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Subaru Outback VDC

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  • petew3petew3 Member Posts: 18
    I've had my 2001 VDC for a year & 30,000 miles. I've never heard an electrical 'whine' form the McIntosh. Sounds like an electical component is going bad, probably in the Mc cuz they're made to filter out any such interference.
  • keith_hkeith_h Member Posts: 3
    Back to the dealer yesterday, they had contacted SOA and McIntosh for troubleshooting tips.

    SOA asked them to disconnect the alternator to see if the noise went away and apparantly it did, waiting for a new alternator to be ordered and fitted.

    If there are still problems then I think they are going to start replacing stereo components.

    Thanks everyone for the input, I will post the solution when I get a definite fix

    -Keith
  • rwwdjwrwwdjw Member Posts: 8
    I am paying 29420 for a 2002 vdc w trailer hitch and the upgrade package that includes the better secruity system, heated mirrors, etc.

    the dealer claims that his only profit is the subaru $500 rebate.

    any comments on this price?
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    VDC with freight invoices for 29369, plus 192 for the hitch and 229 for that package, or 29790.

    Dealer cost is 29790-500 incentive = 29290, so he's actually making even less up front, and the $130 won't even cover his costs. The holdback is the only reason he's able to offer that price.

    -juice
  • rwwdjwrwwdjw Member Posts: 8
    ateixeira: thanks for the feedback.
  • keith_hkeith_h Member Posts: 3
    Turns out after a *lot* of swapping parts (antenna, alternator, stereo, amplifier....) the fault was in the cable that connects the stereo unit to the amplifier (called a DIN cable ? ). A break in one of the internal wires or the shielding is suspected.

    Many thanks to Subaru Santa Cruz, CA for taking the time to troubleshoot this problem after SOA and Clarion had no more ideas.

    -Keith
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Hey, I'm glad they fixed that. The stereo is one of the main appeals of the VDC.

    -juice
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Hosts - can we delete all these cross-posts, please? I believe it's against Edmunds' rules and it has truly become annoying.

    It belongs in Maintenance & Repair, and there only, but it's in all the major Subaru topics.

    This guy is a hit-and-run troll, he posts once and doesn't even stick around to hear responses (in any topic).

    -juice
  • revkarevka Member Posts: 1,750
    I removed many of these posts from the Station Wagons board a couple nights ago (22 May). And I just now just deleted the one above. Feel free to send me, or other hosts, an email if the problems continues. Thanks for your patience. ;-)

    Revka
    Host
    Hatchbacks & Station Wagons Boards
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Actually, thank you! :-)

    -juice
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Thanks in advance.

    -mike
  • cfeldmancfeldman Member Posts: 14
    Feeback on comparing the 2002 4 runner to the 2002 vdc would be helpful. Have 2 big dogs, like to haul stuff and drive about 30k highway/local driving per year.
    Wife has 2000 GT limited legacy, I currently have 2002 Forester S premium. Looking for a bit more power and room, narrowed down to 4 runner and vdc.
    I can get $19,800 for a trade in from Subaru for the Forester to buy the VDC and $18,000 from Toyota to buy the 4 runner.
    I can buy the VDC with dimming mirror,security upgrade and hood deflector for $28,720 with the $19,800 trade. I can get the 4 runner with sport package, sun roof, hood deflector and roof rack for $27,215 0r $28,298 with aftermarket leather.
    Any feedback??
  • storytellerstoryteller Member Posts: 476
    Cliff: Your request confuses me because you aren't comparing apples to apples or even apples to oranges. This is like comparing apples to Tinkertoys. Which is better? A power drill or a food processor?

    The VDC is a sophisticated, refined, quiet station wagon with a relatively low seating position. The 4Runner is a big ol' truck, which I remember as being relatively loud and bouncy but beautifully made for what it is.

    This is an odd pair to be cross-shopping, IMHO. To say the obivous, you'll pay a whole lot more for gas for the 4Runner (EPA 16-19 versus 20-26). Do you rip around off roads or on poorly maintained roads? Get the 4 Runner. Do you drive highways all the time? VDC makes more sense. Do you need the maximum amount of storage space? 4Runner is bigger (44.6 cubic feet versus 34.3). How high do you like to sit when driving in traffic?

