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Comments
I'd definitely take aim at the dealer on this though. Heck subaru doesn't even warranty SPT parts nor STi parts, etc. And these are official parts sold by subie dealers from SOA!
-mike
OK...my .02 : )
Thanks!
Shane.
Dan: Outback sedans are not popular so they're also a bit tough to re-sell. I'd negotiate down and try to beat the book value on it.
Shane: IMO it's time to escalate it to 800-SUBARU3, open up a case, have them contact your dealer to figure out a plan. It's not that the dealer isn't trying, just maybe they need a little motivational push from SoA.
-juice
I have a '96 OB w/ 107K and still running strong.
Was curious if any of you knew of any aftermarket or Subaru accessory kits that would allow me to install daytime running lights.
Appreciate the input and help!
Thanks,
Brian
tidester, host
Check out Hella's website. IIRC they have DRL add ons available.
-Dave
Seriously, they shut up when you remove the key, so it won't drain the battery. Plus that keeps your taillights on.
The only catch is some interior lights, like the clock and stereo, might dim slightly.
-juice
The Pilots are unbelievable - ultra high performance (just hope I get at least 30K out of them). I've driven through several spring highway floods at 70mph and they track like they're on rails = no slip at any wheel. The water shoots out and up - higher than the roof of the Outback. The Beaner also no longer leans when cornering (the Pilot's sidewall is almost 3 times as thick as the Firestones). Snow performance is also supposed to be excellent, but I'll have to wait until next year...
French? **** the French! They probably have a villa waiting for Saddam on the French Riviera. But I'll still buy the best product for the best price I can get it at in the marketplace. Remember Pearl Harbor? I used to buy Hitler's VWs too (but don't have the time/patience for their reliability)!
Ralph
As for the French connection, the Pilot Sport A/S are made in Michelin's facility in South Carolina. I grew up in SC and still have most of my family there; the parent company may be French but they are providing jobs to hard working South Carolinians who might otherwise be stuck in low-paying jobs in textile mills or tourism. At least that's how I live with it.
Ed
It would be another story if they were being made in France and exported to the USA (then I would not trust them - right now at least - LOL!)
Ralph
I have been getting around 23 mpg overall with my 2002 LL Bean. I just got back from a 500 mile trip to Vermont, fully loaded, with Thulke skirack loaded and still got 23 MPG (all the extra drag hurt!) and was running mid-grade 89 Octane. I switch to 91 when the ambient temp rises above 60 F because then you need to worry about knock (pre-detonation) sensors compensating and robbing you of power and fuel economy.
I'd check out used car values here on this site to get an idea, actually....
IdahoDoug
I dunno, it's not well equipped, and it's not exactly a steal in terms of price. I'd spend a little more an at least get an L.
My rule of thumb is 10% depreciation right away, then 10% every year after that. The '04s are almost here (some already are), so pretty soon that'll be a 5 year old car that should have depreciated 50-60%. That would put the original value at $20-25 grand.
No, IMO the price is too high. For a better equipped Outback or 2.5GT that would be a deal.
-juice
It's probably a slim 'chance' that the service guys can duplicate the problem that doesn't happen all of the time. They need to duplicate it since they're looking for any codes the OBDII computer might be storing, but it appears as if no codes get thrown by this event.
By any chance do you have an aftermarket car alarm or starter installed?
-Brian
I just did 3,000 miles in the '97 OB Ltd that I picked up last week or so ago. When I get around to converting all the liters to US gallons, I'll check the mpg. The heated seats are nice, but I really am a cloth guy I've decided....
Steve, Host
At least that's what I'd ask for, politely of course. Work with the dealer, and call 800-SUBARU3 to open up a case file, have SoA help you as well. Remember, be curteous, I used to work for a Help Desk and believe me you get better results that way.
For those that do not follow the Subaru Crew - Modifications topic, I installed the trim from Bit's Outback on my Legacy. What is interesting is that it's the Plood from a 2000-2001 model, which means I added an extra cup holder. So now I have 3 in front, 2 in back, 5 total. As many as any Subie.
Check out pics here:
http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4291761427
Thanks bit!
