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I have a question that has been rolling around in my head and I figure I'd give it a shot on this board first. Unlike FM and AM stations, weatherband stations cannot be dialed in. When traveling, does the present a problem by not being able to tune in or is the transmission on the same frequency across the country?
Thanks,
Colin
The clutch assemblies in the Legacy and Forester, are they similar on the mechanical level?
I've learned to live with the clutch in my 98 Forester, but its trade-in time is approaching and I'm considering my options. I love the smooth clutch in some Hondas I've driven, and I wonder about the newer Subies.
--Bart
I only have a 2K Ltd OB with manual climate control, so I can only offer a guess based on other cars (such as my '97 Max) I've had. In general, econ locks out the compressor (either 100% or close to that) from its normal on/off cycle, hence the "econ" - the compressor uses more gas when it's operating. I've found in my Max that I operate its automatic climate control in "econ" and "manual" mode most of the time here in Seattle. It, too, won't blow at all in auto (during cold weather) until it warms up some (scared the daylights out of me the first time that happened in San Antonio, where I bought the car. I'd had it for more than 7 months - never needed the heat - then one dark morning in November "WOOSH!" as I was on the way to work, as the heater cut in. I had read the manual when I bought the car in March, but had not had occasion to heat until November). The auto feature cannot recognize when defrosting is needed (it senses only temperature differential) - so I have it in manual, split defrost/heat mode, with the fan on a couple of clicks, so I can see where I'm going as I drive my one mile to the Park and Ride. During the warmer months, I just leave it in "econ" which is fully automatic but no A/C - not needed much up here. When I was in Texas, "auto" worked great, but that was largely an A/C environment. Hope this helps.
Bart - Lots of people have mentioned the "cold clutch" chatter - I have an H4-five-speed, and just exercise a little more care on the first engagement in the morning. I have to back up a fairly steep driveway, so I'm quickly reminded if I forget. After that initial warm-up, the clutch is fine. On a 10-scale, overall, I'd give it a 7.
Cheers from the PNW!
Ken
-mike
Channel 1 on our OB gives us the Chicago area weather service, while channel 2 gives us the Milwaukee/Madison area. Travelling to the Upper P. of Michigan, I tuned into channel 3, I believe.
I think the frequencies pre-programmed into the receiver are the most common used ones.
-Brian
-juice
Mike: sounds like the Trooper and H6 auto climate control systems are similar. I would not be surprised if they came from the same supplier. Yes, you can switch off A/C in auto mode (I like that feature). The Subaru system also diverts to defroster until the car warms up, then it starts blowing out the floor vents.
Bart: my 2000 Outback H4/5spd has never had a problem with clutch chatter that I can detect. I do have a tough time backing uphill out of my driveway sometimes, but I think that's more my fault than the car's.
Craig
p.s. I'm going to post some pics of my new Bean over in the photo gallery section of the Subaru crew shortly.
-mike
tidester
Host
SUVs
Juice posted a great pic of three carseats across the back on the "Subaru wagons; so many choices" board for me.
Anybody here down size from a mini van? Thoughts?
I agree with your comment on comparing the H6 engined Outbacks with the so-called "upscale" competitors. My wife and I were still on the fence regarding the Outback until we made back-to-back test drives of the Bean and the RX300. We already own one Lexus, so thought we would see what we would "give up" if we chose the Bean.
We instead found the Bean to be quieter, cornered better (typical driving, not at extremes), accelerated better, and generally felt more nimble and comfortable than the RX300. Then given the lower price, better gas mileage, lower insurance, etc. it was a clear decision which was the better car - not just the better buy! Yes, the interior of the RX was better finished, and the paint maybe has a better lustre, and the feel of some controls was better, but these are all down very low on our list of priorities.
So, to any considering the H6 Outbacks, go ahead and try all of the alternatives. You might find yourselves coming back to Subaru. Six months and 6K miles later we are glad we did.
