subihoot03

So, yesterday I brought my car to the mechanic to investigate a misfire on one of my cylinders. This is a 2003 Subaru Legacy L, approx 103K. Mechanic tells me it's the plug wires, replaces those, gives it an oil change and sends me on my way. Backstory: I had been noticing poor gas mileage (in the 13-14 mpg range) and a slight miss when coasting, up until the time when my check engine light finally came on. As soon as I got the car back, I was thrilled - the slight hesitation was gone and the engine was running smoother than I have ever felt it run. However, it's too soon to tell if the plug wires have taken care of my mileage issue. This morning, I got into my car and started it so I could embark upon my commute. The idle suddenly dropped as quickly as it had peaked and the engine cut. I looked at the instrument panel in confusion, waited about ten seconds, and turned the key again. The car fired up just fine, but the tachometer needle was jumping in the 1500-2000 RPM range. I put the car in reverse, backed out and noted the faint smell of gasoline as I did this (the smell disappeared within seconds of me leaving my driveway, but sometimes these things bear mentioning). Has anyone else ever had a similar issue? Or am I just an auto-hypochondriac, noticing every little idiosyncracy my car has...? Help?

Just a quick question. I think I might have acquired some electrical gremlins in my 2003 Legacy Spec. Edition sedan. Either that or I need to replace my alternator. I have noticed that I have some issues, occuring with varied frequency. Sometimes, while I am driving at night I notice that my lights dim for a brief moment and then come back up to normal strength. If I'm running the heat at the same time I hear the fan slow down too. Also, less frequently, when I get into the car (without touching anything or putting the key ANYWHERE near the ignition) the doors will automatically lock... This Subi has approx 98K on her. Aftermarket remote keyless entry and start provided by Prestige. I'd appreciate any feedback................

I've got Uniroyal Tiger Paws on my 2003 Legacy. They seem to do great in the snow. Agreed - the tires do make a huge difference.

2 weeks after the acquisition of my 03 Legacy sedan, we got our first significant snowfall here in NH. I got almost 2 feet at my house. I plowed through 8 inches on the roadways to and from work and felt like a champ climbing those powdered hills. Way to go Subie! I am a converted Toyota snob - and I don't think I'll ever go back.

Thanks Bucky! I'm getting around to posting pics of Ms. Hoot. That will come soon. She's a plain jane, but beautiful to me all the same. My family's owned Subarus for as long as I can remember; I am glad to keep it in my bloodline. Thanks for the warm welcome!

Yup, enjoying it a lot. So much that I've already WAAAAAY loosened the suspension on these crappy NH roads. Gah. I'm at FPC every Thurs; I play in an ensemble there. Beautiful campus!

Thank you, thank you! I've made it to the map. Rock on, fellow New Hampshireite!

Boy, am I thrilled to have a new car forum to enjoy. I'm new here (obviously). Just bought my first Subaru (2003 Legacy sedan) a week or so ago - though my family's been buying them for years and years and years and years. I live in southwestern NH and make my living in the IT/Consulting industry. My life became about 500x more manageable and exciting when I sat down in that beautiful '03 Legacy two weeks ago and took it for a drive...and I don't think I'll ever regret my decision to switch from my 1992 Toyota Camry to something a little more seaworthy... So, in short, I'm happy to be here.

I may take her to the garage this weekend and get her in the heated bay. It is not going to be above freezing for many moons in these parts, so cleaning that caked-on and frozen road sludge from the wheel wells may prove to be impossible if I attempt it on my own. If the cleaning does not eliminate the problem, then it is time for plan two...taking her in and actually getting her checked out.

No, although you're right; the suspension hasn't had much chance to warm up these days. My mechanic says that there have been lots of people in with the same complaint since we had our first snowstorm last week, and letting the cars sit and thaw in the heated bay has been helpful as all of the accumulated wheel well ice and sludge gets a chance to dissipate. I suspected instantly a worn bushing, but as I listened to the noise more and thought about the notorious wheel well sludge problem it did sound more like an ice-related sound... See, I just bought this car a little over a week ago and even though the roads I drive are rough, I didn't think they were rough enough to give the suspension a run for its money within the space of a week........

Hi. I'm the proud owner of a 2003 Subaru Legacy Sedan, over 95k and running like a charm. I absolutely love my Legacy. However, in recent days the weather has gotten colder and generally more winter-like in my region...which is how it's supposed to be. My Subi's developed a rather dry sounding squeak in the front end that happens mainly when the front coil springs compress rapidly. At least, that's what it seems like. I called my local Subaru shop, and the man who sold me the car told me to monitor it - it's probably just ice in the wheel wells. It doesn't seem to be affecting the handling, so I am inclined to agree with him. And, I know that it is winter, we did just have a couple of small storms...so more likely than not that ice and sludge building up in the wheel wells has been the cause of the problem. But my question is, does this sound accurate? Or should I just take it right to the shop, right away?