ernieb

Good luck with that!

@Dr. Acula, just done my first day using the ICE, so some quick numbers (I am running the ICE in so variable speeds etc.). I did a total mileage of 137miles, 45 used the EV traction battery so 92 miles using the ICE. The Toyota app says I used 1.87 gals of fuel giving 49mpg which is the hybrid mode ICE alone, (ICE recovering and deploying battery as it sees fit) This trip was in fact 4 trips, 1 normal roads and motorway 91 miles 45 using the battery balance in hybrid mode. Trip 2, 31 miles using hybrid mode. Trip 3, local hills up and down, 7 miles hybrid and trip 4 return of trip 3 slight detour 8 miles. I’d say a good mix of fast roads and tougher road conditions. Hope this gives you some idea, early days and running in so no hard acceleration or braking except when a prat pulled out in front of me, try as you might there is always one…..

The RAV4 does also have a CVT but it’s a very different class to the ‘66 version you’re talking about. Because it’s coupled with the EV motors it’s very smooths the changes when the ICE is running. The ICE is an Atkinson cycle 2.5ltr (variable compression ratios) with the two EV motors producing 302hp and a 0-60 of 5.7 secs. The ICE is primarily to drive the generator to power the motors and/or charge the battery.

@Dr. Acula, I’ll be in a better position to get a good idea of fuel consumption in a couple of weeks. I also look to the 4x4 capability for odd occasion not reall off-roading and although the XV is a capable drive system the basics of the car, suspension, ride height etc., don’t allow for that . Interestingly I signed up for a 5 year service plan (50K miles) which cost £1200 with my old XV I spent £360 on the 1st service and £404 on the 2nd and was quoted £440 for the 3rd, more or less the same cost, the Toyota also came with 5 year warranty rather than 3 years so that helps.

@Dr. Acula, it’s early days yet but it’s a PHEV and so far I’ve managed to get around 50miles on each charge then when that runs out the car becomes a hybrid. I can not as yet able to say what driving with the hybrid system returns in mpg but as I’m planning a few long trips I should be able to give a first hand account in a week or so? Based on what I’ve seen however, I expect to get something in the mid to high 40’s. It’s AWDi, not a mechanical connection between the front electric motor but two electric motors one driving the front wheels and one the rear. The onboard systems define when each motor works from what I’ve read and seen on YouTube it works well but I guess if your looking for pure 4x4 drive then you have to stick to a Subaru. it’s an expensive car but very good to drive and so far in the few days I’ve owned it not needed to use the ICE at all, just been able to use the Traction battery (18KW). It’s heavy but I’ve been impressed on how stable it is when cornering and inspite of the reported “moose test” failure it holds the road well. (Really not sure about the moose test anyway but the guys who do it make a living doing the test) Hope that helps.

It seems that others have achieved better results than that, I think that Toyota have given a number that is maybe an average of hot and cold weather running. I was using the ECO mode and steady acceleration but running at the speed limits. One thing for sure is because the EV motors have massive and immediate torque the car reacts very quickly and smoothly. I see that Subaru are offering a £3k discount on the new Outback, looks nice but seems like a smallish upgrade to the current design, not Hybrid either.

@kash0613, thanks, it looks better in the real life and drives really well, I managed 51 miles on one battery charge today, happy bunny.

The wait is over and we picked up the RAV today.

@kash0613, just heard we can pick up the car on 25th, exactly on the day originally forecast.

Interesting, I also noted that if the car has a traction battery of some kind the warranty is only 8 years or 100K miles(mild Hybrid currently). As a comparison Toyota have a 15 year warranty and from the reviews I've read only charge it to about 90+% and rate the battery at 90%, so over time the battery is protected from being overcharged and the performance life is maintained due to the derating.

I'm pretty sure it's a fuel check valve, non return valve as @stuartie has said.

Yes indeed you’re correct, sorry missed it when I had a look. Mind you it’s 5 years or 60k miles which is rather low considering most manufacturers that offer 5 years will allow 100k miles.

@kash0613, I’ve just looked on the Subaru web site and this is what I found, Our vehicles are made to last. For total peace of mind, every vehicle marketed by Subaru (UK) Ltd is covered by a 3-Year / 60,000 mile (whichever is sooner) Manufacturer’s Warranty (bumper to bumper, excluding clutch driven plate). For all Subaru models: Bodywork is covered by a 12-Year Anti-Corrosion Warranty Paintwork is covered by a 3-Year Warranty A comprehensive 3-Year Recovery and Assistance Programme is included, valid in the UK and Europe For all e-BOXER models: Traction Battery (Lithium-I.on) is covered by an 8 year / 100,000 mile Warranty (whichever is sooner) in addition to all of the above. For precise warranty details, talk to your Subaru dealer or refer to the owner’s handbook. For general terms and conditions click here.

Tyre out of balance, missing a weight?