    Steve
  • jweltersjwelters Member Posts: 1
    I bought a VDC sedan in February. Four times now the "Check Engine" and "VDC Off" Lights have come on. Repeated trips to the dealer only result in temporary solutions. The car runs fine. Any one else have this problem?

    Jim
  • skiteleskitele Member Posts: 3
    Anyone know if the 2003 Outback VDC will have the head/thorax side airbags or the active head restraints that the 2003 Foresters have? Hopefully Subaru won't make us choose between the safety features of VDC and those above.
  • cptpltcptplt Member Posts: 1,075
    since the Legacy did well in the IIHS test without any side airbags (they tested the L sedan), you are probably protected well enough with just front ones.
    Just spent the weekend with my brother testing all sorts of cars. He needs to replace a ES300. Couldn't get him to get a second Subaru unfortunately though his wife is looking at a VDC to replace her 96 Legacy LSi! Anyway, his 95 Es300, the 02 we tested, the BMW 330i,new Audi A4 and saab 9-3 all seem to have zero head room for my body no matter what I do with the seat!I never could get comfortable in his old ES300 and these recent tests just confirm I'm either dysmorphic, have the most unusual driving position or my body has morphed into fitting into Subarus only! I've also come to the conclusion that all these makes with head air curtains etc need it as your skull is only several mm from a hard object in their products! One other thing, the new A4 avant seems to have almost as little room as my WRX wagon, and thats not even head room which I have an inch or two plus in the back on the WRX and I'm butting my head on the headliner in the A4 !
  • slogieslogie Member Posts: 2
    The problem with present side impact tests is that the "ram" used in the tests is at a height that is lower than represented by being hit by a large pick-up or SUV. Being hit by that kind of vehicle is what I'm more concerned about than incursion by a small passenger car or hitting my head against the car I'm driving. Refer to IIHS Vol. 36, No. 1 January 6, 2001

    Special issue: head protection in side impacts.

    http://www.hwysafety.org/sr.htm


    From a 1999 report of the same organization:-


     "Analysis of fatal crashes in NASS/CDS 1993-96 indicates head injuries are the cause of death in 50-81 percent of single-vehicle side impacts and 28-56 percent of multiple-vehicle side impacts."


    Head airbags seem to be worthwhile. That's why Subaru added it to the 2003 Forester.


    Audis are well equipped safety wise - better than Subarus. Yes, they're smaller and expensive and too little ground clearance.

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    At $27k that 4Runner must not have half the stuff that's on the VDC (leather, moonroof, heated seats, alloys, cruise, keyless, CD). Is that even a V6/4WD?

    Loaded 4Runners go into the 30s. They're nice trucks, though, can't complain. Looks are a little long-in-the-tooth, but they are durable and proven.

    If you wait for the 2003s, the VDC will get a 6CD changer for the Macintosh. Of course there is a $750 dealer incentive on the 2002s, so you can find a bargain.

    -juice
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Most 4-runners I've seen out there on the market are MORE expensive than Sequoias! Clost to $40K for 4-runners around here.

