Justin Time

Subaru Dog Guard fitted - Hooray!!! OK, it's not like I've just DIYed and replaced the whole wiring harness or stripped and rebuilt the CVT, but it took about 30 mins!!! It's less of an issue with the fixing, which is simply bolts and washers, but the very poor quality of the printed fitting instructions (over exposed photos so really dark) and the strangely contorted bits of metal that attach the frame to the body. Once fitted, seemed sound. Shame they couldn't design it so it fitted closer to the back of the rear seats as that would have given the dog another foot or so of space. Still, it'll do.

Yes, I queried that when I got the Outback and was told the very same. It's curious because, at least with the OB, in Japan the cvt oil is changed every 36000 miles, in Canada I think it's 50,000 and it's something else in the US (sorry, can't remember the mileage). Why isn't it sealed for life in these countries? Climate differences - humity? Local eco laws about oil qualities? I don't know. This guy, John Cadogan, has a Youtube video on the 'sealed for life' claim for CVTs. Sealed for life! CVTs He's a bit brash and likes to hear his own jokes, but if you can bear these idiosyncrasies he has some good auto knowledge (see the towing weights vids for example). Like you, I just managed to get one of the last vehicles with the 5 year transmission engine warranty, before the 'new' 3 year warranty came into play. Bottom line is that while there are some complaints about the cvt systems, given the number of Subarus sold over the years, and the massive mileages some of clocked up, there's not a lot of complaints. Consequently, I'm not losing too much sleep about it - for now 🙂 !

It does, but sadly it's not for the likes of you or me 🙂 Subrau UK (IMG Group) responded to my enquiry to tell me it only applies to the Solterra. But, as Ive repled to them this iis a marketing mess up. See part of my email in reply... "Dear Subaru UK Support Team, Thank you for explaining why I am unable to download the “Subaru Care’ app. after I had spent some considerable time and growing frustrations trying to achieve this. Can I respectfully ask why, if the app only applies to the Solterra EV model, the webpage on which the information is given has a picture of a Subaru XV! https://www.misubaru.co.uk/download-now.aspx and why the page does not mention that it is relevant to the Solterra only? Why does the registration form for the app ask for the Subaru model name, if it’s only the Solterra model? Why does the Subaru Accident Management page, related to the app have a photo of a Forester? Etc. etc. May I suggest that these errors are amended asap so as to manage your customers’/owners’ expectations and avoid wasted time by both customers and yourselves in having to reply and explain. Kind Regards"

Do you mean this https://www.perkins-subaru.co.uk/news/3-years-free-servicing/110539 It looked like a deal this dealership was offering last year. I've not been aware of a general Subaru UK wide offer. I imagine that if there was an option at the dealership it would be sold as some sort of add-on service plan option.

Trigger warning - this post contains a rant, so don't read on if youre in a fragile state of mind or want to continue to enjoy a dippy-do-dah kinda day. The Mi.Subaru App. Any one managed to download this app? If so, I take my hat off to you, and bow reverently. It's right out there - in yer face, on the Subaru UK website, which boasts the availability of an accident management app Mi.Subaru https://www.misubaru.co.uk/download-now.aspx which is supposed to make it v easy to contact Subaru UK in the event of such a mishap. Probably only of interest to those with current Subaru warranties and cover. Seems a plus, and there's a lot of glossy webpage (yes Subaru have spent time and money on this) information enticing you to download the app, with 'helpful' (spoiler-alert NOT!!!) links to the your phone's operating app store. I'm with Apple so the link takes you to the Apple App store. Yet, and here's the crestfallen point, the link actually only leads to a message saying "App Not Available. This app is current not available in your country or region". So why waste my time grabbing my attention and leading me down the garden path Subaru? I first checked it out months ago thinking the Subaru UK website must just be a smidgen ahead of the introduction of the service. But no! All promise and no delivery. Mere empty grinning teeth sales bullshit. Not a good look Subaru, if you're just the ruddy same as all the other motor corporate tat. Not distinctive at all. So, what is there in the App store for Subaru? Well, there's the Subaru Care app! Hey, well that's a result? ' Care' in the title must mean they actually do care about offering support to customers. Erm...no. Not really. You see after registering and logging on, I've found that you can only really get as far as (according to the app) 43% complete because you need to scan the Q Code on your Vehicle's head unit, or input the 8 digit authentication code also needed to "link your Subaru and BECOME ENTITLED". Yes, that's exactly how it describes it - entitled. And let's face it, who doesn't want to become entitled. Who wants to be a mere un-entitled oik. Yeah, gimme some of that free' entitlement pleezzze. But (and I'm guessing you're all ahead of stupid me here), you've guessed it! No Q Code or anything else is available in the real world. Ive sat in the hot, sun-baked car, flicking fruitlessly through diverse on screen menus. I've even delved into the murky depths of the 'dark' dealership and factory settings modes by pressing the secret code buttons (press and hold 'home' while pressing the 'tune' button X2 or X6). What did I find? Nada. Zilch. Not a dicky-bird. Yeap, it seems it's all an overblown, empty, sugary coated, Ad crap promise - again I know. I know. I'm old enough to know better, and I should of. Hey-ho.