@JC2, no I’m moving to a Toyota RAV4. As I’ve said the XV is enjoyable and planted to drive, you need to have a decent test drive. I’m sure others will comment so it will give you a better balance of experiences. Just rechecked the first 2 service invoices, 1st one was £325 and 2nd £406, obviously dealer prices as I wanted to be secure in the warranty. I’m aware that I could go elsewhere as long as they certified they had used OEM materials and completed the service fully as defined by the service handbook) Outside the warrany you could do it yourself or go an independent or tyre fitting service.

Hi, Disclosure, I’m on the point of trading my XV in for another car so my view is based on that. it’s a great car to drive and I’m happy with the CVT and as long as your not very heavy with the right foot. However, if you accelerate at a brisk pace then the CVT will act like most CVT’s and give you a roar with high engine revs. This has never bothered me as my driving style naturally allows for that. Make sure your happy with the boot space and check out if you can work with it say for a holiday trip the rear seats go down so there is extra load space if you don’t have passengers. Overall the finish is good and holds up well. The driver aids are excellent, Eyesight etc., I’ve found it works well in but the most extreme circumstances the car x,early tells you when it’s not operating but will recover as soon as the condition allow. ACC and Lane guidance are great on motorways and I use these all the time. The servicing is never cheap with a Subaru my first couple were about £360 each and the one coming up is going to more expensive as it includes air and pollen filters. My first MOT has just taken place it passed but with a mention to monitor the front brakes. (Others have commented on the brake issue) The wheel bearings are probably a weak area on this car and has again been raised on the forum. Getting spares is expensive e.g. I had a TPMS sensor damaged when changing the tyres and that cost £125, spares are cases difficult to source. They are very few alternatives to OEM parts. The sales volumes are very low in the UK. I’ve enjoyed the feel of the car when driving it handles well and with decent tyres is predictable and solid in all seasons. I’ve found that the widscreen reflections difficult to handle with out polarised glasses, this maybe a function of me and selected driving position. I’ve found that the driving seat became uncomfortable after a couple of years, again mybe my physical build and I use a memory foam pad? My mpg all miles trip says 40mpg, using my brim to brim spread sheet says it’s more like 36mpg, I said I’m a more defensive driver so a more aggressive style will see this fall. Hope that helps, I’ve tried to be balanced but I’m sure others will comment, good luck.

@Rocket Gold Star you’ve obviously gone to a great deal of trouble to source and find alternatives and reasonably priced. I figure the average car owner is not going to do that and will just have to rock up at the dealers and pay the man. Wheel bearings and front pads seem to be a feature that crops up regularly. I honestly can not remember having to think about issues such as these within the warranty period of the cars. (Apologies for going way off subject during this thread)

@kash0613 Looks great and I’m sure you’ll be counting the days down. I think it’s far to say that we are doing our bit to help the economy bounce back after the Covid situation! 😄 is that the colour you’ve chosen? What finally decided you to move away from the Subaru? My RAV is on UK soil and still due at the end of the month, fingers crossed. I went for a red body and black roof combination.

Sorry, I thought you’d indicated that you had some interest in the MG HS. The Cupra is a nice car and is fast as you say, the RAV will manage 0-60 in 5.7secs but that’s not my real goal in moving on, that said it’s always useful to have a bit of ‘go’ if and when needed. It was strange to drive a big, heavy car and experience a push in the back when the peddle was pushed. Glad you got the brakes sorted it will be interesting to see what you do when the time comes?

I know we’ve said it before but buying bits for the Subaru is a pain. Are the Michelin’s CrossClimates? Hope it’s all sorted now for you? I saw a MG HS PHEV today driving through Chesterfield, it looked really nice as we were behind and then along side we were able to get a good eyeball.

Any luck fitting the new pads?

Interestingly Subaru for 2020 was a poor year for UK and EU, really poor. In the US they sold 612K cars. Some of the headlines for the EU have stated with something like “despite a disaster in 2020” Subaru will remain in the EU market. It does seem to me that the joint development of cars with Toyota might be the saviour for Subaru in the medium to long term. They would still need to differentiate themselves and give a much longer warranty, at least 5 years and better support logistics.

@Rocket Gold Star what a pain in the **** and £300 down. That really puts you off the dealer a d I think we can all sympathise but in many ways there’s not much you can do except try to find another dealer. I’ve had a quick look and can’t see anything like the shims you’re after so I think you’ll have to try to get a dealer to order them for you. Maybe try, https://subaru-parts.co.uk or something similar, good luck.

@kash0613 I think your right I’ve been doing some searching and from what I can find in 2018 there were 75 dealers and in 2020 only 69. Interestingly in August 2020 Subaru UK sold only 34 cars but still are targeting 3500 per annually, obviously Covid has had an impact but other makes seem to be suggesting good sales.

Agreed, and it was only in 2019 that the new man at the head of Subaru UK was saying that they acknowledged that they had treated the UK Subaru customers badly and we’re going to target 10K car sales rather than the 4k which had been reducing over time. He also said they would add extra dealers and I believe they added 4 more over the last 2 years (Covid can not of helped).