outbackfan

Try these guys in Monrovia-10 miles from Pasadena: http://www.subyspecialties.com/

Y-A-H-O-O-!-!-! Traded in 2000 OBW, 5 speed, 2.5l w/100k miles. That wagon ran great, but this generation has a much better road feel. Question- I have several oil filters left over from my '00 wagon. I think they're the same size as the 2.5l turbo required. Anyone have any insight? Question- Turbos used to have to "spin down" prior to shutting off the engine. I saw no mention of this in the owner's manual. Any insights? >>Of course, I searched this excellent board after I posted this 2nd question. Much discussion about spin down. General consensus is that its not required unless extremes of temp and driving are encountered. Even then, 1/2 say yes, 1/2 say no. Most of the problem seems to stem from earlier generation turbos cooking engine oil. Subaru has made cooling design changes to make this event highly unlikely. Conventional engine oils have improved as well. To be extra safe, consider a synthetic. Personally I'm a Mobile 1 fan, so-problem solved!<<

I have written to Subaru NA several times detailing my concern that manual trannies are on their way out. I also specifically noted that Europe and Austrailia receive the 3.0 Spec. B, which is the 6 cyl, 3 litre, mated with a 6 speed manual. Combination has received rave reviews on both continents. Subaru response: Thanks for your interest, we carefully consider production, consumer buying preference, yadayada... I have heard rumors that a Spec B may be available in a Legacy GT sedan in 2006-2007 timeframe.

Hi- Since the new 2.5 Turbo has been on the market for a while, I thought I would round up impressions/opinions/observations/experiences with: (A) Reliability-particularly in real-world driving. Stop and go, or long idles a problem? ( Fuel-91 Octane (premium) required? © Oil change intervals? (D) Observed stress on other components, e.g. gaskets, hoses, engine components subjected to extreme heat? If this sort of review is published elsewhere in forum, please just respond w/post numbers to earlier notes. Thanks all, Outback Fan 2000 Outback 2.5 5speed, 90k miles. Aiming for 200k.

I have an '00 Outback that I've been putting Mobil1 5/30 in for 60k miles now. No leaks. If you don't see oil on the ground or around the engine, your either burning it or not measuring it correctly. If you're burning a quart every 4k miles, you should be able to see white/blue smoke, particularly at startup, and you should be able to smell it. I suspect you've got the dip-stick blues, like I had. Horizontal engines are tough to measure oil in... Try this: At next fillup, pop hood and remove dipstic about 2 inches, before filling up. After fill up, pull out dip stick and wipe clean. Replace dipstick and push down until rubber ring below handle is just lightly touching dip stick tube. Pull out and read. Let me know if this works. '00 Outback, temporarily enjoying the CA sun.

I agree with poster re: fairly common brakes/tires on Subaru. My 2 cents worth: Tires: I have had very good experiences with the national chain Discount Tire. My '00 Outback has lived in Seattle and LA, and in each location, the service (rotation, balance, both free of charge for life of tires) has been excellent. Discount Tire matches Costco prices and has better service. Brakes: I was on my way to ski in Colorado from LA, and in Utah I decided that my pulsing front brakes could not wait until 90k service (I have 71k on car now). Stopped by a Midas shop in Glenwood Springs, CO, and in 1.5 hours, had front rotors resurfaced, new ceramic pads, and brake fluid flush/fill. They even threw in oil change service (my oil/filter) free. $290 all in. Brakes feel GREAT! Point is, dealers are generally not the best priced mechanics. Good Luck.

I have an '00 OBW, manual, essentially same car. The burning smell is most likely coming from your viscous clutch fluid under stress. I had a similar smell, which I noted when driving under loads up hills. Dealer service said viscous fluid heats up and emits smell. I have not experienced ill effects from this.

Whoops-Shoulda searched before I posted (100's of priors)-I guess that this is just something I'll live with.

My OBW has only one annoying problem-cold clutch stutter. It takes about 15 minutes of driving for this to go away. Are other Subie owners familiar with this, and what can be done? Clutch was replaced at 30k (under warranty) for unrelated problem. Cold stuttering was present in orig. clutch and replacement subie clutch. Another brand of clutch is better? Thanks.

A general question... The new 2.5 engines have the hood scoop to feed air to the turbo charger. What happens when this becomes obstructed, say with snow or ice as might occur on a parked vehicle at a ski parking lot? Are there any adverse effects from rain, carwash, etc? Thanks.

Interesting discussion. Some thoughts- (1) Viscosity Index. A comment was made that Mobil 1 5W30 is less viscous than other 5W-30's, so mileage should incrase. Fair enough. But this does not translate into inferior friction protection, as the Mobil 1 and independent testers will note - synth engines always have less wear when they're torn down. (2) Mileage improvement- observation after 500 miles was done over two tankfulls of gas, one on a fwy road trip and one on typical combined driving. My mileage prior had been rock steady at 25/23 (fwy/combined)-I always calculate at fillup. So I'm confident that this is a true reading and not a statistical aberration. (3) I must agree that auto mfgrs ('cept BMW) are so price competetive that they won't include synth as factory fill-no advantage in securing the purchase from the average consumer who couldn't care about the oil, and chooses his new car based on the macho ads shown on tv. Cheers!

Please clarify NON- FWIW, I dig the GT wagon too. I would like to see the 3.0 6cyl mated w/a 6speed manual (available in europe and australia). Turbo 4 rocks, though. I have been Extremely Happy w/my '00 outback. I would suggest that for regular driving (two people and all their stuff on a weekend ski trip) the non-turbo 4 w/manual provides plenty of power. I have cruised at 75-80 all day in my OB. Hope this helps.

I have an '00 Outback Wgn 5speed. This car just gets better and more enjoyable every day. 68k miles, and runs BETTER than day 1. Recently replaced engine oil w/Mobil1 5w30, and tranny-transaxle/rear differentials w/Mobil1 75-90. After 500 miles, hwy mileage has gone from 25->27mpg, and combined has gone from 23->25mpg. Subjectively, the car FEELS smoother and quicker. Has anyone else experienced this?

Here's a Quote from Michelin's USA website: Always inflate your tires to the recommended pressure listed by your vehicle's manufacturer. This information can be found in the owner's manual and often on a placard located in the vehicle's door jamb, inside the fuel hatch, or on the glove compartment door. Note it says nothing about printing on the tire. Follow the recommendations on the door sill.