Subaru Legacy/Outback

mrk610 · July 2001

Steve finally somebody who knows what there talking about . The only time I shift to 3rd is on my way to work I have to drive through 2 resort towns{its off season now } were the cops have nothing better to do then pull you over for stupid things . I've been pulled over 4 times in the past month for going 29 in a 25 zone . I have to drive 7.5 miles at or below 30 mph and with the trans in 4th the rpms are only about 1100 and you can feel and hear the engine luging . So instead of stepping on the gas and shifting from 4th down to 3rd all the time I just shift to 3rd and the engine rpms stay at 1600 .I counted one day and the car shifted 15 times from 4th to 3rd then back to 4th again . I feel that by keeping the car in 3rd its better for the engine and tranny .Hope this clears things up from my previous post . I like to keep things short and easy but I guess I should of explained it this way in my first post .

mike k
had 1st freeze last nite I can't wait for snow .

nygreg · July 2001

but in Danbury CT, I have had no problems getting appts. Generally within a week I'm in and I usually like to watch over the work. Sounds like they need to hire a few more mechanics or add more bays. Business must be good. There are several dealers near me, so maybe that is a factor.

Greg

wrobelc · July 2001

Any tire recommendations for replacing the Bridgestone Potenza on a 2000 Legacy L Wagon?

originalbitman · July 2001

Not sure about the tires but are you by chance interested in some nice fake wood for your dash? I replaced the panels on my 01 GT.

bit

rsholland · July 2001

If not, I'd say stick with them. It's a good long-wearing tire that holds the road reasonably well. If you're looking for a higher performance tire, I'm sure there are other choices, but you may(?) give up some tread life.

Bob

drew_ · July 2001

...at 6-7pm Pacific/9-10 pm Eastern. Hope to see you there!

http://www.edmunds.com/chat/subaruchat.html

cptplt · July 2001

the Michelin XGT Pilot (98 GT) I replaced mine with are GREAT! If you need a little less performance, the Michelin X ones are good too (92 L).

dongeons · July 2001

I've just been throught a long search for replacement tires for my 2000 Legacy Wagon. I looked for reviews on a number of different tires and after talking with some of the better specialist tire suppliers in Toronto, Canada, I have been persuaded to get a set of Bridgestone Potenza RE 950's all around. It is a newish tire which is impressing a lot of drivers. They are hard to find in stock anywhere just now ( which I hope is a good sign). The manager at a local supplier , Tireworks Inc. ,is very familiar with these tires. He has a set on his 99' Legacy GT wagon and loves them. They certainly look the part of a high tech tire. The UTQG rating is: Treadwear 400, Traction A, Temperature Resistance A and of course they are 'H' rated, as are the Potenza RE 92's. That's about as good as it gets and it is still considered an All Season design- something I have to keep in mind here where the snow is known to fly !! According to Bridgestone Canada, the demand was much stronger than they had anticpated for the RE 950's and they were hoping to have more available by the middle to end of August. I have been given a price of $600.00 Cnd. for all four tires, mounted , balanced, Blah, Blah Blah..- including the taxes, 'on the road'. That would be roughly $400.00 US I guess. I must add that I had few complaints with the Potenza RE 92's but I thought I should see if there was something out there that was better. Believe it or not ,the RE 950's are actually $2 bucks cheaper !!I'll update you after I get them on the car.

20llbean · July 2001

Where did you get the part to replace the fake wood trim? It is the one thing on the OB I can't stand (keeps reminding me of my 1983 Buick regal).

ateixeira · July 2001

Does the L model also use RE92s? The brochure only mentions it is 205/60R15 87H.

-juice

originalbitman · July 2001

I purchased the gray dash pieces for a Legacy L and installed them myself. From the dealer they cost $200 at list price. You can get them from SubaruParts.com for something like $150. And of course there is always the boneyard. If you want more info let me know. I have part numbers and instructions.

bit

jhulstrunk · July 2001

This was not my first oil change! I had one at 3000, at 6000, and at 9000.
SOA is trying to offer me a free 6-ye, 80K mi extended warranty, or some money toward the purchase of a new Outback. I just had the car back in there since the check engine light came on - they replaced the air control valve. who knows? I may just try to trade it in for another car, NOT a Subaru. I am very distraught with the treatment I am receiving from SOA - I think they should GIVE me another Outback for no extra money!

ateixeira · July 2001

At this point I would take the offer to get that new Outback. Despite the problems you're having, Subarus are generally reliable and the odds of getting two lemons in a row are virtually nil.

