Steeplechasing

Latest on my XV: I asked Subaru UK about the wiring loom. They said the dealer had checked it when it was in for its last service in April 2017. I'd already asked the dealer about this and got no response. I asked Subaru if there was paperwork I could see; they told me to ask the dealer :( Dealer now saying no paperwork but the job was done. Subaru had told me the software update for oil light warnings did not apply to the model I had. I pressed them about Subaru service in general with this car saying my faith in the brand was being quickly eroded. They responded saying that there was now a software update available and that the dealer would arrange for it to be done. Two weeks later, nothing from the dealer. I contacted them again and the update is now booked for next week. All in all, this has been a mess of poor communication, even poorer documentation, and some sloppy, offhand stuff from Subaru UK. For the first time in twenty years I'll be thinking twice about the make of the next car I buy. Caveat emptor.

Swayze88 - Many thanks. That helps. I've not had a great time with this dealer - nicest people you could meet, but either lacking competence or I've been really unlucky. Complained for a year about the aircon. They had it in and 'checked it' twice insisting it was fine. Only when I filmed a thermometer held against the duct when the aircon was full blast showing no temperature reduction did they take it back in and then found a leak; difference was huge once it was fixed but they had simply not listened to my insistent protests that t couldn't be 'fine'. Anyway, I'll double check with Subaru about them having registered the loom check...wish I'd stayed with the Forester! Joe

After various engine management lights came on - mostly to do with oil - I've been talking to my Subaru dealer about my 2013 XV. I mentioned this thread to him and the wiring loom issues and asked if he was familiar with it. He did not answer; whether he dodged the question or forgot I'd asked it I don't know. Anyway. I wrote direct to Subaru UK about it and the first response confirmed that there had been a recall and that my dealer had dealt with it 'in August 2017' which was the end date for recalls. I wrote then asking the dealer to comment - no response since (not unusual for him). I wrote to Subaru again asking when the original recall message had gone out - answer: April 2014. I bought the car in 2016. They added that my dealer S&S Services, Ayr, had carried out the recall work at the last service in April 2017. The dealer has made no reference to this in our exchanges and nothing on the invoice for that service mentions it. Had the work been done, would you expect it to be listed formally on the service record/invoice or elsewhere? I'm conscious that the warranty runs out in October this year. Many thanks. Joe

I pulled in at the edge of the tiny community of Kilchattan Bay on the Isle of Bute on Monday (population a couple of hundred). Got out and saw this other XV. Next pic is of my XV at Ettrick Bay (Bute) today

Aircon is poor in my 2013 'new' purchase - blows cool at best, not cold. This after 22,000 miles. Dealer says the gas has been 'ordered' - delivery mid-June (seems a long delay to me) I'm wondering now if the system has a leak...

Thanks, Jay

Thanks. As you say, some don't need it. My old Forester, a 2000 model, was still blowing arctic air at 170,000.

Thanks, I should have googled it. Looks like the RAC supply a 'universal spare wheel'. Also, they sell a sealant which they claim is easily washed out so the tyre can be repaired.

Thanks, Dogconker

Thanks. I'm due to get my car tomorrow - a 2013 model - should that re-gassing already have been done?

Will the RAC mend a puncture, or would they just gunk it? Thanks

Superb review, Dogconker. Thanks

KGB, did you use S and S? I've just ordered an XV from them...got a good impression from those I dealt with but time will tell

I'm taking delivery of a 2.0 petrol auto (2013) on Friday. The test drive last week had the average showing at 33 though I don't know how it had been driven for its 22,000 miles so far. Also, I believe the display can be reset with the trip meter, so maybe that reading was inaccurate. I will report back.

How much is the chip guard, if you don't mind me asking?