Have a 2007 Impreza WRX, had her 5 years and it is without doubt by far the best vehicle I have ever owned. Fantastic build quality, engine is a monster and I love the snow ability. Just a great great car. Well done Subaru !
Thank you for the video. I have a 2015 WRX. No blow off valve or showing off at the light 😬. It is refreshing that Subarus are still simple cars to do preventive maintenance on, which I enjoy. And, the OEM parts prices are reasonable when compared to other manufacturers. Thank you for letting us be a part of your work at the shop so we can learn from your knowledge. Merry Christmas!🎁🎄
Thanks Paul. If I was going to buy a Subaru it would likely be a WRX. Sweet car! Thank you for being a part of the discussion and for watching. Merry Christmas!
Thank you. I'm a disable Vet & wheelchair bound, and to take up more of any service manager's valuable time to debate what the major fixes are that I can afford answers the question of what can I help prepare for someone to help me @ any shop. So it looks like your's is the best large issue maintenance video for all of the Outback cars. I recognize young people could cause Post T Subaru syndrome, & that's why you are almost the knowledge guy who can call himself "Doctor". That meant a lot to someone like me. You gave & have taken what seems like the exact description of how to expect Subarus to keep maintained in your succinct, concise & direct delivery. You represent what must be the best of your profession, & for an old Vet with trauma memory problems, it is exactly what I can study & make notes from, trying to remember enough past my memory problems to present to someone I go to for help on a Subaru.
Subaru owner for 10 years here: 01 Legacy GT Limited 5MT, 114K miles. Been in family since brand new, given to me @ 24K miles. Valve cover gaskets: I can confirm oil on plug from bad valve cover gaskets. Replaced my valve cover gaskets/spark plug gaskets myself a year ago (was pretty easy!) and plugs were oiled up. Replaced with NGK Iridium IX plugs and NGK wireset. Bearings: Front wheel bearings started to make noise on me around 65K or so, got worse around 85K and got them replaced. I think the shop used really crappy bearings because within a couple years, those bearings started going bad. Replaced those with Timken bearings @ 107K miles a year ago, and they've been smooth as can be. Bushings: Rear differential bushings also went to hell around 90K miles or so. You'd hear a clunk whenever accelerating. It got annoying. The Subaru bushings SUCK! I bought them, my buddy tried to install them and he absolutely could not get them in. He wrecked one trying to install it. Got some Whiteline polyurethane bushings which were easy to install, and have been great. Only other non-maintenance issue I've had was the knock sensor which threw a CEL at 91K miles. Had a hose for the power steering crack which kept leaking fluid. Cut the cracked end off and reconnected it to the reservoir and no more leaks. I had the timing belt/tensioners/water pump/thermostat/serpentine belts/fuel filter replaced at 106K miles. Also replaced the steering rack just because I drove it offroad more than I should have in the earlier years I owned the car and wanted to replace it. Front brake pads were toasted @ 86K miles, I waited too long to inspect them which was my fault, and it was only $50 for new pads all around and they're pretty easy to replace. Just bought brand new tires for it 10 months ago. I always changed the oil with only synthetic, around every 5K miles or so. When I pulled the valve cover gaskets off, it was so clean! I have documented nearly everything I've done to my car, as well as taken pictures. I created a spreadsheet to keep track of it all, which also tells me how many miles I've driven since having a part replaced which is nice. Bottom line: what an amazing car she has been to me! I love this car so much and will never sell it. I have 100% confidence driving this car in the snow. Nearly everyone in our family owns a Subaru, a close friend of mine just bought a new one. Just keep up with maintenance, as with any car!
Thank you for sharing your personal Subaru story in depth! I appreciate your attention to detail and record keeping. Many Subaru owners are meticulous in maintaining and caring for their vehicles like yourself and it shows a pride of ownership and loyalty to the brand. I commend you on your commitment to properly care for your vehicle and not just drive it into the dirt and buy a newer model(all too common now days) Thanks again for the feedback. Blessings!
You're very welcome! I hope it can help people to see that Subaru's are amazing vehicles when they're cared for. I have a lot of pride of ownership of mine. I generally pay a lot of attention to detail, enjoy being organized, and have a passion for cars, so that's part of why I like having a spreadsheet and a physical folder with receipts and documentation. I was taught to value and care for the things I own. I live in Denver and have noticed that the WRX and STI owners here are very well mannered. The Honda owners, not so much..
Glycerin the problems I've had with my 2004 which has been handed down 2 me is that we replaced the head once, head gaskets twice. stock bearings were changed ages ago and the ones we have are still very good. aside the brakes and changing the belt..
This was probably the best regular maintenance, common problem super video I've ever watched. I have a 2009 outback 2.5 and I bought an error code machine, and I've seen some of these errors. Now I know what they actually look like for them from an up close point of view. I don't you work on my own supers, but I'm certainly more knowledgeable when I take it to the dealer now! Thanks 1 million!
Fuel pump under the back seat??? Freakin' brilliant! No dropping the tank for a replacement. I'm actually picking up my first Suby (06 Forester) in two days. Had head gaskets, WP, TB, replaced at the Subaru dealer. Has an excellent service record, but I'm glad videos like this exist. I've worked on lots of Fords and Dodges, never a Subaru. After hours on UA-cam they don't seem so alien to me anymore.
We are very proud of our Subaru's , We have bought and sold 14 of them over the years. My latest is a 2002 Outback VDC 3.0 . Has 301,007 miles . Just replaced the valve cover gaskets due to oil leak. Has been a Great Car. Have a 2015 Outback too.
I'm on my 8th Subaru (new Ascent) and wouldn't have anything else but agree with you totally. Like any make or model they're not perfect and they're not for everybody. Thanks for a fair assessment.
If anyone has a 2002-2004 Outback L.L. Bean edition, do NOT take it for granted. We had one, and LOVED it. It never had head gasket issues as far as I know; but after I put around $3000 into it between the 160K & 185K mile marks, to catch up on neglected service, replacing all rear suspension bushings, struts, vc gaskets, plugs, tires, battery, alternator, CV axles, tie rod and boots, brake pads and rotors, idler and tensioner pulleys, & transmission, mostly with updated components, I FLIPPED it during a freak accident on a typical work trip. I did all of the work except the transmission replacement, so I feel like I lost my baby. Yeah, yeah, yeah, my wife & I both lived & walked away without a scratch, great (thank God and Subaru--"they lived"). But do you know how hard it is to replace a good-shape 2002 L.L. Bean edition Subaru Outback (at least in SC), let alone in a color that doesn't make you puke? If you FIND a 2002-2004 L.L. Bean edition in GOOD shape for a GOOD price actually FOR SALE, you have found a unicorn with 4-leaf clovers for fur. I waited 6 months, looking EXTENSIVELY for cars (looking at over 100 dealerships physically, and more than that online), two or more states out in all directions, getting rides from friends and borrowing the in-law's car, willing to pay up to $8200 for any GOOD 2002-2004 car. The only good ones I saw were not for sale at all. I finally had to give up and settle for an ugly 2005. My bro-in-law said it looked like hydrated piss. The ONLY value added was the power, in my opinion. For '05, they took away the cavernous glove box and console, took away the nice organizing under-floor storage compartment in the back (the one they have now is not as good), took away the weather band radio, took away the rock shields on the fog lights, took away the higher quality leather seating, messed up the whole HVAC/stereo/storage console layout that had been perfect, switched to a seemingly lesser quality steering wheel, added a power seat side fascia that stays popped off even after having the dealership "fix" it, added the most annoying seat belt reminder chime ever, added dual climate control that failed 3 hours after I left the lot, didn't improve the rear console-mounted pop-out drink holder, added TPMS sensors that always say the tires are low, didn't improve the door handles that dissolve from the oils in people hands, added "rubber" floor mats that should be awesome except that the securing hooks rip through them, made the visor extensions interfere with the rear view mirror, didn't improve the self-dimming mirror that self destructs, and combined the rear defroster with the mirror defroster (this taxes the alternator more needlessly when you only need one or the other, and the 2002 had trouble keeping up when all accessories were going at once in the first place). That's just what I recall off the top of my head. At least the wiper defroster was not erased. I still love Subaru, but I specifically love the 2002-2004 model Outback L.L. Bean edition cars. I miss that 2002. Whenever I get into almost any other car to drive, my reaction is the same as Scotty's from 'Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home', when he had to use an 80's computer. "How quaint."
immaculatelation I HAVE a 2002 L.L.BEAN... THE TRANS AN ENGINE IS FAULTLESS PERFORMER.. IT NEEDS BRAKES AN STRUTS.. THE CD IS STUCK .. TAPE PLAYER DOESNT WORK .. RADIO IS FINE..MOON ROOFS WORK... I ADORE MY CAR, but MUST sell it because I can't afford Repairs...it also has 334k... Sale $500.00.
Did you sell it yet? What state do you live in? I had to pass up another Subaru for $250 recently, as we ended up getting a Toyota Camry and were tight on funds at the time. Our 2005 needs a suspension rebuild and it's not as nice as the 2002-2004 models, but it runs like a scalded dog.
yal100 I HATE myself for saying this... But i have to move soon an may Junk it for scrap... Even though it runs flawlessly.... It needs a bit of Attention... But i can't afford to keep it... It DOES have 231 k on odometer... No leaks at ALL BUT needs brakes an suspension work on front-end... But a POWERFUL SWEEET RIDE an FUCKIN FAST flat six 24 Valve engine... 😕 👋 👋...
I'm a Subaru owner and I appreciate you sharing your expertise regarding these cars. Please continue sharing, it helps us mechanical laymen become aware of potential problems and solutions. Thanks
This is very thorough. I haven't seen those parts since I was very young helping my bf fix old cars. Excellent tour under the car! Am buying a 2018 Subaru Forester and plan to take it back to Hawaii with me. Tough road conditions there! Am more encouraged toward my purchase after seeing this. Also the mention of the heads, which non-subie people do still bring up.
have my second Subaru 2011 Tribeca. My first 2007 Forester LL Bean model kept wearing out front driver side tire. Service manager told me they couldn't get it aligned properly. He said he had to order some camber bolts to fix the issue. Never happened. I traded it in in 2011. They are great in the snow they walk right through it. This was a very well made video, I do a lot of my own repairs, been doing what I can since 1966.
Thx for the video,As a tech myself I look at how things are built, put together and hold up.As for the haters, clearly very limited mechanical back ground clearly.Having several Foresters 16 and 11 , they are great and having a wide open area under the hood which further proves someone thinks about those that have to work on them when/if needed.I agree with you about the Fel-pro gaskets,and proper torque is your friend with anything.Working on jet aircraft and owning a small engine business, Ive seen a lot of mechanical applications of bad designs and engineering. I can say this, this is not seen in Subarus.
I got my first Subaru this August (2018). A 2015 Forester and this video gave a lot of good information. Reassuring to know Subaru 'fixed' the valve cover leakage issues. Swapped out my Ford pick up truck for the Forester because I am older and don't use the truck for work anymore, ...and Subaru gets TWICE the gas mileage. A real plus.
Remember pal, Subarus are delicate. I paid $22k for a mildly used Jeep replacement and instead I got a delicate little flower. Had to replace the same bearing and control arm twice now. All four wheel bearings are showing damage from less than 10k miles of regular driving. The interior is delicate/cheap as well. But you'd have to actually have people getting in your car to realize the flaws. I did tons of research. Subaru seemed ideal on paper/internet. I do my own repairs, and I recognize Subarus are easy/efficient to maintain, but I'm severely disappointed and am now convinced Subaru is simply a marketable scam ie. brand. Subarus are great cars for soccer moms.
You are right, the redesign starting on the 2010 Legacy ended the head gasket failures for the most part. I have a 2013 Legacy 3.5 H6 engine with 96,000 miles on it and it does burn a little oil, but the head gasket is perfectly fine. In fact, all it has needed is regular maintenance (spark plugs, headlight bulbs, transmission fluid, oil changes, etc.) The only thing is those horrible headlight bulbs which are a pain to replace as you state correctly, burn out every four years or 60,000 miles and are a huge pain to replace. Love your video - accurate on everything! I suspect the wheel bearing will need replacing soon - around 120,000.
I like your approach and your video. First time I have watched. My 2005 Montanna van is in the shop....again (!)...soooo I am currently borrowing my 17 yr old son's 1990 Suburu Legacy 4dr sedan, which he was given by his Grannie earlier this year. She bought it in 1994. It had been in an accident by it's orig. owner, witten off by ICBC (Can.), and totally rebuilt. Got it for a song. My Mum took great care of it and voilà! it is still running. It had been sitting for TWO YEARS when she gave it to him, and the battery was dead. Replaced it, she started right up, drove her to a mechanic who gave it a going over - the only thing wrong was a hose needed replacing, a belt was a bit loose and they replaced the plugs, then it had an oil change. We drove it home from the mainland to Vanc. Island without any trouble. Was passing cars in 120 km zones along the way. Since then, no issues except there's two rust spots and the altitude sensor needs replacing at some point. The upholstry is worn in one spot. It has a CASSETTE player. Really minor stuff! My son calls her 'Doris'. Cuz she's an old lady. Grannie replaced Doris with a newer Legacy Wagon, not sure of the year, which also runs like a hot knife through butter. SO! If my van is defunct, I am seriously considering getting a used Suburu SUV. Any years from 2010 to 2015 better than others? Forrester vs. Outback? Thanks!
Thank you for this video I have a 2001 Subaru outback and reaaly like it I paid $900.00 for it it had 160,000 miles on it and it now has 245000 on it . I change the timing belt,water pump and pullys as sson as i got it .
Appreciate your honesty. In southern Arizona, our biggest problem with our 2011 Outback is that virtually ALL the rubber needs replacement. Even rubber door trim, etc.
My family has owned a half dozen Subarus since 1995. The problems we've had were a 2005 Forester that ate a CD, my 2013 Crosstrek that would burn a quart of oil every 6k miles, and my 2015 Forester XT that had rattles at the bottom of both A pillars until the dealer added foam below the tweeter grills. My 1992 SVX has a few electrical gremlins that started recently like the back window won't go down and the tach won't go above 1500RPM, but the car is 25 years old. With 450k miles between a pair of 1999 Outback wagons (1 with the 2.2, the other 2.5) we didn't have a single problem he mentioned. But of course we are a small sample size and take care of our vehicles.
That 2013 crosstrek had a service bulletin and warranty extension to cover the fix for excessive oil consumption- if you still have it make the dealership fix it
"If this were Michigan the bottom of this car would be Swiss cheese." I've lived in Michigan all my life, and sadly that statement if pretty darn accurate.
David VanderKooi I live in West Virginia and we have the same problem. Moisture and road salt eats up our cars. I learned a nice tip from a hillbilly friend of mine. He sprays used motor oil all over the undercarriage of his vehicles at the beginning of winter. It works.
littleteethkeith. IDK sounds dangerous. I just went to Napa and bought the undercoating and a 2$ paint brush and went to town with the car on wheel ramps. Worked good so far.
aceline9087 I know I’m late to these comments but you shouldn’t just paint over something to prevent rust, you should sand down any bare metals or rusty areas first to they paint or coatings can stick... Also you would remove the coating every other year.. don’t let it build up and laying it on too much as it can actually hold moisture once ingress happens and rot out the metal basically in no time. Least intrusive methods would be spraying used motor oil but I don’t oil or other oil based things.. buuut, I don’t recommend that, but if you want easy and least intrusive way, it does technically work, it repeals the water and barrier to salt.. and washing it off just need pressure washer with a misting nozzle, a lift and some soap to shoot up the and it come off..
Love your honesty and advice. Bought an 07 Tribeca H6 last year with 89,000 miles. Just a really great driving machine on country roads, interstate or city. I will likely rebuild when it gets tired. Thanks for reminding me to keep checking my boots for cracks. I like changing my own oil, keeps me checking for suspension parts and leaks. Thinking about replacing my timing chain guilds at 150,000. It is a heck of a lot of work and a lot of seal points to miss on that H6 cover.
Before I watch I'm going to guess, head gasket, coil pack, CV joints, wheel bearings, o2 sensors. I love these cars, keep timing belts and head gaskets replaced and they run and run. Just got a 2010 2.5, legacy.
You're spot on...take care of these cars and they will take care of you. Replace oil every 5000km...replace head gaskets with MLS, and do timing belt etc every 100k...run good coolant, and these things will just run and run and run.
Head gaskets,u joint's,wheel bearings, fuel pump, headlights,low oil pressure,coil, multiple common code's (illuminating light) and on a personal note, I have 25 years experience in the field of Subaru, and have developed a system to deal with the PTSD I've incurred. Just bring it down,wait till I hit you with the bill for those (unavailable part's) and poof,My troubles seem to disappear. Has haaaaaaa nice vid man!!!!🤑⚠️
I have a 2005 Outback and love it!!! Had it for 3 and a half years. 2 months ago I was out running pizzas and I popped a hole in the upper rad hose.... Got lucky and went to a local shop just down the street. There was enough hose left before the pinhole leak that they cut it off and pushed the hose up on the neck of the return port. Lasted all night and then when I was headed home the hose popped another hole and I was steaming for like 8 kms. Watching the temp gauge closely as I didn't want to see red.... Made it to a 7-11 and shut her down and sat there for almost 2 hours letting the engine cool down. I was able to scrounge another inch out of that hose, reclamp and fill with water as I only had 4 kms to go. Made it home and the next day went and got new hose, clamps and coolant... Hose was like 25.00 so not a big hit..just grateful I didn't cook the heads as that is bad! Liked your show and will be watching more...THANKS!!!!!
Awesome video. Thanks for not only talking about the issues but also showing us some of the issues. I am considering picking up a new Forester in the near future.
It's Feb 2019. Kinda late here. Anyway, I have a 2017 Forester and at 54000 km....changed left front arm bushings and both rear wheel bearings. Luckily, they are still under warranty. Otherwise, it has been great. Thanks, Tim. You're an inspiration.
Relax Tim, haters gonna hate anytime you put anything on the internet, just goes with the territory. 1) Never had an issue with the dreaded head gasket on my 03 Forester, 14 years 237k miles, all on the original gaskets. I suspect maintenance has something to do with it, keeping your battery clean and the posts from looking like an EPA chemical disaster zone and changing the coolant on a regular basis with the proper silicate free formula. The boxer heads of course sit horizontally at the bottom part of the engine block and that dirty acid fouled coolant drains down and sits next to the heads soaking the gaskets whenever the car is parked. Over time, well you get the picture. Change your coolant regularly. 2) Misfires are fairly common, check the usual suspects, plugs, wires, coil, oil seeping past the plug gaskets. All are cheap and easy to fix. The old NA 2.5’s have a single integrated coil that costs less than fifty bucks and as you showed in the video is a 5 minute job to replace. Easy peasy. 3) Wheel bearings can go wrong, I had one wheel done during the life of the car. Again cheap and easy, especially if you have access to a hydraulic shop press. 4) Headlight replacement difficult? Not on my 03. Five minute job, ten bucks. 5) Power steering pump? Never had a problem. The old cars used plain old Dex3 fluid available anywhere. No excuse for not keeping it up. That Forester was arguably one of the most trouble free cars I’ve ever owned, sold it to a local mechanic a couple years back and I still see it driving around the neighborhood from time to time. Must have around 260k miles on it by now. They just require some basic care and maintenance and they’ll drive forever.
viffer94, your experience with your 2003 mirrors my experience with a 1999 Forester. I bought that car new from Continental and kept it until 2016 when I sold it for $2200 with 298,000 miles on it. The original clutch was replaced at 202,000. The original head gaskets were replaced at the same time but not because they were leaking, just because the engine was out to do the clutch. When I sold that car it still had the original power steering pump and alternator. The only parts I ever replaced on that car were wear items or consumables.
Thank you very much. I have two H6 LL Bean outbacks I love. My newest on is a 2003 with 120,000 miles and just came up with the flashing check engine light and obvious misfire. At least it had the good sense to come up with this problem in my driveway instead of a recent 1500 mile trip from California to my home in Montana. I have a code reader ordered and your video gave me hope that maybe I can fix it myself. Hard to find good mechanics in rural Montana.
Good video. I have an 09 Forester and two days ago the low beam right side lamp went out. It was not difficult to change, I didn't go through the wheel area at all. Remove the plastic air intake (2 plastic screws) and the cover to the bulb is just below. I used a flat blade screw driver and a hammer to tap the ring because I could not loosen it by hand. It came off easy, the bulb turns and I removed the clip all very easy and I replaced the bulb. It took less than 10 minutes.
90-100k miles :P my 2003 stage 2 wrx has 335,000 and no engine part has been replaced other than the timing belt 3 times and the plugs twice, look after your cars they wont have any issues my last subaru i did 1.1 million in before it needed a rebuild. also you should gave cleaned the lead plugs and used fresh dielectric grease in them and on the coil ends
Hey Tim as always a great video. You always do good videos and good work. Most of all for your viewer's. You produce great educational videos. And that is why we are here. I always look forward to your videos. Anyone that says different. Can move on as far as I am concerned. And stop disrupting everything else. I hope I am not speaking out of turn here. If I am. I apologize for that. But you do good work and good videos. Who ever says different. Can kiss the other viewer's _ _ _ I think everyone will agree with me on this. Tim thanks for sharing your videos. You are a good person and an amazing mechanic. Thanks and Merry Christmas to you and your family.
I been following Tim on my way to ASE certs and opening Sams Subaru technologies and this is one of his best I really like his commitment to excellence and professionalism he really does honor to the trade
hahahahahaha. oh man, I hope you other resources available for you as far as mentorship and training or your new Subaru shop is in big trouble buddy. hahha
Thank you for the encouragement! It looks like the Subaru purists haven't showed up yet but I get the feeling they will and oh man...its going to get real. haha
I had 2 Subaru Outback. 04 and 05 with 2.5L engine in them. I did tune up on 04 including head gasket replacement. Great cars. I would have no hesitation to buy it again. Great video. last Monday in Chicago -9F
-9F wow, its gotten that cold just once so far this winter here. It sure generates lots of work at the shop but I really don't care much for it. Stay warm my friend!