Sounds to me like SoA is trying to work with you (with the extended warranty), but I understand that you'd be frustrated.

-juice

oselles · July 2001

I noticed that the paint on the bottom panels of my new Outback is chipping (the strip below the doors between the wheels). I have only driven about 700 in-city miles so I was quite surprised. I had to bring the car in to have the hatch lock adjusted (like other folks mentioned) and the service director promised to have the panels repainted--under warranty he said. I'm curious to know why this would happen and if others have had the same problem.

On a related note, I noticed a scratch on the rear panel, probably due to a bike--of course such repair is not under warranty and the supervisor said the scratch is so deep that the area has to be repainted.. Is there any way to hide such a scratch for now? It's not terrible but it's a new car!

O.

hammersley · July 2001

Any dealer service dept. that tells me a flashing CEL is "no problem" would not have me as a customer. IIRC, a non-flashing CEL is notification that a code has been set & needs looking at, but a flash indicates a more urgent, "park it til it's fixed" problem. How do they know until they download the codes?

Cheers!
Paul

red927 · July 2001

I have been away on business for a week and this is the first chance I've had to check back. They did not do away with the intermittent feature on the base outback; they added the variable feature that was standard on the Limited and the GT.

I also finally saw the new "red". In the sun it appears to have a tinge of rusty orange in it. I am not particularly fond of the new color but that's just my opinion. I have the "Winestone" and think that it makes the car look very rich. Sorry to see it go, but it may come back in a few years like it did before.

dvf · July 2001

I am looking to install a trailer hitch for use with a 4 postion bike rack on my 01 OB.
Any comments on the best hitch and rack that will not scratch?
I have had my 01 4M since May and really enjoy it. Just last week noticed some wind noise for the first time,sounded like was comming from the roof upper right corner. I would guess it to be the rack rails. Is this normal?
I also noticed someone commented on the board about a problem with the back hatch lock. I have just started having intermitten problems with the sensor showing the hatch not locked but when I check it it is. Any comments on these as well.
Thanks!
-Dave

wrobelc · July 2001

Appreciated the comments and suggestions for replacement tires. I've been sastisfied with the Potenza and only need to replace them because of tread wear. They now have 26,000 miles on them and I expect at current rate of wear that I'll need to replace them around 35,000 (about 4 months at current rate of driving)

rsholland · July 2001

My son got almost 80,000 miles from his Potenzas on his '96 Impreza Outback. He is a gentle driver, however.

Still, I would have thought you would be getting a lot more than a projected 35,000 miles on them.

Bob

woodykk · July 2001

Hi,everyone...
I'm a new member on this message board.
I bought The Outback 2.5 in 99 but rarely used (only 11,000 miles)

Yesterday ,I tried to change the oil myself but found out that the dealer tightened the filter too firmly so that I can't loose with any of my tools.(Normally,I change the oil for my other two cars ..Mazda,Toyota by myself.)
Also,I bought the oil filter,according to the manual at autostore,FRAM#3593A but the diameter seems to be a little bit bigger than the current filter from the dealer ..don't know whether it can fit or not since I can not take the old one out yet.

Would someone kindly advise me on both problems since it's very inconvenience for me to go to the dealer in town.
And also,in my idea,the small job like oil change should normally be done by ourselves!
Thanks for any advice you may give.
Woody.

dervish · July 2001

I just installed a hitch for my OB 01 made by DrawTite. It is a 1¼" hitch and it works perfectly well with my Yakima Roc 4 1¼. The Roc 4 1¼ is made to carry up to 4 bikes. Very well designed. This model is so new you may have to have it special order.

I bought the DrawTite at UHaul and the Yakima at our local GI Joe's, special order.

cptplt · July 2001

looking at the UK Subaru site, they have a 2.5 GX/AT with VDC which costs about UKL1800 more than the non VDC, which is about US$2500 or so. I'll pay that if they drop it into a GT anyday! Besides all prices over there are inflated, so it should be less anywhere else.

breckco · July 2001

Woody,

I'm assuming that you are using the metal band type wrench and it is sliding. I would suggest you go to an auto parts store or Walmart and get a "cup" type oil filter wrench. The cup type goes around and over the end of the filter. It has a pattern that matches the edges of the filter. You can then attach a ratchet (or even a breaker bar) to loosen the filter. This will only work if you haven't crushed the filter attempting to remove it.

