Ask the Car People.SM


Subaru Legacy/Outback

11746 messages,  Last post on Dec 06, 2011 at 12:51 PM

You are in the Subaru Legacy & Outback Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback, Wagon

Messages Page 1053 of 1176

#10515 of 11746 Re: snow traction [bkaiser1] by thesubarunut

Jan 29, 2005 (4:12 pm)

Replying to: bkaiser1 (Nov 24, 2003 9:59 am)
I once sold 2002 & 2003 model Subaru's. As I recall from training classes, on all 5 speed models the torque from the engine is split equally 50/50 over the front and rear drive axles. All subies with a 5 speed (except new STI) work that way. Therefore, if you apply a good deal of torque to make the car go, the rear wheels can easily break loose on ice while they trying to 'push' the car forward. This slipage causes the rear of the car to try and pass the front.
 
With an automatic the AWD feature works differently. Under normal driving conditions, torque from engine is applied 90/10 in favor of the front drive wheels. But let any wheel, front or rear, start to loose grip and the torque will quickly be redirected up to a 50/50 split between the front and rear. It may even become 60/40 or 70/30 or some other combination, depending upon the severity.
 
In addition, if the rear axle is a limited slip differential type (which I believe many OB models come standardly equipped, but not so on Legacy models), then the torque to the rear wheels automatically gets applied to the left or right wheel with the most grip. This helps to significantly avoid all the fishtail drama.
 
I have a '97 OB wagon (over 100K) and '99 SUS sedan (60K), both are automatics. Try as I may, it is very difficult to get the rear end to try and pass the front, even on glare ice. I love both my cars and will never ever be without a Subie!

#10516 of 11746 Re: Outback advantage over Forester? [bat1161] by njswamplands

Jan 29, 2005 (4:20 pm)

Replying to: bat1161 (Jan 28, 2005 7:50 am)
my story sounds almost identical. my wife and i were looking for an outback and went instead with the forest xt. i've have never looked back since.

#10517 of 11746 2000 Legacy Outback by rallen

Jan 30, 2005 (5:53 am)

Hi everyone, I just bought a 2000 outback and was wondering if it has a Air Fitration/Pollen Filter in it. The previous owner was a smoker and if it has a filter I would like to change this.Thanks

#10518 of 11746 Re: 2000 Legacy Outback [rallen] by dcm61

Jan 30, 2005 (12:01 pm)

Replying to: rallen (Jan 30, 2005 5:53 am)
Air filtraiton was an option. Check the driver's door jamb to see if there's a "filter change" sticker to indicate that it may have or had a filter.
 
FYI - I believe the air filtration is for outside air only, so it may not filter interior smoke.
 
Here's a link to the air filtration installation guide: http://www.subaruparts.com/guides/Legacy_Air_Filter.pdf
 
DaveM

#10519 of 11746 Re: 2000 Legacy Outback [dcm61] by rallen

Jan 30, 2005 (2:40 pm)

Replying to: dcm61 (Jan 30, 2005 12:01 pm)
Thanks, Dave
  I will have to check out the door when I get my car back from the dealer. I picked up my car on Wed. and took it back on Sat. The belt keep squealing and the power steering wasn't working properly.

#10520 of 11746 Questions about 2.5L Outback engine reliability (thinking of trade-in) by bozman9

Jan 30, 2005 (9:32 pm)

Hello all,
 
Well, the wife and I are thinking of trading in our '02 Outback for the '05 Outback 2.5i model. The main thing that I keep wrangling with in my head is whether this is a wise move, so I'm looking for some advice. Our current Outback has 94,000 miles on it (we put about 30,000 miles/year on both of our Subies). The extended warranty (which pretty much paid for itself) ends in 6,000 miles. I know I need to get the timing belt replaced soon (about $200). Are there any major things I should be aware of with the 2.5L engines beyond 100,000 miles?
 
The car will be paid off in 2 more years, at which point it will have about 150,000 miles on it. So I am mainly trying to decide - trade in now while it still has warranty and some value (trade-in $$ only about $9500 due to the mileage) or wait two more years and trade in once it is paid off?
 
I worked out the numbers and we can basically swap this Outback for a new one and keep the exact same car payments, which is a pretty good testament to its resale value.
 
Thanks in advance,
 
Jason

#10522 of 11746 Gas Mileage by suvsrclunkers

Jan 31, 2005 (12:09 am)

I'm pondering buying an Outback and I was wondering what the REAL world gas mileages of Subaru Outback is. Anybody know?

#10523 of 11746 Re: Gas Mileage [suvsrclunkers] by rob999

Jan 31, 2005 (7:02 am)

Replying to: suvsrclunkers (Jan 31, 2005 12:09 am)
Are you interested in a turbo or non-turbo vehicle?
 
Anyway, I've been tracking gas mileage in an Excel spreadsheet since my car was new. I have a 2001 Outback 2.5 (non-turbo)with 5spd stick.
 
My average mileage is just under 24 MPG and I seem to get that regardless of whether it's my commute mileage or highway road trip mileage. My commute is 20% city, 80% expressway. On highway road trips I use highways where the posted speed is 75 mph, and I usually cruise at that or slightly above. I've only hit the EPA highway estimate of 26 mpg ONCE and that was a road trip in July where the outside temp was really high.
 
I wish Subaru would add an overdrive gear to their transmissions! The engines turn at 3,500 rpm at a highway speed of 75 mph. I would think the engines would have enough torque at a lower RPM to maintain highway speeds, and have the potential to deliver much better gas mileage. For fast acceleration at speed, I'll wager most of us stick drivers know how to do a downshift !

#10524 of 11746 Re: Questions about 2.5L Outback engine reliability (thinking of trade-in) by c_hunter

Jan 31, 2005 (8:22 am)

Replying to: bozman9 (Jan 30, 2005 9:32 pm)
Jason,
 
I am not a good source of advice since I am on my third Outback and looking towards the fourth already! I would say if the upgrades and refinements in the 05 appeal to you and you don't mind carrying car payments longer into the future, then go for it (my 05 is significantly better than my 02 was). However, I think your 02 could go to 150K miles easily as long as you continue to maintain it.
 
Craig

Messages Page 1053 of 1176

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement