We are original owners (in service Dec. 2011) and this was our first new Japanese car. Overall very satisfied with this purchase and intend and hope to run it at least another 100k. I think purchase price was around $23k with taxes. Mid/upper trim (I forget whether it is called Limited or Premium)-leather, 17" wheels, no sunroof. We were enticed with the redesign and improved economy compared to previous Subies.
Pros: Build quality/feel, reliable, nimble handling, decent mileage with AWD and reasonable utility for a small car.
Negatives: Somewhat under-powered, weak AC, CVT a bit noisy, factory battery undersized.
My wife, a gentle driver puts 90% of the miles on. I drive faster but conserve momentum so don't really lose economy..
We are happy with the economy, however, I believe the EPA mpg are overstating real world results (a common complaint.) But it is still decent and contributes to a great total cost to own, especially if we do achieve 200k or more miles. Suburban driving yields about 27mpg and typically highway at say 67mph is 34-ish. With the modest power, economy is more affected by hills and AC on than more 'sufficiently powered' vehicles.
Regular maintenance:
Oil and filter every 7.5k except for one early change. Car uses about a quart of oil every 3500 miles. I've measured it pretty closely and don't think it's really worsening. Sure it be nice if it used none but I'm not really bothered by it. I've used Mobil 1 0w20 most often and am trending toward the extended performance. I used mostly Mobil 1 oil filters which I understand have wrong anti-drain back valve but don't think there has been any consequence. I will go to Fram Ultras soon.
Tires - originals were lousy Yokohamas. Eked those out to 45k. Tried Continental (purecontact?) next and got 50k out of those. Put on Cooper CS5 Ultras for the second replacement set. Factory negative camber (not adjustable without new parts) is heavy-ish at around -1.5 degrees- you can see it clearly just looking from the back of the car. I started rotating more frequently at 5k, on the first replacement set of tires and it may have helped- the tires seemed to wear more evenly than the original set. No alignments done.
Did plugs at 60k with Denso Iridum Long Life that are supposed to be superior to the factory NGKs.
Brakes: Rear pads at 81k and Fronts at 99k. I really should change the brake fluid out but have deferred it...
I've topped up the battery acid with distilled water a few times but note the battery starting to fade a bit. I plan to change it before the heart of winter with an AGM with stronger specs.
I've put through about 4 fuel treatments through the fuel system.
I clay and wax the outside 1 or 2x a year.. a few chips on the hood. It stays inside at least overnight. The underside looks reasonably rust wise.
I replaced fluid in front and rears diffs at around 30k.
Changed CVT fluid (two pan drops) just recently with Valvoline.
Repairs:
One warranty trip - a variable valve solenoid was changed after the ABS/traction lights would light up on long trips. it would also only happen at least half way into the oil change interval.
One out of warranty repair- right front hub started making noise. Got a low mile complete steering knuckle off ebay for $50 and swapped it out myself.
Pros: Build quality/feel, reliable, nimble handling, decent mileage with AWD and reasonable utility for a small car.
Negatives: Somewhat under-powered, weak AC, CVT a bit noisy, factory battery undersized.
My wife, a gentle driver puts 90% of the miles on. I drive faster but conserve momentum so don't really lose economy..
We are happy with the economy, however, I believe the EPA mpg are overstating real world results (a common complaint.) But it is still decent and contributes to a great total cost to own, especially if we do achieve 200k or more miles. Suburban driving yields about 27mpg and typically highway at say 67mph is 34-ish. With the modest power, economy is more affected by hills and AC on than more 'sufficiently powered' vehicles.
Regular maintenance:
Oil and filter every 7.5k except for one early change. Car uses about a quart of oil every 3500 miles. I've measured it pretty closely and don't think it's really worsening. Sure it be nice if it used none but I'm not really bothered by it. I've used Mobil 1 0w20 most often and am trending toward the extended performance. I used mostly Mobil 1 oil filters which I understand have wrong anti-drain back valve but don't think there has been any consequence. I will go to Fram Ultras soon.
Tires - originals were lousy Yokohamas. Eked those out to 45k. Tried Continental (purecontact?) next and got 50k out of those. Put on Cooper CS5 Ultras for the second replacement set. Factory negative camber (not adjustable without new parts) is heavy-ish at around -1.5 degrees- you can see it clearly just looking from the back of the car. I started rotating more frequently at 5k, on the first replacement set of tires and it may have helped- the tires seemed to wear more evenly than the original set. No alignments done.
Did plugs at 60k with Denso Iridum Long Life that are supposed to be superior to the factory NGKs.
Brakes: Rear pads at 81k and Fronts at 99k. I really should change the brake fluid out but have deferred it...
I've topped up the battery acid with distilled water a few times but note the battery starting to fade a bit. I plan to change it before the heart of winter with an AGM with stronger specs.
I've put through about 4 fuel treatments through the fuel system.
I clay and wax the outside 1 or 2x a year.. a few chips on the hood. It stays inside at least overnight. The underside looks reasonably rust wise.
I replaced fluid in front and rears diffs at around 30k.
Changed CVT fluid (two pan drops) just recently with Valvoline.
Repairs:
One warranty trip - a variable valve solenoid was changed after the ABS/traction lights would light up on long trips. it would also only happen at least half way into the oil change interval.
One out of warranty repair- right front hub started making noise. Got a low mile complete steering knuckle off ebay for $50 and swapped it out myself.
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