Steve
Allan: I'm 6'1" and have plenty of room in the Outback. I'd say there is another 4" of headroom at least. My only gripe is that tilting the steering wheel to a comfortable position causes it to obscure the top edge of the instrument panel. I do not recline my seatback at all, which might be part of the issue. Also, you might want to double check your view out the windshield -- even with the seat at the lowest position, I feel like I am looking out the upper half of the windshield most of the time. If you're really tall, it could be a problem.
Craig
Dukephoto
are older model Subarus good bets realibility-wise? They seem cheaper than used Camrys/Accords.
Any opinions/experiences/suggestions, please.
I also experience problems with clutch shudder on my Japanese Made 99OB. This is most noticable at start up in the morning but also on very cold days for longer periods and when the car has been standing. I have queried both the dealer and Subaru of Australia who confirm it is expected for this type of clutch.
Apparently the clutch compound is very hard, improving clutch performance under heavy load. The trade off is the shuddering when cold.
Personally, I find it fairly frustrating as I kangaroo hop away from the lights at cold. It is a pity that I live at the bottom of a steep hill so I get it most mornings. I have pondered whether to buy an Auto next time around.
Cheers
Graham
Cheers!
Paul
Look at the 1995 models, which went to the newer body style. They had 2.2l engines. In 1996, the 2.5l arrived with 155hp, but it required premium fuel, the 1997 models made 165hp and ran on regular. So aim for a 1995 or a 1997 if you can afford it.
-juice
Price: $3,380.00
Year: 1993
Miles: 87,187
FWD Wagon, 87187 miles, Auto, 2.2L H4. Air Conditioning, Cruise Control, Power Door Locks, 4 Wheel Disc Brakes, Driver Side Airbag, 80 Watt AM/FM Stereo W/Cassette/Preset Equalizer/Digital Clock Display, 15.9 Gallon Fuel Tank W/"No Lose" Gas Cap & Retaining Strap.
does the price sound reasonable for the car of this age? Of course, if I was to buy, I would run the VIN through carfax.com
-mike
Cheers Pat.
Don't get me wrong, we traded a 1996 Outback for our 01 Bean back in August and love it ( so no flames please) but legroon is not a strong point. I also have a 2001.5 Passat 4 door and fit much better - from a legroom perspective and find the seats more comfortable. I'm 6 foot with slightly more length from the waist down than the waist up.
Subies are excellent cars except for annoyances like this, which might be getting fixed too.
--Bart
I've been reading this site for quite sometime and have found it very enlightening, thanks for your posts.
After 4 years of research and waiting, I bought a '01 Outback Wagon H4/5sp in July. After 6 months of use, I have recently started having problems with the steel frame in the driver seat pan. As some have noted, the seats are rather deep and now every time I swing my left leg over to get out of the car, the steel frame cuts into my hamstring. It's to the point now actually where I have trouble walking and have actually consulted a doctor.
I suppose it has taken these 6 months for the foam (?) padding surrounding the steel frame to break down enough for the frame to become so pronounced or I would have noticed it sooner.
Has anyone else experienced this? Any ideas on how to fix/replace this seat?
I have tried lowering it as much as possible, but the car is high enough off the ground that even at its lowest, my leg rests on the seat edge while touching the ground. I've taken to various acrobatic tricks to evacuate the car now. Incidentally, it does have the electric motion controls, which I would be fine without.
Thanks and regards,
Sean
Allen, I am not as tall as you (6') but I do have the same complaint as Craig...it seems that I am looking out the windshield right around or just below where the dark band a the top of the windshield ends. You need to take a long test drive and get a feel for it before you buy one. BTW, why so against mini-vans? Our other vehicle is a '99 Odyssey. It is a lot sportier (better 0-60, cornering, gas-mileage) and a lot more utility oriented (more room, versitile seating configurations, etc) than my 91 4Runner ever was! For folks your height, especially if you have kids, a mini-van would be the way to go!
I sure wish Subaru made an AWD minivan!
