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Subaru Legacy/Outback

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Comments

  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Wow Ace would think i'm nutz towing my 5000lb car trailer with my trooper.

    Like I said in my first post it depends on how far and the terrain you are going to be trailering.

    For instance if you take your bassboat relatively local say a 100 mile radius a few weekends a year in the summer, then I wouldn't hesitate to take it with an outback.

    If you do 10K+ miles a year with the trailer like I do with the race-car trailer, then I would say no you don't want to use an Outback to tow such a load as a bassboat.

    I've towed plenty of 17-20ft boats with Outbacks and the like for local 100 mile radius trips on local roads. No issues yet.

    -mike
  • ace57ace57 Member Posts: 13
    Hey Mike, no need to get sarcastic on me. I'm simply expressing my opinion and I did not "call you out" on my post as you did on yours.

    And to respond to your wise azz comment about "thinking your nuts for towing a 5K car trailer with your Trooper", that wasn't the car of discussion.

    I'm stating to the guy that asked, not you, my opinion about towing a bassboat with a compact car. I don't care what terrain or distance you're going, its generally not a good idea with that little ride. And I'd love to see you launch and retrieve the boat from a wet ramp.

    puh-leeze get a grip pal

    ace57
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Jeez, no need to get your panties in a bunch! I was just pulling your leg!

    Seriously though, I've been launching boats for years and the outback would do fine, IMHO of course.

    -mike
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    I have to agree with Mike. Growing up, we towed a variety of aluminum and glass boats up to 17'. We used everything from a Dodge Caravan to a Mazda B2000 pickup. For short day trips, within 50-60 miles of home, these tow vehicles did fine. The 05 Outback is leaps and bounds ahead of these other cars, so I would expect it to tow small/medium boats fine.

    Craig
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    I received 2 of the esteemed coupons for attending the Ride&Drive a couple weeks ago. Anyone interested in them, let me know. I'll take the first 2 takers at this temporary email: bbear at shell dot core dot com

    -Brian
  • ace57ace57 Member Posts: 13
    Mike, I only wear panties when I'm feeling frisky.

    It's all good, maybe I reacted a little harshly.

    However, I still think y'all are way off base, I mean, Subies don't even have leaf springs. I would not want to beat on my brand new '05 Outback like that.

    Go to any launch ramp and watch what is towing and launching bassboats. There are many reasons for that. 'nuff said.

    We'll just agree to disagree. I've had bassboats for years, so I try to speak from some experience.

    I'll tow my ChampioN with my truck, you tow with your Subies. lol

    Ace57
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I mean, Subies don't even have leaf springs.

    And neither does a Tahoe, Suburban 1500, Expedition, Armada, 4-Runner, Sequoia, Land Cruiser, Pathfinder, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Touareg, etc. Do these vehicles, because they lack leaf springs, in your mind are not able to tow safely either?

    Ace, next time you take a vacation head to Europe or Australia, and see what they're towing with over there. Outbacks are highly touted as tow vehicles in both the UK and in Australia. Will they tow as well as your Tundra? No, and nobody here is saying that; but for smaller trailers (including most base boats), they will do just fine.

    Bob
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    I've seen a fair share of problems with 2WD pickups trying to get out of steep boat ramps, so I would go as far as saying 2WD pickups may be worse than many cars for boat launching.

    Craig
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    If I had an Outback and a Tundra, as you do, there's no question that the Tundra would be my vehicle of choice for towing. However, not everyone is lucky enough to have that choice, and/or don't want to drive/live with a "truck" just for the few times that towing may be needed.

    Bob
  • ace57ace57 Member Posts: 13
    OK here we go again........you're right those other vehicles, many of which do not have leaf springs, however they are much beefier vehicles than any Subaru in terms of pulling power and torque.

    To even compare the towing nature of a Tahoe or Suburban to a Subaru, IMO, is laughable.

     My opinion,I think Subarus are a)not meant to tow much in terms of weight, as I stated, maybe a jonboat, and b)bassboats are much heavier and require a longer wheelbase, increased torque, beefier suspension to safely and efficiently tow most bassboats.

    If you have a bassboat, you perhaps would have a different opinion.

    As far as "the next time I take a vacation to Europe or Australia" I've never been to another continent for a vacation. I guess I'm not as worldly as you are. lol (It's a joke, don't "get your panties in a bunch)

    Ace57
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    To even compare the towing nature of a Tahoe or Suburban to a Subaru, IMO, is laughable.

    I'm not making a comparison. Maybe you are, but not me. I just reacted to your "leaf spring" comment.