    -mike
  • ochsskochssk Member Posts: 52
    I agree comparing the two is a little strange. The 4Runner with 4WD is designed for off-road use where the outback with AWD is designed for snow and maintained dirt roads. I would suggest comparing the Outback with the Highlander. The Highlander has AWD and is more refined for the road: independent suspension, lower ground clearance, and a better engine (sludge aside).
  • petew3petew3 Member Posts: 18
    jwelters-
    I too have had sensor probs (check engine etc.). Mine is a 2001 VDC, 1 year old with 35K on it. It's been in the shop 4 times for sensor probs & they have so far just replaced sensors to no avail. It is in now as a matter of fact. Subaru is now telling the dealer that the ECM programming is too sensitive & they are sending the ECM back to Subaru to be re-programmed. Hopefully this will resolve the problem but it doesn't give me a warm fuzzy if they make the senitivity so that it misses "real" problems. Also, the dealer said that SOA would not allow the ECM to be replaced (nothing wrong with it but programming) so they have my car while they mail the ECM to SOA, get it programmed, send it back, etc.....grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
  • petew3petew3 Member Posts: 18
    I traded a 94 4Runner for my 2001 VDC and the 4Runner was by far the best vehicle I have ever owned. The jury is still out on the VDC but so far it is no where near as problem-free. It is more comfortable and gets better gas mileage but if I was to trade it in now it would be for a 4Runner. That said, the VDC does make my 100 mi. per day commute MUCH more comfortable. Good luck with the choice. Either way you will more than likely be happy with it.
  • robo911robo911 Member Posts: 4
    I am planning to buy a VDC 2002 with autodimming mirrors and security sytem upgrade and rear spoiler. I am getting it for 30115. Is this a good price? Is there anybody around here who have similar options on their VDC and would like to share their prices ?
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    That sounds a little high. Most prices I've seen are now below $30k.

    Check out fitzmall.com, they have an on-line inventory and you can search for Legacys. They have dealers in MD and FL.

    -juice
  • kullenbergkullenberg Member Posts: 283
    What is with this board? Are you people so satisfied with the VDC that you don't post? Give us dummies a break; if you're happy, tell us about it; it's a tough, bad world out there. What's a SUV buyer to do? When you lurk on a lot of other boards, it's amazing how unsatisfactory some of the other vehicles become, the new Honda Pilot and the Acura MDX included. These are supposed to be the hot items of the year, but don't kid yourselves, there are probs.!If you're happy, say so!!
  • mikenkmikenk Member Posts: 281
    Now that the VDC has been out awhile, I think most regular posters have just joined into the overall Outback discussions. So this thread has slowly been waning.

    As for me, I have been very satisfied with my 2001 VDC. I have had no problems at 15K miles. I really have had no disappointments: the car is very quiet; the ride is firm but very compliant over rough surfaces; rock solid handling in bad weather; smooth effortless power when needed; and a great stereo system.

    Mike
  • snowbeltersnowbelter Member Posts: 288
    mikent says it all. I have a 02 VDC with 6k on it. Its been outstanding in bad weather and smooth-ridingand powerful on the highway. The sound system is great. Wish there were a little more width in the back seating area and that it didn't require premium gas. I can't believe I agonized for so long between a VDC and a Passat 4 Motion. The VDC is superior.
  • pnwskierpnwskier Member Posts: 11
    I've got a 2002 VDC with 7500 miles. It's been a great car so far. Wish the gas mileage was a little better - getting around 20 mpg with mixed driving. Rock solid in snow with plenty of power to get up the mountain - which is why I got it!
  • kullenbergkullenberg Member Posts: 283
    Thanks to all for your replies. Living in the mtns of NC, about every third vehicle you see among the "full timers", is a Subaru of some sort, so there is no question about the Subaru's suitability in this environment. My only concern is room in the driver's space. I seem to recall that they enlarged the front seat area in the MY 2000 redesign. Since I probably will wait until the spring of 2004, my hope is that they will make it bigger yet. My mother, who is 90, drives a 5 speed 99 Outback, which I find somewhat cramped. I had one of the first Outbacks, and it was much too small for me. ( I'm 6'5", 260# ) My other wishes for the perfect Outback would be 1. a 5 speed automatic gear box with a manumatic and a turbo engine to recover the power lost to the altitude (5000').
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    What about a WRX wagon? Just a thought, they are smaller though.

    One regular in the Outback threads has successfully modified the seat track. He basically removed one pin and managed an extra inch or so of leg room.

    If you avoid the moonroof, head room is cavernous.

    -juice
  • robo911robo911 Member Posts: 4
    I see you both have 2002 VDCs. I am also planning to buy one here in CO.
    Just wondering if I could ask you to share your prices along with the options.
    It will help me a lot in my negotiations.

