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Comments
2000 Outback Limited Wagon, 32,xxx miles
It's most pronounced in 1st gear when the engine is cold, like most people have said. We've had it back to the dealer 3-4 times for a check, but they always say they can't duplicate the problem.
Like bbrandle from this morning's post, we've always had manual transmissions and haven't had any trouble, so I doubt it's our driving. Our other car ('98 Passat GLX 5-speed) has no problem either.
Barbara
Notify your dealer and let them test drive and check out the car to confirm the condition.
If you are not satisfied with the explanation you receive, please contact us at 1-800-SUBARU3. The Representative will create a case file documenting your displeasure.
We report all customer commentary to various folks around SOA. FHI will often try to find a countermeasure to improve the characteristic, but it can take a bit for them to gather enough data. It's still worth the effort because we take the comments seriously.
Thanks.
Patti
Doeas anyone have a recommended strategy for this deal?
5% over is IMO way, way high. Outbacks have a $500 dealer incentive, so you should see prices below the invoice price, not above it.
fitzmall.com is in MD but check them out for comparison's sake.
-juice
If you get the skid plates from primitive, we can put it on @ a Install-fest at my house. I want to have one soon to put in my PS pump and lines and Bedabi has some stuff to install etc.
-mike
Eric
John
-juice
Mike- Still not sure, but I will decide by this weekend. If I do go for them, an install-fest sounds good to me.
Mark
-juice
I'll give it a shot.
I think that I will start a case file as you suggested. Doesn't seem like Subaru has an effective fix for this problem. Is the manual in the WRX designed better? Can't see myself buying the car at the end of the lease if I this problem persists.
Thanks for the attention, in any event. Now if only Volkswagen had customer service like this...
Bill
somebody will chime in with a '99, but you may want to post over in the Subaru Crew topics (see link at top of page) to get a quicker response.
-Brian
Sad to say you can't remove the grille without dismantling the entire fog lamp. That's for MY98 except SUS, I guess it's the same for MY99. Go to the manual for instructions to remove fog lamp.
-Dave
Thanks
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Behind the hood release lever, feel for a (reset) button. Depress the button and all will be well again.
-Dave
I installed the bar two years ago on my 2000 OB. I agree: the instructions were useless...less than useless; they were DEAD WRONG! I'm accustomed to this however, so I measured and remeasured before drilling. Its actually a very simple installation, just check the template they provide against the gate bar; make sure the holes line up. You need to pop open the trim panel on the inside of the gate (I seem to recall you use a phillips screwdriver to back-off a few plastic screws and then pop it loose, at any rate, it was straight-forward enough). Drill your holes (go easy, start with a small pilot hole and work up; the sheet metal is thin: 18 gauge/1 mm). Apply a healthy dose of silicone sealer to the inner edge of the drill holes (I smeared it on the back of the foam gasket and anywhere else moisture might reach as well). Finally, as you tighten the bolts (from inside the hatch; through the "tight" cut-outs provided: hope you have small hands) keep an eye on the sheet metal: the ends of the bar...mine anyway...are not cut at the exact same angle as the hatch. If you tighten too much you'll buckle the sheet metal slightly (that's the voice of experience). If you notice any distortion just back off the bolts slightly and the metal should recover. After installing mine I started looking closely at the bars on other cars and found quite a few with that slight bit of distortion. As you can tell, I'm what folks call a "detail freak".
Good luck,
YetAnotherDave
senturi: maybe that happened during a test drive or something. I'd visit your dealer and see what they can do for you.
-juice
??? It shouldn't be somewhere else...
I have a '98 OB too. It's behind the lever in the void. Try to feel around, it's towards the left. It's not a big button.
Good Luck
-Dave
p/s reset after re-connecting battery
OK, anyone with their '98 OB reset switch located in another place?
Brian
I, too, thought that my OB ran at high RPMs at cruise (compared to other 5-speeds I've had), but it gets decent mileage and is quiet enough, so I don't consider it an issue. I had a 1968 Fiat (with a nifty little 1.2 or 1.3L DOHC engine) that turned 4K at 60 MPH in 4th (no 5th). Ate a set of exhaust valves every 25K as a result. Lots of fun anyway!
I've also noted the cold clutch chatter - we have to back up our drive in the morning, and it will chatter every time unless I'm really trying to avoid it. OK after that.
I'd guess my Firestones will last well into the 40s at their current rate of wear (21K so far) - I run them at 33-34 PSI. I have had to replace fairly "young" tires with plenty of tread left (Michelins) due to sidewall cracking - in sunny South Texas. Despite regular Armor All.
