ascus4

What lothar says is correct. As a tidbit of trivia, double clutching is good if the synchros are wearing. It stops the gears before the shift.

How do I tell if my 04 OBW 2.5 AT has the EJ251 or the EJ259 engine. The Owners manual lists both and the hood tag says neither. Also, is this the same engine as the (as another poster put it) infamous EJ25?

I have searched and read this forum about oil change intervals, type and weight, particuarly for the initial change. I see many different ideas and opinions on this subject. Could I possibly get a final, comprehensive and knowledgeable guideline as to the type of oil to use. Dino vs. synthetic, the interval for the initial oil change (My 04 OBW now has 1300 miles) and the like? It would truly be appreciated. I'm thinking of using synthetic but have not decided fully. Thanks all,

NoiseWhen I have my 04 OBW w/auto tranny stopped and start out on a turn, such as you would when stopped at an intersection and making a right or left turn, I hear a noise that sounds like a tire dragging. It only lasts for a second. The car only has about 1200 miles on it. Is this normal, a problem. Does anyone know what I'm talking about? Thanks

Anyone know where I can get a pair of these..... http://www.autoventshade.com/products/NP2004/InChannel_Ventvisors.htm ...for an 04 OBW. I can't seem to fine them for that car. Thanks, W

Thanks for the input folks. Makes me feel better anyway. I have to say, I love the car for many reasons. I'd like it to last for a good long while.

I just purchased a brand new 04 OBW, 2.5, auto, no extended warranty. I did some research on the car with Consumer Reports which rated it's reliability as good. Now as I own the car and discover new reading material (this forum, rec.autos.subaru) I am reading a lot of things about not so good dependability. Head gaskets, engine destroying water pumps and auto trannys seem to be the greatest culprits. Honestly, have I purchased what is going to be a dog? How long can I go before I start seeing these issues in this car? The Subbi comes with a 3 year, 36000 mile warranty and I read in this forum that the drive train has 6 years? Should I have purchased the extended warranty? What have I gotten into? Also, any good web pages on this car? I read that smashPDX has one but I don't have the addy. Thanks, W