Ask the Car People.SM


Subaru Crew Problems & Solutions

19283 messages,  Last post on May 01, 2013 at 9:15 AM

You are in the Subaru Crew Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Impreza, Subaru Outback, Subaru Forester, Subaru Legacy, Coupe, Sedan, Wagon, SUV


Go to NHTSA to file a safety complaint.
Or call Monday-Friday (8 am to 8 pm ET) (888) 327-4236 TTY: (800)424-9153
 
Your Community Leaders are ateixeira and rsholland.

Messages Page 1808 of 1930

#18062 of 19283 Re: '00 Outback - Burnt smell [machius] by lilbluewgn02

Apr 15, 2009 (2:24 pm)

Replying to: machius (Apr 15, 2009 12:01 pm)
My WRX recently had a smell also. It turned out to be leaks form the cam and crank seals and valve cover gaskets hitting the hot engine. I am waiting for the parts and it was also suggested I do the timing belt an spark plug change while they are in there. I am having a well recommended local Subaru mechanic do the work when the parts come in. This is on my 2002 WRX, which has approximately 71,000 miles on it.

#18063 of 19283 Rust spots in Subaru by kurtamaxxxguy

Apr 28, 2009 (7:03 pm)

Given some states love to throw Salt on roads,
have Subaru owners noticed any particular place on the vehicle that seems prone to rust?
 
I have anti-corrosion sprays but don't want to go wild spraying the stuff everywhere under the chassis.

#18064 of 19283 Re: Rust spots in Subaru [kurtamaxxxguy] by jay_24

Apr 29, 2009 (6:23 am)

Replying to: kurtamaxxxguy (Apr 28, 2009 7:03 pm)
Wisconsin and Minnesota are the kings of salt throwing. There are days with more salt on the road than snow or ice. That said, the trusty little `01 outback I have has zero rust, even with a good number of paint chips on the hood. Granted the chips are only down to the primmer and not to bare metal. The other plus of the older subies is the plastic cladding, maybe not for looks, but for the rust proof. The lower rocker panels and door edges tend to be the rust zones on most vehicals in this area. Most cars/trucks in the last 10 years don't seem to rust nearly as bad as before.

#18065 of 19283 Re: Rust spots in Subaru [kurtamaxxxguy] by ateixeira

Apr 29, 2009 (11:38 am)

Replying to: kurtamaxxxguy (Apr 28, 2009 7:03 pm)
My 98 Forester did well as far as the panels went.
 
I had the plasti-chrome lettering on the back hatch start to oxidize, though it was more a loss of shine. I'm not sure if they were coated metal or plastic.
 
Certain parts of the exhaust - like hanger, were starting to rust also. Also some brake parts.
 
Mostly surface rust. They salt the roads here big time. I also drove it on the beach several times, getting salt water on the undercarriage.
 
Fun, but a mess to clean up later.

#18066 of 19283 Re: Rust spots in Subaru [kurtamaxxxguy] by toboggan

May 12, 2009 (1:37 pm)

Replying to: kurtamaxxxguy (Apr 28, 2009 7:03 pm)
My '98 OBW Ltd 5 spd has been run through a car wash that sprays the bottom and wheel wells quite thoroughly. I do this religiously during the Minnesota winters. Also touched up any paint scratches as I found them.
 
The only rust spot is on the top at the rear screw on the roof protector. When it finally gets warm enough up here, I'll unscrew the offending screw, lift the protector, scrape the rust off, put on rust stuff and repaint the silver dollar sized area.
 
There is only 118,000 miles on the OBW (semi-retired since we bought a 2008 Tribeca for our main vehicle). Plus we tow it behind the motor home. But I'm now eyeing the 2010 Outbacks.

#18067 of 19283 Requested: Mechanic for SF Bay Area for major repairs on 2000 OB Ltd by martijnh

May 18, 2009 (10:42 pm)

Hi all,
 
Greetings from our 2 Subaru family. Our 2000 OB Ltd has finally started to show its age after 9 years and 115k of faithful service. After 2 incidents of the CEL coming on (Cylinder 4 misfire), the dealer took a look. Here's the report:
- Valve adjustment needed to avoid engine misfire ($500)
- Headgasket leaking, apparently oil on one side, coolant on the other (I'm a little concerned about this diagnosis. ($2500, incl valve adjustment)
- Front wheelbearings need to be replaced. It's been making a clunky noise for a long time, but never diagnosed properly. ($750)
 
Of course, dealer quotes are usually generous. So I wanted to know if one of you has a suggestion for a more affordable, yet trustworthy,mechanic in the San Francisco Bay Area. We actually have a 3rd car (MINI!!), so I can easily drop the Subie off anywhere and leave it to be repaired.
 
Then there is the 'Am I doing the right thing by spending up to $3000 on a car worth about double that' question. Should I trade in an pick up a 2009 as that model is on the way out? Or even a 2010?
 
Would appreciate advice on a mechanic in the SF Bay area, and whether I can reasonably expect this car to have a number of worry-free years if I spend some big $$$ on it.
 
 
 
Thank you for your responses

#18068 of 19283 Re: Requested: Mechanic for SF Bay Area for major repairs on 2000 OB Ltd [martijnh] by ateixeira

May 19, 2009 (8:19 am)

Replying to: martijnh (May 18, 2009 10:42 pm)
With that high mileage I think I'd cut my losses and just trade it in now, even if you don't get much for it.

#18069 of 19283 Re: Requested: Mechanic for SF Bay Area for major repairs on 2000 OB Ltd [martijnh] by kurtamaxxxguy

May 19, 2009 (1:50 pm)

Replying to: martijnh (May 18, 2009 10:42 pm)
At 9 years your vehicle has given long and faithful service.
Most consumer mags I've reviewed saying that if repairs cost half the value of the device, it's time to get new one.
 
Wrt new OB, if you want turbo, '09 is last year you can get one. '10 also appears to simplify the AWD system (planetary diff is gone in all in all but H-6 engine version).
The '10 CVT, while impressive in design, is new. '10 has more interior room and is remarkably more like the Forester.
 
You might try driving an '09 XT-L as well as an Outback.

#18070 of 19283 Re: Requested: Mechanic for SF Bay Area for major repairs on 2000 OB Ltd [kurtamaxxxguy] by xwesx

May 19, 2009 (2:07 pm)

Replying to: kurtamaxxxguy (May 19, 2009 1:50 pm)
Most consumer mags I've reviewed saying that if repairs cost half the value of the device, it's time to get new one.
 
Haha; of course they will say that.... they want you to keep consuming!

#18071 of 19283 Re: Requested: Mechanic for SF Bay Area for major repairs on 2000 OB Ltd [xwesx] by kurtamaxxxguy

May 19, 2009 (3:21 pm)

Replying to: xwesx (May 19, 2009 2:07 pm)
Consumer Reports has a fair bit of info on this subject.
 
If you really like what you are driving, then it may be worth investing half the vehicle's value in repairs.
But keep in mind there may be other problems lurking. Cars wear out.
I had my '83 Toyota Camry until '92, and in '92 its paint was badly fading, engine was burning oil, suspension was nearly worn out, various parts rusting. Though it was maintained regularly, that car was done. However, other than two timing belts and disk rotors, it was a solid reliable piece of transportation.

Messages Page 1808 of 1930

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