A couple of other suggestions:
I recommend OEM (Subaru) filters. They're not much more expensive. It's also advisable to get a "crush washer" for the drain plug at that time. I too have to drive quite a bit to get to a dealer so I just pick up 2 or 3 filter/washer sets at the same time.
One thing I do is to pre-fill the oil filter. Because Subaru fiters are mounted vertically, I fill the filter up (not to the top) before I install it. This gives the engine an almost immediate flow of oil without waiting for the filter to fill up. A little overboard perhaps but it's easy to do.
Hope this helps.

Live Happy,

Chris

rk_goa · July 2001

As an old time Toyota customer, I have had difficulty deciding on a Subaru trim. Subaru bundles the performance options with luxury options. I have seen this discussed elsewhere also, so there are others who feel the same way. I prefer spending money on performance rather than luxury. e.g. I would like to buy a Legacy L with rear LSD, but since that is not available, I have to consider a GT which costs over $3K. Or, if someone wants a VDC with OB, it costs over $7K more than the base OB.

For a Highlander, on the other hand, one can have a rear LSD for $350, an ESC (VDC) for $900, a luxury package for about $3K, and a bigger engine for about $2K. One can mix and match what they like and be happier with the car, as opposed to the "Combo" approach. I am not looking at Highlander because I am looking for a AWD car, and Toyota stopped making the "All-Trac" cars.

I understand that Subaru is a smaller company, but I am willing to wait for a car with the options I like if they can be ordered.

wrobelc · July 2001

Woody,

I too change my own oil on our 2000 Legacy. I totally agree with Chris's comments. My research has shown that the Fram's are not very good filters. Like Chris said, you are better off to stick with the Subaru filters. Most dealership's in my area give you a filter free if you buy 3. Additionally subaruparts.com has great prices on filters and other Subaru parts.

I've used the cup type wrench that Chris mentioned and would like to say if you decide to get one of these don't buy the plastic type. They don't last very long. I recently bought a 3 prong vice grip type filter wrench which is the best wrench I've ever used. As you turn to lose the filter the vice grip gets tighter. After trying many different type of filter wrench, I highly recommend this type.

Chuck

nowakj66 · July 2001

I am really hot for a Subaru Outback wagon AL Bean H-6.

I had a 1979 Subaru wagon but have not had one since.

I am looking to replace the 1992 Honda Prelude I bought as a single guy with a car that is sporty, fun and my wife can drive. And has room for weekend trips and jaunts to the hardware store to fix up our new house.

How is the reliability and maintenance expense on these Legacy Outbacks? Compared to a Toyota Carry or Honda Accord. In my mind, for every car purchase I make I have to ask myself -- why am I NOT buying a Honda Accord -- my gold standard in value, reliability and low maintenance cost?

The answer for me as to why I am considering this Outback is simple -- because they offer what seems to be the best wagon out there for the $$ as far as sporting feel, reliability and durability and cost of ownership goes. Those who have owned them -- do you agree? (If Honda came out with an Accord wagon again it would be tough . . . .)

Does the AWD add expense on maintenance over and above Toyotas and Hondas?

For those who have experienced Hondas, Toyotas and Subarus -- are modern Subarus in the same class as the top Japanese makes for low cost of ownership and trouble free motoring?

rsholland · July 2001

I don't think you have anything to worry about with a new Outback. I've owned many Hondas, currently we own 2 Subarus, and my daughter has a '92 Prelude Si too.

I'm not aware of anyone having any problems Subaru AWD systems. Once you own a AWD vehicle, nothing else will feel as good, and certainly not as secure when the weather gets bad.

The only down side is that AWD vehicles (as a group) tend to be a tad slower than non-AWD vehicles (because they're heavier and more complex), and there may be about a 1-2 mpg penalty. That's it. Certainly nothing to worry about.

Bob

tcltk · July 2001

This fall I will be a first time Subaru owner.
Can anyone comment about the Service Dept at
Stohlman Subaru in Tysons Corner, VA?
I want to factory order a 2002 OB LTD
and prefer to get service at the same dealer that
sold me the car. A good service dept is important
to me, and I work within walking distance of Stohlman.
They say they will try to match Fitzgerald Auto Mall price (we'll see about that!)
Thanks in advance.

-Craig

woodykk · July 2001

Hi Chris & Chuck.
Thanks for your kind advices on filter and washer,I'll certainly follow what you'd suuggested.
What's that surprised me was that I have all 3 different sizes of "cup"metal type but none was fit! the small one was too small and the medium was too big!(but this one fit the FRAM brand that I bought)
I gonna try to find the 3 prong vise grip type..
hope can find it here.
Thanks again
Woody.

hgp · July 2001

I'm just wondering if anyone knows whether the wood trim in the Bean OB is real or fake?

Thanks!

originalbitman · July 2001

I do not know for a fact but I would be willing to bet it is fake just like the OB and GT.

bit

20llbean · July 2001

What is the oil filter for the 2001 OB H6 engine? Is it the 3593A that the H4 uses? My owners manual does not state what the filter type is. I have the LLbean package for oil changes but will change the oil in between each scheduled change ( I always change at 3K no matter what).

Concerning wind noise, I also experience it. It is most audible at 35 to 45 MPH. It is a low range whoosh kind of sound, sort of like you hear when a house window is slighly open during high winds. There is no leak, so it isn't a seal problem. I took off the crossbars this past weekend and will assess if the noise remains. I suspect the cross bars are disturbing the airflow at that the crossbars are the source of the noise.

evilizard · July 2001

It is a different filter from the H-4 according to the Sub mechanic at the dealership.

red927 · July 2001

this is a news release from Subaru on pricing for the 2002 model year.

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/010723/phm038.html

20llbean · July 2001

What is the oil filter for the 2001 OB H6 engine? Is it the 3593A that the H4 uses? My owners manual does not state what the filter type is. I have the LLbean package for oil changes but will change the oil in between each scheduled change ( I always change at 3K no matter what).

Concerning wind noise, I also experience it. It is most audible at 35 to 45 MPH. It is a low range whoosh kind of sound, sort of like you hear when a house window is slighly open during high winds. There is no leak, so it isn't a seal problem. I took off the crossbars this past weekend and will assess if the noise remains. I suspect the cross bars are disturbing the airflow at that the crossbars are the source of the noise.

viktoria_r · July 2001

I am not familair with higlander, but I think it is well known that toyota has a practice of bundling options together, even though they may be listed separately (not as package). For instance, you may have hard time finding Camry LE V6 with alloys, but without sunroof. Toyota just assumes that whoever wants v-6 and alloys would want a sunroof, too. Also, I don't think that toytoa has a conventioanl order system. They estimate what market demand would be, and manufacture cars according to that esimate, with pre-set combinations of options. So before saying that option is available separately, try locating vehicle with just the 'mix' of options you want. It may look like you have this ability on paper, but in reality you may not. At least Subary is upfront about what you can or cannot get.

sagresta · July 2001

I've posted several times regarding my engine pinging problem. It happens around 2500 rpms. After 6 visits to the dealer and no fix, SoA tells me that my car is operating within normal limits and that the ping/engine rattle is completley normal and common for my car. Susan Hoff is the customer rep. that I spoke with. She insisted that there are tons of 2001 outbacks that do exactly the same thing and that it's not detrimental to the value or longevity of the vehicle. I find that interesting because I was the first my dealer (Southern States in Raleigh)had ever heard of the problem. After I spoke with Susan, I called Maxwell Subaru in Burlington and spoke with their service technician. They haven't had a single problem with Outbacks coming in with that problem either. The same for Folger Subaru in Charlotte -- not a single problem with any Subaru pinging. I then took the car to a foreign import specialist (I just got back from there)and had him drive it with me present. His opinion is that it is an ignition spark ping and that in no case could that ever be good for the engine. He said anytime you have a ping it's added stress to the engine. My case with subaru has been dragging on and on and the regional rep has failed to follow-up since they started working on my car (the past two visits) and the SOA customer service rep. failed to call also -- I had to call her to find the status of my case. Most of the info. I've gotten has been posted to this website as a matter of fact.
I guess what I'm asking is -- have any of you out there experienced a clearly noticeable engine ping or rattle upon acceleration under light load? I'm disappointed with subaru's customer service and have given them the benefit of the doubt a few times beyond what I've been required legally to do. I would prefer to stay in an Outback too, but I'm not going to stay in my Outback with an engine rattle.

ateixeira · July 2001

You may prefer the Highlander's "a-la-carte" packaging, but look at what the options add up to. You pay extra for the V6, AWD, LSD, VSC, alloys, keyless entry, and the sunroof. All significant and desirable options.

Heck, for the seats alone, you have to buy THREE option packages just to match the LL Bean: leather, power controls, and heated seats. The price for the seats to match the LL Bean's? $2100!

I really like the Highlander, but add it up yourself.

