AWDFTW

+1. Every time I have experienced sudden increased consumption in a Subaru, it has been a failed PCV. On our old 96 Outback, it went from the normal "up to a quart" over a 3-5k OCI to "Wow, I just put over 3 quarts into my 4.5 quart sump after a 600 mile roadtrip". New PCV, back to normal. On our current 2003 Outback, it stays in the "about a half quart" over a 5-7k OCI. PCv clogged and it jumped to 1.5 quarts in 5k. Cheap and easy fix. I have had poor luck with auto part stores PCV, so I stick with ordering an actual Subaru part. Still, under $15 for something that lasts around 100k in my experience.

Changing the headlight bulbs on a 4th gen is a nightmare and not simple. There are a few threads on subaruoutback.org about it, but it is nowhere near a 5 minute job.

Howdy! Where ya from in TN? Tri-Cities are home for me.

And here I just had a OEM put in to the tune of $25. Dangit.

I believe GL-5 spec 75w90 is what you'll want. Do not reccomend Mobil1 for the FRONT diff, the chemistry doesn't play well with the syncros in the manual trans. It is fine for the rear though.

Well, I dropped Kaylee (our 2003 Outback) off this morning for the big timing belt + "while you're in there" job. Gonna be an expensive day. My loaner car is a 2012 Outback Premium with the CVT. Impressions after driving around this morning: - HOLY CRAP THIS THING IS HUGE! At least when you are comparing it to the 1996, 2003, and 2006 Outbacks that I have driven for the past 5 years or so. Parked beside my 2003 it sits a good few inches higher at the hood, roof, and driver's seat, bumper to bumper is no significant difference. On the positive side, this is the first Outback I can put the driver's seat all the way back and have more room than I need instead of being slightly cramped. (I'm 6'4" with long legs.) - CVT was much nicer than I expected. It required a slightly heavier foot to just start moving than I am used to, but once moving I had no complaints about performance on city or highway. It takes some getting used to to not feel any gear changes but it would not be a deal breaker for me. The steering wheel paddle controls aren't the most comfy things to my hands, but it made it a little more fun for on-ramps and passing. - Had it up to 80 MPH, no sign of any shakes (common issue on the 2010-11 Legacy and Outback vehicles, Subaru has several TSBs out for it by now). The car has about 1600 miles on it at present. - It drives like a Toyota. I mean that in both the positive and negative manner. My previous 1996, current 2003, and parents' 2006 XT all feel like they are not sure if they would be best suited on the interstate or a gravel back road. They do both and everything in between quite adequately. The 2012 feels like it is designed for the city and highway as it is a very cushy ride for a wagon/crossover. I have no doubts about its' off-road performance, it is just a more plush ride than I am used to from an Outback. I can see why the RSB upgrade is a popular one. Pros: Big-plenty of passenger and cargo room. Adequate power from the 2.5 and CVT, more than enough unless you need to be frequently planted in your seat to enjoy daily driving. Comfortable and solid feeling. Steering wheel controls are growing on me. Cons: Big- feels boaty coming from a 2nd gen Outback. My wife wouldn't drive it because the height feels too SUVish for her. MPG gauge is pointless. I still hate auto dimming mirrors. All in one key/fobs are expensive and make carrying a spare key difficult. Overall: While this vehicle could not be my household's primary vehicle like Kaylee is due to the size and discomfort level my wife has with SUVs, I would consider one as my vehicle. It is bigger, bulkier, and bloated feeling compared to what I LIKE to drive but the utility, function, and MPG it provides would make it very difficult to ignore.

PCV is there under the hood. The fuel filter went to an in tank system, I think as part of the fuel pump assembly, around the 2005 model year or so.

Had good luck with NGK thusfar.

In the US it breaks down as follows: 1995-1999 1st Gen 2000-2004 2nd Gen 2005-2009 3rd Gen 2010 - Present 4th Gen Rest of the World is different however.

The timing belt, pulleys, waterpump, etc were due at 105k if they have not been done. ATF is any good Dex III, bang for the buck Maxlife is good in my area.

Chevron Techron, Gumout with Regain, Redline SL1 all have a good concentration of PEA, which is a primary cleaning agent in most Top Tier fuels.

http://www.cars101.com/outback.html Hope this helps.

The 2011 Forester XT requires 5w30 synthetic oil.

Yup, 33MPG is way above what that SUV is rated for on the highway. It's designed for premium and will run best on it. 25-28MPG for highway is what I would be quite happy with. Also, the computer "MPG calculator" on my folks 2006 OBXT is rather...."optimistic" in its math. Divide your total miles driven by gallons used to find out your exact MPG. Remember you have an all-time AWD SUV with a turbo charged engine...it was not exactly designed for Prius level MPG.

Rallitek and Primitive both make pretty sturdy replacement skidplates.