outback_97

My Xtravisions lasted less than a year, and burned out within minutes of each other... you may want to carry an extra set of something for backup. http://usmb.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=6237&highlight=sylvania This thread talks a little bit about that. I think I may give them another try though, as the OEM ones are pretty dim. I'll still carry spares though. Anyone else have good luck with Xtravisions or Silverstars in the long term (> 1 year) ? Most people agree they're better (I'd say 20% is about right) but I haven't seen comments on long term use. Steve edit: To the question about changing fog lights (not just bulbs) on a '98 OB: We have Hella 500 fogs on our TS, and they're definitely better than the Subie OEM fogs. You'd have to fab a bracket of some sort, but it shouldn't be real hard. Their dimensions are similar to the '98 OB ones.

I figured mine wasn't the only one. I planned to touch up the paint after I washed the car and the weather warmed up a bit, but the big flakes appeared literally in one week being parked... now it's probably too far gone to just touch up, d'oh! Still considering black, I plan on keeping the car for a long time so I don't really need to worry about resale. I'll post pictures if it turns out looking good, thanks for the input! Steve

http://wac.addr.com/auto/obs/wheels.html ^ This link might help. Steve :wave:

Just as I'm approaching 100K miles in my '97 OB, the paint has suddenly started flaking off my hood scoop. It started with a couple of little (<.25") spots and then I parked outside at the airport for a week... now it's 2" flakes. Only the (plastic) scoop is affected, not the (metal) hood. Anyone else have this problem? How did you address it? The scoop is plastic, which I realize is not easy for paint to stick to. If I paint it myself I have some plastic adhesion promoter primer to use, but I'm not sure if I can or even want to try to match the slightly faded paint on the rest of the hood. (The car is dark blue, FWIW). I wonder how black would look Steve

Setright: Try this page, it has links to an Autobild article regarding the quality of Subaru 2.0, 2.2 and 2.5 engines (and the cars as well). The 2.0 looks very robust and had the least number of problems. http://users.sisna.com/ignatius/subaru/headgasket.html There are links to the original article (German) and one translated into English via Google's translator. Steve EDIT: Just realized that you're talking about a car that's a bit newer than the ones in the article. Oh well, it still might be applicable.

Something else to consider... the 2.5 TS or OBS. Some people have commented that they like the 2.5 N/A paired with the auto better than the turbo 2.0, but many folks have no problem with the WRX in auto. We have an auto TS, and it's just fine for mountain driving. The back seat is small but comfortable, better than many small cars, but tighter than midsize or large cars. We have added fog lights and WRX wheels for a grand total of $350. No hood scoop or spoiler though. Sorry I can't answer your second two questions... we have the OEM head unit and aftermarket speakers... this setup is OK but not great. Most people say the sub is a little better than nothing, but not enough if you're into powerful low end. Trans cooler? Don't know much about that. Are you towing with the car? Steve

To clarify, I guess I should have mentioned that I didn't touch the bulbs either and was very careful in installing them... and they still burned out in less than a year. I would suggest carrying spares in case they both go while you're on the road, I know I would based on my experience. I had to drive home with my foglights. But, like I said, YMMV; I hope they last longer for everyone else Steve

Luki: I put a pair of Sylvania Xtravisions (not the same as what you're talking about, but maybe similar) in my '97. There were noticeably better than the OEM lights, but only lasted me for about 10 months before both burned out almost at the same time. The dimmer OEM ones are now back in. YMMV. Steve

As stated before, people tend to talk about the problems more than the positives, and they come to places like this because the advice and information on problem solving is very good and the folks are helpful. I've had my OB for over 50K miles, and I bought it used with over 40K. While I have had a few things repaired, it's NEVER stranded me. It's taken me on adventures from the deserts to the mountain here in Utah, and done so very capably. It's great in the snow. It's gone off-pavement places no "normal" passenger car would want to go, and yet handles better than many cars I have driven. We bought my fiancee an '03 Impreza TS this year, and she loves it. I love to drive it as well, very fun and responsive. We like this car enough that we're using it to drive to CA and OR for our honeymoon in two weeks. I'm looking forward to years of enjoyable driving in this car as well... when she lets me drive it Thanks for starting this thread, it's good to see people sharing their stories about these cars that we love! Steve

For some links to HG info, have a look here: http://users.sisna.com/ignatius/subaru/headgasket.html I need to fix the USMB link... this is my first visit since the redesign and I don't spend much time here (too busy lately). Please suggest additional links or information that you feel are relevant, thanks. Steve edit: I have fixed the USMB link... it's gone and replaced by a link to Skip's page and a thread he posted w/ a link to the page.