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Subaru Legacy/Outback: MPG-Real World Numbers

130 messages,  Last post on May 04, 2012 at 4:49 PM

You are in the Subaru Legacy & Outback Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Outback, Fuel Efficiency (MPG), Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 9 of 13

#81 of 130 2009 OB 3.0 by rfrf

Feb 22, 2009 (9:19 pm)

Considering 09 OB 3.0 - anyone with mpg estimates and thoughts on the power? Thanks.

#82 of 130 Re: 2009 OB 3.0 [rfrf] by robsis

Feb 23, 2009 (6:50 am)

Replying to: rfrf (Feb 22, 2009 9:19 pm)
Power is excellent...I liked the 3.0 power delivery much better than the turbo....it is smoother and quieter. As to mileage, I have friends getting mid to high teens around town and mid 20's on the hwy. I also like the fact that the '09 says that premium is optional; however, if it is anything like another vehicle I own with premium optional, you will see a 5-10% drop in mileage when you use the regular grade....so check into this if you don't like spending the extra money on the premium gas.

#83 of 130 Re: Mileage [xwesx] by kidali

Feb 23, 2009 (9:43 am)

Replying to: xwesx (Feb 05, 2009 4:26 pm)
Thanks xwesx.
you seem to know your stuff.
 
You recommend a Subaru dealer, or should any decent mechanic be able to identify and replace whatever is needed?
 
I'll be taking it in once the weather starts warming up a bit (and my wallet is a little more full

#84 of 130 Re: 2009 OB 3.0 [rfrf] by samiam_68

Feb 23, 2009 (11:10 am)

Replying to: rfrf (Feb 22, 2009 9:19 pm)
I test drove a 09 3.0 OB two times, two different cars. First drive was in 40 degree temperature, the second in the 20's. Both times I thought the 3.0 engine was lethargic. It simply runs out of breath above 65 MPH. Around town it's just adequeate.
 
According to the trip meter, which I reset after a short warm-up, the mileage averaged around 17.5-18 MPG. Both test drives were around 10 miles long, with the Normal (Sport) setting on the SI-Drive. Both test drives were about half highway and half local traffic.
 
I personally would not recommend the 3.0.

#85 of 130 Re: Mileage [kidali] by xwesx

Feb 23, 2009 (12:54 pm)

Replying to: kidali (Feb 23, 2009 9:43 am)
For this type of work, any good mechanic should be able to assist. If you can find a reliable independent Subaru mechanic, your car will be quite thankful.
 
When considering how much money to throw at this problem, take a look at your driving, estimated fuel economy if running well, and mileage, then compare that to what you currently pay, and consider the difference between the two. Also consider that if the car is running more efficient, the engine will likely last you longer.

#86 of 130 Re: 2009 OB 3.0 [robsis] by rfrf

Feb 24, 2009 (8:04 am)

Replying to: robsis (Feb 23, 2009 6:50 am)
Am in the middle of making purchase decision and you put your finger on one of the remaining issues for me. Have you tried SI drive Intelligent mode?

#87 of 130 by robsis

Feb 28, 2009 (7:32 pm)

Yes and it does fine...not sure about the reply as to the poor aspiration of the 3.0 as I have not experienced that at all. I have test driven both the 08 and 09 3.0 at 5200 ft in cold weather and they wanted to both run strong well into the 90's, when I stopped due to the speed limit on the test road....! the sport mode seemed to bring it on stronger; however, I did not notice a huge difference when I put it in sport-sharp. The Intelligent mode seems the best overall for just plain everyday, which is why I believe that Subie put it there in the first place. The other modes are fun for short periods of time; however, you can just tell that your sucking more petrol.....
 
HTH
 
Robert

#88 of 130 Re: [robsis] by rfrf

Mar 12, 2009 (8:32 am)

Replying to: robsis (Feb 28, 2009 7:32 pm)
Have read through the posts re mpg estimates fro the 3.0 - not great, at lst compared to the Sub reported EPA of 19/26. did u notice if the Intelligent mode helped w/ mpg? I bet the 3.0 rides great.

#89 of 130 1st tank mpg 2009 Outback SE by morin2

Mar 26, 2009 (5:57 pm)

Auto trans 2.5 first tank calculated 28.3 mpg (350 mi/12.36 gals) today, with varying speeds for break-in period. Very pleased with this & I expect to do better when temp warms up & its broken in. I'm mostly all highway, rarely touch brakes & coast to stops. Same very gentle driving with previous vehicle (Silverado 5.3 extcab 4x4) got only 16mpg.

#90 of 130 Re: 1st tank mpg 2009 Outback SE [morin2] by ateixeira

Apr 03, 2009 (10:39 am)

Replying to: morin2 (Mar 26, 2009 5:57 pm)
That's pretty sweet, you beat my new Miata (smaller car, smaller engine, two wheels driven). I got 27 on my first tank, about the same on my 2nd.
 
28+ is sweet given the size of the vehicle. Never mind that it's AWD.

Messages Page 9 of 13

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