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Comments
What's your opinion on changing out the fuel filter at 60k? I've never changed mine because I figured that if there was any material trapped in the filter the engine would run rougher, mileage would decrease etc.
D
But IIRC, (and I am hoping not to have to eat crow a second time in as many posts!), DOT-5 is not common as OEM fluid????
Steve
Also, some OEM filters have a sort of water separator and can hold a few ounces of garbage fluid/crud at the bottom. Eventually that head space is used up. I think 60k miles is more than enough use for that component!
Steve
-juice
A friend here says they nearly bought a Forester but then the thought of the dealer going out of business and leaving them stuck turned them off. They ended up with a Toyota minivan.
I much prefer the Outback to the CR-V (or other options). But I, too, don't want to get stuck. So just how different are Subarus? Are they a tough car to fix? I realize a new car shouldn't break down, but what about when the car is 5 years old? Or what about one of the regular check-ups that it needs? The next closest dealer is 2 hours away. Could somebody else perform the recommended services instead?
Thanks,
Tamara
Agreed!
tidester, host
I've even heard that it's the rally heritage of Subarus that also lend to it's easy to access layout. In the rally, you need to be able to access everything *quickly*. I think some of that trickles down into our everyday cars too.
Also, I do some of my own maintenance and I also feel that it's easier to work with Subarus compared to some other makes.
Ken
Craig
So I am considering the switch to the lower octane gas. How low can I go....89 octane....87 octane. I hate to do this to my peppy H6, but this is getting expensive. I don't want to listen to engine knock.
I am sure glad I got rid of my 2002 Bravada that got 15 mpg in the city, although that I6 engine used 87 octane. My Subie has been getting 23-24 mpg city.
I noticed Honda is advertising their H2 fuel cell car.
I would drive a hybrid if everyone else did....but I don't want to get run over by a Lincoln Navigator.
This current episode in our history may be the turning point for the big SUV...no one will be able to pay for gas.
Thanks for listening to me. Your opinion?
I will here about this.
I really do think this is a turning point for the SUV market.
Steve, Host
Why need three across? Try buckling a kid in back in that third row on a daily basis. It stinks.
So that SUV has advantages over even mini-vans just for people moving. Also the gas milage isn't that different from the vans. our van currently gets about 18mpg mixed highway/city.
Now if subaru added another 3 or 4 inches of width it would be even better! subie back seat measures 51 inches.
--jay
There are about a million 1995 and newer Subies on the road, so you are not alone. Stick with us and we'll even point you to wholesalers so you (or your mechanic) can get parts cheap.
The H6 makes 208hp on 87 octane, vs. 212hp on 93 octane (at sea level). So no big deal if you use regular. Most people cannot feel a 4hp change.
-juice
-juice
Can you give us more details on the stalling? Does it happen right after you stop, while idling after the stop, or when you hit the gas to go?
Craig
1) When you stop, fuel sloshes in the fuel tank. It may be possible that this aggravates a problem, either contaminants in the tank or a problem in the fuel delivery system (pump, etc). Has your tank been low when the stalling happens, per chance?
2) When you slow down, an idle speed adjuster kicks in to keep the engine from stalling. Perhaps this is not working correctly. If this were the case, you could also reproduce the problem by gently revving the engine and letting off the gas (while in Park or Neutral).
Let me ask this -- is the engine fully warmed up when the stalling happens, or cold? If warmed up, have you been driving for a really long time?
Craig
I finally found a nearby dealer willing to take just $160 over invoice. The only problem is that I was figuring invoice to be $20909 + $525 = $21434. Minus $500 cash to dealer = $20934. But this saleswoman says that their actual invoice is $21709 (including freight and holdback), and she could let me have it for $160 over that ($21869). The problem is that this is over what we had decided the maximum we could spend is. So I guess a new OB is just not in our future.
Sigh.
Tamara
Tamara
Tamara
Craig
Sorry you are having this problem. I have had my LL bean for over a year now, with 20,000 miles, and it has been flawless. Really wonderful car.
Craig
My most difficult decision is brake fluid. The original pads still have quite a bit of life remaining. Should I flush and bleed the system now or wait until I change the pads?
Jim
I just put the Subaru dog guard in my wife's 03 Outback wagon this morning. She gets to keep the draw shade, which is good. The gate is a press fit between to lower and upper rear side window trim pieces. Once you get it in place, there are adjustment bolts on both sides with a round knurled nut that you adjust until it stays in place. They include a little post that slides into a hole in the nut to give you better leverage for tightening it, although it really didn't take any pressure to tighten it by hand. It's well made and we like it because it doesn't press on the floor ( I didn't want to have to remove it to get the rubber tray out) nor does it press into the headliner, which I really wanted to avoid as most grates I've seen tend to leave marks after they've been in for a while. The downside - its not cheap.
Mike k
I got the strong burning smell again this morning, and I wasn't doing anything unusual. Probably should list it as a complaint when I go in for the tranny recall.
Steve
Best part was the little kid who skied up to me and asked "you OK mister?" and then proceeded to blast down the moguls better than me...
Craig
Steve, Host
(7 weeks away from picking up my Outback)
Also too bad that the turbo Forester will come with the WRX 2.0 instead of the 2.5, so it would have better low end torgue. I never understand why car companies make the decisions they do. They alway seem to just miss the mark.
Loosh: start collecting the parts you'll need. Maybe mail order some, or pick them up at NAPA or where ever you usually go. Get an air filter, oil filter, oil, gear oil, spark plugs, etc. Maybe on the 17th, is that a holiday for you too?
Wow, Mike, you were out skiing the day after you got a concussion?
Got a link to that Car Connection article? Everything I've read implies the Forester will get a 2.5l turbo. Also, the base Legacy won't have 350hp, that would only be the STi.
-juice
Mike k
-juice
1) Does anyone have instructions or comments about removing the stock radio?
2) For an easier install, is there a wiring harness available so that I can use the existing stock harness?
3) The din opening looks very large. Is additional trim needed to install say an Alpine or Pioneer radio? I will miss the weather band, but want to add MP3 and XM options.
Thanks...Bill
The Forester was cake, the Legacy a bit harder, but I'd still only rank the difficulty about a 5 on a scale of 1 to 10 (Forester's was about a 3).
I think bit had tips on-line, or scanned in, those helped me. You basically remove the shifter surround, then the radio surround. The radio has one harness and the antennae that plugs right in.
That unit is a double-DIN, so you lose the storage compartment below a single-DIN radio. No big deal, it looks custom and says "Subaru" right on the front.
I bought each for $250, though I've heard prices have come down further. Considering they'll add to the resale value, it's a worthwhile investment.
-juice
Juice - did you get the plood?
bit
-juice
Craig
Peace
-steve-V
Craig
Craig