-r
Mike (paisan), Howard: I did more experimentation with the climate control system last night. Yes, the "AUTO" indicator goes off as soon as you twiddle with anything. According to the owner's manual however, the system is still in an auto mode -- it will let you control whatever feature you are adjusting manually, but continue to maintain auto control over the other functions. I tried it, and seems to be correct. Not sure what happens if you start tweaking all the buttons -- does it go manual for all the features or just the last one you fiddle with?
Chris: I also put the covered storage compartment under the CD player in my 2000 OB (I thought it looked better). Beware of two things, however -- the covered compartment is not deep enough to accomodate CDs when the door is closed, and the door release button will be partially blocked by the lower edge of the trim panel. You can still pop the door open, it's just a little tougher to release the button -- you have to sort of wedge your finger in there. To solve the CD depth problem, I cut away the center section of the compartment's back panel, allowing the "diameter" of CDs to poke out the back. When I sell the Outback to my father, I will probably glue the cutout back in or replace the open cubby -- I can just see my father tossing his wallet or keys in there, only to have them swallowed up by the dashboard!
Sean: I had similar problems when I got my first Outback, only it was my quadriceps muscles that hurt. Even at 6'1", my legs were dangling over the edge of the seat when I got out. I remember feeling quite clumsy getting out of the car for the first few weeks. All I can tell you is that I adjusted somehow, and my muscles adapted. At the time, I figured it was just because I was getting old, creaky, and out of shape. But if you think it's an issue with the seat frame and padding, you should definitely contact Subaru.
Craig
-mike
Thanks, juice, for the news re the smell. We thought it was the deadly dog farts and got a little worried when she wasn't along and it still reeked. Euuww! Great to know it will be gone soon!
Guess we can live with the tires, though they do seem a weak choice. "Best car ever", that is indeed high praise! Wonderful to hear it. We haven't been in the car market for 14 years, it was a scary world out there.
Does anyone know the 'official' Subaru name for the 2001 color that looks gold in the sun and gray in the shade. Just curious. (It was the only one they had, I prefer the green ones.)
Bart: try a car show. It's car show season, actually. No pressure, and you can sample dozens of cars, at least the interiors.
Sean: yours is so new, I would ask for a replacement seat if it's that worn. I've never noticed it.
Slate metallic?
-juice
---
When you press the "AUTO" switch while the system is in the AUTO mode, it selects the ECON (economy) mode, turning on the "ECON" indicator light. In the ECON mode, the compressor runs to be thrifty with energy consumption. Interior windows tend to fog in this energy-saving operation. It is therefore recommended that the AUTO mode be used only in high humidity conditions.
--
Yikes, was that obviously a poor translation or what? I've seen stuff written in frontier jibberish that made more sense!
I think they must be trying to say two simple things: 1) ECON mode uses the compressor less than full AUTO, and 2) use AUTO in high humidity conditions. Instead, they end up conveying the fact that running the compressor is thrifty, and you should use AUTO mode only when it's humid out!
I may browse through the manual to see what other literary gems lurk about. Ah, translated technical writing at its best!
Craig
And I've been lurking here for weeks! Love the dialogue! John
The Legacy had the Phase I engine, DOHC with 162 lb-ft, up until 1999. It got the Phase II engine, a simpler SOHC design with 4 more lb-ft, for 2000. The Forester and Impreza got that engine in 1999. I guess it took a while for the EPA to catch up to those changes, but the 2002 and 2000 should give near identical mileage, i.e. better than the older Phase I engines.
-juice
I went today to look at Legacy/Outback and I found myself looking down below the roof line to see and that I was even with the review mirror creating a huge blind spot on the right. Too bad, plenty of leg and head room else wise.
Anybody tall people try changing the mirror out for a dash mounted mirror?
Looks like the Forester with a roof cargo carrier will be the only option in Subaru for me.
oclvframe how do you compare the Outback with the Odyssey other than capacity?
As I remember the colours were Birch white,titanium,black,timberline green,winestone, the green I preferred was not available in the GT, that was Wintergreen and could only be had in the regular legacy.
