group training ride and met a guy in San Francisco who has a new LGT wagon so we talked for a little while about it...his biggest complaint? Gas mileage. With a yakima roof rack and bikes, he's getting about 17mpg. Ouch. My WRX with 3 bike mounts on the roof has been getting 19-20 mpg on the highway, which is SUV territory. These are fun cars, but you definitely pay at the pump.
As far as I know, you'll have no problem putting your wheels on the new LGT -- I have gold STi wheels on my wagon that I would be switching over as well, should I finally cave in! Must...resist...cars...:)
Brian
Ken
Having a larger displacement engine, 5 cogs and Sportshift definetly do narrow the gap between the auto and manual. The manual LGT has a performance advantage, but the 5EAT offers a good alternative for those who don't want to row their own gears.
Ken
In an absolute sense, the manual-trans WRX is faster (0-60 time) than an LGT or OB XT with the 5EAT, but you will have to wring every last bit out of the WRX. I always said you have to really want to go fast in a WRX to go fast in a WRX. The LGT/OBXT motor is a lot more relaxed but a real power brute.
One little tidbit about the 5EAT -- slide the lever left into the +/- gate, but do not shift manually (or use the steering wheel buttons). This puts the transmission into sport mode, where it upshifts more rapidly and at higher RPM. It will also downshift under decelleration and hold gears in corners. Under heavy acceleration, the 5EAT in sport mode snaps off rapid-fire shifts, and it's damn impressive. That behavior is what sold me on the 5EAT. It's the first auto trans that does not make me miss manual.
Those wheels will fit on the LGT just fine as far as bolt pattern and offset, but make sure to verify that they will fit over the brakes. I think they probably will -- I seem to remember that the SDR even fits over STi brakes.
CRaig
Yes, the 2005 manuals do state that the coolant additive is required.
I read quite a few message boards and I haven't seen anything that says whether or not Subaru has made any changes to the block, head or gasket to fix this problem.
Perhaps they have, or perhaps they are using the additive to get them by for another year until the 2006 model, when it looks like there will be some engine modifications.
I have a 2005 2.5i, so I'm hoping they already fixed it...
Tim.
I too am a manual transmission person, but I agree that the automatic I drove was a compelling lure to go clutchless. However if you also drive a manual GT you'll quickly come to your senses -- they have a much nicer clutch takeup than the WRX (or my earlier model GT) and the ratios are a great fit with the turbo's torque range. So stick with a stick!
Anyway, back to my story. After driving a new Legacy GT I made a more-or-less joking comment about "taking that STi over there out next." To my surprise the saleswoman went in and got the keys! Long story short, I now have a shiny new WRX STi. The new Legacy GT is a very, very nice car, don't get me wrong. And the STi demands compromises in terms of room, comfort, and NVH. But ooohhhhh, that power. And the right-now handling and suspension response, and those six speeds at the other end of the short-throw shifter, and the noisy directness of all those differentials doing their darnedest. I was smitten. For me, the purity of the driving experience of the STi makes the tradeoffs worthwhile. And I smile like a little kid every time I turn the key. It definitely is not everyone's cup of tea, but it turned out to be just what I wanted.
As for gas mileage; how dare I complain! I got 22MPG on a couple of the early tankfuls, during the 1200 mile breakin period. I was pretty surprised to see those numbers, especially since I know from experience that Subies' gas mileage improves as they 'mature'. But now that the breakin period is past, and I am freer to take the revs further up and push the gas pedal further down, my mileage has slipped below 20. But oh, that intoxicating power! Maybe as time goes by I'll calm down a bit and my mileage figures will trend upwards again. In the meanwhile I'm loving every minute of my sub-20 MPG time.
Cheers,
-wdb
Her daughter, another very practical gal, got a Legacy wagon. She's expecting their first child and she knew that her VW convertible was just not going to cut it as a baby hauler. However she did get the GT Ltd, because she liked the extra power and features that it offered.
A major reason she went with Subaru is that a manual transmission was easily available. All of the other manufacturers she shopped -- except Audi, whose A4 was too small and A6 *way* too expensive -- either did not have a manual available at all, or else she would have had to wait weeks or months for them to get one, even just for a test drive! Subaru had them on the lot, no problems no worries.
I doubt that having manual transmission models easily available is going to sell very many cars to expectant mothers, but it does give you an idea of what kind of gal she is!
Cheers,
-wdb
Around town - avg is between 17 and 18 mpg.
Highway, not freeway, at 60 to 65 mph average with 1/2 load in rolling hills and a few stops is 27 mpg over a 275 mile trip.
Overall average - 21 to 22 mpg. (US gallon).
My driving habits are on the gentle side, but I do try to maintain a high average cruise speed whenever possible, 5 to 10 mph over the limit. I just do not drag race away from stops.
Final note, ... I love the car.
Question is, can the "Boost" on my '05 XT be adjusted up or down?
