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Wagons Subaru Crew Subaru Legacy & Outback Subaru Legacy/Outback Engine Issues
253 messages, Last post on Jul 22, 2009 at 2:29 PM
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Replying to: lucymo (Sep 30, 2008 5:27 pm) The ignition coil is an $80 part. Two bolts to remove and replace, and it's right at the top/front of the engine. It takes about - 90 seconds to replace. How did that get to $800? It should be $80 plus half hour labor at the very most, so I don't see how you get to $800 from there. Sounds more like you need to replace your mechanic. Having said that, gaskets are indeed a concern. Check for leaks there and on the valve covers, and the front and rear main seals. Also listen to the wheel bearings, if they're noisy they're probably gone. If it's leak-free and quiet you're probably good for quite a while. I've seen 2 Foresters go over 250,000 miles.
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Replying to: paisan (Oct 01, 2008 7:03 pm) After my Subaru problems I searched the internet (and this site too) and saw many engine problems reported for Subarus, and not just the headgaskets. We were ready for the headgaskets when we bought the Legacy, but we weren't ready for the warped engine without it ever overheating or headgaskets actually blowing up on us. So there - put away about $3,000 just in case. I did look at the Mitsu reliability ratings - way better than Subarus. |
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Replying to: ateixeira (Oct 02, 2008 11:39 am) We already replaced the dealer, needless to say...
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Replying to: paisan (Oct 01, 2008 7:03 pm) I own an '03 Legacy ("non-Outback" , non-turbo year) 2.5 GT wagon / 5-spd manual. I love the car as a driver. Mechanically, though, I disagree with some of the reliability reports I've read. My head gaskets began leaking early in the year. They were replaced by my mechanic whom I consider to be quite competent - he's been working on my cars for 15 years or so. He advised me that Subaru is on the 6th or 7th iteration of the head gasket. This implies to me that they have been unsuccessful in resolving this expensive, recurring issue. In following Consumer Reports reliability ratings(which I have increasing unwillingness to honor), the black dots in the engine category are lag three to four years from current. I suspect this largely to be due to the head gasket issue. I would expect this problem to persist in all Legacy models going into the future, and to see it reflected in this pattern. Therefore, 1. Be cautious about purchasing a used model. I don't recommend buying a used model unless all maintenance records (as best as can be taken) accom- pany the vehicle. 2. Always have the mechanic scrutinize the engine for signs of head gasket leaks at every oil change. So far, I've had no repurcussions. My mechanic told me that this was caught relatively early and that he saw no damage to the block. But I will probably remain a little uncomfortable as long as I own the car that I may eventually experience some additional problems related to this issue in the future. I read a mechanic's blog from a known dealer in the Seattle area who seemed to want to put the truth out there. He claimed that, of the head gaskets he's replaced with no damage to the block, no further issues usually occur. Of course that's one opinion of many. One last comment, to agree with Paisan above. My mechanic has reported that he believes that he's seeing more issues in general with all Japanese makes. Now they may occuring more or less depending upon the brand, but even Toyota and Honda are seeing issues like this because all of the Asian brands (including Korean) sold in this country use Aluminum Blocks. Aluminum flexes more than does cast iron from heat. This means that states in warmer climates are probably more condusive to heat-related engine issues (I live in the Atlanta area). Be aware of that. But Subaru's, I think, are still pretty good cars. They ride pretty well; handle pretty well; are among the safer models on the roads; and, with proper maintenance, will still probably serve well for a number of years (hopefully!). Good luck to you. |
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To own a Car is to maintain a Car. No matter what model you buy, you're gonna have to maintain it. Why bash Subaru for being nothing more than a Car that from time to time, needs work on it. If you buy any make of Car with 100k+ Miles on it, get ready to start fixing it, that's why the Person is selling it... To purchase a Subaru with over 100k Miles on it then come on to a forum and tell People not to buy a Subaru because yours broke down is a little odd in my Book.
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Replying to: kentuckyranger (Oct 05, 2008 10:13 pm) |
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| Well I had the dealership fax me service records for the car. It hasn't had the timing belt done, so I would have that replaced right away, the head gaskets have been done, so we're good there. The car has been serviced 23 times in its life. Mostly oil changes every 7500 miles. Parking brake has been replaced twice and the alternator has been replaced. Check engine light has been on three times, the oil pump has been resealed, new battery, transverse link cam seal inspection. They are asking $4370 for the car and my trade in value is $2,000. So I don't think that's too bad. Any feedback anyone? | |
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Replying to: lucymo (Oct 02, 2008 4:25 pm) Good because they were far from honest with you. I've changed a coil myself, it's a piece of cake, and cost me $79 shipped. |
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HI, Re: MY08, 2.5 manual I am having trouble with Subaru over a few issues. Any ideas or fixes? Subaru claim this is all normal and intentional, and cannot help. ONE After a normal cold start, I try to back out the driveway (with minimal-no throttle) and the car starts revving on its own, in the range 2000-3200 rpm. Lucky I dont keep letting the clutch out with brake off! It usually cycles down, back up, and down again. I have posted some clips on utube. Subaru say: "normal operational characteristic. This warm-up cycle is normal to see in this model and indicates a safe and optimal warm-up for your vehicle's engine. Rest assured there is no "undue wear" caused by this operation." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=im3t0CQ0nvM>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzWk1QXJzJU>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0JM8Fs37WU>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSgVmrOrvdg>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1Mnx-EMrlQ>> TWO There is no fine throttle control possible.. Its fly by wire I think, and its either on or off.. there is no feathering of the throttle possible. Try going down hill, or doing a hill start, or crawling in traffic, or even a normal start in first gear. Its terrible. Subaru say: "your concerns pertaining to "poor throttle control" are, in fact, normal to see and are indeed characteristics of operation" THREE When upshifting, the revs maintain for a moment even with no throttle. I bought a manual to have full control. Not to have it taken away. Not happy Jan. Subaru say: "feature found in Subaru vehicles which assists in gear changes, ensuring minimal wear to clutch components and smoother gear transition. We do not consider this normal operation to be a safety risk, rather, a beneficial feature designed with longevity in mind." FOUR Try double-clutch and rev while down changing. It really consfuses things. The car starts revving just as you get into the lower gear when you want slowing, and then realises theres no throttle and backs off. Subaru say in conclusion: we believe your vehicle to be operating to manufacturer's specifications
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