I have some minor discoloration of paint on the roof in a couple of spots, and I was wondering what y'all recommend as the best car wax, or best paint rejuvenator product. Also, for the granite trim around the bottom, is there a product to keep that perky, too?

 

MAKE/MODEL

1996 Subaru Legacy Outback Wagon, AWD, MT, Spruce Pearl color

 

Other little questions I have (I've no owner's manual and can't find one online - dealer said he'd provide one - we'll see...):

 

Is there a cargo door release button inside near the driver's area?

 

If lock/unlock is sluggish using the hand-held controller, does it need looking into? Once every 4 to 5 uses, it doesn't unlock the car, and I have to hit Lock, then Unlock again and it works.

 

I'd like to upgrade from the Radio/Cassette to a Radio/CD - any suggestions for a good yet inexpensive model, or a chain establishment like Best Buy that will do a good job?

 

What's the best way to perk up the look of the plastic cargo liner?

 

Also, I've heard different opinions about using ArmorAll on dashboards and such: some say it harms the surface, some say it doesn't. Opinions?

To get access to an on-line manual, create a site on www.mysubaru.com. You will need to enter the VIN of the car. After you have created your site there will be a link to a user's manual on the left side. This site also has other useful stuff such as recall information for your car and a place to enter service information.

I had a 1996 Outback also, and it has no release for the rear hatch inside the car. When the factory radio/cassette died in my car I replaced it with an Alpine radio/CD unit from CarToys and was very happy with it, except for the tiny buttons which I couldn't see very well.

To get access to an on-line manual, create a site on www.mysubaru.com. You will need to enter the VIN of the car. After you have created your site there will be a link to a user's manual on the left side. This site also has other useful stuff such as recall information for your car and a place to enter service information.

 

Thanks for the tip and I wish it had worked for the manual. I get this message when I click the manual link:

"We're sorry to say that an online version of your Owner's Manual is not available. Unfortunately, we do not have access to an electronic version of manuals prior to 1998 model year vehicles. Please refer to the Owner's Manual you received with your Subaru at the time of purchase to answer any questions you may have."

 

If I had received the owner's manual, I'd never have clicked the link to begin with. :-\

I don't use ArmorAll on the dash just because I don't like the glare it creates. Most of the disaster my dog, kid, and I create inside the car cleans up just fine with Trader Joe's Zen Cleaner. And it smells nice...

 

Betcha one of the folks on here would be willing to photocopy their owner's manual for you. Too bad I don't have my 96 anymore, I'd run off a copy.

Thanks for the tip and I wish it had worked for the manual. I get this message when I click the manual link:

"We're sorry to say that an online version of your Owner's Manual is not available. Unfortunately, we do not have access to an electronic version of manuals prior to 1998 model year vehicles. Please refer to the Owner's Manual you received with your Subaru at the time of purchase to answer any questions you may have."

 

If I had received the owner's manual, I'd never have clicked the link to begin with. :-\

 

maybe Jamie at http://www.subarugenuineparts.com could order one for you.

 

Carl

I have some minor discoloration of paint on the roof in a couple of spots, and I was wondering what y'all recommend as the best car wax, or best paint rejuvenator product. Also, for the granite trim around the bottom, is there a product to keep that perky, too?

 

MAKE/MODEL

1996 Subaru Legacy Outback Wagon, AWD, MT, Spruce Pearl color

 

Other little questions I have (I've no owner's manual and can't find one online - dealer said he'd provide one - we'll see...):

 

Is there a cargo door release button inside near the driver's area?

 

If lock/unlock is sluggish using the hand-held controller, does it need looking into? Once every 4 to 5 uses, it doesn't unlock the car, and I have to hit Lock, then Unlock again and it works.

 

I'd like to upgrade from the Radio/Cassette to a Radio/CD - any suggestions for a good yet inexpensive model, or a chain establishment like Best Buy that will do a good job?

 

What's the best way to perk up the look of the plastic cargo liner?

 

Also, I've heard different opinions about using ArmorAll on dashboards and such: some say it harms the surface, some say it doesn't. Opinions?

 

I like Meguiars cleaner wax for a one step type product for the paint. Areospace 303 protectant for the dash and anything plastic in or outside the car. A good upgrade for the stereo would be a 6disc changer/tapedeck unit out of a wrx or forrester. Plug and play wiring harness and mounting and can be had for approx. 100-150$ off ebay or Nasioc. Ebay is also a good source for a cheap owners manual. Good luck!

Thanks for all the suggestions and comments.

I upgraded my stereo system with a Pioneer 1-cd head unit from Best Buy. They run sales on the units and special deals on the install. I got free labor on my install but you do have to pay for parts which around $50.

I'm very happy with the Pioneer and it sounds great.

 

~Howard

I usually use turtle wax, for me it works just as good as any others. I use F21 wax and right know they are have buy 3 get 1 free. I got the deal myself, I recommend you use F21.