RubasuGirl

Just a question, but what type of oil are you using?

You know me, I'm soo there! I will definately have my skidplate by then! I can't wait. The more the merrier (as long as we don't have 20 subarus in a row... look like little ducks following their mother!)

Just a question, how long do you let it sit before you check & crank it? Reason I ask: noticed in my car it takes a good 10 minutes or so for the oil to read properly on the dipstick level. Perhaps if you are looking for an immediate reading, it could not have fully leveled off, or whatever, therefore giving you an incorrect reading. But yeah, filling more than 1 quart of oil more than the manual.... something's not right.

Just a question, what grade gas do you put in?

I have an '01 Forester L. I have an extremely heavy foot while driving and am currently averaging 22-24 mpg. in the city... and am creeping down to 21 -23. But, in about 4kmiles, I will have a service done on my car, including a fuel injector clean, new spark plugs, new fuel filter, new air, oil, and tranni filter, and change all my fluids. Then, I will average 25-27 mpg in town. I also am picky on my gas. I only use name brand gas (Shell, BP, Amoco, etc), no "discount" gas. Out of desperation, I had to use "discount" gas once, and got 18-19 mpg. So, check for the last time you had a good service done on your car and where you get your gas.

Hello "Decker_Forester". you'd have to either roll the fenders out, or lift the car to do what you're talking about, but there's really no need. What size tires are you running?

Ok, I'm going to go on a different slant. Maybe I missed something, but I'm going to go for the obvious: When is the last time you did a tune-up on your car? And by a "tune-up", I mean have a Fuel Injection/Carbon Removal done (I don't mean the stuff you just put in the gas tank. I mean the real thing - some use SeaFoam, others use other stuff), replace the air filter, fuel filter, spark plugs, etc. I notice a HUGE difference in performance of my car and I perform these things every 30k miles. I notice a difference in Gas mileage too.... not 5mpg, but 2 or so. And I second the comment earlier (sorry, I forgot who)... be careful where you get your gas from. Had a friend that told me to only put XX gas in my car. I did... and complained about the gas mileage. Then, out of desperation, I had to fill up somewhere else. Whoa. Made a huge difference. Also, a couple of times, again, out of desperation, I had to fill up at the "discount" places, ick. Horrible gas mileage. Noticed a 4-5mpg difference. Sorry for the rant, but I would check to see when the last service was done, and how intensive. Just my two cents.

How many times do we have to go through this? If you don't like it, fine, we get it. But there are some who actually do like it and it fits their needs. I, for one, merely wish I could afford it as it would fit most of our needs. The only thing it doesn't have for me, ground clearance. But then the only vehicle that would work would be the Toyota Landcruiser... and if I can't afford the B9, I certainly can't afford the Landcruiser!

Thanks for your help! He has had such bad experiences with the dealer, that he refuses to go back. He has even stated that if he has to go back to the dealer that he will never get another Subaru. Is that a common failure/leak? I have not seen any other mention of it.

Hello there. Was wondering if anyone has had any experience with the valve cover gasket leaking on an H6 ('01 Outback). How hard/easy is it... and any other things that should be replaced while in there? Thanks!

Why does the car (and all future Subaru's in general) get pushed to the curb for this? Granted, the HG is a problem. But it's a one fix, and you're done thing. I have to agree with NorthWet. I would be extremely leary of a place that took four tries to get a HG done correctly. I mean come on, they couldn't figure out the HG was blown in the first place. Not all imports are created the same.... and neither are the mechanics. Just because they don't know how to work on it doesn't mean that it is costly and unreliable. Three options: either find someplace that knows how to work on the car, learn to do the work yourself, or move on to another car. Oh, and another thing. A reputable shop will have a parts & labor warranty. If they do the HG and blows again within a year, they should have to do fix it free of cost to you. just my two cents.

Does your Forester have Drums or Discs in the rear? My '01 Forester is an L - (now with 80+K) and has had squeeky brakes since about 25k. The rear brakes are fine, but they glaze. I've been told that it might have something to do with water crossings.