Thanks for the input on the spark plugs and brake fluid.
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.
The fuel filter is fairly inexpensive and pretty easy to get to. Again, as a filter medium that cannot be cleaned (would require back flushing to do so), it will eventually clog. There have also been report that they eventually punch thru and no longer filter! Fine metal particles can tear holes, especially under the force of 30-40psi fuel pumps.
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!
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?
I'm not sure if the warranty covers hauling your vehicle to the nearest dealership for service. I would think not...it may pay to have AAA or other auto club membership. That would be a question to the dealership. My 00' OB, has had work done at misc. garages without problems...once had to wait longer for OEM parts...but other facilities worked fine. There's enough Subies around that I havn't found garage that wouldn't work on one...in fact I get complements on what a neat machine to have. Good luck! I have the red...love it.
I've spoken to several independent mechanics and they all say that Subarus are relatively easy vehicles to work with. The overall layout of the vehicle makes sense so it shouldn't cause any experienced mechanic problems.
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.
The only thing I can add is that it's been a heck of a lot easier to maintain my Subarus than it was to maintain previous Hondas I owned. Even an oil change on a Honda was a major hassle -- tight engine compartments, and really cruel placement of the oil filter. Extra ground clearance on the Subes is nice too -- I don't even use ramps for the Forester or Outback, though I am thinking I may need them for the WRX.
I have the 03 LL Bean Wagon with the H6. I have used the 93 octane since day 1. I know...people have advised me that I could use the lower octanes but I would sacrifice some hp. Premium gas is now $1.77 cents/gallon in St. Louis. With the S. American and Iraq situations....I expect to see $2.00/gallon prices soon.
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.
I don't think higher gas prices will end SUVs. It might slow sales. Consider this. I have a 98 plymouth grand voyager and 3 kids (oldest is 5). 3 car seats/booster seats will not all fit on one bench seat. Even the 'three person' seat is too narrow. The seat measures 48" across. The Chevy Trailbalazer seat measures 54". Probably enough to fit three across. A Tahoe has even more room.
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.
I remember getting all worried about gas prices for the first Gulf War, and as I recall, not much happened beyond an initial spike by profiteering gas stations.
Pop the hood of any Subie - all the fluids are clearly marked in bright yellow. Access is tight for some things (like spark plugs) but it's not rocket science. I managed the 30k service without a manual.
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.
Purchased my ll Bean 3 weeks ago. It has stalled 3 times at red lights since new. It starts up no problem. Taking it in for service in 2 weeks. It seems to idle fine. We use super gas. Has anyone else experienced this or have a solution.
It happens after I stop at a light, it idles for a few seconds before it happens. It starts up no problem. There is no hesitation what so ever when accelerating from a stop. thanks
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?
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.
I've had a problem like this almost from the beginning with my Mazda. The guy at the Mazda place says it is dirty fuel injectors. Could this be your problem, too?
The tank has gas at least 1/2 tank, when it happens. I have revved and in park and it didn't stall. Maybe it's some contaminants in the gas. The service rep told me they might have to re program the computer or something to that effect. The car seems to run well and smooth, except the rare occasion it stalls. thanks
I've had a problem like this almost from the beginning with my Mazda. The guy at the Mazda place says it is dirty fuel injectors. Could this be your problem, too?
Edmunds invoice is accurate, and I would not be surprised if the sales person had the wrong numbers (or was pretending you were wrong). They try to act dumb sometimes, as if you have wrong info. So, make sure you're both on the same page. You should be able to get an Outback for the price you want, perhaps $200-300 over invoice tops.
Well, it seems random to me, which points to fuel contamination. It can take several tankfuls to resolve problems like that. Try switching to a different gas station for a while and see if it helps while you wait the 2 weeks for your appt.
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.
We should plan a weekend to do the 60k together; I just crossed that mark, although I was a little late on my 30k so I suppose I could wait for better weather...
Loosh, remember that it doesn't have to be completed in one day. I've spread mine out over 5k. Started with plugs and tranny/diff fluids, will be finishing with fuel/air filters and coolant.
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?
Saw your earlier post asking about the dog guards..... 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.
