Justin Time

Really sorry to hear that Steve. But glad you got the car back, eventually.

Yes, that's a good idea re mapping that I hadn't thought of. Also, perhaps if I'd used the 'sport' mode at busy junctions, then that might have solved the issue for me. Thinking of a couple of more positives about the Forester. I liked the higher boot space compared to the OB. Also, the Forester has a better ground clearance (220mm compared to 213 mm (OB Gen6).

My only experience of driving an e-boxer forester was two years ago as a courtesy car while my OB was being serviced. The Forester had less than 200 miles on the clock and it was the black 'sports' (?) version. First impressions (sitting in it) was that it seemed very comfortable and light. However, driving it was not pleasant. It was really slow, tank like, when accelerating from junctions and when pulling away at roundabouts when you wanted to join the flow of traffic. Noticeable slower than the OB. The member of staff I spoke to afterwards also agreed that they found the OB a much more pleasant drive. The stats state: Forester 0 - 62 11.8 secs Outback 0 - 62 10.8 secs. Neither are speedy cars of course, but the Forester was a sloth - that 1 sec difference was marked. Having said that, you do see them out and about so perhaps their owners are very content. Another negative, for me, is that the mpg for the OB is 32.8 while for the Forester it's still just 34.7 mpg. Hardly a great saving. Must be those heavy batteries. Plus you have a smaller fuel tank (48 litres vs 63 litres) in the Forester due to the batteries, so you get hardly much better mpg and you have a much reduced range. So if you're prepared to go slower and have to fill up more often on longer journeys...! Another big negative for me, is that you can't fit a spare wheel in the Forester (again because of the batteries). No car can pretend to offer aspirations of off-road capabilities if a spare isn't available. Overall I think the Forester looks the biz, but unless they offer a none hybrid and also either at least a 2.5 litre engine, or a turbo option, it's not for me. It'll be interesting to see how you find the Forester after the legacy for driving experience.

Sadly, the new Crosstrek is a hybrid! Yuk. Enough said. Yeap, no wheel jack ! Well, I guess they, Subaru, don't seriously think you're going to take it off-road anywhere because if they did you'd need a full size spare wheel (the batteries preclude this space now), unless you're a gambling person who likes to tempt fate while miles away from a road (and maybe also a mobile signal), from where a recovery vehicle could collect you with your flat tyre.

I'm not sure you can alter the pre-collision braking warning distance and stop it sounding off. It sounds as if there is a fault with the system in your car if it is falsely or over frequently triggered. I occasionally have mine sound off if it thinks I'm heading into a tight corner too fast, but it never actually brakes. The only other time it triggers is at my local supermarket carpark when I drive into a parking space with a bush in front of the car and that's at a low speed. It is of course possible to alter the distance of the adaptive cruise control distance, but that's an entirely different issue, albeit also uses the same camera system.

You might also try posting your query here too: Vast amount of knowledge of all things OB https://www.subaruoutback.org/

3 years of ownersip of my 2020 Gen5 OB and 32,000 miles on the clock. My first Subaru ever, after years of considering them, but opting for a string of Skodas (4x4 1.8T Octavia, x2 Yetis (4x4s) and my partner is on her 4th Fabia). I was commuting them and Subarus have always been relatively thirsty, but that's not an issue for me know as I work from home mainly. All the Skodas were great and serviced for over 20 yrs by a local independent Skoda specialist - never any issues. So the Gen5!! Firstly, I love alot about the car. It's size; it's off-road ability (which is why I bought it); etc. But (and it's a big but) I've used Subaru dealers for the last 3 services and the experience has been dreadful. Apparently, major problems with the NSF brakes wearing out - needing new discs and pads ( in 7,000 miles, and then after 10,000) and despite my arguing with the last two dealers that this is a mechanical problem, with that individual caliper, and not normal symmetrical wear-and-tear, and so a warranty issue, they can't/won't agree. So I've been 'banging my head against a wall' and it leaves a sour taste when I think of Subaru now. The same goes for Subaru UK (ie. the IM Group) - no support and terse emails. Overall, terrible customer service. On most of my vehicles I've driven since the 1980s, I've always had discs lasting 50,000 plus miles - no issues. Maybe it's just this particualr car (I'll be selling it before the next service is due), but the service costs have been around £1000 for the last two services - ridiculous. Anyway, best of luck with yours. As I say, there's alot to like about the full ICE subarus.

Just when you thought the head gasket issues and CVT failures had been sorted, along comes another Subaru F-up. Seems like there is another class-action going on in the US too regarding this issue. https://www.subaruoutback.org/threads/thermo-control-valve-tcv-class-action-lawsuit-now-underway.562835/?post_id=6426666&nested_view=1&sortby=oldest#post-6426666 Don't worry though, it's not effecting the turbo engines only the naturally aspirated. How! Hang on...!

Hi Shieldsy, Welcome. Well if you manage to achieve that, I'd love to know and would put my name on the list too 🙂 I believe they also drive on the left in Japan, so...! Best of luck.

https://subaru.co.uk/overview/outback-touring-x Apparently, there are just 100 of these for sale in the UK. They appear to be modelled on the Touring spec. accessories mixed with some Field features, plus use the US OB Wilderness blue paint job. Shame is, there's no turbo version. as in the States, and the suspension isn't jacked up further like the Wilderness. I guess it might appeal to some (re colour option) but it's basically a more expensive Touring version. I have that sinking feeling that Subaru UK and EU will ditch the petrol version of the OB and it'll join the rest of the toothless models in having a mild hybrid version only. Worst of all worlds (IMO). Hey ho...

That all makes good sense Jake, and I think that would be exactly what I'd do if/when faced with the need to change the transmission fluid. I've heard that some dealers refuse to do the work as it's laughingly called 'sealed for life'. However, if you read the OB manual it does say the transmission oil should be changed if the car is driven under 'severe' conditions, such as regualar heavy towing, etc. It's a shame there isn't a means to organise with other owners, so that the dealers could do more than one car at the same time and thereby sharing the costs and reducing the wastage. Too few Subarus on the UK roads though. Thanks for the update.

That's interesting, and thank you for the information. From what I've gleaned checking out the CVT issues on https://www.subaruoutback.org/ they do service the CVT units more frequently in the US. I'm not sure if that's down to different local laws re: oil viscosities or some other environmental issues. I am aware from reading some of the threads that Subaru CVTs have some every specific requirements among CVTs generally, regarding the replacement of transmission fluids - although perhaps that just the manufacturers attempting to 'corner' the market. Let us know how you get on.

Thanks. If I end up eventually visiting them, I'll leave some feedback on here. I can't find another independent Subie specilaist anywhere else in the North-East of England.

Anyone had any expereince, good or otherwise, of using this garage for Subaru work? https://gilesgateautocare.co.uk/specialist-service.htm Thanks