Thanks Pete. That's really helpful. I'll get this sorted too.

Hi Pete. Really well done. That's of interest to me with a 2020 OB. Can you share what the modification was and how did you get the dealer to replace it (warranty)? Cheers.

Umm..I've had similar problems with my Outback (2020), which is the first car I've owned with 'High Beam Assist'. When I first used it I found that I was getting flashed a lot by oncoming drivers, as the full beam wasn't dipping quick enough. The car was new, and I seriously considered getting the dealer to have a look at the self-leveling system and also checked out a few Youtube videos to see if i could adjust the headlights myself. In the end, things (kind of) sorted themselves out, perhaps with the car's self-leveling correcting itself (!) with more miles on the clock. However, I still loath the high-beam assist. It now often comes on too late in my judgement (although this can function inconsistently) and then often switches back to low beam if the headlights simply reflect off a clean reflective road sign or similar, and then it subsequently takes too long to return to high beam. My solution? Now, I simply leave it in the manual light setting at night and switch between high and low beam in the 'old fashion' manner I've been used to after four plus decades of driving 😉 Some of these gimmicky bells and whistles are just a wasteful complication that the car marketing teams get all fevered up and rave about. Hope you get it sorted one way or another. You could also look on the US Subaru Forester site as they sell alot more Subarus over there https://www.subaruforester.org/

My 2020 Gen5 had it's first Service in December 2021, when it had clocked up about 6000 miles (the service interval is every 12 months or 12,000 miles whichever comes first). The dealership reset the service reminder to correctly read December 2022, but they left the mileage at 12,000! It should have been reset to 6,000 + 12000 = 18,000. Consequently, it has just recorded a total of 12000 miles and I'm being 'reminded' by the incar computer to take it for a service, even though it's only added another 6000 miles since the last service in December 2021. Is there a DIY way of fixing this error so it reads not only the correct service due date, but also the correct mileage the next service is due on? Also, it's a bit disappointing that unlike my last car (a Skoda) which gave a 1000 miles warning count down if the mileage for servicing was approaching, or gave a 50 days countdown warning it the service anniversary date was going to be reached first before the mileage target. That way there was plenty of time to organise the service, if I'd inadvertently not had that requirement on my mind (rarely 🙂 !), so no surprises.

Cheers ernieb. I really appreciate you taking the time to provide such a fulsome description of the event and the car, plus your considered opinion. What particularly caught my eye was the 20" wheels on the Touring version, compared to the 18' on the Limited. I'm not a big fan of 20" wheels, especially on a car that might perform some (albeit very modest) off-road work. Shame about no spare tyre option too, but I guess that's the way the world is going now. With Subaru planning to sell only all electric vehicles by the early 2030s and with the UK, supposedly, banning the sale of all diesel and petrol vehicles by 2030, I've got some very careful planning to do to ensure my next vehicle purchase remains a budding petrohead mobile just before those cut off dates 😉

Glad you got that sorted. Just for general information for anyone else searching similar threads, I've a Gen5 OB, which as far as I can ascertain has the same (or very similar) boot space and under cover spare wheel space as the Gen6. I fitted a full size (18") matching Subaru Gen5 OB alloy wheel in with ease, plus it's shod with a full size, fully inflated, tyre. Just another option and useful if you intend to do a 5-wheel/tyre rotation (with none directional tyres of course!).