I drive an old lesabre. 00 model. They bad about headliners falling down, dashing popping up, plastic cooling elbows failing and probably more stuff I left out. If I come on here and you are doing the cooling elbow replacement and I'm watching for guidance, and you say "oh these buicks are bad for these coolant elbows are notorious for failing",,, now how silly would it be for me to get upset over you saying that? Or even if it's something else on my vehicle that hasn't failed yet but has "history" of it happening. The point is obviously as others have noted, you are doing a service to your viewers for recording these things. Keep up the great work and thanks ! And Merry Christmas to you and your family !
The people in Alaska are truly smart if they prefer Subaru to the competition!Another reason for visiting this great place!Greetings from a Russian living in Germany!
@The Car Doctor Why is it that Subarus are not renting companies's first choiсe in Alaska? I was enquiring about renting a car in Alaska lately. It seems there are no PROPER Pick UPs, nor 4WDs offered at all! Why should I rent a big SUV like Grand Cherokee alone if I could take a Jeep Wrangler or an Impreza/Forrester, for instance? Does not make sense for me! Who needs Mitsubishi Mirage in Alaska? ;)
Hey man. Thanks for your insights. Good video. I live where there's salt, and they salt the salt with more salt to increase salt levels. I'm super salty about it.
Very popular in New Zealand too, our terrain similar to Alaskan, only on a smaller scale. Subaru don't do a V6, all their engines are Boxers. H6, I believe. Love your videos, wish our service agents were as knowledgeable as you.
Dude you're hilarious! Great video :) :) Those people with the 2010 didn't do themselves any favors by not keeping their fluids filled. Great reminder that not checking your fluids gets expensive fast. I've got a 2006 Outback that's been in Ohio the whole time until around Christmas when I moved to Nashville, and 155,000 on the clock. I'm looking at head gaskets / seals / timing / water pump and pretty soon I'll be doing a brake upgrade using calipers off a Legacy GT. I had all three oil pressure sensors fail by now, two with leaking gaskets internal to the pressure switches and one because the sensor actually failed in the variable valve system. Other than that smooth sailing, and I love the car. I agree about the stupid head gasket issue, it's a bitch. The car's still worth it though, it's so fun to drive and such a capable animal. Oh, my suspension was getting hairy in the rear so I bought Rallitek Overload springs and new OEM dampers (the 2004 version) and it's waaayyyy stiffer in the rear. I love it because the roads in Nashville are dangerous and the stiffer rear gives me better maneuverability. Great car! Thanks for the video.
I have a 2002 Outback L.L.Bean Edition 3.0... It has 332,000 miles now.. Only had to replace valve cover gaskets & Crank sensor.. No head gasket issues to note on 3.0 ENGINES... However, the 3 catalytic converters need replacement.. Due to age & high mileage... An it requires Premium Fuel.... BUT the car is FUCKIN FAST an reliable..SWEEET!!😁🔥
They dont really blow head gasket that much . I have 1998 and 2001 with tons of miles on em with no head gasket issues. Oil leaks though. I have a Sienna now.
YES10 KOOOL MAN U GIVE ME HOPE😃... I DID HAVE VALVE COVER GASKETS REPLACED BECAUSE OF BAD OIL LEAKS... IT COST ME ABOUT $700.00 bucks, but no MORE LEAKS ahhhh! I ADORE my L.L. Bean... But i know I must Surrender it soon because of high miles, & future maintenance COST... Subaru folks ARE special people 😃😘😁✨
Robert Shupinski ....I read the mileage wrong... Its ACTUALLY 231k... I bought it @195k.. About 4 yrs. Ago.. The battery is bad & I'm about to junk it unfortunately for maybe $400.00-$500.00 bucks... It hurts me DEEPLY because the car is FABULOUS...An a RARE runner I can't afford to keep in MY bad financial issues... THANKYOU for SHARING MY LOVE of this unicorn.. The SWEEETTNESS car I've EVER HAD... L.L.BEAN 3.0..😃😄😘✨😖😫😍☺💘
xa om... Engine is ABSOLUTELY flawless 😁✨it EXTREMELY POWERFUL burns NO oil an VERY quiet SMOOOOOTH runner... I ADORE my car.. & that 3.0 SUPER FAST!!! My only real compliant is that i MUST USE PREMIUM FUEL. BUT FOR GUARANTEED PERFORMANCE.... IT'S MORE THAN WORTH THE COST BUDDY !!! She flies with out a turbo...WOOW!! OMFUGGINNGAWD 😲 😲 FUCKIN AMAZINGLY POWERFUL.. I'M PROUD!!
I am an owner of a 2011 Forester and it is at about 100,200 miles and it is rock solid. I have it serviced at the dealer where I purchased purchased the car. That is the secret to the life of any, a good service department. Mine is super.
Their CVTs are actually not as bad as a lot of people say. They are not produced by the same makers of Nissan's CVTs, and are made by Subaru themselves
Thanks, Tim, I just bought a 2015 Forester and this was a helpful review! As a coincidence I just watched a Scannerdanner video of a coil spark test similar to what you did here. He routinely uses a grounded test light held in his other hand close to the coil to give somewhere for the spark to go, which I don't normally do. As you were doing the test I realized that a test light would instantly narrow the diagnosis of a no spark. If there is no spark to the test light, you know it's not the wire or plug. If you get spark to the test light, you can move the test light away to measure spark length. If there is good spark to the test light but no spark to the wire when the test light is withdrawn, the problem is the wire or plug. I think I'll start doing it that way. Thanks for posting your videos, it's very helpful to know what commonly goes bad.
that's a great idea. IM going to try that as well. So does the spark ever blow out the test light? Do you know if Danner uses just a standard test light or a special one able to withstand the high voltage? Ill have to look for that vid. Thanks
I wondered that, too, but he gets away with it. He uses a typical incandescent light, not LED. Although the voltage is high, the current spike is so brief it doesn't overheat. You don't even really see the light turn on, it's too short an impulse. The last scannerdanner video I saw him do this on was titled "Misfire Caused by a Vacuum Leak", where the actual test was at 2:19 into the vid. Cheers!
CarQuest is Intermotor (a brand of SMP) which is often just the OEM part in a different box. I've seen them sell a relay which contained the Honda bagged part in the box because they didn't want to waste money opening the bags. They do, however, sometimes grind off OEM numbers.
New subscriber here. Great video! Much respect to you and what you are doing. I bought a 2015 Subaru Forester XT in Aug 2017, and so far I really love the vehicle. I was a Honda guy my entire life (3 Civics and 2 CR-V’s) so owning a Subaru is a new experience. Bought the XT because I fell in love with the performance. Doing regular maintenance and staying on top of everything. Hoping it’s going to be as reliable as my past Honda’s. 👍👍
Great video. Yep, all is true. 4 Subis in my yard, and I have yet to need to replace a wheel bearing (knock on wood) although the '03 Outback is starting to complain on one corner. Rather than installing new head gaskets when they fail, I have been swapping out the 2.5L blocks for 2.0L JDM blocks from Japan. Low mileage on them. and all the assessories bolt right up. The 2.5L ECM can run the 2.0L no problem.
This is my first time watching your videos, starting with this one, and I absolutely love it! You are awesome, such a cool and honest guy, and posting videoes all the way down from Alaska. I live in Norway, pretty similar weatherconditions. Anyway, I am now a new subscriber! Keep up the good work buddy!
Thanks for your honest opinion . I have a Subaru Outback 2006 ,with low mileage ( 125,000 KM) .I like the car but I have found Subarus are not a low maintenance vehicle . Do a lot of my own maintenance like oil changes, brakes ,those half shaft boots . Just developed a oil leak that is not the oil pressure switch ,already replaced that . Hope that oil leak is not the head gaskets but I will see . Unfortunately I am in central Canada so I am too far away from your shop .
my 2015 wrx the engine block cracked at 3000 miles they had to replace my engine and they were not happy about it, I didnt race it or drive it like a maniac like they said I was, I drove it normal and they couldnt believe it, They flew two mechanics from Japan and made me drive their test vehicle to see how I drive, and also put a computer on my car for a month after the repairs to monitor my driving habits, But I didnt mind since they paid for the two months payment that the car was in the shop. After all this the car run's fine, forgot to mention this is with the CVT trans.
LADJROB LEE wow your own mechanics... from the experts in japan damn. komatsu does the same with their heavy machinery. I think they got 5 mechanics who know absolutely everything in most of their machines
Love the video! I have a 1995 Subaru Legacy Sedan that's almost at 297k miles. My son was worried about the high mileage and gave me their 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier when they got their new car. I haven't had any major issues, but I know they're on the horizon. I'm now trying to decide whether I should let the Subaru go before it kicks the bucket or wait to see how much longer I can get it to go. Poor thing needs a bunch of little things done to it (speed sensor, peeling paint, driver side headlight goes out if it jiggles a lot, passenger side windows in the front and back work by driver button sporadically, but always work from their door, tiny oil leaks), but each one is a few hundred dollars and when you start adding them up, it can be a lot of money. Still, it's been such an amazing car!
Thanks for the info. I recently purchased a 2010 Subaru Forester. Its a low mileage car, and the car fax shows a good maintenance history. I had it inspected by a professional mechanic and he liked the car. With that said your video showed me some of the things I will keep an eye on, ie: head gasket, cv boot, hub bearing. I plan on doing a lot of the maintenance my self with the help of videos like yours. So keep up the good work. I like your videos, I'll be watching.
you mean H6 (boxer flat) motor, not V6, right? as far as I know, Subaru never made V engine. thanks for the video. I'm a Subaru owner and found it informative.
We take the beaten up oldies and make them awesome and loved again. These are great cars, and you have to take care of them. Safest car out there, and I did own Volvos. GREAT VIDEO!
I own 2 97 legacy outbacks and I love them! It's the idiot kids that like to drive them like race cars that have the issues. One has 257k and the other has 150k. I've only ever done preventative maintenance and wear and tear parts (alternator, thermostat, etc) if you maintain them they'll run forever. Great video :)
I have the impreza, love it to bits. Changed the timing system (Timing belt, pulleys and tensioner) at 113,572 Kms (I expect a timing belt to last 5 years or 100,000Kms or whichever comes first - the prospect of bent valves just makes me cringe), changed front boots the moment they get raptured, I check these weekly when cleaning the car, New tyres, Spark Plug seals at 108,233Kms as well as the valve cover gaskets (the moment those are open, I treat them like O-Rings, get new ones). I'm now due for ball joints and shock absorbers and I have clocked 115,~ Kms and counting, fully synthetic oil at service, coolant flush, ATF (108,233Kms), Power Steering Fluid (when I flushed the ATF) and would like to renew the brake fluid & diff oilsoon, and this ladies and gents, is driven within the tropics and the roads are quite unkempt..I expect to keep this car for 20+ years..