    As far as "the next time I take a vacation to Europe or Australia" I've never been to another continent for a vacation. I guess I'm not as worldly as you are. lol (It's a joke, don't "get your panties in a bunch)

    I've been to the UK but not Australia, so "worldly" I'm not—but I do read a lot on this subject. Graham, one of the Subaru crew members from Australia has towed with his Outback and states that in Australia Outbacks are highly regarded as tow vehicles. As to the "pantie" comment, that was Mike, not me...

    As I said, if I or others here had your vehicles, we too would most likely tow with the Tundra and not the Outback.

    Bob
  • ladywclassladywclass Member Posts: 1,713
    if you guys are wearing 'panties' then I'm in the wrong forum ....
  • ace57ace57 Member Posts: 13
    listen, I originally responded to tracker175's query about who tows a 1600 pound bassboat, and perhaps how a Subie would do with that load.

    I gave my opinion, I stand by it.
    A Subaru may be ABLE to tow a 2K boat, but I don't feel it's a very good choice based upon my previous observations.

    As far as hunters comment, yes 2WD pickups can spin on a wet ramp, but I again would respectfully NOT agree that "most 2WD pickups would be worse than many cars for boat launching"
    4WD can certainly be helpful in these cases, I've had a truck with one, however a lot of it depends upon whether you have a LS diff. Front wheel drive cars are notoriously poor for pulling boats up a ramp due to the weight distribution of the trailer/boat combo on the rearend of the vehicle. Wheelbase and low end torque of course have a lot to do with it. Certainly auto tranny is preferable.

    Listen, I think I'm about done with this debate, not to hide from further "discourse", its just too time consuming for a beautiful holiday.

    Again, we'll just agree to disagree. BTW holland, I know it was Mike who said the p-comment, I was just "funnin" ya. I would like to go on a holiday overseas tho....haha

    Ace57
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    image

    -Dave
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    1 coupon taken, 1 available.

    -Brian
  • ebony5ebony5 Member Posts: 142
    Need to replace tires on my '96 0BW-Have 73k now see having vehicle for another 30-50k-though I have always liked Michelin(original tires Michelin XW4's)I would like to find a less expensive all season tire(205-70-15)Live in NYC drive there and go upstate in winter and summer as well.
  • ozman62ozman62 Member Posts: 229
    maybe an Outback XT. You might change your mind.
    Owen
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    ace57: I meant recommendations from the manufacturers, not state laws. Most still say you need trailer brakes if it's over 1000 lbs, even the big GM trucks.

    Bob's done a lot of research on the topic and this remains a head-scratcher. I think they're all just being conservative.

    The Outbacks weight, what, 3600+ lbs dry? And I'm not sure I'd consider them compacts.

    SoA is very, very conservative, so if you are under their limits, IMO you're fine. Outbacks are rated for 2700-3000 lbs, so a 1600 lb boat, at about half the conservative limit, should be no problem at all.

    As far as boat ramps, go, this is funny, last time I saw a Prelude pulling two jet skis up. That was some nasty tire-spin, wet ramp with FWD pulling it! But still, he managed.

    If my Forester can tow 1500 lbs of mulch/trailer, I'm sure a much heavier Outback, with a longer wheelase, bigger engine, etc. can tow that boat.

    -juice
  • ace57ace57 Member Posts: 13
    atex.... I think its a liability thing with the trailer brakes, most bassboat manufacturers dont even provide them on 17' and under models. At least my two smaller fiberglass bassboats never had them from the manufacturer, nor were they recommended in the owners manual as an aftermarket addon. And these are models which are at or somewhat above 2K in weight when all is said and done.
    Hey, its all good, I'll just opt to continue to tow my boat with my truck......

    BTW, my wife (and I) love our new '05 Outback.....if anyone is interested. lol

    I emailed "subearu" last night on the coupon, I hope he got it. I would be very interested in the coupon, as my dealer "feigned" ignorance at the idea of such a maintenance coup.

    Ace57
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    He said there was still 1 available. Or was yours the 1st one that went?

    -juice
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    so my 2 coupons are claimed, I've emailed both parties back for their postal addresses. Glad I could help!

    -Brian
  • ace57ace57 Member Posts: 13
    Thank you very much Brian. Really appreciate it.

    I'll tell you guys, this new '05 Outback is really sweet. IMO, much better (read=smoother/refined) ride than our '03 Forester that we traded in.

    Ace57
  • crv139crv139 Member Posts: 41
    how do you get the service coupon, I would like to get an 05 outback
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    It was mailed out to a sample of existing customers. Edmunds members have been sharing them.

    We got one because my brother bought a 2004 Legacy, but I gave mine to Ken S.

    Hopefully someone has a spare. The promotion started a long time ago, months.