Nice one. I'm not a little bit envious! No, really I'm not. 😀

Go for it! I got the invite/application emailed to me too, but will give it a miss (so that's one less competitor for a place). I imagine there'll be some free canapes and cheap plonk on offer, and a pile of glossy brochures to take home. To be fair, if i was in the market for an EV (can't really see that happening) the Solterra looks okish. I watched this vid road test a few days ago. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duR-jQphyCw Hope you get a place and are also able to give us some feedback afterwards.

Cheers. That's really helpful to know. I too have an unopened set of wiper blades for the OB provided by the free winter check. I've not even opened to have a look, but will do now! I do think the original blades on the OB are pretty good (so far) - no squeaks, jumping, just silent running. I always used to fit the Bosch blades to my previous (and partner's current) Skodas. I park my car outside on the drive and I wonder if prolonged exposure to the elements reduces lifespan, and not simply wear when in use. Not much I can do about that. I guess recent model Subarus have to have top notch blades due to the functioning of the eyesight system.

Up until about 20 years ago I used to do all the servicing on our cars, but then getting a better paid job, less time on my hands and more expensive (and complicated cars!) meant I left it to local independent garages I'd come to trust. Now, about the only motor mechanical aspects I touch are switching the winter and summers rims/tyres over twice a year! I've got soft and lazy...GrrrH Now Ive got more time I think I should at least do the occasional, between main services, oil change myself, albeit that that inverted oil filter does looks a bit daunting... 😉

Hi Mr B, thanks for your speedy reply. I did just over 7,000 miles in the one-year service period, which is way less than I used to clock up (about 12 -13K )on my previous non-Subaru vehicles. They were all consequently serviced before the year was up (around 10 month intervals) when the cars clocked up 10K max. I never opted for the variable, extended service interval options that used to be offered around 5 to 10 years ago, but which now seem to have disappeared! Wholly agree with the hybrids issue. My partner's old Skoda is coming up for replacement and she looked briefly at the XV, as she wants something smaller than the OB, but it's only sold as a hybrid except for the 1.6 engine which seems massively under powered and has 4 secs slower 0-60 than her little Skoda Fabia!!! She's no speed merchant but a 0-60 in 13 plus seconds is not good for overtaking gusto when you've only a small window of opportunity to, say, pass that tractor and trailer 🙂

So, I heard about alleged claims of Subarus burning excess oil while doing my research before purchasing a new one, and I've checked out (regularly) the US based SubaruOutback forum, etc. It's obviously a issue with many modern cars, not just Subaru, trying to best the mpg efficiency figures and new environmental regs, etc. Recently, I've come across this Youtube video, posted on the Subaru forum about oil changes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4JS7PybV2k&t=1386s I intend to keep my car 'forever'. I've owned it for about a year from new. It's had one dealership service at 7000 miles/1 year. Should I now start doing oil changes every 5000miles/6 months instead of the Subaru UK service interval recommended 12000miles/1 year? What are your thoughts?

I've owned my Gen5 OB from new since March 2021. Very similar engine to the 2022 Gen6 model. I'm getting about 34-35 mpg according to the onboard computer, so real-life probably a bit less than this. Having said that, most of my driving is in very rural, hilly areas, A and B roads with little dual carriageway or motorway driving. I'm pretty laid back driving, no slouch but never rev the guts out of it and I've probably pressed the 'sport' mode button half-a-dozen times at most, for short bursts to see if there's much difference in driving and for a few speedy over-taking maneuvers, since Ive owned the car. I also have a full-size spare wheel (alloy), tools, outdoor kit and equestrian paraphernalia (heavy saddles, bridles, horse rugs, and assorted stuff) plonked in the back of the car most of the time -so the load will reduce the mpg. I knew it wasn't going to be frugal and 'green' - what permanent 4x4 large estate is, with a petrol engine? So I'm happy with that, although I wouldn't want it as a daily commuter into and out of urban areas.

