SilverSubie

After a long search, my wife and I bought a newer Subie. 2006 Outback Sedan LL Bean. We really liked my wife's 95 Legacy LS, so we decided to stay with Subaru. We like the car, a lot. Some new tires, an audio imput, maybe a rear spoiler, and we should be good to go. Hopefully, we get as many miles from this Subie as we did from the last Subie (about 180K).

I should post a link, but I dont' think anyone wants to see the oil/road grim coating on the underside. Whenever someone asks, my answer is "Well, yeah, that is what happens with some old Subies"

Well, if it is all rusted up, yeah maybe time to let it go. As far as the EJ22, I have found them to be very reliable. Over 150K, no major problems. Yes, I have replaced the CV's, there have been issues, and the car does leak oil. Yes, compared to older Subies, they are more complicated, but any car with a computer will be more complicated. I have a VW that has a computer, but no diagnostics, at least the Subie will throw you a code. As far as engine layout, I would much rather work on that motor than anything else. I believe that any 11 year old car with high mileage on it will need work..

Yes, the Wix filters are at Napa, under the "Napa Gold" label.

150K on a 96 Legacy, no tranny problems. Just changed the fluid, and it is good to go. My wife beats on that thing pretty seriously, so I am pretty happy we have gotten this far with it.

Woo Hoo! I'll try to make it..

Yeah, I'm here in Broomfield... Though I have been hanging out on VW boards of late..

OK, so the review was over the top. Though I'll be honest, I am really tired of the mamby bamby "this is a really nice car" reviews that have been the norm for several years now. It seems like there have been very few reviewers that will say anything really negative about a car. But oh, what a big improvement the new model is over the old model. The old model that they raved about just 2 years ago.

Just IMHO... No replacement for displacement. Less wear and tear on the motor and less potential problems, though, turbos have come a long way in terms of effeciency and reliability. Follow up question. Does anyone know if putting a turbo timer in voids any of the factory warranty?

Valvoline Dura-Blend 10w 30, Napa Gold (Wix) filters for the 96 Legacy and 99 Trooper (Troopers are VERY touchy about the oil). I was using Fram ToughGuard filters, but the Napa Gold has more filter media, and actual metal parts inside. I believe that both cars reach running oil pressure earlier. I can't believe that an oil thread got this far without mention of an incredible automotive oil site: www.bobistheoilguy.com

What kind of alarm? My 96 Legacy is acting very odd electrically as well, so any more info you have on this would be interesting.

Actually, I have been thinking the same thing.

Excellent. Thanks. Yeah, it is still throwing a 0500 CEL, and zero on the speedometer. Who knew that a very simple little sensor would cost so much?

The best description I have of what is sounds like is a Huey helicopter under the hood when it gets about 4K

So I am having a banner week with my 96 Legacy. First, apparently the Vehicle Speed Sensor goes, and now the car is sputtering above 4200 rpm. I replaced the fuel filter, plugs, and air filter. Now the car pulls really smoothly up to 4200 rpm, then starts sputtering, and the whole engine shakes. Once I let off the gas, and the rpms drops, everything is fine. This happens driving and sitting in Park. Any ideas what I should check next? Tom

Found it! On a 96 Legacy LS AWD AT, the VSS is located on the passenger side of the tranny, just rearward of the shift cable. Now replacing it is a different story.

Auto

Exactly where is it? I couldn't find it in the Haynes or Chilton manuals. The 96 Legacy is throwing a CEL, P 0500 VSS Malfunction, and the spedometer is dead. TIA, Tom

Eh probably, so I'll throw in my opinion. I am concerned that Subaru is making a mistake with the Tribeca. I sat in one today at Flatiron Subaru in Boulder (part of the b-9 tour). IMHO, that is a car they should not have built. Syling is OK, the interior is just awful. The interior looks cool, but in incredibly impractical for anyone over 6ft. I am concerned that Subaru is trying to go upmarket (much like VW). There was a really sweet top of the line Legacy at Flatiron, for $31K. I would like to replace my 96 legacy LS with an non-turbo new Legacy, but $24K for that is pretty steep. Yes, I would like AWD, and fresh boxer motor, but that is a pretty big car payment. So I kick it down to an Impreza, which is simply too small. Technology wise, I think there is still room to go. Direct Inject boxer anyone?

Just wondering what to check any CEL codes with. I have a 99 Trooper that is occansionally throwing codes, so I might as well get a reader....

What is the recommended grease for the CV joints? I am overhauling a set (thanks Larry!) and wondering what people use. Tom

Thanks! I will search around. Stupid Chiltons.

The cv boots split on the 96 Legacy, and I figure I just might as well replace the entire half shaft (front passenger). Though I was looking through the manual, and I am missing a couple tools. Where would be a good place to either buy or rent the axel remover and ball joint tool?

Thanks everyone! Yeah, the price is really good. I am moving forward with having the car checked out by the shop that has maintained it for a few years. At the bare minimum, I will be able to see the records.

Just looking for some tips. Anything particular that I need to look at? I looked the car over today, and took it for a short test drive. All the door seals pretty nuch need to be replaced. Oil looks to be water/coolant free. Coolant look dirty, but no oil. The car has been kept in pretty good shape. New alternator, brakes are good, exhaust looked newer. Interior is OK The bad: Current owner hit a hitch, and pushed in front bumper, bending in the A/C radiator. I tried the A/C, but the compressor didn't start. Torn inboard passenger side front boot. How easy is it to replace? Third gear is "grouchy" Looks like the syncro is going. If I waited a second before shifing, it went right in, otherwise, it would grind into gear. Is this something that will fail tommorrow or could be OK for awhile? Thanks, Tom