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Subaru Outback

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Q: Would a flowmaster exhaust work on a 2002 Subaru outback?
Hi, I have a 2002 Subaru outback and was wondering if there was any kind of flowmaster, magnaflow system that would work with it. Would I be better off with a exhaust tip? All im really looking for is sound. Thanks

A: for some reason, 4 cylinders do not get that deep throaty sound like whats in the commercial, I dont know why, but thats the way its always been. A lot of people ask on here and off hand for the most part I couldnt tell you, I do know that the best place to ask that question is a local muffler shop, this is what they do for a living, and I do know from past experience by going down and asking questions (which cost nothing) you can find out lots of good information. One thing I can tell you, is do not buy a cheap muffler. spend at least 50 bucks, those cheap chinese mufflers come apart after about a year, inside and you have to listen to this crappy muffler rattle like someone threw a bunch of tin cans in the exhaust pipe, so save yourself some hassle, buy a good muffler, and it should last five or more years.

Q: subaru outback leaking coolant how to tell exactly what and where it is?
2002 outback subaru wagon with 2.5 started about a month ago with the smell of cooking antifreeze now seems to be getting a little worse it comes out under the engine and hits the exhaust pipe that crosses the motor checked the oil ,not milky and doesnt seem to have oil in coolant resivoir where is it coming from for sure and why. thank you

A: My 2000 RS did the same thing and thank God it was not a headgasket. It was just a leak from the upper radiator hose dripping down and hitting the exhaust. I hope that your leak is as simple.

Q: Should I buy a 2001 Subaru Outback with 100K after reading about all the problems?
After reading all the problems with head gasket problems on the 2001 Outback, is a 1 owner Outback with 100K really a good deal for $4500? If I have to address a head gasket, timing belt, and water pump, $1500 is a lot of money.

A: You don’t say if this is the Legacy Outback Wagon, the Legacy Outback Sedan, or the Impreza Outback Sport – big difference. Let’s assume the larger Outback Wagon. You don’t say if it’s the Limited edition, the LLBean Edition, or the standard edition. Let’s assume the standard. You don’t say if it has an automatic or five speed manual transmission. Let’s assume the manual. You don’t say if you’re buying from a private party or a Dealer – potentially big difference. Let’s assume a Retail (Dealer) sale. You don’t say what kind of shape the car is in – poor, average, or excellent. Let’s assume excellent (You did say “one owner”).

http://www.kbb.com/used-cars/subaru/outback/2001/retail-value/pricing-report?id=5028&condition=excellent&mileage=100000

The N.A.D.A.price for the car, with the above assumptions and 100,000 miles is $9,370. If the car you’re looking at is as assumed, it’s a GREAT BARGAIN !!

I don’t know where you’ve been reading about “all the problems,” but the only one I’ve heard about is a head gasket problem with some cars. I have a 1997 Outback Wagon, Limited, with 143,000 miles on the odometer that should be worth $5,720. In over 13 year on the road I’ve spent a total of about $1,600 in repairs on the car, and that includes $600 in the last couple of months (Yep, mine is finally getting old). No head gasket problem.

Do all of the things you should on a used car: check the CarFax (but don’t rely on it exclusively), drive the car paying close attention to brakes, steering, and engine sounds, get a mechanic’s opinion, and CHECK DOCUMENTATION of required services, maintenance, and any repairs. If some of the paper is missing, but a general picture of good care is evident, consider the car. If there is no paper on the car, walk away.

If everything checks out, you ought to get at least four years with the car for your $4,500. Assume you can sell it for around $4,500 then (less than what my Limited is worth). That’s a free car!

The price is so low, it almost sounds suspicious. Be sure to look carefully for evidence of major accident damage. The Car Fax and your mechanic should be able to assure you the car has not been “totalled,” or otherwise heavily damaged. If the title is “Salvage,” do not buy the car.

Q: Can you change the transmission of a Subaru 2006 Forester to a Subaru 2006 Outback?
I need to change the automatic transmissions from a Subaru 2006 Forester to a Subaru 2006 Outback.

A: same engines then your good if one a turbo and the other is not then won’t be able to due to gear ratio problems

Q: How can I connect an ipod to the mcintosh stereo in my Subaru Outback VDC?
I have an outback vdc with a factory-installed McIntosh stereo. What is the best way to add an ipod adapter while maintaining optimal sound quality? Any advice on a brand of clip and an elegant means of mounting it within the car would be very helpful. Ideally I would like a clip that also serves as a mounting cradle – I want to avoid having a wire dangling in the car when the ipod is not hooked up. thanks

A: You need to go to Radio Shack and get an adapter.

Q: I just bought a 2010 subaru outback. How long can I expect it to last without any problems and repairs?
I drive about 1000 to 1200 miles a month and the only maintenance i get done is oil change and once a month i check tire pressure. I do not ever open the hood to see coolant or oil level.

With such lifestyle, how long can i expect it to last?

A: Im pretty sure you got some warranty on it. If I were you, anything that comes up, I would make them fix it asap. As for how long it’s going to last Is a matter of how you take care of and maintenance it. Also, it’s luck. Some people can treat their cars like babies and still have problems. But for now, you should be fine.

Q: What is the song that plays during the Subaru Outback commercial?
It sounds like Regina Spektor almost, even Hope, or Adelle.

The man is coming out of a cave is all I remember about the TVCM.
Someone please help.

A: Before I Knew by Basia Bulat

Q: why is the subaru outback more expensive than the forester?
It seems counter intuitive that the suv costs less than the car
So can I re-ask that. Why is the legacy more expensive than the impreza? I thought the AWD was one size fits all? Are the outback and legacy two different models?

