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Comments
The "blackstuff" (on '00 to '04 OBW) would be VERY difficult to remove since it's really the top of the bumper without paint!
DaveM
Steve
I sent you three pictures to host of the tread tape that I used. One of the bumper of my outback, one of the tread tape package, and one close-up of the tape itself.
I bought the tread tape at Pepboys. They had it in 1" and 2" widths.
http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4288965099
Looks like you got the lip of the bumper, the most important part. Subaru should extend the protector more.
I may do this with our L, but it has nothing now, so I'd need a wide strip. Question is, can I bend it enough to go around that curve?
-juice
That tape looks pretty good. I wonder if it would stay glued onto my wooden deck stairs in our rainy climate. I currently use 2" strips cut from of asphalt roofing shingles. Or perhaps I could glue a few of those onto my bumpers and teach the parking lot cowboys a lesson.
Good job I didn't try. I'd probably still be at it.
Craig
The tape bend very easily to bend over the edge of the bumper. And the tape is pretty cheap ($6 - $8).
DaveM
Please bring back the 2005 Outback/Legacy thread. It was going along quite well. It had 200+ responses and there is still almost a year until the 2005 Outback arrives in the US. Please bring it back! I don't have time to search through other threads to talk about the 2005 design.
Most other models on Edmunds have year-specific threads - especially for redesign years like the 2005 for the Outback/Legacy.
If you need disk space, get rid of some of the old discussions like "Saturn L Series vs. Outback" - sounds like a really bad space alien movie...
Thanks!
Ralph
The one on my wife's car appears to be the same one everyone else around here with an OB has. It was installed right on top of the "ribbed" built-in protector with adhesive, is slightly wider, and has a curved lip which extends down over the back edge of the bumper. There is no "Legacy" marking on it, but as I said it doesn't seem to be a perfect fit for the OB, since at first glance it appears to be just a tad too large. After closer inspection, I've decided that it probably is the right size, but doesn't fit flush against the surface of the bumper because it's sitting on top of those raised ridges in the factory installed protector.
Other than the fact that it looks just a wee bit out of place, I'm glad we have the more substantial bumper guard, because my wife frequently slams the baby strollers into the back edge of the bumper when loading them into the car!
Thank you for the advice. What are my other options if they can't remove the faded spots?
Thanks
Tom P.
Take it back to the dealer, see what they can do. They may be able to wet sand it.
-juice
Bob
I'll post some details on my test drive of the 05 Leagcy and Outback, that are now on sale in Australia on the Town Hall Test Drive page, later today.
Sylvia "Town Hall Test Drive Team" Sep 22, 2003 5:49pm
Cheers
Graham
Also, there's no reason 05 Legacy and Outbacks could not be discussed in this discussion. I could see about having this discussion linked to our Future Vehicles board if you'd like. Please feel free to email me if you'd like to discuss this matter further. Thanks for your feedback.
Revka
Host of Hatchbacks & Wagons
Glad to see you're now part of the Edmunds Test Drive team. I look forward to reading on more not-for-sale-here tasty Oz-rides!
That reminds me, I need to get back out there to contribute to this Test Drive forum. I smell a Nissan Armada drive coming shortly...
Bob
Of course, now I'm extremely jealous that you were able to take the new Legacy/Liberty for a spin. We yanks have to wait until at least the late spring of '04! *sigh*
-Brian
Bob
Craig
DaveM
I am 6'3", and find the driving position quite comfortable (more so than in many other cars).
However, find that i am a little short on room between the steering wheel and pedals, my knee always hitting the wheel when braking (More the lower side of the wheel, not the bottom of the wheel).
I know if the wheel was telescopic and moved closer to me about an inch, it would be perfect. I do have the seat all the way back, and most of my head is even with the B pillar, so as you can picture, not a lot of room.
The new Outback has a longer wheelbase, so has the front legroom like I described above been improved?
Any insight would be great.
Many thanks
I'm still not sure which way I will go -- the tread tape is the economical and easiest answer and will take care of the most pressing problem -- the paint damage/chipping on the rounded edge. However, it does not provide any added protection or grip on the top surface -- my older dog can no longer jump up into the car by himself and he is 70 lbs. so I prefer not to lift him. Our system is that he puts his front paws on the bumper and I give him a boost on his haunches. He and I both would prefer a little more traction for his front paws. I may look at cutting pieces of the tread tape to fit in the valleys between the raised ridges. I've a feeling that will look kind of patched together, though.
