My wife and I just bought a used Outback.

 

It's a 2000 model, standard (not limited) with 130K miles on it. It seems to be in good condition mechanically.

 

Had the timing belt(s) replaced recently, with the water pump. We've had it 24 hours, and no problems... bought it from ebay.

 

I noticed there was some oil around the oil pan, that looks like it's coming from what I think is the valve covers. It's not enough to drip, but enough to have a coating that collects dirt.

 

I'd like to do what I can to help maintain the car, and one option was using synthetic oil / or Amsoil.

 

I heard once that using Amsoil on cars that were over 100K might actually cause problems, by cleaning "dirt" that is keeping things sealed. Any advice on that?

 

Also, there are a couple of things missing that I'd like to replace, and not sure where to look for them (becides ebay)

 

We only got one remote and Key, I'd like another one.

I'd like the cover that goes over the back. The retractable cover thing?

the cup holders in the back are missing, with the cover for them gone too.

 

Also, I noticed that when driving over a bump... sometimes the car seems to shift left just a little.. enough to make my heart skip, but then it's fine. Is that a normal AWD ...eh... feature? =)

 

This is the first Sub i've ever driven, and we are happy with it. But i'm not sure what some sounds and vibrations are. Being a used car, i'm a tad nervous about some, and not about others.

 

that's all for now.

 

Bryan,

Chattanooga TN (no snow here dang it)

 

oh yeah.. first post

<<We only got one remote and Key, I'd like another one.>>

 

if you could post a pic of the remote you have, i have a few new ones. maybe i can match it up.

As this is non-turbo, you will be wasting money on synthetic. Besides, the oil leak with become worse.

As for missing parts, find internet dealers taking subaru bucks and start using subaru credit card. With 3% back you will have the parts for free soon.

<<We only got one remote and Key, I'd like another one.>>

 

if you could post a pic of the remote you have, i have a few new ones. maybe i can match it up.

 

Sure,

 

Remote

 

I read in the manual how to program it. Is there another way? The dealership was going to charge $80 to program the remote, and I assumed it was something different, but maybe it's what's in the manual.. silly dealer..

 

And just in case someone's interested,

 

Oil Pan fun More fun

 

 

Sorry about not searching first. I should have known better. I'll do that now.

i have a remote that should work. check the rear of the remote for the FCC ID:

 

mine is : A269ZUA111

I think AutoZone has generic remotes for cheap.

 

I for one think synthetic is the only way to go. Do some research and decide for yourself.

 

rd

i have a remote that should work. check the rear of the remote for the FCC ID:

 

mine is : A269ZUA111

 

PM'd ya =)

Valve covers are easy usually, the bolts losen up and hopefully just need to be tightend.

 

Synthetic oil ..... its safer to discuss politics, religon, the war on Iraq, and the new medicade drug plan then that subject.

 

Remote for the alarm everyone has covered

Covers are on ebay as with everything else. What condition is your tailgate latch in?

 

the shift over the bump is not a awd thing, sounds like a good old fashioned worn suspension part problem.

 

nipper

Welcome to the board.

 

There is a lot of info about synthetics and how they behave in various engines, try the search feature with a keyword for links to these posts.

 

Not sure about the "hop" to the left over bumps, just double check you tire pressures (which is important!—more searchable info on that too) and maybe a 4 wheel alignment check.

 

One noise you may here is the heatshield rattle that Subies seem to be prone to develop, again search the board for various cures for that.

 

Best of luck with your new-to-you Subaru!