Jeezzze! That's rite tasty. Nice one

I can't find the thread on the other website to check how this was referenced, but even if I could've found it I'm sure it was just someone expressing their opinion, so it might not be authoritative or even correct. You'd think with Subaru shifting to Global platform manufacturing that these things would be standardized across model. I seem to recall that aftermarket alloys have to have the weight ratings stamped on the rims but that this isn't necessary for OEM rims. I get a bit twitchy about wheels after a work colleague a few years ago totaled his Skoda Octavia Scout and when the insurance company (Admiral?) found he'd fitted aftermarket alloys they caused all sorts of issues about his cover and their liability. Not directly because of the non-original alloys, but because he had failed to notify them of what they considered to be a modification ! So not a weight rating issue per se. However, I can't see how using another Subaru model wheel as a spare could be problematic as hopefully it'll never get used and if it is it'll be temporary.

My understanding ( and I might be wrong) is that an XV is lighter than a Forester, which is lighter than an Outback ( not sure re the e-boxers though with all that extra battery weight etc). So, a lighter Subaru model can safely fit a wheel from a heavier model (providing offsets, etc are OK), but not the other way around. Anyone know anything different? I think that theissue is the load weighting safe margins designed for the alloy wheel. I gleaned this from the US Subaru site while trying to source a whole set of winter alloys for my OB and also seeing plenty of forester alloys on ebay and gumtree. Also, an alternative option might be to buy a Subaru steelie if youre only wanting it for a temporary get-me-home spare (I think the max wheel diameter for Subaru steels are 17" so the tyre profile would need to be deeper to match the 18" alloys). Steel wheels are obviously much cheaper but also heavier. I think load weighting is not such an issue. Again, I might be wrong so don't take this as gospel ! 🙃

I took my OB for it's first service (12 months) in December 2021. I rang around a few dealerships beforehand in the north of England and the prices quoted for this first service ranged from £210 to £285 (no courtesy car included, that would have been £12 for the day extra). So the first service is pretty basic (I'd only clocked up 7500 miles). Obviously the next service will be more significant and more consequently more expensive, if I decide to use a main dealer again. Not sure if those figures help with your calculations. It might be worth ringing around a few dealers and asking price for individual servicing costs for 2 or 3 years and comparing the summed total with the prices you've been quoted for the plans. Of course, inflation is currently rising, so a service plan would help out there perhaps as the plan prices would be fixed, but you'd lose the option to shop around or to opt for a difference garage/dealer. It might also be worth asking if a courtesy car is included (and guaranteed) with the plan too, if that's important for you. What's the mileage allowance for the services.? Just a thought, but the servicing interval on the OB is every 12000 miles ( in the UK). So, if you drive a lot and say clock up say 25000 miles in year one (two services), I guess that means you've 'used up' the next year's service allowance?

There's a Subaru Battery Drain Lawsuit currently ongoing in the US over these exact same issues some owners are also experiencing in the UK https://www.torquenews.com/1084/subaru-battery-drain-lawsuit-new-claims-now-include-forester-wrx-and-legacy And also https://www.motorbiscuit.com/dead-batteries-new-subaru-lawsuit-claims-least-five-models-defective-batteries/

I'm in Teesdale. Not sure how helpful this reply is going to be, but maybe one NOT to consider. My car had its first service at Tees Valley Subaru recently, so pretty basic stuff. Guys there were friendly enough, but the service manager who was pleasant too, told me after I came to collect the car, that the mechanics there have only ever had online Zoom training for their 'practical' experience with Subarus due to the pandemic and so have very limited hands-on experience with Subarus! They only recently in 2021 gained the local franchise. For my next larger service I'm considering driving further to either Dales Subaru down in Barnoldswick https://www.dales-subaru.co.uk/ or Dennis Common up at Alnwick https://dennis-common-tustain.dealerships.subaru.co.uk/ . Penrith (Ullswater Motors) are in the same position as Tees Valley and new francise holders, and they also quoted me the most expensive price for a basic first service. This is my first Subaru. and for the last 20 years I've owned Skodas and have always taken them to an excellent independent Skoda specialist just outside Harrogate. I'd like to take the car there too, but for some reason I'm just a bit hesitant thinking the Subie has too many idiosyncratic quirky stuff, but I'm probably completely wrong! Anyway, I'd be really interested in any place you try and hearing your experience. As yet, I haven't managed to catch a Subie driver locally to ask them about servicing.

Full size rim, tyre and fully inflated too.