    Thanks in advance.
  • pnwskierpnwskier Member Posts: 11
    I'm in Oregon and by doing a little legwork via email was able to factory order the exact car I wanted at invoice (same as what's listed here on Edmunds). Basically went to the subaru web site, and sent emails to all dealers within 200 miles. If you go this route, make sure that you specify the exact car that you're looking for with all desired options listed. Out of about 8 emails had two responses at or about invoice.
  • snowbeltersnowbelter Member Posts: 288
    I paid about $250 over invoice (actual invoice became fuzzy after a while). That was back in February and around here prices have come down a bit since then. Check out the Van Bortel website for "realworld" pricing of the car and individual options.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Keep in mind some regions have a $750 dealer incentive right now, so depending on where you are you could get below invoice pricing (DC dealers get the incentive, for example).

    I've seen VDC for about $29k locally, of course that's pretty far from CO, where demand is high.

    -juice
  • dukephotodukephoto Member Posts: 49
    I got an '01 VDC in Sept. 2001. So far have 22,000 miles (they sure pile up quick around here)!
    Averaging 23.9 MPG with 95% highway driving.
    Only problem so far has been the center AC vents tend to "wander" when the AC is on. At the last servicing, they said it was covered under warranty and ordered a new set on the spot.
    Great handling, power puts me back in the seat when I need it to, awesome stereo.
    People tend to post more when they have a problem, all of us VDC owners would rather drive our Subies than gripe over nothing.
    If you're thinking of getting one, I couldn't recommend it highly enough.

    DUKEPHOTO
    A VERY HAPPY VDC OWNER
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Dang, now I wish I had pushed my wife a little harder to get the H6. You guys are a happy bunch!

    We got a 2002 Legacy L, which matches nicely with my 1998 Forester.

    -juice
  • popgunpopgun Member Posts: 25
    Now have 16500 miles on my 2001 VDC. The only thing out of the norm that has ever happened is a check engine lite came on. The dealer changer a gas filter valve under warranty and we have been trouble free in every respect. Just had to get in on this VDC love fest for I am so glad that we bought this model for the smooth quiet ride, the great sound system, the handling in all kinds of weather, the engine power and the many comfort items. Living in the mountains at 4800ft gives me a chance to evaluate performance in snow/ice/rain/dryness and dusty conditions. I'm as proud of it now as I was the day we drove it from the dealers show room floor. I'm one who thinks that the dollar difference between the LL Bean and the VDC is well worth it for you get what you pay for. I give the VDC a thumbs up and would encourage a prospective buyer to study the specs and ask enough questions to understand the value of the items the VDC has to offer. Go for it and you will be inclined to write comments such as these on this board too.
  • msuvetmsuvet Member Posts: 54
    Recently I've noticed some static when I adjust the volume on my Mac. It doesn't matter if it's playing the radio or a CD. And it doesn't happen all the time. I remember similar posts about other noise problems with the Mac - but they were different I think.
    Any ideas before I bring it in?

    Other that that, I still love my VDC. Just passed 15000 miles on my 2001.
  • msuvetmsuvet Member Posts: 54
    is everyone using?
    I never could bring myself to use premium on a regular basis, and used mid-grade most of the time (driving many miles & I am cheap; er frugal). Recently I tried regular (summer gas prices, you know) & can definitely feel a difference in power. I wanted to see if there was any difference in MPG between the grades, though. With midgrade I would usually get around 22-23mpg mostly highway (flat). I'm getting about the same with regular.
    The few times I tried premium it seemed as though I actually got worse gas mileage! Is this because the engine is producing more power? But I'd think it would be working more efficiently or something. Or maybe I drove less efficiently because it was more fun ;)
    Any other input?

    On the subject of VDC happiness, I guess this is my only real complaint - the gas mileage could be better...
    Thanks, Christina
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Subaru says the H6 makes 208hp on regular fuel. Most people can't feel a 4hp differnce, FWIW.

    Christina: I do recall someone complaining about static on the radio, they had a short somewhere IIRC.

