J A Blazer

Get a codereader at Costco. $30.

My approach to used car purchases from car dealers - ask for the name and phone number of the previous owner. If they provide it, call that person; if they refuse, walk away.

I would also suggest checking your knock sensor. I know that you replaced it, but on my 2000 4cyl OBW, when the 420 code comes on it is accompanied by a knock sensor code at the same time. I will replace the knock sensor and hope that I don't see the 420 anytime soon.

I don't want to rely on the 'existing angle' since I have replaced the knock sensor once already, and if I installed it improperly at that time I don't want to repeat my mistake.

It is not clear to me - what is the mounting angle for a normally-aspirated H4? 45 degrees, or 60 degrees?

Having done this myself, I believe the answer is 'no.'

2000 4cyl OBW, 130K. About once a month my CEL comes on; I pull the code; its a 328, i.e. knock sensor. I reset and all is well for about another month or so. What exactly is this CEL telling me? That the sensor needs to be replaced? I did that about 35K ago, with OE part. Or is some other condition generating this code?

I'll be sticking with the stock springs.

2000 OBW, 135K. Time for new shocks and struts. Anything better for the price than KYB-GR2?

Thanks!

I am considering a 2001-2004 VDC OBW. These came equipped with a McIntosh stereo that is supposed to be a step above the OE stereo. Can someone articulate for me the relative contribution of the McIntosh head unit vs. the additional higher quality speakers and subwoofer? Reason I ask is that I might consider replacing the HU with one of the newer Pioneer double-din head units with nav. TIA.

Has anyone done a tour of the factory in Indiana? Worth the trip?

We need a more complete description of your requirements. Stick or automatic? Wagon or sedan? 4 cyl or 6 cyl? Base model or one with leather seats and sunroof?

After an interminable period on hold, I just spoke with a Subaru customer service rep. The OnStar system is no longer functional or supported since the electronics were analog-only and not upgradeable to digital. If anyone with such a system in their car thinks otherwise, please let us know.

I just talked to OnStar. Answer appears to be 'probably not' but they would need the VIN for a particular vehicle before they would say for sure; something about whether the electronics are digitally-upgradeable.

That is the site I already visited; it is silent as to Subarus. But I have not yet called the customer service number.

I'm thinking about getting a 2003/2004 OBW VDC. Many, perhaps all, came with OnStar. Does that system still work and if so what does it cost monthly/annually? I went to www.onstar.com and although it discusses fees etc. for previously-owned GM cars, it makes no reference to Subarus.

The lSubaru 6 disc changer is lousy; mine failed too; I replaced with a used Subaru single-disk changer I got on eBay; 4 years later still working fine.

Thanks; I'll report back.

2000 OBW. About once a week the left side turn signals don't flash; I hear the rapid clicking typically associated with a burned-out bulb, but the bulbs work and as best as I can determine are OE. Returning the turn signal stalk to neutral then back to left inevitably makes the system work. This never happens trying to signal a turn to the right. What is the most likely explanation for this problem? Bulbs, sockets, flasher relay, or turn signal stalk?

I'm in the market for a 2004 VDC wagon myself. Although they initially retailed for more than the LLB (because of the significantly better stereo and the advanced electronics in the stability control) in today's used car market, 6 years later, there is little or no difference in price between a VDC and an LLB.

An '02 LLBean OBW should have the H-6, sunroof, and leather seats. Also, probably but not necessarily the cold-weather package. The McIntosh stereo was only available in the VDC, not the LLBean.

Will these fit my Gen2 (2000) OBW?

I have a Gen 2 OBW and although I'm past the infant/child carrying stage, I don't know why it wouldn't meet your needs, although mine does not have the LATCH system which I understand facilitates such seats. Not sure when that became standard equiptment in Subarus.

When I did it on my 2000 OBW, I ran it through one of the rubber grommets in the spare tire well.