Subaru Impreza Outback Sport & TS

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#2210 of 3121 2000 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport by sybor

Jun 24, 2003 (4:00 pm)

Hi Everyone,

I am on the verge of buying a 2000 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport. From the reviews in edmunds, it seems that people had mixed experiences with it. At the dealer, when the vehicle was started, water started spewing out of the exhaust outlet. The dealer claimed that the many days of rain last couple of days in Massachusetts accumulated water in the exhaust and the spewing action was normal. I am wondering what you guys think...is this a normal behaviour? Just asking as I would like to make sure I am not buying a "bad" vehicle. Thanks a lot!

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#2211 of 3121 2000 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport by sybor

Jun 24, 2003 (4:43 pm)

Hi Everyone,

I am on the verge of buying a 2000 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport. From the reviews in edmunds, it seems that people had mixed experiences with it. At the dealer, when the vehicle was started, water started spewing out of the exhaust outlet. The dealer claimed that the many days of rain last couple of days in Massachusetts accumulated water in the exhaust and the spewing action was normal. I am wondering what you guys think...is this a normal behaviour? Just asking as I would like to make sure I am not buying a "bad" vehicle. Thanks a lot!

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#2212 of 3121 sybor by subearu

Jun 24, 2003 (5:11 pm)

It does sound normal. There's probably condensation in the exhaust from sitting as well.

But, most of all, water vapor is a normal part of a vehicle exhaust. See here: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/catalytic-converter1.htm

-Brian

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#2213 of 3121 by ateixeira

Jun 25, 2003 (6:49 am)

If it were unburned gasoline, you would have a check-engine light to go with it. I think the dealer was being honest.

Want a nice check list?

* check if the wheel bearing are quiet (turn off radio)
* search the engine block closely for oil leaks (gaskets, seals)
* make sure the check-engine light bulb works when you insert the key, but it's not on when you operate
* sample shifting, auto or manual, for smoothness
* drive in a figure 8 pattern to see if differentials are noisy

If it passes all these tests, you should be good to go.

-juice

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#2214 of 3121 by sybor

Jun 25, 2003 (9:10 am)

HI Everyone,

thanks for the advice...I have driven a figure of 8 and differential sounds fine, I have checked the engine block from the bottom and top in detail and there are no leaks....I have not checked the rest though...however, during my test drive, I notice the engine or muffler is really noisy...I guess that is the normal "problem" with all subarus?

I will be checking the other components tonight...I will let you know what I find.

thanks again!!

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#2215 of 3121 by ateixeira

Jun 25, 2003 (10:43 am)

Boxers do have a unique sound, sort of a growl to them. It may be normal.

Maybe sample a different Subaru, see if there is a big difference.

An exhaust leak would cause a loud droning at highway speeds, so make sure you get out on the highway during your test drive.

-juice

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#2216 of 3121 by sybor

Jun 26, 2003 (10:32 am)

HI Juice and Brian,

I have test drived the vehicle and checked the things you have mentioned and the impreza outback sport is fine. Now, the salesgirl has advised me to purchase the extended warranty for this vehicle. I was rather surprised by the cost of this extended warranty and I wondering, do we really need the extended warranty? What major components of the Subaru Impreza Outback break down most of the time? And how expensive are they if they are purchased from the neighbourhood mechanic?

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#2217 of 3121 by sybor

Jun 26, 2003 (11:52 am)

HI Juice and Brian,

I have test drived the vehicle and checked the things you have mentioned and the impreza outback sport is fine. Now, the salesgirl has advised me to purchase the extended warranty for this vehicle. I was rather surprised by the cost of this extended warranty and I wondering, do we really need the extended warranty? What major components of the Subaru Impreza Outback break down most of the time? And how expensive are they if they are purchased from the neighbourhood mechanic?

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#2218 of 3121 by ateixeira

Jun 26, 2003 (7:36 pm)

There is a website you can shop for quotes, for Subaru OE warranties. You do not have to buy from the dealer, even for an OE warranty. Wish I knew the URL - anyone?

They cost more with used cars.

A lot of the stuff that fails - well, it would have failed by now. If it passed all those tests, your odds are good (there is always a chance).

-juice

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#2219 of 3121 First long drive by damish003

Jul 09, 2003 (10:23 am)

A quick report on passing the 1000 mile mark with my new OBS. I put around 900 miles on it over the past few days on a road trip to NY. Didn't use cruise very much because of the break-in and the loads of highway traffic this holiday, but cruise works OK. Wanted to downshift when accelerating via the cruise shifter, but I found that tapping it up instead of holding it took care of that problem. I must say, though, that the seats are miserable for a long drive. Shorter stuff, no problem, but not 3-4 hours at a time. Ouch! My herniated disc acted up on me after 6 hours, and stayed sore for two days. I'm going to try a lumbar pillow to see how that works, but man, those seats don't do well for long drives at all.

On a positive note, the car handled and behaved perfectly for the trip. Some cabin intrusion from road seams, but not bad considering the cars size. Good road manners, decent acceleration, comfortable steering...all good things. The OBS really is made for the twisties, though, of which the NYS Thruway has none. Long, boring drive. Surprisingly, the car doesn't get blown around too much being passed by semi's. Really handled well, so I'm pleased. I think I'll do a full review after a couple months, once I've put more mileage on it.

-Dan-

3121 messages, Last post on Nov 18, 2009 at 12:30 PM