Dave: I have the OEM hitch. I've seen Hidden Hitch units and Draw Tite, and both looked fine to me. You can only carry a tongue weight of 200 lbs anyway (enough for 4 bikes). The advantage of the OEM hitch is that it tucks under the bumper nicely and does not affect the angle of departure. Plus it bolts down with 7 sturdy bolts and has a custom fit. It costs more, though.

Nowak: the AWD system is sealed and maintenance-free. Consumer Reports ranked Subaru 7th best manufacturer, ahead of all the European makes.

-juice

20llbean · July 2001

My two cents: A ping is not standard operation in any engine at any speed. I understand that sometimes on hills with a light to moderate load that a ping can occur. I'm wondering if your car is an H6 because SOA recs high octane gas for the H6, which helps with prohibiting pinging on hills and heavy loads.

craigmc · July 2001

Hello everyone. My name is Craig and I'm new to this forum. I own a 98 outback. my concern is
the finish peeling off the bumpers. I've seen this
on outbacks of my vintage and wonder how to prevent
and/or repair this. also, starting to notice some small chips out of the hood edge paint. how should I deal with this? Rust never sleeps!
thanks

evilizard · July 2001

To prevent peeling
A) Try to minimize exposure to enviroment (yea right). Keep the car parked out of the sun and protected from the elements as much as possible.

Don't get your bumpers scratched
C) Keep em clean of bird droppings and keep them waxed.
D) Avoid exposure to temperature extremes if possible.

For the small chips try touch up paint availible at your dealership. Or if you dont want to mess with that any type of clear sealent to keep the air and mostiure out.

You also might consider the acrylic hood deflector or other front protectors. Problem with the fabric ones is that you have to keep them clean on the inside or they will rub your finish. YOu also might get different fade rates. But a full Bra would solve that bumper peeling problem!

kmclean · July 2001

Woody -

Here's a technique that can work well with your band-type oil filter wrench (preferably the wider band - about an inch wide): remove grease/oil from the old filter, put several rubber bands (the thicker kind work best) at the base of the filter (near the gasket) - sufficient to cover the area that will be in contact with the band wrench, use the wrench slowly with increasing force - I'll bet dollars to donuts it'll come off intact. Reminds me of my first oil change on my '97 Max (which I started around 10 PM) - after draining the oil and getting ready to remove the filter, discovered that NONE of my band or cup wrenches fit that skinny little sucker. The guy across the street was still up, so borrowed this weird little wrench with a length of bicycle chain on it that you could size to fit. Hey, it worked - whatever it takes! FWIW - used Fram oil filters for years on many types of vehicles, and never had an engine/oil problem (kept most cars to 125K miles). Changed every 3500 miles. Bought a pack of 5(?) plug washers from the dealer.

Sharon - the ping is a malfunction. My 2000 OB Ltd Wagon (2.5L H4, 13.5K miles) has never made a peep or a ping - even climbing up mountains at fairly low RPMs (regular fuel). They're feeding you a line. Good luck.

Just bought my first air filters from Subaruparts.com - anyone have any idea when there will be an after-market filter available?

How about an after-market service manual for us occasional do-it-yourselfers? NOT the dealer's $300 set, either.

Mileage report: went to Mount St Helens this weekend: 1/3 interstate (65-70 mph), 1/3 two-lane highway, 1/3 mountain roads (lotsa up/dowshifting and switchbacks), 4 riders, small amount of luggage, 28.5 mpg on regular (5-speed).

Time to change the oil again, and run this baby down Highway 101/1 to Morro Bay, California next week (from Seattle).

Cheers from the PNW!

Ken

hammersley · July 2001

Ken: I'm using Napa Gold #1334 oil filter - seems to work just fine. Thanks for the reminder on the air filter... time to check mine.

Where in the Mt St Helens area were you? We camped at Seaquest State Park last summer... wonderful place. That volcano is still an awesome sight 20+ years after the big kaboom.

Have fun in CA. We're headed for Humboldt County middle of next month ourselves.