A: Legacy is bigger size than the Impreza, Legacy has more room, longer and wider wheel base. Some states even stated that Legacy (or Outback) are SUV; but I will disagree.

Impreza has higher power, lower weight, more sport-look car for fun driving. Legacy is more on the family vehicle.

After 2000, Legacy and Outback are separated. In the original place in Japan, there is only Legacy while Outback was introduced in US/Canada back in 1996.

The forester was target to be the compact SUV by Subaru. The base model of Outback usually less than the forester about 1000-2000 bucks. However, the full option Outback in 2009 model can go as high as 35k while the forester is around 30k.

In conclusion, Impreza is a sport sedan, Legacy is family car, outback is between the family car/SUV, forester is compact SUV. and we are comparing 3 different level of cars.

Q: My 03′ Subaru Outback has a delayed acceleration in the morning. Any idea what might be causing this?
This only happens after it hasn’t been running for a while, like in the morning. Outside Temp doesn’t seem to effect it. It will drive slowly like when you put it in drive but don’t give it any gas. Then when you give it gas it takes 10 – 20 or so seconds to start accelerating. It is an automatic. Could it possibly be dirty Fuel injectors, transmission, fuel filter. Any ideas, or anyone with similar problems?

A: From experiance, I’d say few things working together to give you this problem. See, ALL newer cars have an automatic thermostat controlled choke for the fuel injectors. BUT, in the summer time, you shouldn’t have to wait more than at least fourty seconds for the engine and fluids to be up to temp. The other thing it could be is that your fuel filter is clogged badly thanks to the ethanol cleaning out your tank, fuel lines(yes, you have more than one. one goes to the injectors and one goes BACK to the tank) and injectors. A newer product (I think it’s called STARTUP? maybe)for this will help, but you’ll still need a new fuel filter. The other problem definitely sounds like a new tranny fitler, fluid and even a good flushing may be in order. Had to do that to my ‘81 AMC Eagle station wagon a few years ago. Ugly job too.

Q: 2005 Subaru Outback: What’s the best option to play MP3?
I live in an area with quite a bit of radio interference so FM adapters are typically pointless and I want to be able to listen to my Ipod, hassle free. Subaru now has Ipod compatability but from my understanding they cannot modify a 2005 Outback. What are my best options for listening to my Ipod with quality sound?

A: an auxiliary input which u can connet your ipod mp3 player dvd player and other sources to your factory radio and which i have for sale

Q: ‘97 Subaru Outback Needs Major Repair: Is it Worth It?
I have a ‘97 Subaru Outback with 136,000 miles on it that has a cracked radiator, bad starter, and a blown head gasket. Repairs have been estimated at $2500+. Is it worth it to get it fixed?

A: I was in a similar situation with my 98 Outback. It needed new head gaskets. When the heads were removed, the pistons and cylinders were in such bad shape it was recommended that I scrap the car or have the engine rebuilt (which was going to cost around $4000).

The rest of the car was in good shape and I really enjoyed driving it. So, I had the engine rebuilt (at 264,000 miles) and I’m still driving it at 336,000 miles.

According to KBB.com, your vehicle, after the repairs, will be worth around $4500. If you really like the vehicle, I’d get it repaired. But only with a mechanic who knows Subaru’s very well and can check out the rest of the car.

Q: Is the Subaru Outback Sport a nice car to drive?
The 2010 model looks like a fun car. I’m wondering what owners think of them and if they are comfortable and reliable. Thanks!

A: I think that Subaru hands down makes the best cars on the market. Two family members have 2009 Outback Sports (same body style) and they’re great cars to drive. Fun, safe, reliable, and amazing in bad weather.

Q: How do you remove the factory stereo in a 1998 subaru outback impreza?
I read a bunch of iunstructions online and they are talking about screws and stuff but i see no screw or even screw covered by plugs in this thing! Where are they! I’m pretty sure as soon as I can figure out how to remove the panel ill be fine but I can’t see where to start doing that.

A: ok. i have the same car same year. also removed the radio. technically, the gearshift covers or whatever needed to come off BUT by pushing down on the very top of the plate around the radio/ heat settings i was able to pop the top of the plate off and then pry and maneuver the bottom of the plate off. honestly i cant remember what went on with the clips on the side of the plate. they easily popped off by pushing the sides together. it went back on Much easier than it came off and it fits tightly back in place. as far as i know no pieces were broken. the ash tray needs to be removed first and the cigarette lighter might have to be unplugged once plate is off. this is what i did from what i remember hope its specific enough to help. as far as any screws, i honestly dont rembemer but i dont remember any problems getting to them one way or another.

Q: How do you replace the rear hatch struts on a 2001 Subaru outback wagon?
I have a newish pair of struts to replace my bad ones. Looks like the top attachment is pressed in. Are they easy to pop our or will I need a special tool?

A: Do you have replacement factory ones? And did they not come with the entire piece that attaches to the body with bolts?

On the ones I have done, if it is after market you drill out the OEM attachment point on the bracket and run a nut & bolt through the eye of the new strut. So if you don’t see a way to get it detached, you might need to do that and run a nut & bolt. You need to be careful of the size of bolt head and outer diameter of the nut and the length of the bolt to make sure it does not interfere with the hatch when it closes.

Q: How do I unlock a seatbelt on a Subaru Outback?
Ok, my front seatbelt is stuck on the hanger in the back seat. I can’t get it off because the seatbelt has seemed to lock. And ideas?

A: Unscrew and remove the hanger. There is usually a piece of plastic covering the screw. Remove the plastic covering and unscrew the hanger.

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