Enjoyed, you came across professional and very knowledgeable in regards to the 2010 Forester! Keep up the great work. I learned a lot from your presentation. Bill
While it is true, A lot of people do suffer from PTSD. Not everyone is as delicate a flower as you are. Most people don't feel the need to be immediately and furiously offended. When someone makes a harmless joke. Some friendly advice..... Don't watch Blazing Saddles, your head may explode.
Dude, save yourself the headache on changing the headlights. Just remove the snorkel. On my 2006 subaru outback I can change the bulbs under 15mins. Dont have to get under the car or remove the bumper. Ny has the same bad roads all of those cheap Chinese road tar needs to go. That back quarter panel is a common rust spot. With these cars the one thing I have learned is OEM Genuine parts is required. But if people like spending money after money on Chinese aftermarket parts, more power too you. I can not afford replacing the same part month after month after month. Been down this road with axles, sensors and power steering pumps. Just spend the money for the dealership parts and you will thank me later. Aftermarket axles can not handle the turbo. So if your subbie has turbo, dont even think about aftermarket axles, unless you want to make your subaru a performance car. Then go to a machine shop that makes racing axles.
I have a 2014 Subaru Forester Limited that we just experienced this year. Had it recharged to proper levels ($140) and now just found Technical Service Bulletin 10-84-16R for a new design on the windings.
Neat little vid. I'm a DIY mechanic, most of the time and have had lots of the issues you talk about. I wonder if the previous mechanic with the PS pump or the owner threw in power steering fluid to kill the thing. In the scan tool codes, you didn't talk about the P0420 that showed up. I call that the "I am a genuine Subaru" code. With that Outback, there's 4 upstream plus the 1 downstream sensors at $50 a piece for the blind mechanics like me who don't have the tools to look at the waveforms. I'm lucky to have a great mechanic 2 miles away for when I'm over my head, like the 3 wheel bearings I just had done in the crosstrek. I don't have a press.
I always like seeing your videos. My daughter's first car in high school was a very used Subaru. No matter how cold it got or how much snow covered it, it always started. It got her through four years of high school and upon graduation, I got her a Honda Accord. We sold that old beater Subaru and I would not be surprised in the thing was still running somewhere. Thanks Car Doctor and try some of that Bengay. ;-)
I really appreciate your straight talk, blunt even, but very useful information. I have a 2013 XV Crosstrek, which is really just a lifted Impreza, but I really am very happy with it. Your insights are so good to be able to anticipate issues I might face. Thanks, and don't let the haters get yer goat!😁👌👍
Same here. I even work on cars myself and don't care to put up with the issues these cars have. Subarus are reliable until they're not. For example, a high mileage Toyota will stay on the road with just maintenance. But Subarus require major engine disassembly like maintaining an old Ferrari.
73leo73 same here I will never buy a damn Subaru either no matter how good their 4x4s are. I'm not paying to fix my car at 90k. My Toyota doesn't need fixing
“....did this free of charge to the customer” Thank you!! That is really awesome, here in the SF Bay Area we would have been charged at minimum $200 for that. Very cool, thanks for this video
The truth is all man made machines wear out and fail. Operating conditions and maintainance has a big effect. Sheer luck can also work, dont you hate people that have buckets of luck :-D LOL. I would be supprised if anyone hated you, you are just stating facts. But you do like to stir people up, you bad lad LOL :-D :-D. Keep up the good work, i allways appreciate your great videos :-D
I dont think you are in any danger from subaru owners locally, they need you :-D I dont trust people that dont have a decent sense of humor, there is something wrong with them if they are lacking humor. We are drawn to people that are as mad as ourselves :-D
Hi from Australia. Thanks for the entertaining video. Alaskans have the same Subaru problems that Australians have. It's almost a full time job replacing the blown front and rear light bulbs on my 08 Outback and 10 Forester. More so than any other vehicle I've ever had. Strange! But, we love our subies just the same.
I had to go to Wikipedia to see if there was a Subi engine I had missed! :-) My wife has a 2010 Forester. So far completely trouble free but only 100,000 km (60,000 miles) so it was great to have a "heads up" of things to look out for.
I’m glad we got this sorted. I am won over by your personality, professionalism, and industry knowledge to the point that I simply trust you. And I was about to go out to my friends and hunt for the great elusive and mysterious Suby V6! Well that would’ve lifted the wall off their eyes and ruined my reputation! LOL
I have a 2015 legacy with an H6, first thing to go wrong was the transmission. engine is perfectly fine though, same with electronics and power systems.
@@Durataur no not really. I. My case it was super common, subaru recalled all 2015 vehicles with 2015 cvt transmission's. They even extended the powertrain warranty to 4 years 60k miles instead of 2 years 30k. The newer vehicles have reliable cvt transmissions, powerful too, enough to warrant using them in their sports and even STI models.
nah, 2015 is when they first started using cvt, before that those transmissions are pure gold. you could probably find one with 200K miles that still works like new.
Enjoyed video. We have 2 2014 Foresters in Idaho - Subis are very (most?) common here. Both cars are 2.5L with CVT trannys. We have some problems though. My wife's car has had 2 dangerous incidents on interstate when engine stalled while driving on freeway (some 80 mph speed limits here). Each time she'd been on the road for at least 2 hours and had 150 - 200 miles left in the gas tank. Also, lots of very long stretches here with no town, station, etc for many, many miles. 1st time, about 10/15, wife's car was in cruise control & going up a mild hill when the car suddenly lost power and acted as though it had gone into neutral. When gas pedal pressed, engine rev'd to 4,000 rpm but as though in neutral with no acceleration. Pulled to the side of the road and when braked, the engine stopped. Engine re-started after counting to 10 and resumed travel. 2d time, about 12/15, not in cruise control and on the flat freeway passing in the left lane. The car suddenly lost power and again acted as though it had gone into neutral, again rev'd without acceleration. Maneuvered across 3 lanes of traffic, and got to the side. When braked, the car died. After counting to 10, car re-started and travel resumed. After 2d incident, took to dealer. They say no codes & kept the car to try to reproduce the problem but have not. Now, after 2+ months dealer has not been able to replicate problem. Subaru of America has been no assistance. I've looked at Forester blog and otherwise on the internet and have seen some identical incidents. Comments online include bad fuel pump relay (showed on code), solenoid that vents gas tank, driving with foot on brake pedal (which we do not do), idle control sensor/valve (comment from someone not driving a Subi). Winter fuel mix (vapor lock on a warm day?) When these incidents occurred, my wife's car acted like mine has when running out of gas. My car has run out of gas twice with bars remaining & no warning light. The 1st time it showed 60 remaining miles on tank and the 2nd time 90 miles. (also, similar incidents reported on blog & internet). My wife was with me the 2d time and noted my engine behavior was the same as with her car - my car acted as though engine became disconnected from the wheels and would rev without acceleration, as though in neutral. After the 1st time I took it to the dealer. Think they did ECM reset & said it was cured (but was not since it occurred again.) I only mentioned this 2d and separate problem because the engine behavior was the same in both cars (although with mine it was out of gas and was rescued by AAA.) I'm thinking ECM is detecting something and causing shut down and wonder if the out-of-gas thing in my car can offer some diagnostic info. I'm OK with carbs, dwell & old school stuff but not ECM's etc. Help - thanks.
Haters are the fellow humans who can’t work more than an hour without soyboy symptoms. 25 years of mechanic work is no joke. I lasted 10 years and I was pissed off a lot. Went to hanging iron instead and loved it. Good video.
No matter what you drive, everything fails at some point, so it's best to drive something worth fixing. Subies are definitely worth fixing
Not my 06 subaru legacy wagon.
Have a 2007 Impreza WRX, had her 5 years and it is without doubt by far the best vehicle I have ever owned. Fantastic build quality, engine is a monster and I love the snow ability. Just a great great car. Well done Subaru !
Thank you for the video. I have a 2015 WRX. No blow off valve or showing off at the light 😬. It is refreshing that Subarus are still simple cars to do preventive maintenance on, which I enjoy. And, the OEM parts prices are reasonable when compared to other manufacturers. Thank you for letting us be a part of your work at the shop so we can learn from your knowledge. Merry Christmas!🎁🎄
Thanks Paul. If I was going to buy a Subaru it would likely be a WRX. Sweet car! Thank you for being a part of the discussion and for watching. Merry Christmas!
...then why do people say parts are expensive for this car?
Thank you. I'm a disable Vet & wheelchair bound, and to take up more of any service manager's valuable time to debate what the major fixes are that I can afford answers the question of what can I help prepare for someone to help me @ any shop. So it looks like your's is the best large issue maintenance video for all of the Outback cars. I recognize young people could cause Post T Subaru syndrome, & that's why you are almost the knowledge guy who can call himself "Doctor". That meant a lot to someone like me. You gave & have taken what seems like the exact description of how to expect Subarus to keep maintained in your succinct, concise & direct delivery. You represent what must be the best of your profession, & for an old Vet with trauma memory problems, it is exactly what I can study & make notes from, trying to remember enough past my memory problems to present to someone I go to for help on a Subaru.
Subaru owner for 10 years here: 01 Legacy GT Limited 5MT, 114K miles. Been in family since brand new, given to me @ 24K miles.
Valve cover gaskets: I can confirm oil on plug from bad valve cover gaskets. Replaced my valve cover gaskets/spark plug gaskets myself a year ago (was pretty easy!) and plugs were oiled up. Replaced with NGK Iridium IX plugs and NGK wireset.
Bearings: Front wheel bearings started to make noise on me around 65K or so, got worse around 85K and got them replaced. I think the shop used really crappy bearings because within a couple years, those bearings started going bad. Replaced those with Timken bearings @ 107K miles a year ago, and they've been smooth as can be.
Bushings: Rear differential bushings also went to hell around 90K miles or so. You'd hear a clunk whenever accelerating. It got annoying. The Subaru bushings SUCK! I bought them, my buddy tried to install them and he absolutely could not get them in. He wrecked one trying to install it. Got some Whiteline polyurethane bushings which were easy to install, and have been great.
Only other non-maintenance issue I've had was the knock sensor which threw a CEL at 91K miles. Had a hose for the power steering crack which kept leaking fluid. Cut the cracked end off and reconnected it to the reservoir and no more leaks.
I had the timing belt/tensioners/water pump/thermostat/serpentine belts/fuel filter replaced at 106K miles. Also replaced the steering rack just because I drove it offroad more than I should have in the earlier years I owned the car and wanted to replace it. Front brake pads were toasted @ 86K miles, I waited too long to inspect them which was my fault, and it was only $50 for new pads all around and they're pretty easy to replace. Just bought brand new tires for it 10 months ago.
I always changed the oil with only synthetic, around every 5K miles or so. When I pulled the valve cover gaskets off, it was so clean! I have documented nearly everything I've done to my car, as well as taken pictures. I created a spreadsheet to keep track of it all, which also tells me how many miles I've driven since having a part replaced which is nice.
