mtfraker

I've not used autocheck, but I can tell you a little about carfax. Carfax is pretty good for checking the title history / previous owners. However, I ran it on my car once and it showed a transfer of ownership when I moved from one county to another. It's also pretty good with checking the odometer reading. It is not foolproof for accidents, however. I had two vehicles which sustained body damage. Both had sparkling clean carfax records (I did not run autocheck) when both indeed had over $3,000 worth of damage to them. I would advise finding a trustworthy body shop and also a trustworthy mechanic to inspect the vehicle. It may cost you a few bucks for them to preform this service (after all, it does use their time) but I think that would be better than either carfax or autocheck. Good luck.

Does anyone know of a mechanic in the Chattanooga, TN area who knows what they are doing with Subaru's? I'm still having CEL problems with the same P0420 code. After replacing the fuel filter, knock sensor, and both O2 sensors, it's still coming on and knocking. I'm ready to take it to a mechanic, but need one I can trust. Any information will prove quite helpful. Thanks.

The easiest way I know is to take your car by Autozone, O'Reilley's, Advance Auto Parts, or the like and have them do a free diagnostic scan. (O'Reilley's won't do it, but they will "rent" the machine to you. Very easy to use.) Find out why the code came on (so you'll know if this is an issue you should be concerned with and for possible troubleshooting later) then clear the code with their machine. Hopefully you never see it come on again when you're driving. Good luck!

I am new at posting threads, so bear with me. In March 2004, I purchased a used 2000 Subaru Outback Wagon Limited with 117K miles. Several weeks later the check engine light appeared. I've diagnosed it as P0420 - Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1). Also, the car pings quite loudly, especially when climbing an incline and running low RPM's. When I use Amoco or Exxon 93 octane, the pinging subsides (a bit but not totally), but when I go back to Amoco or Exxon 87 octane, the pinging returns. Last week at 121K miles, I reset the CEL and changed the spark plugs with NGK BKR6E-11 gapped at .044 as directed. I left the battery cable off for a couple of hours to reset the ECM settings. The next morning, I filled up with Amoco 87 octane. All was well until about 100 miles into that tank of gas. (On two prior occasions, I reset the CEL and it did not come on for about 100 miles.) The CEL is back on and pinging is more prevalent. Also, my fuel economy has been between 19.3 mpg and 21.1 mpg. Furthermore, the transmission seems to shift harder from 1st to 2nd than any other gears and it upshifts quickly when the cruise control is set going up a slight incline. If anyone can offer me advice on what I need to investigate from cheapest/easiest first, it would greatly be appreciated. I am to the point where I feel a dealer visit may be required, unless you all can help me! This is my first Subaru and I love the car, however it replaced a 1990 Buick Regal with 230K miles which never showed the CEL. The previous owner admitted to burning cheap, no brand 87 octane. I removed the throttle body and cleaned it well, but to no avail. Thanking you in advance for your help.