Philbiker

I'd be willing to bet that this statement would be true even if it was not qualified. That is, 10-15K miles wouldn't be a problem on that car with quality conventional oil either.

I thought extended drain intervals with synthetic was a myth.

If you're after the automatic, go with the H6. No turbo lag, significantly less risk of head gasket failure, a timing chain instead of a belt. Probably much longer engine life if that's a concern for you.

People are idiots. Those are rear fog lights, and are only meant to be used in extremely foggy/dumping down rain/snow circumstances. They shouldn't come on with the front foglights, they are a separate switch. But morons have another button on the dashboard that they have to press.

The 9-2 has a stiffer suspension I believe (from what I've read here). If you plan on owning the car long term I'd avoid Volvo like the plague. They are not reliable as they once were. I have a friend who just bought a Legacy GT and he loves it.

If anyone has any simple answer without editorial comments to the original question, I'm listening. Here's a good link: http://lubricants.s5.com/shelf.htm thouth I've found others that say that full synthetics have a much longer shelf life than "conventional" oils. This is pre-SJ oil, so I could put it in my 9 year old motorcycle (I used to buy it by the 4-pack case, I think it must have been on sale). I'm sure it will work in there. The anti-shear additaves in the SJ+ oils make them unfit for motorcycles that share engine oil between the engine and transmission/clutch. Moto-specific oils are expensive, and I just hate being wasteful. I don't know if it's true now, but when I bought this, Pep Boys synthetic was manufactured by and exactly the same formulation as Valvoline synthetic for a much lower price. My lawn mower is a reel style push mower.

I found four quarts of oil in my garage. They're about 8 years old. Pep Boys Synthetic 10W-40. Think it's still good to use?

I would stay away from any product like that. They always cause more damage than they "protect" from and they look ugly.

Avoid the phase I 2.5L engine! A couple months ago I got a new 2004 Legacy 35th Anniversary wagon, I also prefer a standard station wagon to the jacked up "Outback" look. It's great, they make a lot of them.

I recommend Curry's also. They are good, but not cheap.

Darn pricey piece of mind.

You have gotten yourself into a nice car that has a few maintenance watch points. Even Honda and Toyota have maintenance watch points. Enjoy your car and take care of it. I just recently bought an '04 Legacy and I love it.

Dude. My last vehicle was an Audi.

I have to replace the gloves I use for cleaning my bike chain with diesel fuel all the time. They shred apart.

That's a clever trick, I may try it, though I don't mind oil all over my hands. I can wash it off. The bike has an internal filter so that's not an option there.

Glad to hear you like the car. I just topped 3000 miles on my new 35th anniversary Legacy wagon and I love it more every day. Comfy, well equipped, and all at a fabulous price.

Man, what an incredibly easy job. Even easier than on my old Isuzu Amigo. But it's as messy as my motorcycle. Removing the filter = oil all over your hand!!!

OnStar for 2004 was only available on the top-of-the-line VDC Outbacks (and maybe the LL Bean Edition?).

Does that mean it's a messy job? IME any internal combustion powered appliance will cause you to "learn to love oil". On my Kawasaki the oil change is an incredibly messy job, but it's easy and you need to do it so what the heck.

Gonna do my first garage oil change on the new '04 Legacy today! Wish me luck! Any tips?

Hey they have to keep some upgradesfor later years.

Congrats! Great price!

Which is why my wife's Passat is going on the chopping block soon. Suabrus according to Consumer Reports are right up there with the best in the business...... In every category except "engine".... we know why that is.

Totally agreed. I have a Legacy (was originally going to buy a Forester till I test drove the Legacy) and my wife has a Passat. As far as fit and finish and comfort is concerned, the Legacy compares much better with the Passat than the Forester does. However, my wife's Passat is a 5-speed so it's much more fun to drive.

And in Europe you can buy a Skoda Octavia as well if you like. Hatchback TDI Passat that gets about 50mpg. I rented one of those last year on my honeymoon - I wish we could have taken it home.