Bottom line: what an amazing car she has been to me! I love this car so much and will never sell it. I have 100% confidence driving this car in the snow. Nearly everyone in our family owns a Subaru, a close friend of mine just bought a new one. Just keep up with maintenance, as with any car!
Thank you for sharing your personal Subaru story in depth! I appreciate your attention to detail and record keeping. Many Subaru owners are meticulous in maintaining and caring for their vehicles like yourself and it shows a pride of ownership and loyalty to the brand. I commend you on your commitment to properly care for your vehicle and not just drive it into the dirt and buy a newer model(all too common now days) Thanks again for the feedback. Blessings!
You're very welcome! I hope it can help people to see that Subaru's are amazing vehicles when they're cared for. I have a lot of pride of ownership of mine. I generally pay a lot of attention to detail, enjoy being organized, and have a passion for cars, so that's part of why I like having a spreadsheet and a physical folder with receipts and documentation. I was taught to value and care for the things I own.
I live in Denver and have noticed that the WRX and STI owners here are very well mannered. The Honda owners, not so much..
Glycerin the problems I've had with my 2004 which has been handed down 2 me is that we replaced the head once, head gaskets twice. stock bearings were changed ages ago and the ones we have are still very good.
aside the brakes and changing the belt..
Glycerin I
Glycerin p Brooklyn Tabernacle worship music
This was probably the best regular maintenance, common problem super video I've ever watched. I have a 2009 outback 2.5 and I bought an error code machine, and I've seen some of these errors. Now I know what they actually look like for them from an up close point of view. I don't you work on my own supers, but I'm certainly more knowledgeable when I take it to the dealer now! Thanks 1 million!
Fuel pump under the back seat??? Freakin' brilliant! No dropping the tank for a replacement. I'm actually picking up my first Suby (06 Forester) in two days. Had head gaskets, WP, TB, replaced at the Subaru dealer. Has an excellent service record, but I'm glad videos like this exist. I've worked on lots of Fords and Dodges, never a Subaru. After hours on UA-cam they don't seem so alien to me anymore.
Post Traumatic Subaru Disorder LOL I love it.
haha! The cure can only be to watch more Car Doctor vids!
We are very proud of our Subaru's , We have bought and sold 14 of them over the years. My latest is a 2002 Outback VDC 3.0 . Has 301,007 miles . Just replaced the valve cover gaskets due to oil leak. Has been a Great Car. Have a 2015 Outback too.
very nice!
I'm on my 8th Subaru (new Ascent) and wouldn't have anything else but agree with you totally. Like any make or model they're not perfect and they're not for everybody. Thanks for a fair assessment.
Keep up what you love and don't listen to the haters! True Subaru enthusiasts welcome all.
-Moderator, pnw iclub
2020 the FelPro gasket set is a MLS (Multi Layer Steel) head gasket.
Great Video thanks
If anyone has a 2002-2004 Outback L.L. Bean edition, do NOT take it for granted. We had one, and LOVED it. It never had head gasket issues as far as I know; but after I put around $3000 into it between the 160K & 185K mile marks, to catch up on neglected service, replacing all rear suspension bushings, struts, vc gaskets, plugs, tires, battery, alternator, CV axles, tie rod and boots, brake pads and rotors, idler and tensioner pulleys, & transmission, mostly with updated components, I FLIPPED it during a freak accident on a typical work trip. I did all of the work except the transmission replacement, so I feel like I lost my baby. Yeah, yeah, yeah, my wife & I both lived & walked away without a scratch, great (thank God and Subaru--"they lived"). But do you know how hard it is to replace a good-shape 2002 L.L. Bean edition Subaru Outback (at least in SC), let alone in a color that doesn't make you puke?
If you FIND a 2002-2004 L.L. Bean edition in GOOD shape for a GOOD price actually FOR SALE, you have found a unicorn with 4-leaf clovers for fur. I waited 6 months, looking EXTENSIVELY for cars (looking at over 100 dealerships physically, and more than that online), two or more states out in all directions, getting rides from friends and borrowing the in-law's car, willing to pay up to $8200 for any GOOD 2002-2004 car. The only good ones I saw were not for sale at all. I finally had to give up and settle for an ugly 2005. My bro-in-law said it looked like hydrated piss. The ONLY value added was the power, in my opinion. For '05, they took away the cavernous glove box and console, took away the nice organizing under-floor storage compartment in the back (the one they have now is not as good), took away the weather band radio, took away the rock shields on the fog lights, took away the higher quality leather seating, messed up the whole HVAC/stereo/storage console layout that had been perfect, switched to a seemingly lesser quality steering wheel, added a power seat side fascia that stays popped off even after having the dealership "fix" it, added the most annoying seat belt reminder chime ever, added dual climate control that failed 3 hours after I left the lot, didn't improve the rear console-mounted pop-out drink holder, added TPMS sensors that always say the tires are low, didn't improve the door handles that dissolve from the oils in people hands, added "rubber" floor mats that should be awesome except that the securing hooks rip through them, made the visor extensions interfere with the rear view mirror, didn't improve the self-dimming mirror that self destructs, and combined the rear defroster with the mirror defroster (this taxes the alternator more needlessly when you only need one or the other, and the 2002 had trouble keeping up when all accessories were going at once in the first place). That's just what I recall off the top of my head. At least the wiper defroster was not erased. I still love Subaru, but I specifically love the 2002-2004 model Outback L.L. Bean edition cars. I miss that 2002. Whenever I get into almost any other car to drive, my reaction is the same as Scotty's from 'Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home', when he had to use an 80's computer. "How quaint."
immaculatelation I HAVE a 2002 L.L.BEAN... THE TRANS AN ENGINE IS FAULTLESS PERFORMER.. IT NEEDS BRAKES AN STRUTS.. THE CD IS STUCK .. TAPE PLAYER DOESNT WORK .. RADIO IS FINE..MOON ROOFS WORK... I ADORE MY CAR, but MUST sell it because I can't afford Repairs...it also has 334k... Sale $500.00.
Did you sell it yet? What state do you live in? I had to pass up another Subaru for $250 recently, as we ended up getting a Toyota Camry and were tight on funds at the time. Our 2005 needs a suspension rebuild and it's not as nice as the 2002-2004 models, but it runs like a scalded dog.
lol I have an 05 and you are right about everything :D That seat belt chime is like nails on a chalkboard. Good car otherwise but no LLBean :)
yal100 I HATE myself for saying this... But i have to move soon an may Junk it for scrap... Even though it runs flawlessly.... It needs a bit of Attention... But i can't afford to keep it... It DOES have 231 k on odometer... No leaks at ALL BUT needs brakes an suspension work on front-end... But a POWERFUL SWEEET RIDE an FUCKIN FAST flat six 24 Valve engine... 😕 👋 👋...
immaculatelation i have a 2004 sabaru Outback llbean in good condition and I’m willing to sell
I'm a Subaru owner and I appreciate you sharing your expertise regarding these cars. Please continue sharing, it helps us mechanical laymen become aware of potential problems and solutions. Thanks
Thanks. I will continue to share what I find and appreciate everyone's input. Have a good one.
Thank you. I thoroughly enjoyed the video by a humble and honest mechanic. Please keep it coming.
I agree with your statement “do it right” I was told by a wise old lady, buy cheap, buy twice. That also applies to doing work or maintenance.
This is very thorough. I haven't seen those parts since I was very young helping my bf fix old cars. Excellent tour under the car! Am buying a 2018 Subaru Forester and plan to take it back to Hawaii with me. Tough road conditions there! Am more encouraged toward my purchase after seeing this. Also the mention of the heads, which non-subie people do still bring up.
have my second Subaru 2011 Tribeca. My first 2007 Forester LL Bean model kept wearing out front driver side tire. Service manager told me they couldn't get it aligned properly. He said he had to order some camber bolts to fix the issue. Never happened. I traded it in in 2011. They are great in the snow they walk right through it. This was a very well made video, I do a lot of my own repairs, been doing what I can since 1966.
Thx for the video,As a tech myself I look at how things are built, put together and hold up.As for the haters, clearly very limited mechanical back ground clearly.Having several Foresters 16 and 11 , they are great and having a wide open area under the hood which further proves someone thinks about those that have to work on them when/if needed.I agree with you about the Fel-pro gaskets,and proper torque is your friend with anything.Working on jet aircraft and owning a small engine business, Ive seen a lot of mechanical applications of bad designs and engineering. I can say this, this is not seen in Subarus.
I got my first Subaru this August (2018). A 2015 Forester and this video gave a lot of good information. Reassuring to know Subaru 'fixed' the valve cover leakage issues. Swapped out my Ford pick up truck for the Forester because I am older and don't use the truck for work anymore, ...and Subaru gets TWICE the gas mileage. A real plus.
Remember pal, most haters are also teenagers that reside in their parent's basement.
TRUTH! haha
The Car Doctor
hi, hoping 4 an advice. i really want 2 swap my brz FA20 with awd ej25.
any idea if the mounts r in same position plz?
OH boy, I have no idea, I have never tried that.
will do, thanks!
Remember pal, Subarus are delicate. I paid $22k for a mildly used Jeep replacement and instead I got a delicate little flower. Had to replace the same bearing and control arm twice now. All four wheel bearings are showing damage from less than 10k miles of regular driving. The interior is delicate/cheap as well. But you'd have to actually have people getting in your car to realize the flaws.
I did tons of research. Subaru seemed ideal on paper/internet. I do my own repairs, and I recognize Subarus are easy/efficient to maintain, but I'm severely disappointed and am now convinced Subaru is simply a marketable scam ie. brand. Subarus are great cars for soccer moms.
You are right, the redesign starting on the 2010 Legacy ended the head gasket failures for the most part. I have a 2013 Legacy 3.5 H6 engine with 96,000 miles on it and it does burn a little oil, but the head gasket is perfectly fine. In fact, all it has needed is regular maintenance (spark plugs, headlight bulbs, transmission fluid, oil changes, etc.) The only thing is those horrible headlight bulbs which are a pain to replace as you state correctly, burn out every four years or 60,000 miles and are a huge pain to replace. Love your video - accurate on everything! I suspect the wheel bearing will need replacing soon - around 120,000.
Two things:
- you are my favorite person
- That camera move at 5:23 was impressive
I like your approach and your video. First time I have watched.
My 2005 Montanna van is in the shop....again (!)...soooo I am currently borrowing my 17 yr old son's 1990 Suburu Legacy 4dr sedan, which he was given by his Grannie earlier this year. She bought it in 1994. It had been in an accident by it's orig. owner, witten off by ICBC (Can.), and totally rebuilt. Got it for a song. My Mum took great care of it and voilà! it is still running. It had been sitting for TWO YEARS when she gave it to him, and the battery was dead. Replaced it, she started right up, drove her to a mechanic who gave it a going over - the only thing wrong was a hose needed replacing, a belt was a bit loose and they replaced the plugs, then it had an oil change. We drove it home from the mainland to Vanc. Island without any trouble. Was passing cars in 120 km zones along the way. Since then, no issues except there's two rust spots and the altitude sensor needs replacing at some point. The upholstry is worn in one spot. It has a CASSETTE player. Really minor stuff!