Cheers from (soon to be) sunny Seattle!
Ken M.
The old 1.6L DOHC Fiats would wind to 8k without problems. Mine was a '71 Spider refitted with dual Weber IDFs just like the UK version. Fun cars.
Jim
Thanks for your response. I just got through trying to do the install and I wish I would have never attempted this project. Too late now because the holes are drilled. I don't see how I can get to the right hand side hole on the inside to put the washers and nut on. I'm wondering if the 2002 is different than your model. I was able to get the washers and nut on the left hand side but could not get a wrench on it. I thought I might be able to enter where the indented grab handle on the bottom of the gate is to reach the right hand side and in trying to pull this piece of plastic off I cracked it. Needless to say I am not a happy camper. Has anyone tried to do this on a 2002 LLB? I'm going to call the dealer tomorrow to see if they will finish this blotched attempt up for me. If someone knows the way to access this area please let me know.
Bill
Bob-
I hope you've found the reset button.
I know it is annoying.
Patti-
The owners' manual should include a section for trouble-shooting. You know, the little annoying things like the 30 second flash of the parking lights whenever the battery gets disconnected.
-Dave
Has anyone else seen this and have you been able to eliminate it?
I will not be in the office today (jury duty), but I can check tomorrow.
Thanks!
Patti
Patti
mike k
best of luck,
YetAnotherDave
Join us for Thursday's chat?
-juice
steve-v
Ken
I hope that helps.
Heather
-juice
Then I moved to San Fracisco.
Steep hills with a stop sign at the top of each one. Parrallel parking on those same hills. Left foot constantly poised over the clutch, right foot positioned with heel over brake, toe over gas, sweat beading up on forehead as you watch the car behind you get waaaaaay too close..... finally the vehicle I needed for work showed up at the right price in an automatic. OMG what a world of difference! I'm SUCH a happy camper w/ my Bean now!
However, should I ever move to the mountans again....
Jillian
Every trip I take over the hill to SanFran feels like it shaves years off my clutch! Good god those are steep hills to navigate. Judging by the looks of everyone's bumpers over there, I'd be looking for an auto-trans car with black plastic bumpers if I lived there. I'd cry if my bumpers were that scraped up, but they're ALL like that in town. Hmmm...a Bean with black bumpers...not bad...
I want to know the differences between the GT and the Outback with MT please. In as much technical detail as possible. The only Dealer that has a Manual GT is 300 miles away! I guess they are hard to find. I bought a 2002 L.L. Bean H6 and it is Auto. Anyway, I was (still am in my heart) an Impreza person. I am heart sick since trading in my darling 99 OBS wagon three weeks ago!! I wanted a GT for the "Sports-tuned suspension" but could not find one. My husband has a 2001 Outback and wanted the H6- so he decided for us. I really want to know what the GT's are like. I know they are an inch lower to the ground and I know the springs are different and the tires are 55 rated. What does all this do? Does it drive more like an Impreza? That is fun and road hugging? Anyway, it still may happen since my husband knows how heart sick I am for my OBS that he says I can trade-in his 2001 Outback. It is paided-off next year and only has 5,500 miles on it, so that would be DUMB logically. But logic does not heal my broken heart and I am not vulcan. If you guys convince me the GT is great fun then I will plan our vacation to South Shore Motors in CA where they have a GT in Titanium Pearl!
Thank you, Heather
The Bean is an incredible value. You get just about everything you could ever want - 6 cylinders, super smooth acceleration, quiet and luxurious ride, pot-hole tolerant wheels and tires, wood and leather, the works.
Here's a thought - let HIM keep the Bean, you get a new WRX. That'll make you quite happy.
-juice
An upcoming problem is our summer trip to Colorado. I am trying to convince her that the high altitude is not good for her engine, but is for a turbo.
Mike
So that's not an option. I want a GT and if they come out, or should I say when they come out with a H6 or a H4 turbo MT GT I will be the first in line!
Thanks - but someone who has a GT please fill me in and save me the 300 mile trip!
Heather
However in the GT you get a more taut better handling car than the outback, the suspension is different and the 1 inch in ride height makes a big difference also.
My GT also has the cloth upholstery, and it is a better quality in my opinion than what is in the outback.
I absolutely love this car and the only thing I would I would be remotely tempted to trade it for would be a Legacy Blitzen,I drive it pretty aggressively, and have not come even close to getting into trouble with the handling.
So take the trip drive the car and fall in love with it.
BTW. I am probably biased but Titanium is absolutely the best colour.
Cheers Pat.