    If that's not it, some i-Club.com folks recommend a single-point ground (SPG) mod. Do a search at that site and you should find it, if you're handy it's the type of thing you could do yourself.

    -juice
  • edcoak2001edcoak2001 Member Posts: 23
    We had some noise on our volume control - the dealer just went ahead and replaced the head unit. If I were them, I would have just given it a shot of 'contact cleaner', since the most likely cause is a little corrosion and/or dirt in the contacts...

    Craig in Seattle
  • ochsskochssk Member Posts: 52
    I posted this in the Legacy/Outback Problems forum also but thought it may be relevant with the CEL problems others have had with their VDCs.

    Our new LLBean kept having the check engine light come on so I finally got it into the dealer. It appears the ECU is defective and has to be sent to New Jersey to be reprogrammed. According to the service manager this is an ongoing problem with the H-6's and he expected a recall soon to fix the problem. So my wife is without her Bean and I'm stuck with a Dodge Neon junk rental. The neon makes our Saturn look great.

    On the plus side the dealer was great explaining the situation, fixing the other minor problems, and getting the rental car set up.

    No car is perfect and I still expect to get 100+K out of the Bean. The customer service was excellent.

    Steve

    PS The service manager did say that once reprogrammed they haven't had anymore problems with the H-6 ECUs.
  • dukephotodukephoto Member Posts: 49
    The static is from dust getting into the potentiometer that is the volume control. With the stereo >OFF< spin the volume control back and forth a few times, and it clears up the problem. Because of the design of the volume control, it will probably come back, but a spin wil cure it again for a while.
    This works on home stereo units also that have the same type volume controls.
    People with the push button type controls for volume don't get this problem, but Mac went with their normal "retro" look on the controls.

    Dukephoto
  • msuvetmsuvet Member Posts: 54
    Thanks for the simple static fix.

    I tried it yesterday as soon as I read your post & has worked fine so far...

    Christina
  • bird19bird19 Member Posts: 10
    Does any know if the Subaru 3.0 L DOHC H6 engine an "interference" or "noninterference" design? I recall that the 2.5L DOHC H4 engine used in the '98 Forester was an "interference" type.

    Thanks!
  • medevicerepmedevicerep Member Posts: 2
    Please help. I want to by an outback wagon but I need your impressions of the performance difference between the 4 and 6. I test drove both models in city traffic under 50 mph and could not really see a difference. I usually tavel by highway at 70mph.
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    I've had no problems with our H4 Outback at highway speeds. IMO, the H4's love to rev and I don't mind pushing it into the upper RPM's to make it move. Some have mentioned that if you get the H4 that you should get the manual tranny - that way you get better control of the power.

    I have not driven an H6, but I believe some have mentioned that the difference between the 2 engines is noticeable. You may want to stop by the Subaru Crew Owners Club (link at top of page) and look there for further answers.

    -Brian
  • nygregnygreg Member Posts: 1,936
    I have the H4/auto and love it. If I really need to accelerate I use the gated shifter and manually run the gears (with the auto). Typically, in drive the 1-2 shift comes a little too early due to the low gear 1 ratio. What about the H6? Well, it is more powerful and comments state it is a little smoother too. It seems that for most it comes down to $$$. The price increase between the 4 and 6 is significant, but, you do get a higher level of creature comforts (2 moonroofs, leather, stereo, etc). If I was going the H6 route, I would go for the VDC for the skid control.

    Greg
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The H6 offers a little more power and torque, but it's really about smooth operation. It's so quiet I had to check the tach to see if it was running when I test drove it.

    The H4 has more of a growl to it, and doesn't idle nearly as quiet (still, not bad).

    -juice
  • msuvetmsuvet Member Posts: 54
    I agree with Juice.

    The H-6 reportedly has more insulatation; the quietness was a big difference back when I was test-driving between the H-6 & H-4 (maybe it's just the VDC that has the extra insultion?).

    When I first got my VDC, I'd be up to 90mph merging onto the freeway before I realised it since it was so quiet, smooth, & effortless.

    It's great for passing on 2-lanes, too! Bye Bye! ;-)

    christina
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