It appears that the Legacy protector will fit, although I would be concerned that water and dirt are getting trapped underneath in the valleys between the ridges on the OB bumper top. While the photo looks as though the fit is tight, I really need to see one in person and check the fit.
Decisions, decisions.
--K9Leader
I said the same thing about those headlights! LOL
-juice
Had ordered the dog guard from Subaru-Parts.com, which is also SubaruAccessories.com, which is Lithia Subaru in Oregon. I got the wrong one -- I have the OB Ltd with moonroof/sunroof. I knew there was a difference and thought I was ordering the correct one, but . . . just another screwup on my part, one of many, many in the past few days. It is now going to cost me as much or more to return it and get the right one than if I had just paid the extortion price at a local dealer's parts counter.
Beyond that, though, I'm not sure I like the thing. I don't like the pressure mounting system, although I don't know that there is anything better available. It is also awfully heavy duty -- my dogs just need a visible barrier, not an impenetrable wall. Search of the messages shows most people seem to like it and recommend it over the non-Subaru options.
--K9Leader
You'll also want to use some Lock-tite on the adjusting threads. Trust me on that one.
FWIW, I couldn't find anything better that wouldn't restrict access to the back seats when they're folded down, or put pressure marks in the headliner. At least you get to keep the curtain. In my Forester the grate mounts in the curtain supports.
Don't feel bad 'bout the miscues - haven't met any perfect people yet. Least of all the guy in the mirror.
Larry
Actually, I never use the curtain -- it is propped up in a corner of my garage, and hasn't been in the car in months. I would actually prefer something that uses the curtain mounts, but I know I am in the minority on that.
I could tell that something like Loc-Tite or counterlocking nuts would be necessary.
Thanks for the info.
--K9Leader
Thanks, Jim
For something more permanent, try http://www.wetokole.com/
Good luck!
Jon
Chris
Check the manual about adjustments (I can't look at mine just now - my daughters are off with the car) to confirm my suggestions:
(All of the following assumes that none of the fluid delivery tubes are clogged or restricted - if so, purge them first - either by flushing them or blowing them out. I assume the washer pump is OK, too, otherwise the dealer would have picked that up.)
1) To adjust the direction, simply take a small pin or sewing needle, gently insert it into the spray nozzle (perhaps about 1/4 inch), and rotate the nozzle to re-aim it where you want it to spray (lower in your case). Ideally the needle will exactly match the diameter off the nozzle - neither too small nor too large...unless
2) You might want to insert a needle slightly larger than the current nozzle hole to expand the hole size and flow rate. Get the needle in (once again) around a 1/4 inch (you might want to play around to get a better depth estimate), then gently "stir" the needle (rotating it while it's in the nozzle) to expand the hole a bit. It's best to start off very conservatively - then expand more if needed (with interim testing of the washers). You can always repeat the process if needed.
You'll probably be tempted to aim the nozzles too high - keep in mind that at highway speeds the washer fluid spreads up the windshield - so aim a little lower with this in mind.
Hope this helps.
Cheers from cloudy, drizzly, gloomy Seattle!
Ken
Craig
My solution? Use multiple short, quick taps on the washer button and don't worry about it!
Jon
Thanks in advance for the help.
http://home.comcast.net/~dirckl2/
Dirck
Looking at the Australian Subaru website, I discovered that the towing capacity has not been increased.
Seeing how towing limits in Canada and the US are more tightly determined and regulated, I doubt we will se any increase this side of the pond.
I like my Outback for it's handling and relitave sportiness considering its class, "family wagon". Many people like it for it's family wagonness, and I imagine that the low towing capacity is a deterrant for some. A car of this type, indefferent of make, is really only supposed to tow maybe small trailers and tent trailers. There are some big divverences in tent trailers that the Outback can tow, and ones that are just a couple hundred of pounds heavier. I looked at one model because of the shower feature, but the weight was a no-no.
Message to Subaru: You have great cars, but pay a little closer attention to your competitors.