    -juice
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    I originally got one for being an existing customer, like Juice. It probably was April or so. Last week, I received 2 additional coupons for attending the Ride & Drive for the new Legacy GT.

    There probably aren't many left out there. I don't think Subaru expected this good of a turn around on them.

    -Brian
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I bet every one got used up. Hey, someone check E-bay. ;-)

    -juice
  • streetmanstreetman Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2000 OB wagon. The last three times I've let it sit fore more than a couple of days, I've come back to a dead battery. The battery has tested good on more than 1 occasion, and the alternator charges it up fine after I get a jump. I can't find any lights on, and the parking lights switch on top of the steering wheel is off. I did some multimeter work and found that the current draw with everything off was about 0.3 amps. That seems high to me, but I can't find anyone who knows what it should be. Anyone know a ballpark figure? Or know anything that could draw that current while everything's off?

    Thanks
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    aftermarket electronics? Such as but not limited to:

    Stereo
    Alarm
    Radar Detector
    Etc.

    -mike
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    Who was she that had that problem?
    It turned out to be her aftermarket headunit.

    -Dave
  • streetmanstreetman Member Posts: 2
    Nope all stock stereo, lights, etc., unless the previous owner added something I can't find
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    hmm maybe he added an amp that doesn't turn off? It's possible.

    -mike
  • lfdallfdal Member Posts: 679
    First off you've checked the parking light switch? Does the 00 have it mounted on top of the steering column?

    Simple but somewhat time consuming:

    If you have the time and inclination you can hook up a current meter in series with the battery. Take a look at the amount of current its drawing, then remove fuses one by one and see which has the greatest effect on reducing the current draw.

    Figure that with the key off, there should be a relatively low rate of current drawn. If you see it drawing an ampere or more, something's on / energized / broken. If they're in a good mood, the dealer (or SOA) should be able to tell you the amount of current drawn with the key off.

    HTH

    Larry
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    With everything off, doors closed, etc., 0.3 amps sounds on the high side to me. I would expect the 'keep alive' current for the radio settings, ECU/TCU, alarm, etc., to be something closer to 0.1 amp, but again, I am just guessing. But even at 0.3 amps, that is still only 7 amp-hrs per day, well within the capacity for a healthy battery for a week or so during summer months.

    I have left (I should say my daughter has left...) the dome light on and it has gone unnoticed over a day or so, without slowing the starter. And a 10 watt bulb pulls closer to 1.0 amps.

    I would suspect that your draw is slightly higher than normal, but within acceptable limits for a 4+ year old car. Standby current requirements of major components can degrade with time, and be expensive to fix. I would also suspect that your battery reserve capacity is not as robust as it once was. It might be less painful to replace the battery with a new, high capacity unit, and live with the draw, especially if the source of the current draw is not too obvious and easy to correct.

    Either way, I think you are going to have more trouble once the temps drop, so consider a new battery before winter.

    Steve
  • ebony5ebony5 Member Posts: 142
    Anyone have input on how Yokohama Aegis LS4's would work on my '96 OBW? What are the pros and cons of these tires? The ratings in both Consumers Reports and Tirerack are respectable and the price is inviting.
  • self_mechanicself_mechanic Member Posts: 95
    I am planning to replace the front and rear differential gear oil for my LL Bean Outback with automatic Transmission. I'd like to know what weigh is prefered? The owner's manual does not specifically say what weigh to be used, but stated that it has to be GL-5 with temperature chart. I bought a Redline gear oil with 75W90 (GL5+ specification) for replacement. I live in bay area California, so temperature is very mild. I'd like to hear from Subie experts before I replace the differential gear oil.

    P.S. Other weigh that I can get from Redline is striaght 70W or 75W, and also 75W80.

    Alland
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    75-90 is the preffered one. We use that in all our diffys, except for the diffys in the MTs which we put in Amsoil.

    Generally we do Amsoil in the Trans/Front diffy of MTs, and Redline in the rear.

    In ATs, Redline in Front and Rear diffys and Synthetic ATF from either Redline or Amsoil in the Automatic Transmissions.

    -mike
  • jfljfl Member Posts: 1,398
    With an auto tranny, 75w90 is correct for both diffys.

    If you had a manual tranny, Redline's recommendation is 75w90NS for the tranny+front diffy which share oil.

