envy_petter

I was under the impression that the ENTIRE Legacy was built in Lafayette, IN. I posed that to Subaru because my manufacture date is April '03 (which is not too far off of Dec '02). They INSISTED that my engine was an '03 and NOT covered under the original recall. After a couple of "heated" discussions with SOA, I had a regional customer service MGR send me a letter stating they would cover the head gasket for an external leak for 8 years or 100K, which was what the recall was. Very interesting though.

Have an '03 Legacy Special Edition sedan. '03 engines weren't supposed to have HG problems. GUESS WHAT: They were wrong. I had the "treatment" put in my engine after first leak was discovered. Have had 2 head gaskets replaced since then. Last one only lasted 9,000 miles. We'll see how long this one lasts.

Out enjoying a nice fall day in Western PA and thought this made for a good backdrop for a pic. Whadda ya think? and

DUDE!!!! Head gaskets were recalled from '99 to '02! That should have been taken care of gratis! I'd look into it further... You're welcome to e-mail me for further details. mark_nuz@yahoo.com

To my knowledge, ALL Imprezas are made in Japan. Look at the VIN numbers. When I sold Subies, if the VIN started with a "J" it was made in Japan. I am not aware that any of them are being built here. They are still on the same platform, which was originally built in Japan. NOW: Should they make the Impreza bigger and use the OLD Legacy platform ('95 to '04), they COULD produce them here, since the Legacy is made in Lafayette, IN. Never heard of a plant in Canada either, doesn't mean it doesn't exist though.

My '03 headgasket leaked also. They gave me the "stop-leak", however, it didn't live up to its name. Had to have my left head gasket replaced at 27K. Called Subaru to complain and get the extended warranty for the headgaskets (like they did from '99 to '02), but Subaru said it is a different part. Same problem+different part=no extension.

So I should buy the Jetta because it is like a Swiss Army Knife and has all these "gadgets." Guess you'll need all those "gadgets" when you are stranded in the snow. THAT'S the gadget it doesn't have.

Wouldn't be any different with a Legacy. Same engine as an Outback. I would bet that my Legacy Special Edition Sedan (all wheel drive, not just front drive sled) cost not much more (if any) than a comparably equipped Jetta. I paid $18,350 for my Legacy brand new in June '03. That included a factory security system. It is Automatic, power windows, locks, mirrors, power sunroof, cruise, tilt, CD, tilt (no telescoping), 4 CHANNEL ABS (research it, best you can use), 165 HP (normally aspirated), 205-55-16 inch H rated performance tires, alluminum wheels, nice cargo space., etc. Can anyone counter that for the price?

THAT is a new commercial! LMFAO!

Subaru USED to have auto up (one touch). Then they realized that a young child could get seriously injured if they were to have their fingers in the track when it went up. They stopped that. Again, I'll take the AWD over a telescoping wheel.

Sorry! My factory alarm has a red button to arm and little blue one to disarm. That sounds similar to what my car does in valet mode. My wife did it accidentally once a couple months after I got the car and scared the crap out of me. Thought it was broken.

I think your car is in Valet mode. Read the manual and if you don't have one, call the dealership. I think you have to keep the driver's door open and hold the red button down for a few seconds to put it back in normal mode.

In '03, I bought a BRAND NEW '03 Legace Speical Edition sedan (no spoiler) but added a factory security system for $18,350 plus tax and tags. Check it out as my avatar... You should be able to find a HELL of a lot of stuff for under $20K!

Just sent a PM to r3227. I just had the left head gasket replaced on my '03 Special Edition sedan. Subaru REFUSED to extend the warranty to 8 years/100k like they did with the '99 to '02 engines. The customer service rep was a complete bee-yatch and said that it is NOT the same problem because it is a totally different part that is failing. Same problem, different part...hmmm. Let's get a petition going to have the warranty extended. I'm all for it!

Are you SURE about Porsche looking to Subaru??? Porsche, Audi, and VW are all owned by the same company. If you find documentation of that, I'd LOVE to see it. It would be very interesting and a huge blow to Audi.

