later, Peter

Occasionally the antennae stops about 1/4 from full descent. I lubed the little guy with wd 40 & let it ride a few times... it goes all the way sometimes & sometimes not. I can manually persuade it to descend all the way down & then it'll work for a while... Another typical Subaru dilemma? 99 O.B. (BTW) if that matters... maybe it's a pre Headgasket warning???? THANKS. Later, Peter

Gotta say that this thread has renewed some of my Subaru faith. I bought a '99 before finding this site... all I seemed to find here was phase1 2.5 bashing... it was depressing. I was driving while one eye was watching the temp guage. I spoke with other '99 OBW owners that have more than TWICE the mileage of mine (60k) to find that they have had virtually NO problems. (I heard Click & Clack talk about a flaw in a Toyota engine where the oil ports are too small to let the oil pass freely... so either a new engine or nothing on that defect... much more expensive than HG). During my paranoia, I spoke with a local mechanic (Subs only) to find that this is common in about (his opinion) 5% or so of these vehicles that he sees (BTW $900 to do the HG job). & spoke with a dealer in the nearest "big" city (PDX) to hear again, it is not uncommon but in the 2-3% range of all the ones that this Subaru dealer workers on... So, I am trying to enjoy the ride (& the stereo) & keep the Mobil1 changed regularly & I avoid this site more than visit.

Is there anything behind the interior door panel to tighten (adjust) to eliminate the rattle from the driver's door window? THANKS BTW: switched to Moblil 1 5-30 & the "piston slap" seems to have diminished somewhat... Still enjoying the '99 OBW! Later, Peter

I recently purchased a 99 30th anniversary edition OBW... after overcoming (well working on overcoming) my initial "headgasketwillblowout" fear, I love the vehicle. I'm not sure if it's true but a Subaru dealer can check the VIN with SOA & see if your car has one of the faulty HG's. A good friend has just turned over 130k on her 98 OBW with NO real repairs, ever. So, the head gasket may blow, it may not. SO, "don't let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy" Jackson Browne It feels strong & safe, the gas mileage isn't as bad as predicted & it's a comfortable ride with a nice stereo setup. Enjoy it if you get it. Later, Peter

is it conceivable or possible (w/o sheet metal work) to open the engine, via the hood scoop, to the air? Is this a viable & logical action? wondering. Later, Peter

a new excitement for the 99 obw... the gas gauge no longer reaches full. almost but not quite... should I expect to pull & clean the sending units soon? Hard to judge the mileage now. Later, Peter

similar problem, only she hit me in my Toyota 4runner (which is why I now have the Outback). Only she crushed my left leg & foot. 7 months later & I am only now learning to walk again.... sh*tty insurance to boot... hardly enought to pay the medical bills. I'd've be happy just to replace the vehicle... be safe & have fun. Later, Peter

I bought a '99 OBW a few weeks ago. I expected the mileage to be roughly, 20+ city 25+ Hwy. I got about 30 highway. My wife, however, got +/- 35 hwy on the return trip... she drives the speed limit & doesn't often pass other vehicles. gotta teach to drive.... Later, Peter

I just called the local Subaru dealership and talked with the service writer... he looked my VIN up on his computer & said the additive does NOT apply to my vehicle (& I "shouldn't worry")... now I know why. too bad. Later, Peter

OK, I just(one week ago) bought a '99 30th Anniversary Edition OB(60k and extremely well maintained). I have read the posts regarding the tapping (aka piston slap), the wheel bearing disintigration, & recently the headgasket disaster... to calm me down so I can enjoy this luxury vehicle... how many of you have had any of these catastrophes happen & at what mileage (a headgasket blowing at 150k for example is more acceptable than at 60k) write on: Later, Peter

NO Warning what so ever? that's a bit frightening. I just bought one a week ago. A sudden oil leak? losing coolant? something has to create that kind of disaster. Just how common is this event? I have not yet seen any other posts about this catastophe... Later, Peter

I just bought a 30th anniversary outback... extremely well maintained. I took a short trip (150 miles each way) & got pleasantly great mileage on the road (not so great in town with the ac blowin')... the question is: will an upgrade to a K & N air filter provide noticably better mileage &/or effeciency for the engine? by the way, I bought the "piston slap is a normal noise" b.s. because, as Paul Simon once said: "all lies & jest 'til a man hears what he wants to hear & disregards the rest". Later, Peter