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Head gaskets haven't been an issue once they moved away from the EJ series engine. Basically 2010 or 11 on up used either the FB or FA series engines depending on the model. The non WRX model Impreza is Subaru's entry level car, leaves a lot to be desired in many aspects imo. But hard to beat...

I've seen good things about the Conti's too, but they aren't available in my size. We had the Goodyear WRT Ice on our 12 Fusion and those were horrible, barley better than the General RT43's we had for summer use. Not saying Goodyear can't make a good tire, but the only one I have liked is their...

Not sure if you've made a decision yet? But if were between only those two, I would probably choose the Crosstrek since I am in the midwest and deal with snow as well. Currently have a 23 Crosstrek Limited 2.5 with 6k miles as a loaner while our Ascent is in for a few things, had it 4 days now...

Sure, why not? People like pictures and sometimes a picture can produce logical responses based off something someone notices that I could have looked over. Is there any context? I know the tire, the company and have visited their site. Plus many other sites prior and post purchase.

That's some good history there, thank you! I've never been a fan of Pirelli, but maybe because it's not a popular tire around my area? I likely should have just gone with the Michelin's. Maybe I'll stick with the Nokians for now since winter is almost over, but Iowa sometimes throws some curve...

I wouldn't mind if they were a little squirmy for turn in or at the limit dry handling. But my issue was driving straight on clear roads where they would sway. Not sure if thats because of the tall side wall or what the issue was? That was 2015 that they identified the issue and reported on in...

I should elaborate a little bit. I don't mean to say that the Nokian R5's are absolute junk. I think my expectations were higher based off my previous Nokian Hakka 9's and the Subaru AWD reputation. Though I have done a little more digging on the Ascent Forums. It seems other people notice that...

Sorry it's been a minute, was more busy than I expected these last few days! @Rand the Conti isn't available in 245/65r17, otherwise that would have been a contender as well. One of my favorite winter tires was the General Arcticmax back in 2008 time frame. Had those on a lowered (2") 08 Scion...

That does make more sense with the tighter void channels. So far slush and wet hasn't been an issue that I have experienced. Ice and compacted snow (practically ice) has been pretty good. Fresh snow and lightly compacted snow seem like the area I was expecting more. I agree with goals to make...

Curious what people think of the new Nokian Hakka R5 SUV tires? I have them on our 21 Subaru Ascent and they replaced a set of Nitto SN2 winter tires that I sold to a buddy of mine. I only had the Nittos on for 5-6k miles and they had winter great traction. But would track with the lengthwise...

Not sure if you're still curious, but it works very well still. Much better than the Syncromesh!

It could have been many reasons. I use Spraymax 2k Glamour since I don't have a spray gun and haven't looked into mixing clear coat. It was an old set of 00-04 Outback headlights I got from the salvage yard so there was nothing to lose. I mainly wanted to just try it as a technique since I had...

I don't have a garage right now that I can park in unfortunately. Oddly enough as I drove it this weekend it seemed to warm up better and hold temp better. We'll see about this week though with high temps being -5F and colder. The only change that I have made since last winter was a Cobb...

It actually surprises me that manufactures don't prioritize the warm-up cycle for cold climates. The EPA would probably love it, it would save fuel and prevent other long term issues. I've seen more DI engines have an issue with long warm up times in cold weather than port injection. I don't...

That's pretty nifty! It's too bad that it's almost impossible to get and the cost would probably be quite high. Seems like it's more closely related to 0w30 ESP than AFE. In that case, if Subaru recommends it then it should be a good choice. I found through digging a little deeper that it's made...

I can believe it. He is very helpful in many cases and has a ton of inside info. But the level of by the book standards and lack of thinking outside the box. To be fair though, I think on that forum and the Ascent FB page (not so much the modded ascent FB page) mechanical subjects can be taken...

If I were to try another 0w20, is there that you guys would recommend? I was using Mobil 0w20 EP which seems like it's been reformulated, maybe for the better? I like the idea of HPL's 0w20's, but the cost is a bit hard to justify for an experiment, I've considered contacting them on their...

ESP has 12cSt vs AFE 11.5cSt according to Mobil's site. I haven't been able to find HTHS specs on either. I think there was a UOA of AFE, but I'd have to dig for that one. I'm not too terribly worried about warranty issues since I don't think I'll have any mechanical issues with the engine...

I haven't had Subaru take a look at it yet regarding fuel dilution. It is common on the FA24 and many report rising oil levels on the Ascent and Outback forums. I have not seen anyone get the issue fixed though some have had fuel pumps replaced. No one has confirmed it fixed the issue nor have...

I wouldn't think ESP would get warmer faster than AFE while both being 0w30. However that's why I switched to OAI because Blackstone doesn't indicate fuel dilution. I should have done that from the start, live and learn. I doubt I can convince my wife to use the flappy paddles on cold...