Two things... First, can someone elaborate on the problems with Fram filters??? I've used them in the past with no problems. Now I'm worried. Secondly, I replace the drain plug gasket every time I change the oil. If you buy them in the parts department, they are very inexpensive (cost cents). I also NEVER have to put my car up to change, that is one of my favorite things about Subarus. I stick my head underneath and everything is right in front of me.

Okay, I had to chime in... First of all, I understand HOW it happened, but not WHY it is that Audi was brought into this equation. The original comparison was for an Outback and a Jetta. Secondly, I saved about $10 large buying my '03 Legacy Special Edition Sedan. It is loaded up fairly well and I enjoy driving it. Not sure about the original post about the sunroof. To my knowledge, Subaru has NEVER made a sunroof that only tilted. I think that was an aftermarket addition. MY roof in my car is a tilt/slide (although I have to use 2 buttons, the HORROR!). Lastly, there is nothing a Jetta has that could overcome the AWD in the Outback. Maybe you need those 5 settings for the heated seats when you are stuck in the snow. There. I've said my peace.

Just had my '03 Legacy sedan's left head gasket replaced at 27K. That problem was supposed to be fixed after '02! You are not alone...

Well, well, well...guess WHAT? Just checked into the old Subaru dealer. My engine is torn apart now and the head gasket is being REPLACED with my car having 27K on it. They finally found the leak that two places pretty much told me I was imagining. Like I told them, I'v had a Subaru before for 9 years, never smelled a thing. It is NOT normal. I was right. I'll bring them a slice of humble pie. Later fellow Subie lovers.

Hey all, Haven't checked in for a while, but my last posts were AFTER I had the "conditioner" put in my car to stop an external head gasket leak. Here's the new part. After that for a short while, things were fine. However, I began smelling antifreeze again, this time on the OUTSIDE of the car. Took it back to the same dealer, asked them to check. Guess what...no leaks that they could see. Goodbye. Couple of months later, same deal. Still smelling it. Took it to ANOTHER dealer who pressure tested it. Can't find a leak. Felt a little better, but couldn't understand why I still smelled the antifreeze. They don't know either. Goodbye again. Checked my coolant yesterday and it is about 1/2 inch BELOW the fill line. Called the second dealer and the service manager told me I am giving way too much credit to the overflow tank and fill line. It is supposed to vary. I asked why it is even there then, of course, no real response. I am taking my car in ONCE more because I STILL SMELL THE SWEET SMELL OF COOLANT!!! I told the service manager that my last Subie (which I owned for 9 years and sold with 136K on it) NEVER smelled of coolant, EVER. Not supposed to. Will keep you posted! Help me out if you can with any suggestions or similar stories.

Paid well UNDER $20,000 by the way. Trust me, I am not happy with this repair, but will be happy if they stand by their product. Many car companies won't stand behind their cars. I agree, the engine SHOULD be trouble free for that long. But the head gasket hasn't been trouble free thus far. Can't trust it to last that long. I'll keep y'all posted.

That's why I'm sending the letter with a copy of my repair order. I'm persistent...

OKAY...an update. Was at the dealer this AM. It DOES have an exterior leak and yes, they gave me the additive to hopefully stop it. They informed me that earlier Legacy models with this problem had their head gasket warranty extended to 8 years/100,000 miles. HOWEVER, my car doesn't fall into that category. Needless to say, I will be drafting a letter to Subaru of America over the weekend to inform them that I know this has been a problem with this in the past and want my car covered under that same extension. Thanks for the help and stay tuned...

Sold Subies a while ago...you CAN negotiate lease prices too. They are based on the selling price of the car. If you plan to keep it afterwards, I would NOT lease it. READ THE FINE PRINT BEFORE SIGNING if you do lease. Wife just leased a Dodge Crapavan and had to pay $300 to turn it back in. THAT WAS JUST TO PROCESS THE RETURN. There were no charges for mechanical or visual defects. Feel free to e-mail me with any questions about the process. I'll be glad to help you through it.

Let me know via e-mail. I would appreciate it.