I know this really shouldn't be in this forum .Just got back from a week sking up at Elk mountain . Its above Scranton in Northern PA. 1st time to stay up there all week . Got a good deal on a house in South Gibson. 120 year old farm house 5 brms 2 bths good for the 10 of us that went. Got up there last sunday nite very cold . Had a fun drive up in the snow, we got about 5" there that nite . Outback did great keep up with my friends tahoe at 50mph in the snow. I felt very secure at that speed outback never slipped once . Got up there to a frozen house . Heating oil tank empty ,was able to get service guy to come out and give us some oil . Took us about 3 hours to defrost the pipes and water pump. I loved driving the outback on the mountain roads ,it was so secure and felt like it was glued to the road. I still have the oem tires ,really didn't feel all that bad . I did have to take a side rip to the Emergency room on thurs . I hit a icy patch on one of the slopes and knocked my self out for about 4-5mins . I was discharged from the er with a level 2 concussion . I went sking the next day and the 1st slope I went down was the one that got the best of me the day before.Funny thing is the name of the slope was kick-a-poo .During my driving I noticed a burning smell when I stopped the car . One time it was the brakes I know because I was really using them on the moutain roads. The other times I think it was just the awd system ,I hope this is normal. I have read other posts about this smell. Still waiting for the dealer to call to schedule my car for the tranny recall, and the tensioner replace . Sorry again for the long post .
The post is fine - good to hear from you! Hope you are fully recovered.
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.
Ouch, that must have been some wipeout! Hope you feel better. I once did a faceplant on a mogul at high speed, and came out with a minor concussion and bruised ribs. Was knocked out for a few seconds. If it wasn't for my goggles (which were destroyed) I probably would have broken my nose.
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...
I bought a used rental ski helmet for ~$35 and it's saved my bacon at least once on a "mousetrap" fall (I trying to learn to snowboard). The amazing thing is how comfortable and warm it is - highly recommended.
Steve, Host (7 weeks away from picking up my Outback)
The Car Connection said today that the newly designed '04 Legacy will come with a 350 hp bi turbo. But it might run $45,000. Very expensive for a Subaru, too bad they will not be offering something in the 250 hp range that will be affordable to many more of us.
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.
We had a 626 that was stalling - it turned out to be a dirty throttle body. It also performed a LOT better after that service, so it may be worth a try.
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.
According to other sources that is the STi version which may have a H6 turbo, there will be a slightly more vanilla version with mid 200hp with a variant of the Impreza STi's 4 banger 2.5 turbo
Yep getting a helmet is next step. The funny part is that I have no marks on my head from the hit or bruising anywere alse . Ohh well just glad I can still enjoy my subie. I took my car in for the tranny recall, and to have my tensioner replaced . I hope this will take care of my cold engine knock . Had a talk with the district service rep and he said they have no documented cases of piston slap on the phase 2 2.5 l engine . I told him he should log on to here . He says I have and it is just a couple of unhappy car owners. I started to disagree but decided to keep my mouth shut . He also said that SOA has a new policy were they will not reimburse dealers for loaners or rental cars . Its up to the dealer to provide that service . I was lucking to get a loaner from my dealer ,but he said it is the last time . Funny thing is that the other side of the service center is chevy/gmc/jeep. They have 4 loaner cars . My service center is subaru and volkswagan . No loaner cars .I'll let you guys know if the fix helps my noise .
Just bought a 2001 VDC with about 30K. Idles pretty rough when stopped. I'm taking her to the dealer, but anyone else experience this? What was the fix?
The cd player in my 00' OB Ltd wagon has died, and I want to put in a new head unit. 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.
If you want to keep a stock look, buy a take-out WRX radio. They have a cassette plus 6CDs in dash, and the harness plugs right in. I've installed two of them myself, one in a Forester and another in a 2002 Legacy L.
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.
Yeah, got it and wanted to install it Sunday, but the wife ran late and I was watching the kids. I hope to do it soon, maybe this weekend, or on the 17th at the latest (that's a holiday for me).
Does anyone know what parts of the leather interior are really leather. The manual says seats but if I am not mistaken it is the seating surface only. I'm not sure about the arm rests etc. Any information would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Certainly not the armrests, and not the sides or backs of the seats. The headrests have leather wrapping around the front and back, but the sides appear to be man-made. I think the only real leather is on the seat surfaces that come into contact with people! I guess the wheel and shifter knob are leather too, on some models.
get yourself an iPod (5, 10, 20GB) I have a 10 GB. If your cassette works, you have a factory look, if not get a head unit with an aux input. people have spent $300 for a disc changer and that holds maybe 100 songs. The iPod ROCKS! (and it works with PCs now, too) it takes 10 minutes to load 1700 songs into it, with different playlists - you can search by song, artist, album, genre. The only problem is no one has come up with a good car cradle (yet) Peace -steve-V
When warmed up, the H6 in the Bean and VDC is all but silent and so smooth it's nearly imperceptable (a little noisier when cold). If it is idling roughly, something is definitely wrong. I would have the dealer look at it.
Several companies make double-DIN aftermarket radios that will fit right into the Subaru opening without a face plate. You could also install a single-DIN radio on the top and put another CD-cubby or covered storage bin on the bottom, with no face plate required. I imagine those cubby/bin parts would only be a few bucks from the dealer. The question is whether or not you can find a suitable single-DIN or double-DIN MP3/XM radio.
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