I am not sorry I got the Titanium, after comparing mine side by side with a Wintergreen Legacy I prefer the Titanium the Timberline green Is a very dead colour IMHO. anyway.
Cheers Pat.
I had done the same thing a month ago. If letters keep coming, SOC might pay attention and start something!...
Thanks again for everything Patti.
Pat.
Legroom - front (in.) 43.3
Passat:
Legroom - front (in.) 41.5
Never sat in a Passat before, so I'll trust you on seat comfort. However, the Bean has the Passat beat on legroom by almost 2".
Also, the standard mirror is smaller than the auto-dimming compass mirror that is on certain models (usually as an option). If this was on the car you checked out, it would certainly affect your view!
Craig
intermittent wipers in an '00 Outback? My base model does not have the variable feature (cheap, cheap, cheap). Can the interval be changed otherwise? It is way too fast. Anyone else experience loud squealing from the power steering
pump when cold? I can't believe this is a normal
condition like Subaru says it is.
GAM
-mike
My wife also notice the same thing and we both have been driving manuals for many years.
We're a bit concerned and wondering if the problem is related to the "clutch-burn" smell we've experienced a few weeks back.
In my case I have a 5 speed 2001.5 Passat and the auto H6 Bean. My legs are very bent at the knees and thighs elevated off the seat in the Bean with the seat all the way at the stops ( same in the passenger seat).
The Passat is much more comfortable, seat not quite all the way back at the stops. I drive the VW to work 4 days a week and the Bean one. VW is more comfortable.
I like both cars very much and I'm not bashing the Bean for this fault. I wouldn't have bought a second Outback if I didn't think it had a lot going for it.
No car is perfect but the Bean is close.
I agree, the Timberline Green is dead, too much yellow. We test drove a 99 Forester S, it had a bit of blue in the green and was the color of my dream car. BRG, British Racing Green.
pdubois, how did SoC respond to your letter? I scrolled back through October and couldn't find you.
Re the scrolling, you Subaru people sure are a nice lot
I have sent a PS regarding Patti's super support on this board on the customer satisfaction survey that SOC sent me a month ago. I have not heard from them since.
Rather than mucking around under the dash or in the column, I found the wires I needed coming off the wiper motor & made connections there, then routed the wires to the control box through the firewall. Worked fine.
Cheers!
Paul
I did not have to do it on my 01 VDC as there is a fixed delay. Actually, I preferred my modified version to the fix delay of the 01 model!
After modification, the wiper behaved like this: when turned ON, it will give 9 or 10 swipes at regular speed, then it will continue automatically at a 12 second interval. The 12 second interval could be adjusted with a variable controller that I had placed in the passenger side rear kick panel compartment (the one with a door, close to the rear back door). I found 12 seconds to be the best delay for my personal taste and the type of rain we have in the Pacific North West (Pacific South West for Canada!). When you switch the wiper OFF, this resets the system and the sequence will start again next time you turn it ON. The instant wiper with washer function (turning control counter clockwise) is not affected by the modification.
The whole modification is made at the rear of the car, behind the rear passenger side kick panel. There is a connector with all the necessary wires right there, just to the front of the compartment described above.
You will need 2 things: an automatic wiper delay controller (about CAN$20) and a fixed 10 second power delay. I built my own from a very simple diagram but I know there is a commercially unit available. It is intended to turn the power of a radio, CB or other electronic equipment ON after a set delay (so when you turn the ignition ON, no power is available off the gadget for a set time, then power becomes available and stays available until you turn the ignition OFF). This was intended to protect the electronics from a surge in current when starting the car. Modern cars don't neeed this anymore, so I don't know if it is still available.
Beware that the modification may void your warranty! Proceed only if you are qualified to do it and at your own risks.
All the necessary information, wiring diagrams, etc... is available on my scrapbook and has already been posted on this board in the fall of 1999.
Good luck!
Pat.
Pat.