My son calls her 'Doris'. Cuz she's an old lady.
Grannie replaced Doris with a newer Legacy Wagon, not sure of the year, which also runs like a hot knife through butter.
SO! If my van is defunct, I am seriously considering getting a used Suburu SUV. Any years from 2010 to 2015 better than others? Forrester vs. Outback? Thanks!
They have some issues, do look into it! Older is better! The new ones burn oil, seize up, and have lots of electrical issues
Thank you for this video I have a 2001 Subaru outback and reaaly like it I paid $900.00 for it it had 160,000 miles on it and it now has 245000 on it . I change the timing belt,water pump and pullys as sson as i got it .
Appreciate your honesty. In southern Arizona, our biggest problem with our 2011 Outback is that virtually ALL the rubber needs replacement. Even rubber door trim, etc.
My family has owned a half dozen Subarus since 1995. The problems we've had were a 2005 Forester that ate a CD, my 2013 Crosstrek that would burn a quart of oil every 6k miles, and my 2015 Forester XT that had rattles at the bottom of both A pillars until the dealer added foam below the tweeter grills. My 1992 SVX has a few electrical gremlins that started recently like the back window won't go down and the tach won't go above 1500RPM, but the car is 25 years old. With 450k miles between a pair of 1999 Outback wagons (1 with the 2.2, the other 2.5) we didn't have a single problem he mentioned. But of course we are a small sample size and take care of our vehicles.
Noah E wow thanks just buying first subaru this sounds fantastic!
That 2013 crosstrek had a service bulletin and warranty extension to cover the fix for excessive oil consumption- if you still have it make the dealership fix it
From the bottom of my heart thank you if we had more people that would share the mechanic experience like you life would be easier again thank you
"If this were Michigan the bottom of this car would be Swiss cheese." I've lived in Michigan all my life, and sadly that statement if pretty darn accurate.
Haha. I hear that rust down there is killer. We are lucky here. Thanks for dropping by.
David VanderKooi I live in West Virginia and we have the same problem. Moisture and road salt eats up our cars. I learned a nice tip from a hillbilly friend of mine. He sprays used motor oil all over the undercarriage of his vehicles at the beginning of winter. It works.
littleteethkeith. IDK sounds dangerous. I just went to Napa and bought the undercoating and a 2$ paint brush and went to town with the car on wheel ramps. Worked good so far.
David VanderKoo
aceline9087 I know I’m late to these comments but you shouldn’t just paint over something to prevent rust, you should sand down any bare metals or rusty areas first to they paint or coatings can stick...
Also you would remove the coating every other year.. don’t let it build up and laying it on too much as it can actually hold moisture once ingress happens and rot out the metal basically in no time.
Least intrusive methods would be spraying used motor oil but I don’t oil or other oil based things.. buuut, I don’t recommend that, but if you want easy and least intrusive way, it does technically work, it repeals the water and barrier to salt.. and washing it off just need pressure washer with a misting nozzle, a lift and some soap to shoot up the and it come off..
Love your honesty and advice. Bought an 07 Tribeca H6 last year with 89,000 miles. Just a really great driving machine on country roads, interstate or city. I will likely rebuild when it gets tired. Thanks for reminding me to keep checking my boots for cracks. I like changing my own oil, keeps me checking for suspension parts and leaks. Thinking about replacing my timing chain guilds at 150,000. It is a heck of a lot of work and a lot of seal points to miss on that H6 cover.
Before I watch I'm going to guess, head gasket, coil pack, CV joints, wheel bearings, o2 sensors. I love these cars, keep timing belts and head gaskets replaced and they run and run. Just got a 2010 2.5, legacy.
You're spot on...take care of these cars and they will take care of you. Replace oil every 5000km...replace head gaskets with MLS, and do timing belt etc every 100k...run good coolant, and these things will just run and run and run.
Head gaskets,u joint's,wheel bearings, fuel pump, headlights,low oil pressure,coil, multiple common code's (illuminating light) and on a personal note, I have 25 years experience in the field of Subaru, and have developed a system to deal with the PTSD I've incurred.
Just bring it down,wait till I hit you with the bill for those (unavailable part's) and poof,My troubles seem to disappear.
Has haaaaaaa nice vid man!!!!🤑⚠️
I have a 2005 Outback and love it!!! Had it for 3 and a half years.
2 months ago I was out running pizzas and I popped a hole in the upper rad hose.... Got lucky and went to a local shop just down the street. There was enough hose left before the pinhole leak that they cut it off and pushed the hose up on the neck of the return port. Lasted all night and then when I was headed home the hose popped another hole and I was steaming for like 8 kms.
Watching the temp gauge closely as I didn't want to see red....
Made it to a 7-11 and shut her down and sat there for almost 2 hours letting the engine cool down.
I was able to scrounge another inch out of that hose, reclamp and fill with water as I only had 4 kms to go.
Made it home and the next day went and got new hose, clamps and coolant... Hose was like 25.00 so not a big hit..just grateful I didn't cook the heads as that is bad!
Liked your show and will be watching more...THANKS!!!!!
when he actually starts talking common subaru problems 3:44
Dude...you got me beat on views for Subaru headlight-fix...but that is because you are AWESOME! Guys like you make the world a better place.
Great video! Thanks for the honesty. I'm still gonna buy a subaru, my daughter owns one and she loves it.
Awesome video. Thanks for not only talking about the issues but also showing us some of the issues. I am considering picking up a new Forester in the near future.
Yeah.... not just alaska but in Canada subarus are everywhere now
Inverted V12
Subaru, the Canadian Porsche....
I have 2, hard to find in Windsor Ont.
In Moncton every 3 car is a Subaru.
It's Feb 2019. Kinda late here. Anyway, I have a 2017 Forester and at 54000 km....changed left front arm bushings and both rear wheel bearings. Luckily, they are still under warranty. Otherwise, it has been great. Thanks, Tim. You're an inspiration.
Relax Tim, haters gonna hate anytime you put anything on the internet, just goes with the territory.
1) Never had an issue with the dreaded head gasket on my 03 Forester, 14 years 237k miles, all on the original gaskets. I suspect maintenance has something to do with it, keeping your battery clean and the posts from looking like an EPA chemical disaster zone and changing the coolant on a regular basis with the proper silicate free formula. The boxer heads of course sit horizontally at the bottom part of the engine block and that dirty acid fouled coolant drains down and sits next to the heads soaking the gaskets whenever the car is parked. Over time, well you get the picture. Change your coolant regularly.
2) Misfires are fairly common, check the usual suspects, plugs, wires, coil, oil seeping past the plug gaskets. All are cheap and easy to fix. The old NA 2.5’s have a single integrated coil that costs less than fifty bucks and as you showed in the video is a 5 minute job to replace. Easy peasy.
3) Wheel bearings can go wrong, I had one wheel done during the life of the car. Again cheap and easy, especially if you have access to a hydraulic shop press.
4) Headlight replacement difficult? Not on my 03. Five minute job, ten bucks.
5) Power steering pump? Never had a problem. The old cars used plain old Dex3 fluid available anywhere. No excuse for not keeping it up.
That Forester was arguably one of the most trouble free cars I’ve ever owned, sold it to a local mechanic a couple years back and I still see it driving around the neighborhood from time to time. Must have around 260k miles on it by now. They just require some basic care and maintenance and they’ll drive forever.
viffer94, your experience with your 2003 mirrors my experience with a 1999 Forester. I bought that car new from Continental and kept it until 2016 when I sold it for $2200 with 298,000 miles on it. The original clutch was replaced at 202,000. The original head gaskets were replaced at the same time but not because they were leaking, just because the engine was out to do the clutch. When I sold that car it still had the original power steering pump and alternator. The only parts I ever replaced on that car were wear items or consumables.
Coolant sits in the heads of all vehicles always. It doesn't drain like oil. I don't know where people get this idea.
Thank you very much. I have two H6 LL Bean outbacks I love. My newest on is a 2003 with 120,000 miles and just came up with the flashing check engine light and obvious misfire. At least it had the good sense to come up with this problem in my driveway instead of a recent 1500 mile trip from California to my home in Montana. I have a code reader ordered and your video gave me hope that maybe I can fix it myself. Hard to find good mechanics in rural Montana.
you are a great mentor and I like your personality. ✌
Thanks for the encouragement. Blessings to you!
make peace
Good video. I have an 09 Forester and two days ago the low beam right side lamp went out. It was not difficult to change, I didn't go through the wheel area at all. Remove the plastic air intake (2 plastic screws) and the cover to the bulb is just below. I used a flat blade screw driver and a hammer to tap the ring because I could not loosen it by hand. It came off easy, the bulb turns and I removed the clip all very easy and I replaced the bulb. It took less than 10 minutes.
Nice.
90-100k miles :P my 2003 stage 2 wrx has 335,000 and no engine part has been replaced other than the timing belt 3 times and the plugs twice, look after your cars they wont have any issues my last subaru i did 1.1 million in before it needed a rebuild.
also you should gave cleaned the lead plugs and used fresh dielectric grease in them and on the coil ends
It is my first time listening to your information and it was refreshing to hear your take on repairs. thank you i will keep listening to you.
Hey Tim as always a great video. You always do good videos and good work. Most of all for your viewer's. You produce great educational videos. And that is why we are here. I always look forward to your videos. Anyone that says different. Can move on as far as I am concerned. And stop disrupting everything else. I hope I am not speaking out of turn here. If I am. I apologize for that. But you do good work and good videos. Who ever says different. Can kiss the other viewer's _ _ _ I think everyone will agree with me on this. Tim thanks for sharing your videos. You are a good person and an amazing mechanic. Thanks and Merry Christmas to you and your family.
I been following Tim on my way to ASE certs and opening Sams Subaru technologies and this is one of his best I really like his commitment to excellence and professionalism he really does honor to the trade
hahahahahaha. oh man, I hope you other resources available for you as far as mentorship and training or your new Subaru shop is in big trouble buddy. hahha
Thank you for the encouragement! It looks like the Subaru purists haven't showed up yet but I get the feeling they will and oh man...its going to get real. haha
I had 2 Subaru Outback. 04 and 05 with 2.5L engine in them. I did tune up on 04 including head gasket replacement. Great cars. I would have no hesitation to buy it again.
Great video.
last Monday in Chicago -9F
-9F wow, its gotten that cold just once so far this winter here. It sure generates lots of work at the shop but I really don't care much for it. Stay warm my friend!
Really cool guy, glad I watched this. Keep up the good work and stay honest .God bless
Thank you so much
I drive an old lesabre. 00 model. They bad about headliners falling down, dashing popping up, plastic cooling elbows failing and probably more stuff I left out. If I come on here and you are doing the cooling elbow replacement and I'm watching for guidance, and you say "oh these buicks are bad for these coolant elbows are notorious for failing",,, now how silly would it be for me to get upset over you saying that? Or even if it's something else on my vehicle that hasn't failed yet but has "history" of it happening. The point is obviously as others have noted, you are doing a service to your viewers for recording these things. Keep up the great work and thanks ! And Merry Christmas to you and your family !
