Fortunately, the Subaru engine is among the easier ones to remove, although that isn't much comfort to the average DIYer. But a somewhat-handy DIYer should be able to replace the plugs. It's an easier job than on, say, many FWD DOHC V6s.
Far from it, the boxer design is one of the best on the market from the original VW, Porsche, Citroen, Ferrari and others have proven that for decades. That is not to say there has not been some design implementation failures with them, they are a split case engine and with that comes the inherent issue of oil leakage/seepage, it is almost in their DNA. Anyone that owned an old British bike knows if it didn't have a drop of oil under it, the engine was probably out of oil, they were also split case engines with no pan.
I haven’t driven the ‘19, but I’ve driven ‘23 Ascent and Outback non-turbo. I agree, the Outback feels like it can’t get out of its way, while the Ascent with the turbo, at least while on the boost, is at least livable. After driving the 2.4 vs 2.5, there’s no way I’d buy another non-turbo Subaru.
This ^^^^! Well said. Why manufacturers are going with chains instead of belts has got to be an emissions thing. Chasing the extra .2 mpg. Belts are a beautiful thing on most engines. Simple and long lasting, 80-120k. And easier to deal with than chains. Looking at the new Subaru’s, or any recent Audi timing chain set up, “yup, that doesn’t look good…..multiple pints of failure.” I’m a fan of dry timing belts, not wet belts.
The TC locks around 10mph normally, and rarely if ever unlocks after that? I can only think maybe it unlocks when asked for a near WO passing maneuver? I can't be sure as there is a few things going on with the near WO shifts, but it sound like this Outback could have a problem?
Yeah mine never does that, and I'm sure yours never shudders accelerating like that either... I think you could damage this transmission by using WO when its cold, but I've never seen data to back that up. It is what I tell my wife though, as she doesn't have much mechanical sympathy!
I am dead serious. It is absolutely favorite among older crowd, LaSabre crowd. That is how it drives too. Last Outback I drove was friends 3.6 (last gen. 3,6) and it was exhaustingly slow going uphill to ski.Ironically I was the youngest person in the service department waiting area by 30 years and I'm 33...
I agree, mine (2012 Legacy) rides like a Buick. A couple of years ago, I was in a 2020 Forester Sport, the ride was very delicate, not what I was expecting for a newer model.
Subaru hit jack-pot with this formula. I think that laziness with CVT etc. fits what a lot of people want and what they were looking in Avalon or Camry, and prior to that LaSabre. Add good AWD, clearance and there you go. They do not want anything more. Of course, shameless marketing about winter performance makes me downshift every time I see one in the review mirror.
They are. But, it is all about stopping and targeted crowd doesn’t think about it. They want no nonsense vehicle bcs. they just want A to B car. We have largest Subaru dealer in the US, and billboards are absolutely shameless.
I kind of think there's some 90's Swedish Volvo in there too, and I wish ours was a bit more boxy in the cargo area at least.
I guess with half decent tires, say similar to the SVT Cobra or CTS-V it would be even quicker!