    Jim
  • self_mechanicself_mechanic Member Posts: 95
    Thanks Mike and Jim. I did get the Redline 75W90 (GL-5+). I always own a FWD car, so changing front and rear differential gear oil of AWD is a grey area for me. I also plan to replace the ATF with Redline synthetic ATF. I bought a case of Redline ATF, and when I opened it at home the label on the bottle shows Dexron II. I did mention the sale guy that I wanted a Dexron III equivalent. There is no mention of what type of ATF on the case. Oh well, I have to go back to the store and get a correct replacement. Amsoil web site has a good instruction on how to replace the ATF including the ATF in the torque converter. I tried it on my Honda Odyssey and it works out really good. Replaced the oil ( Mobil 1 5W30 with Pure One filter) over the weekend along with the air filter. I got a $6.00 off coupon from Pep Boy for Purolator brand (need to buy 2). That came to about $5.50 for each air filter. It seems like the original Subaru air filter is also made by Purolator. Construction of the air filter looks the same to me.

    Alland
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    ATF

    Get the Redline Hightemp ATF Fluid. Thats what I use in the race car and the SVX. Works very well. :)

    -mike
  • nygregnygreg Member Posts: 1,936
    I had the LS4s on my Sienna. I was very happy with the tire, especially for the price. Snow performance was pretty good for an all season, noise was fairly low (although there was some), and the price was great. Tire wear was a little quicker than I would have liked (I think I got 30K from them). For the Sienna they were great with the exception of wear.

    Greg
  • ebony5ebony5 Member Posts: 142
    Greg thanks for your your feedback-from my research and your experience it seems tire wear is the most mentioned drawback of the LS4-but that is not high on my list of priorities-I want good overall handling tires especially in rain and snow at a reasonable price-hopefully they are also good in dry conditions as well-I still have not purchased any tires but hope to next week. FWIW the representative from Tirerack recommended the Avid Touring over the LS4,but from what I have read the LS4 is superior in rain& snow though not as highly rated in some other categories ie. noise,treadwear,cornering but seeing as I go to upstate N.Y. I think I should go for the ones that handles better in inclimate conditions. Thanks again
  • nygregnygreg Member Posts: 1,936
    I briefly had the Avids on my Sienna after my good experience with the LS4s. The Avids were much more responsive to steering input (almost too much) and smoother. However, at certain speeds the Avids had a shudder. I either had a bad tire or harmonics in the van with these tires created a wierd combo. Sent them back and ordered Michelins which have been performing well.

    Greg
  • nygregnygreg Member Posts: 1,936
    Ok, I am ordering 2 sets of snows for the Sienna and OB. I will go with the Blizzaks and steel wheels for the sienna - no brainer. However, for the OB I am thinking Dunlops with Al wheels. I am not sure if the M2s or M3s would be better and am concerned about the cost of the Al wheels. Any drawbacks (other than asthetics) to steel wheels. Steve- I know you have the Al wheels and M2s. Any input on their performance. the Al wheels I am looking at are the Fox 5 (the same you have except double spoke).

    thanks,
    Greg
  • goosegoggoosegog Member Posts: 206
    I have the same car. I have not measured the current draw but will try to do so this weekend. Don't overlook your tailgate dome lamp.
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    Hey Greg,

    Yep, I got the Wintersport M2's on the FOX-5 (painted) alloys. 5 double spokes - sort of look like WRX wheels. They came with their own lug nuts as they use a different mating surface taper than the Subi OEM. I like them. Holding up well (wheels and tires) after 2 winters. Only very minor concern - slightly different offset (53mm vs 48mm, IIRC), but TR assured me that they would clear, and cause no issues. SOA might not agree, but I took the chance based on their word.

    BTW - see my post to you in MTM? Was looking for you on the 300mm floor.

    Steve
  • rallenrallen Member Posts: 4
    Hi I am new to the boards here. So please excuse me if I am posting this in the wrong place. My question for all you expierenced subaru owners is.. I found a 2000 Legacy outback ltd in excellent shape and they are asking 10500 for the car and it has 94,000 miles on it. Is this a good buy or should I stay away from it. Would a subie with this many miles still be dependable.
    Thanks inadvance for any and all imput.

    Ron
  • grahampetersgrahampeters Member Posts: 1,786
    G'day

    Subarus typicaly run about 300,000km (say 200,000 miles). Timing belts should be chaenged at 100,000 km (about 60,000 miles). Normal wear items do occur and a vehicle with this sort of mileage should be checked carefully.

    However, they are extremely robust ad long lived.

    Cheers

    Graham
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    If the car has been well maintained, then it's probably a safe bet. If you can see the maintenance records or other history, it will help determine how well the car has been taken care of.

    Craig
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Ron,

    Have you checked the price against Kelley Blue Book or Edmund's used car pricing? Prices vary by area so it's hard to give a answer without knowing more.

    See if you can get a record of preventative maintenance on the vehicle.

    Ken
  • rallenrallen Member Posts: 4
    Thanks Guys for all your input that helps alot..

    Ron
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