Hello Orgers.
I'm looking into purchasing a Subaru 3rd Gen (2008 - 2009) model replace one or two of my other vehicles.
I've been a member of other car forums -- one from AutoGuide. I am accustomed to AG forums and the rules. I currently own the following vehicles.
91 - Infiniti Q45 150,000 miles (the summer daily driver)
98 - Nissan Maxima 240,000 miles (daughter drives it)
99 - Nissan Maxima SE 5-MT 230,000 miles (the modded toy)
04 - Honda Civic - 55,000 miles (eldest son drives it)
04 - Subaru Forester 2.5 - 135,000 miles (new addition that is getting a mid-life refresh for seals, gaskets, hoses, belts, water pump, head milling, the workis) it was running but suffered from a blown headgasket when my son bought it). Repairs for it finish next weekend. (youngest son will be driving it)
06 - Honda Ridgeline 150,000 miles. (the winter daily driver)
The Subaru Outback may replace the Q45 and Ridgeline. I like the idea of an AWD station wagon.
Me and my son and his neighbor buddy do all of our car maintenance. Normally I only use an outside shop for front-end alignments and tire installation/balancing services. Everything from engine swaps, clutch jobs, and air/cond work happens in my driveway or garage. I am equipped with 30 gallon compressed air tank and various impact tools. The tools have been collected over the past 10 years of DIY automobile maintenance.
Why am I interested in a Subaru Outback?
Based on my recent exposure to the Forester, these cars are easy to work on. Pulling the engine was one of the easiest that I've seen in a while -- especially on a modern car with all the emissions and feature loading.
I like:
1) Subaru AWD setup
2) Outback look
3) 2.5 L engine and the fact the engines haven't experienced radical change in a long time..
4) Legroom in the Forester. I understand the OB has the same room for the driver.
5) Easy to adjust valve lash clearance on the 3rd gen engine -- though I have no complaints with the shim/spacers on the VQ30 engines that not required any change
I dislike:
1) Cars with touch screens and NAV. Though I could tolerate it if the only thing I would lose would be NAV if the touchscreen fails. I try to keep the dashboard simple.
2) CVT transmissions. I know they have come a long way. I'm just not ready to go there until after the 2020 models are released.
3) Cars that consume oil.
When I look at the things I like about my other cars at a high level, it looks like a Subaru OB 3rd gen would be a good fit. Most likely the used OB I can find will have between 120,000 to 150,000 miles and need a timing belt service.
Fellow Org members, please share your 3rd gen OB experiences for this newcomer.
Thank you,
Craig
I'm looking into purchasing a Subaru 3rd Gen (2008 - 2009) model replace one or two of my other vehicles.
I've been a member of other car forums -- one from AutoGuide. I am accustomed to AG forums and the rules. I currently own the following vehicles.
91 - Infiniti Q45 150,000 miles (the summer daily driver)
98 - Nissan Maxima 240,000 miles (daughter drives it)
99 - Nissan Maxima SE 5-MT 230,000 miles (the modded toy)
04 - Honda Civic - 55,000 miles (eldest son drives it)
04 - Subaru Forester 2.5 - 135,000 miles (new addition that is getting a mid-life refresh for seals, gaskets, hoses, belts, water pump, head milling, the workis) it was running but suffered from a blown headgasket when my son bought it). Repairs for it finish next weekend. (youngest son will be driving it)
06 - Honda Ridgeline 150,000 miles. (the winter daily driver)
The Subaru Outback may replace the Q45 and Ridgeline. I like the idea of an AWD station wagon.
Me and my son and his neighbor buddy do all of our car maintenance. Normally I only use an outside shop for front-end alignments and tire installation/balancing services. Everything from engine swaps, clutch jobs, and air/cond work happens in my driveway or garage. I am equipped with 30 gallon compressed air tank and various impact tools. The tools have been collected over the past 10 years of DIY automobile maintenance.
Why am I interested in a Subaru Outback?
Based on my recent exposure to the Forester, these cars are easy to work on. Pulling the engine was one of the easiest that I've seen in a while -- especially on a modern car with all the emissions and feature loading.
I like:
1) Subaru AWD setup
2) Outback look
3) 2.5 L engine and the fact the engines haven't experienced radical change in a long time..
4) Legroom in the Forester. I understand the OB has the same room for the driver.
5) Easy to adjust valve lash clearance on the 3rd gen engine -- though I have no complaints with the shim/spacers on the VQ30 engines that not required any change
I dislike:
1) Cars with touch screens and NAV. Though I could tolerate it if the only thing I would lose would be NAV if the touchscreen fails. I try to keep the dashboard simple.
2) CVT transmissions. I know they have come a long way. I'm just not ready to go there until after the 2020 models are released.
3) Cars that consume oil.
When I look at the things I like about my other cars at a high level, it looks like a Subaru OB 3rd gen would be a good fit. Most likely the used OB I can find will have between 120,000 to 150,000 miles and need a timing belt service.
Fellow Org members, please share your 3rd gen OB experiences for this newcomer.
Thank you,
Craig