-juice
So, feeling extremely thirsty today, or are the three cans of soda just for the photo? :-)
Craig
-Brian
Thanks!
Yes, I have spare black trim for anyone that hates the plood. It'll fit 2002-2003 models, or 2000-2001 if you're willing to give up the cup holder.
-juice
Both problems are, of course, completely unacceptable.
Do newer Legacy's still rev high like this? FYI, I got the GT Wagon in black..very sharp. I didn't go with the Outback because I don't like the two-tone, the white letter tires (today's version of whitewalls?) and what's with the gold wheel crap? What is up with Subaru? Do they think this looks good? They should take a good look at the Audi Avant wagons, and design the Suburu accordingly.
Anyway, enough of my rant and on to my question:
How does the new Haldex AWD system that is going on cars such as the 4motion and some Audis compare to the Subaru Active all-wheel drive (not the VDC/VTD) featured on the LL Bean? Is it the same system in a different packaging? Not that it really matters now, I have my OB and will for hopefully a quater million kilometers.
Len
Both OB and GT have a 4.11 final drive, but the Outback has bigger diameter tires, 7% bigger to be exact, so it should rev a little lower on the highway.
So, try a base Outback, see how that "fits". Costco charges just $28 to remount all 4 tires.
-juice
-mike
The problem first presented itself as intermittent stalls and it would always restart immediately. It progressed into stalling and not restarting. The replacement of the sensor was $130.00
I agree that lower cruising rpms would help economy, but I like that I almost never have to downshift to pass or pull mountain passes. A taller 5th gear would lower rpms, but would make downshifting necessary to keep your speed. Ideally, 5th would stay the same and Subaru would add a tall 6th (!) gear...
Maybe you can Dremel the RWL off. Don't try this at home kids. ;-)
-juice
Ah well, I'm going to try Subearu's chirp killer method again tomorrow. I gave it a brief shot last week but was preoccupied, and it didn't work. I have fob stuff in the manual plus 2 separate security system fob direction sheets, and nothing jumps out at me for de-chirping the '97 OB.
Steve, Host
Not sure what system the '97 had. Hopefully the 'press both buttons for ~5 secs' works!
-Brian
Steve, Host
I found an old Usenet post about moving a dip switch that I may try if no other '97 owners have any suggestions for killing the chirp. Failing that, I'm gonna find the disarm button and just turn it off. My 3 manuals aren't helpful. Hate the chirp!
Steve, Host
I was so sick of deafening myself whenever I had to disconnect and reconnect the battery that I just snipped a wire going to the siren. No more chirp, no more stupid siren, but I still have keyless entry, which is just fine by me. That was my solution!
utahsteve
I wouldn't mind removing the siren entirely but I don't want to mess up the fobs.
Steve, Host
Brian
Brian: I'm under 30 (for a few more weeks) and single (for a few more months) and own an Outback. Not sure about income, but I'm definitely not rich. What exactly were the demographics in the article? At the "new owner" orientation thing that I went to after purchasing the car, there seemed to be a lot of much older people and... ummm... errrr... "non-traditional" couples in attendance. Not that there's anything wrong with that! Wow, what's the P.C. way to discuss this? Think older Forester commercials and their choice of celebrity spokeswomen. Just my empirical observation at that time. I think Subaru's "demographics" have expanded since that time.
utahsteve
Steve, Host
minimal guess work. ;-)
-Dave
-juice
As far as the "non-traditional" couples you mention, it's true: Subaru's are very popular among us "non-traditional" folks... particularly lesbians, for some reason. Subaru became the first automaker in 1991 (?) or somewhere thereabouts to actively target market to the gay population. Subaru invests heavily in this market and has succeeded in tapping into a largely ignored market with billions in disposable income.
Brian
They forgot to mention the names are "Dave" and "Mike", and they didn't bring up Mac ownership, or even pets! What do they know? ;-)
-juice
I guess the demographics may be skewed by the sample selection. If you buy the WSJ and are likely to be questioned in their survey, the chances are that you are older, wealthier and more conservative than the rest of the population. Tha demographic looks out of whack with the Subaru population generally - critically there is no mentin of the Dave factor.
Put it down to poor sample selection
Cheers
Graham