I have a 2000 Legacy outback with the 2.5 engine. I just got it last winter and the cars been greet. The weather has been warming up and my drives have been getting more aggressive. The temp gauge responds to normal warm up conditions and then reads at the midpoint for any light driving and most freeway travel. Whenever I go up a steep mountain road for a couple of miles the gauge climbs above the 3/4 mark and comes near the red (no AC running, 70- 80 F). I recently had the timing belt, waterpump, thermostat and radiator cap replaced. Prior to this I installed a flush kit. Both fans turn on. I have noticed a small amount of coolant loss after driving 1000 + miles continously. I think the top of the radiator is leaking where the metal meets the plastic. After a 1400 mile drive I replaced maybe 8 oz of coolant. The heater drops the gauge instantly. Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated. Thank you.