Go Mariners!
Cheers from the dry side,
Paul

sagresta · July 2001

Thanks for the feedback -- my car is an H4 and we switched to 92 octane for a while even though it's not required. The subaru service dept. even drained the tank and put 92 octane in it and it still pinged. The regional guy told me to stop putting the higher octane and go back to regular unleaded.
It's not the gas. And you're right Ken, they are feeding me a line. I think if they would be honest and say that there is something wrong and that they just don't have a fix for it yet, it would be much better. But it angers me for them to say it's normal and that lots of them do it. The only thing they can offer me is reimbursement for my extended warranty (they would pay for it) and if I wanted to trade it in for another one $1500 credit. That doesn't do me much good since I put $5000 down on the car and doubt the Subaru folks would give me a good trade for it. I'm going to have my husband go and see what they would give just out of curiousity.
Any other input/feedback from others out there would be great.
Thanks
Sharon

magic12 · July 2001

Hello,
My wife and I are considering the base model outback wagon. However, we are not sure whether or not to purchase the all-weather package as an option. We live in the delaware area where temperatures in the 20's and snowfall are common during the winter. Does the de-icer on the front windshield really work? My assumption is that if there is ice on the front window you will still have to get your hand scrapper out and have at it... Your feedback would be welcomed. Thanks for your help.

craigmc · July 2001

I've noticed that people report their gas mileage in this forum down to the half mile! This sounds dumb, but what method does one use to get such accurate figures? I'd like to know what my
OB really gets (I've had it only a month).
thanks
craig

originalbitman · July 2001

Well for instance I just took a trip to the Sierras this past weekend in my 01 Legacy GT 5MT. We drove a total of 356 miles. I filled the tank upon return and it took 12.75 gallons. So if you divide 356 by 12.75 it comes to 27.9216 MPG.

bit

joeb24 · July 2001

I have a 01 LLBean, and am generaly happy with it. However, whenever I go to car wash, a little water leaks through the top of the hatchback door. I can see it leaking from the top break light. It does not leak when I wash car with a hose, or when it rains. I assume it is the high pressure spray in the car wash. Anyone else experience this? I have not taken it to the dealer yet, but I bet they will have a hard time correcting it.

aakerson · July 2001

Re engine ping -- sagresta, keep updating us; the problems you're having (with the company more than the car) make me worry. I'm a big Subaru fan. Bought nine in the last five years, and now thinking about both a VDC and WRX in the next year or so. Subarus without doubt offer the best combination of safety, drivability, quality and value anywhere.

But we've become concerned because far more problems pop up on our 2000 OB and '01 VDC than the older ones we had. Like you, we're willing to be patient and put up with some glitches -- BUT would never put up with the kind of response from the company that you report. The one time Subaru did get involved with a mechanical problem on one of our cars, they handled the situation wonderfully and graciously. They went far above and beyond what I expected. I hope your situation gets resolved in a way that you can report the same kind of support from Subaru. These are truly outstanding cars, and we owners expect the company behind them to reflect the quality of their products.

By the way, in 1996 we totaled our first Outback three months after purchase (wife/driver totally unscathed, but totally embarrassed). To settle, the insurance company took our car's purchase price, deducted 25 cents per mile from that price, then gave us a check for the remainder. And our dealer chased down for us a identical car and simply took the insurance check as full payment.

pmags · July 2001

My wife and I cruised home in our new, Sapphire Blue, 2001 OB, H4, AT Wagon this evening!

After doing a thorough inspection at the dealers, and then finalizing the paper work, we slipped a Ray Charles CD into the stereo and headed off for a lesiurely drive into the Connecticut countryside. It was dusk as we left, and the sunset was in my rear view mirror.

We cruised the smaller CT backroads as I got used to the handling and enjoyed the quiet and smooth ride. The car felt and sounded great - steering and handling was responsive, the engine responded like I wanted it too (I didn't push it past 4000 rpm though, 'cuz of the break-in period).

We even had occasion to test out the brakes - once when some idiot in an SUV coming in the opposite direction decided to make a quick left turn 30-40' in front of us (at 50-55 mph that's not too comfortable a margin). The second time as we headed down hill on a dark, twisty road. I'm used to a smaller, noiser car and didn't realize I was doing about 40-45 mph on a road rated for 25 mph (the quietness and smooth ride is deceptive!). This is supposed to be an area where there is no parking after sunset, but as we came into an S-turn I saw a car parked by the side of the road with it's lights off and I realized I was going to fast for comfort. I gave the brakes a pretty hard tap (again, what I was used to in my previous car). The braking response was quicker than I anticipated, and I even felt the ABS pump the brakes a few times, but the handling remained responsive and secure.

I'm usually a pretty light-footed, non-agressive driver so I wasn't too pleased that I had gotten myself into that situation. However, I was reassured by the braking and handling performance.

I'm pleased as punch, and am looking forward to putting some miles on it this weekend! Now off to peruse the owners manual.

Cheers,
Paul

Subaru Legacy/Outback

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