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To: epluribus_2

Haha - got ya’ beat. Our ‘09 Outback is closing in on 300k. It’s had quite a few moderate issues: Right now, the power steering pump has a slow leak, and an exhaust leak has developed right where the split to the dual tailpipe occurs. But, that’s pretty normal maintenance stuff. She burns about 1 qt. of oil every 3k miles - to be expected, at this point. That works out ok, as 3k is my oil change interval.

Last year we were having a problem with too much coolant being forced into the reserve AF reservoir — it turned out that was due to the radiator cap needing replacement. I barked up multiple wrong trees on that one, as most diagnoses indicated air in the engine cooling system. I am now an expert in “burping” Outback engine cooling systems.

I really, really like driving / using that car, other than the cramped seating (which was corrected in Gen 4, which we also have one of.) Gen 4 is ok, but Subaru introduced more problems than they corrected, plus, the audio system, while “fancier”, with the nice display, fails at its most basic requirement: The sound is considerably poorer, and because of the dash / console integration, much more of a challenge to improve. IF I ever get time, I’ll upgrade some (some) of the speakers and completely bypass the electronics, so I can switch to my own mini-player, eq if needed, and amps feeding the speakers.

And as for the fuel, yes, anything above E-10 is definitely a no-no. Our 2014 Tahoe, OTOH, can burn up to E-85, at a bit of mileage penalty.


40 posted on 05/28/2026 12:36:33 PM PDT by Paul R. (Old Viking saying: "Never be more than 3 steps away from your weapon ... or a Uriah Heep song!" ;-))
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To: Paul R.

Got it for the safety features,(saved us a few times), stayed for the longevity. Good maintenance+ list.

OK with oil so far, change frequently.

sad thing is newer OB’s can’t get the v6. my 2017 feels like it has jet assist, afterburner.


57 posted on 05/28/2026 2:35:28 PM PDT by epluribus_2 (!)
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