I have an '00 Outback Ltd. with the moonroof. I ordered a dog gate from Subaru-Parts.com, and, although I knew there were different guards for moonroof and non-moonroof cars, and I intended to order the one for a moonroof car, I (stupidly, idiotically, carelessly, etc.) hit the button for the wrong one. Now I am sending it back, and requesting the correct one, and paying all the extra shipping for my stupidity.
The guard fits in with pads that rest on the inner sill below and on the trim above the side windows. They are tightened to hold in place. Common wisdom says to use loc-tite or counter-tightening nuts (preferably locknuts) to keep it from vibrating loose. I have some concern that the trim will be marred or deformed by the pressure, but have not found any reports (on these boards)to that effect.
I also think the thing is heavier-duty than it needs to be. It weighs a ton. Perhaps they built it for the odd 120-lb. Mastiff or Rottweiler that might be squeezed in back there, but, frankly, most folks with that sort of canine companion aren't interested in a rinky-dink Subaru, preferring a "truuuuck," preferably diesel, big wheels, and a sticker on the window of a Calvin lookalike relieving himself on the logo of the other major manufacturer of "real man" trucks. My Brittany and Toller just need a visible reminder and not an impenetrable iron curtain. That said, I still plan to get the thing, as nothing else available looks like it will work, so I choose overkill.
Good luck. Let me know what you decide to do.
--K9Leader
2000 OB Ltd
I just looked at the one in your photo. I am not at home so cannot do a visual comparison, but it does not look as though it will fit the '00 -04 model. The side "wings" look too large.
Do you have a part number?
--K9Leader
I have a golden retreiver and a black lab, both around 80lbs, and that damn gate fell on top of them nearly every time we used it...they were traumatized! In the back of the wagon, when that thing falls, there's no where for them to go...it just lands on top of them.
I tried wrenching that thing into place and applying loctite to the threads, but the design of the gate still allows the gate to fall if pressure is placed in the center of it (such as when a dog in a moving car leans up against it).
My recommendation -- go to petsmart or petco or wherever and try the kind of gate that pushes on the ceiling AND the floor, it might be sturdier.
Brian
If I had to do it again, I would go get one designed specifically for the vehicle at hand.
Bob
I ended up cutting some inner-tube strips to the size of the pads and layering them on the feet with contact cement until the grate's feet fit evenly between the plastic trim. With lock-tite applied to the nuts it's been solid. But, and this is true of anything that applies just pressure to points, unless its bolted / anchored to something solid, a good impact will probably knock it loose.
The most solid aftermarket I've seen was the one the wife used in her 96 Honda wagon - it pressed between the floor and headliner, and used rubber cups on threaded rod to apply pressure to the side windows.
If I was really concerned, I'd modify something like the Forester's where it locks into the curtain hangers and bolts to the metal above the headliner. At that I'd beef up the nylon headliner inserts to something metal. Although the shear strength of the system is probably pretty good.
Larry
Brian
I know that this is a common question...but wanted to get everyone's opinion on purchasing the extended warranty. I purchased my 2001 Outback 4 months ago and have now put on 10,000 miles in that short of time. My 01 Outback now has 30,000 miles on it.
FYI- I generally drive about 25,000 miles/ yr.
Just another general comment, this car may not be as smooth idling or running as my prior car (Maxima) but it is a great 'scrappy' performer!
Jon
I don't own a 6, so others might chime in here with more specific data. But the engine computer on Subaru's is of the 'adaptive type', with pretty conservative base settings. Don't expect prime performance from either a new (not broken-in) engine, or from the initial algorithm. It will probably take a few hundred miles before it feels "right".
In general, the comments about the H6 engine include "smooth", "refined", "excellent midrange punch", but rarely do I hear "hot rod off the line". Still, I am sure it will be much better after it 'learns'.
Steve
I often seem to be caught in traffic situations (usually driving in a new area or on vacation) where I have to really move out to change lanes or something, and the car has enough steam to slide all our cargo aft and prompt my wife to smack me when I really hammer the throttle. That's my unofficial measure of power...
As Steve noted, the ECU learning mode is very conservative at first -- programmed for max economy -- and will take a couple of days or a week to train. If you want better acceleration, it will definitely adapt to your habits.
Craig