andrew_j

The new Forester is selling like hot cakes in my local area (Coastal NH). The (New) Impreza also seems to be getting common beyond the standard Outback. Subaru hit the niche quite well. I think they did well due to a new hit product 2009 Forester coupled to the dumping of the 2008 Forester with heavy incentives. For our economy though they still only represent around 1% US market share.

You were correct. It was a shifted rear caliper that ended up wearing a groove into the worn 50k+ rotors. So simple pad(original and worn) and rotor replacement fixed the problem.

Actually more acurate now is a swish/grinding sound only turning hard left. The tire was fixed with an interior patch albeit for $4(special?) at Town Fair Tire.

Thanks for the suggestion but it is more mechanical sounding and coming from the rear of the car.

Hello, I have a 05 WRX. Unknowingly I drove about 70 miles(highway) on a low rear tire(15psi) vs 33psi on the other rear tire. I had the tire fixed(nail) and now taking harder lefts I hear swish swish swish. What is up? Tire pressures are 35psi Front/32psi Rear.

I like the hatchback version of the WRX. I own a 2004 WRX wagon 5MT and think all the current 2002-2007 are not pretty (sorry folks). So personally I don't see much difference in looks. I love my WRX wagon for a bit of utility and hoot to drive in twisties and above 3500RPM. I would love to upgrade to lower noise, smoother ride, better power curve(peak torque at 2800RPM!!!) and yes auto tranny(sport shift) if Subaru has figured out how to couple a turbo engine to a slush box. However I am allergic to car payments (both Subaru's paid for )

The only way to test them is to try them. A hard seat can be beyond comfortable too. Others opinions are completely meaningless as it really depends on your height, weight, torso length, leg length, posture, back and a multitude of other factors. Seat comfort is very subjective.

The weak point in your vehicle is a major mod the auto tranny. Unfortunately the 2.2L coupled to the auto/AWD is quite slow, its much improved with the manual tranny.

I believe you get a free alignment under the 3/36k adjustments warranty (eg wipers, brakes etc). I know it excludes tires. However an alignment will take away some of the bite of the tire replacement cost. And to others, I don't think any foresters ever had RE92's on them. On RE92's we are at 28k and half worn on our 2005 LGT with regular rotations.

Trade it in/sell for a 04-05 STI and then modify that lightly. The most modified WRX will never hold a candle to an STI no matter what transplants and frankenstein jobs you do.

The only all-season (and good one at that) tire that is rated as winter tire also is the Nokian WR. It can be a bit pricey but just shop around for it.

I was looking at Consumer Reports online and ran across the Outback VDC 2001-2002 in reliability. Its rated at above average , the only trouble spots shown are brakes and body integrity (rattles etc).

I have no idea of 0-60 in a LGT Wagon. Its my wife's car. I tried the Outback H6 for a day with her. The H6 felt weaker. The reason why is the H6 (215 lb-ft@4200RPM) has less torque with its peak at a higher RPM vs the 2.5L (241 lb-ft@3,600 rpm). That 600 RPM and less torque is quite evident. We rarely rev our LGT past 4000 RPM. The H6 was smoother but weaker and $$$ to purchase vs LGT 05 non-limited manual.

If you get down to it there may actually be more moving parts in an h6 due to extra two pistons and extended valve train. Turbo cars only have a wastegate and a very simple turbo. IMHO I agree h6 though will have a lower maintenance costs with timing chain. However I wonder if it will need to be pulled apart like the 2.5L when they spring inevitable oil leaks all over making the timing belt replacement possibily a mute point. I am a turbo 2.5 owner with a 05 LGT 5MT wagon. The turbo motor simply trumps the H6 in power even though similar HP ratings. The H6 I drove for a day albiet auto was defintely smoother but the power curve not as great. I will say driving the LGT usually puts a smile on my face everyday. My wife the same.

People on NASIOC.com sell them all the time. Ask over there on what the deal is. It may be a better place to put them also besides ebay as customers know what they are getting and what they want them for.

Make sure your son keeps his tow slip. This typically states the method used. If damage occurs and they state on their slip two wheels it is an instant and easy case to work out first with the company and their insurance provider. If they gets you no where small claims will with that smoking gun.

The Sport Shift is not the best auto tranny coupled to the turbo engine. It seems delayed at times even shifted with buttons. However the 5 speed manual (I own a LGT Wagon manual ) is also a tad clunky. I guess a short shifter kit option helps. However the 5speed manual gives you absolute control of an incredible motor. It really boils down to what suits your needs. Interestingly enough though my wife a die hard standard driver took a LGT wagon auto on an extended test drive and said I want this car. She did not mind the auto however she bought the 5MT without ever driving it. Apparently we got the last new silver LGT wagon 5MT in New England. It came with 270 miles put on in swap.

Awesome Subaru covered it. However this all being said if you change the oil yourself staple the receipt for oil and filter and note mileage. Subaru did you a huge favor covering it, they were under no obligation since you had no proof of oil changes. You say this is silly. However how many cars come in never an oil change for 10k-20k and people will lie for coverage. Lastly, your warranty on the new turbo is 5yrs/60,000 miles as part of original powertrain. So in this case keep every oil change receipt until that passes. I have the same car and absolutely love our manual 05 LGT Wagon.