That's the truth! I hate those plastic elbows! Blessings to you and your family and Merry Christmas!
official vehicle of the Pacific Northwest also.
I think Colorado too.
The people in Alaska are truly smart if they prefer Subaru to the competition!Another reason for visiting this great place!Greetings from a Russian living in Germany!
Ive been to Germany but not Russia yet. Yes we are a smart breed here!
@The Car Doctor
Why is it that Subarus are not renting companies's first choiсe in Alaska?
I was enquiring about renting a car in Alaska lately. It seems there are no PROPER Pick UPs, nor 4WDs offered at all!
Why should I rent a big SUV like Grand Cherokee alone if I could take a Jeep Wrangler or an Impreza/Forrester, for instance? Does not make sense for me!
Who needs Mitsubishi Mirage in Alaska? ;)
Hey man. Thanks for your insights. Good video.
I live where there's salt, and they salt the salt with more salt to increase salt levels. I'm super salty about it.
You peppered me with Salt Man and that deserves a comment. Cheers!
Very popular in New Zealand too, our terrain similar to Alaskan, only on a smaller scale. Subaru don't do a V6, all their engines are Boxers. H6, I believe. Love your videos, wish our service agents were as knowledgeable as you.
rinuncular too H4 and H6
2015 STi owner Here
Luv it to death
A good man who happens to be a professional mechanic!
Dude you're hilarious! Great video :) :) Those people with the 2010 didn't do themselves any favors by not keeping their fluids filled. Great reminder that not checking your fluids gets expensive fast.
I've got a 2006 Outback that's been in Ohio the whole time until around Christmas when I moved to Nashville, and 155,000 on the clock. I'm looking at head gaskets / seals / timing / water pump and pretty soon I'll be doing a brake upgrade using calipers off a Legacy GT. I had all three oil pressure sensors fail by now, two with leaking gaskets internal to the pressure switches and one because the sensor actually failed in the variable valve system. Other than that smooth sailing, and I love the car. I agree about the stupid head gasket issue, it's a bitch. The car's still worth it though, it's so fun to drive and such a capable animal. Oh, my suspension was getting hairy in the rear so I bought Rallitek Overload springs and new OEM dampers (the 2004 version) and it's waaayyyy stiffer in the rear. I love it because the roads in Nashville are dangerous and the stiffer rear gives me better maneuverability. Great car! Thanks for the video.
On my second Subaru Forester with no repairs ever. I do keep maintenance up. First I sold at 125,000 miles. Thanks for the informative videos
I have a 2002 Outback L.L.Bean Edition 3.0... It has 332,000 miles now.. Only had to replace valve cover gaskets & Crank sensor.. No head gasket issues to note on 3.0 ENGINES... However, the 3 catalytic converters need replacement.. Due to age & high mileage... An it requires Premium Fuel.... BUT the car is FUCKIN FAST an reliable..SWEEET!!😁🔥
They dont really blow head gasket that much . I have 1998 and 2001 with tons of miles on em with no head gasket issues. Oil leaks though. I have a Sienna now.
YES10 KOOOL MAN U GIVE ME HOPE😃... I DID HAVE VALVE COVER GASKETS REPLACED BECAUSE OF BAD OIL LEAKS... IT COST ME ABOUT $700.00 bucks, but no MORE LEAKS ahhhh! I ADORE my L.L. Bean... But i know I must Surrender it soon because of high miles, & future maintenance COST... Subaru folks ARE special people 😃😘😁✨
Robert Shupinski ....I read the mileage wrong... Its ACTUALLY 231k... I bought it @195k.. About 4 yrs. Ago.. The battery is bad & I'm about to junk it unfortunately for maybe $400.00-$500.00 bucks... It hurts me DEEPLY because the car is FABULOUS...An a RARE runner I can't afford to keep in MY bad financial issues... THANKYOU for SHARING MY LOVE of this unicorn.. The SWEEETTNESS car I've EVER HAD... L.L.BEAN 3.0..😃😄😘✨😖😫😍☺💘
xa om... Engine is ABSOLUTELY flawless 😁✨it EXTREMELY POWERFUL burns NO oil an VERY quiet SMOOOOOTH runner... I ADORE my car.. & that 3.0 SUPER FAST!!! My only real compliant is that i MUST USE PREMIUM FUEL. BUT FOR GUARANTEED PERFORMANCE.... IT'S MORE THAN WORTH THE COST BUDDY !!! She flies with out a turbo...WOOW!! OMFUGGINNGAWD 😲 😲 FUCKIN AMAZINGLY POWERFUL.. I'M PROUD!!
xa om .... My miles are at 231,000.. I've missed read the odometer... My bad...
I am an owner of a 2011 Forester and it is at about 100,200 miles and it is rock solid. I have it serviced at the dealer where I purchased purchased the car. That is the secret to the life of any, a good service department. Mine is super.
"The biggest problem with Subarus are the owners" So true! I'm a subie owner too.
YOU THE MAN!!!! MY 2001 FOZ has 357000 and still going , you are correct if you keep the maintance up it'll keep running.
Subaru was good until the CVT trans is the only option. You may see them a lot more when the trans are out of warranty.
Their CVTs are actually not as bad as a lot of people say. They are not produced by the same makers of Nissan's CVTs, and are made by Subaru themselves
Thanks, Tim, I just bought a 2015 Forester and this was a helpful review! As a coincidence I just watched a Scannerdanner video of a coil spark test similar to what you did here. He routinely uses a grounded test light held in his other hand close to the coil to give somewhere for the spark to go, which I don't normally do. As you were doing the test I realized that a test light would instantly narrow the diagnosis of a no spark. If there is no spark to the test light, you know it's not the wire or plug. If you get spark to the test light, you can move the test light away to measure spark length. If there is good spark to the test light but no spark to the wire when the test light is withdrawn, the problem is the wire or plug. I think I'll start doing it that way. Thanks for posting your videos, it's very helpful to know what commonly goes bad.
that's a great idea. IM going to try that as well. So does the spark ever blow out the test light? Do you know if Danner uses just a standard test light or a special one able to withstand the high voltage? Ill have to look for that vid. Thanks
I wondered that, too, but he gets away with it. He uses a typical incandescent light, not LED. Although the voltage is high, the current spike is so brief it doesn't overheat. You don't even really see the light turn on, it's too short an impulse. The last scannerdanner video I saw him do this on was titled "Misfire Caused by a Vacuum Leak", where the actual test was at 2:19 into the vid. Cheers!
Thanks again, ill take a look. I have learned so much on UA-cam. What a great community.
CarQuest is Intermotor (a brand of SMP) which is often just the OEM part in a different box. I've seen them sell a relay which contained the Honda bagged part in the box because they didn't want to waste money opening the bags. They do, however, sometimes grind off OEM numbers.
Yes but sometimes its a garbage part. You never know what youre going to get but you can save a few bucks for sure.
New subscriber here. Great video! Much respect to you and what you are doing. I bought a 2015 Subaru Forester XT in Aug 2017, and so far I really love the vehicle. I was a Honda guy my entire life (3 Civics and 2 CR-V’s) so owning a Subaru is a new experience. Bought the XT because I fell in love with the performance. Doing regular maintenance and staying on top of everything. Hoping it’s going to be as reliable as my past Honda’s. 👍👍
Outstanding video! Seems like a great guy and VERY informative.
Great video. Yep, all is true. 4 Subis in my yard, and I have yet to need to replace a wheel bearing (knock on wood) although the '03 Outback is starting to complain on one corner. Rather than installing new head gaskets when they fail, I have been swapping out the 2.5L blocks for 2.0L JDM blocks from Japan. Low mileage on them. and all the assessories bolt right up. The 2.5L ECM can run the 2.0L no problem.
Where do you purchase the JDM engines?
@@mobilemechmantim773 I got a few off of ebay, but you can also search the internet for JDM ENGINE IMPORT and find many sellers.
@@Chris-Fennimore Thanks for the info. I didn't know the 2.5 ECM would just plug and play. That's awesome! Did you notice any difference in power?
This is my first time watching your videos, starting with this one, and I absolutely love it! You are awesome, such a cool and honest guy, and posting videoes all the way down from Alaska. I live in Norway, pretty similar weatherconditions. Anyway, I am now a new subscriber! Keep up the good work buddy!
Thanks for your honest opinion . I have a Subaru Outback 2006 ,with low mileage ( 125,000 KM) .I like the car but I have found Subarus are not a low maintenance vehicle . Do a lot of my own maintenance like oil changes, brakes ,those half shaft boots . Just developed a oil leak that is not the oil pressure switch ,already replaced that . Hope that oil leak is not the head gaskets but I will see . Unfortunately I am in central Canada so I am too far away from your shop .
my 2015 wrx the engine block cracked at 3000 miles they had to replace my engine and they were not happy about it, I didnt race it or drive it like a maniac like they said I was, I drove it normal and they couldnt believe it, They flew two mechanics from Japan and made me drive their test vehicle to see how I drive, and also put a computer on my car for a month after the repairs to monitor my driving habits, But I didnt mind since they paid for the two months payment that the car was in the shop. After all this the car run's fine, forgot to mention this is with the CVT trans.
Wow, that's certainly not common. Had to have been a factory defect. That's a nice car!
Wow!! incredible story about your Subaru and the Japanese mechanics,,,
it's their first time putting a cvt in a wrx lol
Wow they flew mechanics from japan to take a look at it. That's commitment. Hey at least you didn't have to pay.
LADJROB LEE wow your own mechanics... from the experts in japan damn. komatsu does the same with their heavy machinery. I think they got 5 mechanics who know absolutely everything in most of their machines
Love the video! I have a 1995 Subaru Legacy Sedan that's almost at 297k miles. My son was worried about the high mileage and gave me their 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier when they got their new car. I haven't had any major issues, but I know they're on the horizon. I'm now trying to decide whether I should let the Subaru go before it kicks the bucket or wait to see how much longer I can get it to go. Poor thing needs a bunch of little things done to it (speed sensor, peeling paint, driver side headlight goes out if it jiggles a lot, passenger side windows in the front and back work by driver button sporadically, but always work from their door, tiny oil leaks), but each one is a few hundred dollars and when you start adding them up, it can be a lot of money. Still, it's been such an amazing car!
Love hearing these success stories from Subaru owners. Thanks for watching!
I also have a good one for you. My2010 impreza forced fuel back out of the filler neck
Thanks for the info. I recently purchased a 2010 Subaru Forester. Its a low mileage car, and the car fax shows a good maintenance history. I had it inspected by a professional mechanic and he liked the car. With that said your video showed me some of the things I will keep an eye on, ie: head gasket, cv boot, hub bearing. I plan on doing a lot of the maintenance my self with the help of videos like yours. So keep up the good work. I like your videos, I'll be watching.
you mean H6 (boxer flat) motor, not V6, right? as far as I know, Subaru never made V engine.
thanks for the video. I'm a Subaru owner and found it informative.
