3121 messages,
Last post on Nov 18, 2009 at 12:30 PM
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Subaru Legacy & Outback Forum.
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Subaru Impreza, Subaru Outback, Wagon

Sep 04, 2001 (11:15 am)
After quietly lurking around here for a couple of weeks, I finally did it... I convinced the wife that it wasn't a "Station Wagon" but a "Sport Wagon". She was dead set on an SUV, and I had always admired the Subaru Wagons. I drove a '80 Corolla Wagon into the ground, and really missed the extra cargo space when I sold it to a neighbor for $100. It was a good first car for me... It was a good first car for my neighbors kid. Anyway, my wife couldn't get passed the Land-Barge woody station wagon image, Until I brought her to look at the 2002 Impreza Outback Sport. We were suprised to see that there was MORE passenger room in the OBS then in the Xterra (the next runner-up). Then she drove it... slam dunk! and for $5k less then a comperably equipped Xterra (4wd). Bonus gas mileage, and awesome handling. Maybe I'm still drunk with excitement, but I Love this thing.
Thanks for the advice and opinions... they have been very encouraging
#1033 of 3121 welcome!
by ramon
Sep 04, 2001 (12:30 pm)
welcome sir into the cult car status with your OBS. In terms of handling, the OBS will open a can of whoop arse on the Xterra anytime! Now, ur wife might end up wrestling the car off you to drive! So cosnider yourself forewarned.
celeste : the date is set on June 8th 2002. And my lazy boy chair stays! Already booked our home church and the reception venue... now looking for some bridal packages, wedding bands etc. What does the guy get out of all these?! =(
#1034 of 3121 Heh, Heh
by twrx
Sep 04, 2001 (1:57 pm)
If you think the OBS will out gun the xterra just think what the WRX wagon does!
Sep 05, 2001 (7:17 am)
Christine - If your check engine light is still on, you can reset it by disconnecting the battery (black negative terminal) for 30 min. The only downside to this is if there is any kind of problem code stored in the computer (for a tech to see), it will be erased. If it's definately the gas cap, no worries then.
Caroline - people say that it's best to remove the metal shavings from the engine breaking in at a 1500 mile oil change. The manual doesn't talk about an oil change before 3,750 IIRC. Peace of mind I suppose. The manual calls for 3,750 oil changes for severe driving (frequent stop and go, frequent short trips, etc.) and 7500 for "normal" driving.
Andy - Congrats! One of the best things about the OBS over the Xterra is full time All Wheel Drive. Try driving an Xterra in 4WD in the rain and the tires and drivetrain will scream in protest.
Dennis
Sep 05, 2001 (8:35 am)
Dennis: I couldn't find a definitive answer on whether to follow the owner's manual or do 3000 mile changes(what I've been doing). I noticed my dealer put 3000 miles on the next oil change sticker. I guess 3750 should be ok. Sometimes it is hard to separate misinformation from the good stuff.
Check Engine Lights: My dealer pulled the codes for my CELs and apparently my solenoid valve needs replacing. (I don't know what that is or if there is more than one) So if your CEL goes on although your gas cap is securely fastened, checking in with the dealer is a good idea (even if the CEL shuts off).
#1037 of 3121 Same problem
by paisan
Sep 05, 2001 (8:48 am)
The solenoid valve is the EGR valve. I had the same problem on my Trooper recently. The CEL told the dealer which part was broken.
-mike
Sep 05, 2001 (9:44 am)
Caroline - be careful about your future services. A lot of dealers love add-ons. When you take your car in, tell them what you want (whatever's in the manual).
The manual may call for oil change and tire rotation at 7500 miles. Most dealers have their own maintenance schedules and add 3 or 4 more things than the manual states (more on the major service). You could end up paying 2-3 times more than you need to. It's happened to me before. Instead of saying "oil change" I said "18,000 mile service" (or whatever it was). I expected to pay $24 but ended up paying $75! I complained to the service manager the next day and he gave me 2 free oil changes. I do my own oil changes now and go to another dealer for major service.
Dennis
Sep 05, 2001 (3:09 pm)
Ramon: "welcome sir into the clut car status" yuk, yuk, lol
How's that RS? Get any new stuff put on? Just for your information all that fluffy stuff about weddings is for the bride and her mom and friends. You just nod, smile, and say something like, "That would be perfect." UNLESS they're talking about, like, painting your car to match the wedding decorations or something!
Brekke: I don't care what anyone says, I'll get my oil changed about every 3000 miles. Tell your coworker to mind his own business and that's how your grandfather lived to be 125!! It never hurts to change your oil unless you're waiting too long. What kind are you using? I'll probably use the Castrol GTX until I decide if I want to go to synthetic. Now, if I switch to that I'll probably go 5000 between changes and wait till I hit 10,000 miles to switch. I have a friend with a garage and I bring him a filter and my oil and he changes it for nothing. And by 3000 miles I think the oil is looking kind of dirty. Anyway, you're very smart and informed. You'll do the right thing. He's right, beware of those dealers. Get an honest mechanic if you can to change your oil and if you have to, get your own filters and oil to take.
Sep 06, 2001 (6:56 am)
My dad has over 190,000 miles on his GMC pick-up that he tows with and has always used GTX. Never had any engine problems.
Dennis
#1041 of 3121 what the?
by ramon
Sep 06, 2001 (8:55 am)
I didn't say "clut car"... or did I?
celeste : Nothing is being put on my Impy. Just sold my old shocks and springs. Just cleaning the car same ol same ol.... I gota recommend Meguiar's Gold Medallion Wax if you want absolute best for your car! This thing rocks! I've used many different type of wax before and this one just plain stomps on all of them! Even the Meguiar's Gold class is no match for this grand pubah of wax products! It's been many months now and I've driven the car all over and yet this paint is still smooth like new!
Yeah you're right celeste about the wedding prep. So far I've been purtty much being the Yes man. It's ok cus less headache or choices for me to make. I've already made the biggest choice in my life which is to marry this girl. Yup.