Not really considering this, but was wondering if the turbo boost could be reduced so that regular fuel could be used, then kicked back up later when you wanted to restore performance.
I seem to recal that the turbo engines have a lower unboosted compression ratio than the unboosted engine, so in theory I should be able to use cheap gas in an emergency if the turbo boost was reduced enough.
Comments anyone?
Hox
Craig
The XT engnie can use lower octane gas, but it does so with the help of a knock sensor. The engine will retard timing and lower performance if it senses knock.
So, in an emergency, yes you can use cheap gas.
Ken
It would basically allow you to do what you say except it is designed for performance tuners and as such, it doesn't come with any maps for low octane fuel. It has maps for 91 and 93 octane, but nothing lower. Perhaps Cobb could come out with such a map. People have asked for a fuel economy map and CObb has said they will make one eventually.
However, the price of the AccessPort is $645 and you would NEVER recover that in fuel savings. I figured that using premium is going to cost me an extra $125-$150 per year. That is small potatoes compared to the cost of the car, and a small price to pay for the sheer fun of driving this car.
Sly
#6498 of 6916 Thule Box on '05 Outback by amtuscano Feb 09, 2005 (10:14 am)
Has anyone else tried to mount a cartop box on their 05 Outback? I have had the incredibly frustrating experience of finding that the box prevents the rear hatch from opening fully. After putting some impressive scratches in the unnecessarily big rear "spoiler" I tried moving the box as far forward as I can--it still hits! Does this problem sound familiar to anyone? If so, what have you done to correct? Thanks.
--------------------------8
Good thing I did a search in this forum... 'cause it sounds like this issue has already been broached. I spoke with the Auto-Racks specialist in my area and was told that the new Outback roof racks are incompatible with any of the current *ski* boxes (Thule, Yakima). Because of the new rear hatch wing, you can't open the hatch with the ski box. So it sounds like you have confirmed that experience. Given that I'm within a few weeks of committing to an '05 Outback, that would be a show-stopper for me. Does anybody else have an '05 Outback with a ski box and are you having the same problem? BTW, the box model I was thinking of getting is the Thule Cascade 1500.
Tom
I am not currently contemplating doing anything since I am pleased with the XTs performance and the added fuel cost of using premium is not an issue.
It is just that my wife pointed out that not all stations sell premium fuel, and we were just wondering "what - if" type of thing.
It is interesting that our older Audi 1.8 turbo owners manual said that we could use regular fuel with no difficulty, but we would have reduced performance. We never noticed any differance in performance during normal street driving. The Subaru manual seems to say to use only premium fuel.
I knew that some turbo systems have been designed to be adjustable, and was wondering if that was also posible on our XT.
Now I know!
Thanks again,
Eric.
The issue is that the XT's engine is very high performance and uses a fair amount of boost. That means the engine gets really close to detonation (pinging) and the ECU constantly adjusts to stay out of it.
If you put low-octane gas in it, it will definitely start pinging and the ECU will have to drastically pull back. Your engine will not perform well and will probably be rough. In the long run it could cause damage through escessive pining. Also, since the ECU "learns", it will take some time after you put good gas back in before you regain all the performance.
Sly
Also noticed that the emissions are being reduced on the 2006 Forester XT (along with a hp bump). Perhaps the emissions reductions will find its way into the GT and OBXT.
Still enjoying my OBXTL. The seats could be more comfortable, and the clutch action could be better. But I sure don't miss my '96 Legacy! I do wish something like VW/Audi's DSG transmission was available. That thing sounds incredible.
Doug
Tom
Any thoughts? Timing? Cam sensor?
I am mainly a Turbo Diesel person (Ram and Jetta) and rarely drive a gas car, so I'm not to attune to the particulars of my wife's car.
Anyway, 24-25 once it's broken in & I let the cruise hold it at a steady speed seems completely reachable now and that's perfectly acceptable for me. My '97 OBW never got much more than 25mpg unless I was driving it *really* friendly anyway and going up mnt passes is a *whole* new experience!
I'm sure I got taken by the dealership, I guess I'll have to apply what I learned when i buy my next car, but the car itself has been great so far.
It's pure speculation at this point, but it is conceivable that Subaru releases a later version of ECU SW that addresses the stumble.
Did you mention it to the dealer service department? I think it would be worthwhile to have it documented the next time you're there for regular maintenance.
Ken
I'm not sure about other models, but on my Legacy GT Ltd., I noticed that the seat belt on the driver's side simply goes straight down next to the seat and anchors to the floor.
On the passenger seat, the belt goes through a cut out before connecting to a lower anchor point out of view. The passenger seat allows the seatbelt to move with the seat so it's less likely to rub against the B-pillar when unbuckled.
I wonder if the driver's side design has to do with the 8-way vs. 6-way adjustable power seats?
I'm surprised my OCD radar didn't catch this before.
Ken
Port-installed options carry the same price as buying the parts at the dealer parts counter, sans labor.
You could it yourself and seek advice here. What are you getting?
-juice