We take the beaten up oldies and make them awesome and loved again. These are great cars, and you have to take care of them. Safest car out there, and I did own Volvos. GREAT VIDEO!
I own 2 97 legacy outbacks and I love them! It's the idiot kids that like to drive them like race cars that have the issues. One has 257k and the other has 150k. I've only ever done preventative maintenance and wear and tear parts (alternator, thermostat, etc) if you maintain them they'll run forever. Great video :)
Good on you! A great testament to taking care of your car so it will take care of you. Thanks for watching
Or you could say that more repairs are the price you pay for having fun.
Brittany Yancey they are rally cars
Brittany Yancey was
I have the impreza, love it to bits. Changed the timing system (Timing belt, pulleys and tensioner) at 113,572 Kms (I expect a timing belt to last 5 years or 100,000Kms or whichever comes first - the prospect of bent valves just makes me cringe), changed front boots the moment they get raptured, I check these weekly when cleaning the car, New tyres, Spark Plug seals at 108,233Kms as well as the valve cover gaskets (the moment those are open, I treat them like O-Rings, get new ones). I'm now due for ball joints and shock absorbers and I have clocked 115,~ Kms and counting, fully synthetic oil at service, coolant flush, ATF (108,233Kms), Power Steering Fluid (when I flushed the ATF) and would like to renew the brake fluid & diff oilsoon, and this ladies and gents, is driven within the tropics and the roads are quite unkempt..I expect to keep this car for 20+ years..
PTSD that's some funny shit lol
The struggle is real! hehe
The Car Doctor that is not something to joke about. Real people are really hurting so you can play on UA-cam. Grow up.
Enjoyed, you came across professional and very knowledgeable in regards to the 2010 Forester! Keep up the great work. I learned a lot from your presentation. Bill
While it is true, A lot of people do suffer from PTSD. Not everyone is as delicate a flower as you are. Most people don't feel the need to be immediately and furiously offended. When someone makes a harmless joke. Some friendly advice..... Don't watch Blazing Saddles, your head may explode.
Yep. I was rollin' on that one. 😁 lol
Thankyou, so genuine. Living in australia on rough roads three hours drive from a big city your experience fits well with our driving conditions
Thank you for watching!
Dude, save yourself the headache on changing the headlights. Just remove the snorkel. On my 2006 subaru outback I can change the bulbs under 15mins. Dont have to get under the car or remove the bumper. Ny has the same bad roads all of those cheap Chinese road tar needs to go. That back quarter panel is a common rust spot. With these cars the one thing I have learned is OEM Genuine parts is required. But if people like spending money after money on Chinese aftermarket parts, more power too you. I can not afford replacing the same part month after month after month. Been down this road with axles, sensors and power steering pumps. Just spend the money for the dealership parts and you will thank me later. Aftermarket axles can not handle the turbo. So if your subbie has turbo, dont even think about aftermarket axles, unless you want to make your subaru a performance car. Then go to a machine shop that makes racing axles.
Edward Cornell l
I have a 2014 Subaru Forester Limited that we just experienced this year. Had it recharged to proper levels ($140) and now just found Technical Service Bulletin 10-84-16R for a new design on the windings.
I see the problem! The steering wheel is on the wrong side of the car. Cheers from Australia - subscribed!
Hay you guys in Australia have steering wheels on the wrong side....lol.
Guy knows his stuff! Thank you Car Doctor for a well done and informative video!
Thank you!
"We don't even wait for your car to thaw before we start working!"
if you get them fixed before they start to melt it saves having to put your raincoat on!
Neat little vid. I'm a DIY mechanic, most of the time and have had lots of the issues you talk about. I wonder if the previous mechanic with the PS pump or the owner threw in power steering fluid to kill the thing. In the scan tool codes, you didn't talk about the P0420 that showed up. I call that the "I am a genuine Subaru" code. With that Outback, there's 4 upstream plus the 1 downstream sensors at $50 a piece for the blind mechanics like me who don't have the tools to look at the waveforms. I'm lucky to have a great mechanic 2 miles away for when I'm over my head, like the 3 wheel bearings I just had done in the crosstrek. I don't have a press.
Thank you for this video!!!!
I always like seeing your videos. My daughter's first car in high school was a very used Subaru. No matter how cold it got or how much snow covered it, it always started. It got her through four years of high school and upon graduation, I got her a Honda Accord. We sold that old beater Subaru and I would not be surprised in the thing was still running somewhere. Thanks Car Doctor and try some of that Bengay. ;-)
Most farmers in Ireland has the legacy wagon lol
Andy Kane y
I really appreciate your straight talk, blunt even, but very useful information. I have a 2013 XV Crosstrek, which is really just a lifted Impreza, but I really am very happy with it. Your insights are so good to be able to anticipate issues I might face. Thanks, and don't let the haters get yer goat!😁👌👍
Yup you talked me out of getting a subaru. Thanks
Glad to help. Hehe
Go buy a kia that seems more your speed subarus are amazing cars if you do the PMCS just like most cars
Same here. I even work on cars myself and don't care to put up with the issues these cars have. Subarus are reliable until they're not. For example, a high mileage Toyota will stay on the road with just maintenance. But Subarus require major engine disassembly like maintaining an old Ferrari.
73leo73 same here I will never buy a damn Subaru either no matter how good their 4x4s are. I'm not paying to fix my car at 90k. My Toyota doesn't need fixing
73leo73 We had a 2012 Forester with oil consumption, p0300 DTCs, coolant loss, crack windshield...no more.
“....did this free of charge to the customer” Thank you!! That is really awesome, here in the SF Bay Area we would have been charged at minimum $200 for that. Very cool, thanks for this video
The truth is all man made machines wear out and fail.
Operating conditions and maintainance has a big effect.
Sheer luck can also work, dont you hate people that have buckets of luck :-D LOL.
I would be supprised if anyone hated you, you are just stating facts.
But you do like to stir people up, you bad lad LOL :-D :-D.
Keep up the good work, i allways appreciate your great videos :-D
Hahaha, you noticed that. I might regret doing that after this vid goes viral and all the Subaru people start slamming me.
I dont think you are in any danger from subaru owners locally, they need you :-D
I dont trust people that dont have a decent sense of humor, there is something wrong with them if they are lacking humor.
We are drawn to people that are as mad as ourselves :-D
Hi from Australia. Thanks for the entertaining video. Alaskans have the same Subaru problems that Australians have. It's almost a full time job replacing the blown front and rear light bulbs on my 08 Outback and 10 Forester. More so than any other vehicle I've ever had. Strange! But, we love our subies just the same.
They are a versatile vehicle and im sure they will be around for years to come...both here up top and down under!
V6? Did you mean version 6? Or did you mean H6?
H. I didn't have my coffee yet. hehe. Take care
I had to go to Wikipedia to see if there was a Subi engine I had missed! :-) My wife has a 2010 Forester. So far completely trouble free but only 100,000 km (60,000 miles) so it was great to have a "heads up" of things to look out for.
I’m glad we got this sorted. I am won over by your personality, professionalism, and industry knowledge to the point that I simply trust you. And I was about to go out to my friends and hunt for the great elusive and mysterious Suby V6! Well that would’ve lifted the wall off their eyes and ruined my reputation! LOL
6 subies in the family and I recommend them. Parts are expensive but i love them anyway. Fantastic in all weather, and a blast in the snow.
"v6"
Oh god please no
"v6"
Dear lord i've been triggered what have you done
"v6"
SKREEEEEEEEE
I have a 2015 legacy with an H6, first thing to go wrong was the transmission. engine is perfectly fine though, same with electronics and power systems.
@@RKSNomad is that a common problem on these cars? Do the transmissions go frequently?
@@Durataur no not really. I. My case it was super common, subaru recalled all 2015 vehicles with 2015 cvt transmission's. They even extended the powertrain warranty to 4 years 60k miles instead of 2 years 30k. The newer vehicles have reliable cvt transmissions, powerful too, enough to warrant using them in their sports and even STI models.
@@RKSNomad I'm looking at getting a 2000-2004 Outback with the H6 tho. So they are common?
nah, 2015 is when they first started using cvt, before that those transmissions are pure gold. you could probably find one with 200K miles that still works like new.
Enjoyed video. We have 2 2014 Foresters in Idaho - Subis are very (most?) common here. Both cars are 2.5L with CVT trannys.
We have some problems though. My wife's car has had 2 dangerous incidents on interstate when engine stalled while driving on freeway (some 80 mph speed limits here). Each time she'd been on the road for at least 2 hours and had 150 - 200 miles left in the gas tank. Also, lots of very long stretches here with no town, station, etc for many, many miles.
1st time, about 10/15, wife's car was in cruise control & going up a mild hill when the car suddenly lost power and acted as though it had gone into neutral. When gas pedal pressed, engine rev'd to 4,000 rpm but as though in neutral with no acceleration. Pulled to the side of the road and when braked, the engine stopped. Engine re-started after counting to 10 and resumed travel.
2d time, about 12/15, not in cruise control and on the flat freeway passing in the left lane. The car suddenly lost power and again acted as though it had gone into neutral, again rev'd without acceleration. Maneuvered across 3 lanes of traffic, and got to the side. When braked, the car died. After counting to 10, car re-started and travel resumed.
After 2d incident, took to dealer. They say no codes & kept the car to try to reproduce the problem but have not.
Now, after 2+ months dealer has not been able to replicate problem. Subaru of America has been no assistance.
I've looked at Forester blog and otherwise on the internet and have seen some identical incidents. Comments online include bad fuel pump relay (showed on code), solenoid that vents gas tank, driving with foot on brake pedal (which we do not do), idle control sensor/valve (comment from someone not driving a Subi). Winter fuel mix (vapor lock on a warm day?)
When these incidents occurred, my wife's car acted like mine has when running out of gas. My car has run out of gas twice with bars remaining & no warning light. The 1st time it showed 60 remaining miles on tank and the 2nd time 90 miles. (also, similar incidents reported on blog & internet). My wife was with me the 2d time and noted my engine behavior was the same as with her car - my car acted as though engine became disconnected from the wheels and would rev without acceleration, as though in neutral. After the 1st time I took it to the dealer. Think they did ECM reset & said it was cured (but was not since it occurred again.) I only mentioned this 2d and separate problem because the engine behavior was the same in both cars (although with mine it was out of gas and was rescued by AAA.) I'm thinking ECM is detecting something and causing shut down and wonder if the out-of-gas thing in my car can offer some diagnostic info. I'm OK with carbs, dwell & old school stuff but not ECM's etc. Help - thanks.
The Head gasket issue is now fixed with six star reinforced multi layer gasket.
2014and2015 Crosstrek got good head gaskets?
2014 is sister...2015 is wifes
@@zerkfiter My 2014 Forester did not, if it is the same as the Crosstrek :(
Haters are the fellow humans who can’t work more than an hour without soyboy symptoms. 25 years of mechanic work is no joke. I lasted 10 years and I was pissed off a lot. Went to hanging iron instead and loved it. Good video.