Subaru

[Novavalker]

Any Subaru owners here? 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVjQQj8Rx98

[cookiedough]

subaru is still making great gains in the market share lately, especially with their crosstek and newly designed forester as well as of course the old standby outback model. 

My Hyundai sonata affecting both 2.0 and 2.4L engines has a recall affecting tons of cars as well but am sure no one heard of that one?  Something about engines catching on fire but I have not taken it in yet for the recall free of charge.  I think has something to to do with certain people not changing their oil regularly causing excess wear and tear thus catching fire, at least that is what I read into it, and updating the ECM unit (software update)

I am afraid to take it into an authorized Hyundai dealership for they will surely screw the recall up am sure of it.  I had a recall on my 2010 toyota tundra concerning moisture buildup in VERY COLD winter driving affecting the computer and putting the truck into LIMP MODE (unable to go over 40 mph and dash lights all on).  Guess what =  I took it in for the updated ECM software update to PREVENT this issue as Toyota wanted me to do.  Less than 1 week later in winter VERY cold out like -10 degrees out at night and start the truck up after work at night.   Dash lights come on and LIMP MODE happened driving home top speed 40 mph and RPMS going high all over the place with the engine - VERY dangerous.  I let that Toyota dealership next day get a flatbed tow truck to my house ASAP same day on Toyota's dime not driving 35 miles at 40 mph on hwy. too dangerous and fear of blowing up the engine revving VERY high in the RPM range and temp gauge was near HOT level - was NOT good and was dangerous.   

[Robert]

Guy is a bit hysterical and not really correct. Pretty much all cars have recalls and using engines from other mfgs can actually increase the value of the car. The Chrysler Crossfire is a good example of a car that the value actually increased by using Mercedes parts in the car. Subaru has for the most part been a good car and some really like them. The Geo was a rebranded Toyota and the price on them is higher than a comparable car and people look for them and hold on to them.


If you want to get educated pick a car and look online at the TSB's for that car. While TSB's are technical service bulletins and not recalls some turn into recalls. Some mfgs also dont bother recalling their cars even with known problems. So the guy is going a bit off the deep end on a subject and making a car brand look worse than it really is. 

I believe its more what goes through the leagal process and they get caught with rather than a real reflection of recalls on cars. I have seen some major problems have no recall and the owner has to pony up and repair it and other times a stupid problem has a recall and the factory is made to pay. 

Subarus for the most part seem to hold up and most owners get many miles out of them.

[Rams]

I don't know anything about Suburu's engine issues but, this I will say.
Since Suburu's came out with it's CVT transmission, I've transported a bunch of Subbies with broken trannies.   Suburu's isn't the only one using the CVT, I've been told both Honda and Toyota also have a CVT version.   Haven't recovered any Hondas or Toyotas yet but, I wouldn't buy a Subbie with a CVT with Carl's money.  
Heard they just upped their CVT warranty to help sales.   Could be, don't know.    

Rams

[Bighead]

Ron Nissan also uses them.

[Rams]

Ron Nissan also uses them.

Noted.      All I'm saying is, I've transported a bunch of Subbies with busted transmissions.

Rams

[cookiedough]

I doubt Subaru is much worse or better than the Big 3 or HOnda/Toyota/Hyundai, etc.

I bought back in 2007 the #1 rates smaller SUV toyota RAV4 3.5L V6 thinking was going to keep it forever.  At 24K miles had head gaskets blow in less than 2 years all hwy. miles.  Took full day to rip it apart and fix under warranty.  Then, got it back and less than 2 months later other major issues.  So, ended up trading it in NEVER to get one again.  I got a very good trade in price due to the name brand and supposedly #1 reliability.  All vehicles have issues regardless of mfg.

Had issues with GM cars as well under warranty.  Know people with Fords having turbo issues.  That is one thing I dislike all mfgs. going turbo, turbo, turbo.  GREAT picku/speed/power and slightly better mpg, but can see issues with turbos at 60-100K miles more so than non-turbo engines just my opinion.

[Novavalker]

http://www.thedrive.com/news/24634/subaru-and-toyota-recall-over-400000-vehicles-for-faulty-valve-springs

Changing all the valve springs in new vehicle is hardly your typical recall

[scooperhsd]

I hate CVT transmissions. Don't drive right. MUCH, MUCH prefer manual, followed by my other VW's DSG autoshifter, followed by a CONVENTIONAL automatic, and bringing up the rear -- the CVT.

[cookiedough]

I hate CVT transmissions. Don't drive right. MUCH, MUCH prefer manual, followed by my other VW's DSG autoshifter, followed by a CONVENTIONAL automatic, and bringing up the rear -- the CVT.

unfortunately,  almost all mfgs. are going CVT and turbos as well....  the wave of the future unfortunately...

[Robert]

http://www.thedrive.com/news/24634/subaru-and-toyota-recall-over-400000-vehicles-for-faulty-valve-springs

Changing all the valve springs in new vehicle is hardly your typical recall

So what would be the typical recall ???

Also changing the valve springs can be done in about 3 hrs time since there is no need to take the heads off the engine, unless there is other repairs needed.

I hate CVT transmissions. Don't drive right. MUCH, MUCH prefer manual, followed by my other VW's DSG autoshifter, followed by a CONVENTIONAL automatic, and bringing up the rear -- the CVT.

unfortunately,  almost all mfgs. are going CVT and turbos as well....  the wave of the future unfortunately... :'(

There has been alot of push back on CVT transmissions, so I'm not so sure that they are going to be the wave of the future. They are constantly redesigning them also to feel more and more like a regular automatic trans. Longevity on them has not been good either.

[F6Dave]

Now that 9 and 10 speed transmissions have become common, I see very little reason for a CVT.  Maybe they'll quietly disappear from the marketplace.

[signart]

Talk to Subbie owners, you won't find many who would rather drive something else. Just walk up to them and ask them. You won't find many traded in at dealerships.
The recall is covering 2012 & 2013 models, so 6-8 year old cars repaired is not a big deal.
Go to the county or city garage and see how the Dodge hemi fairs in the police cruisers. Your money pays for those, there should be a youtube rant.

[9Ball]

I bought a new 2004 WRX STi and had it for two years.  It was a fantastic car, AWD turbo and handled like it was on rails.  I was either gonna lose my license or worse so I traded it in for a new 2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.  The Rubicon slowed me down and made more sense working in Idaho 60 miles out into the desert from Idaho Falls at INL.

I’d buy another but my wife won’t let me.  She knows how I drive!

[Alberta Patriot]

CVT's and Dual Clutch Transmissions ....relatively new to the industry...I'll wait before buying either.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Talk to Subbie owners, you won't find many who would rather drive something else. Just walk up to them and ask them. You won't find many traded in at dealerships.
The recall is covering 2012 & 2013 models, so 6-8 year old cars repaired is not a big deal.
Go to the county or city garage and see how the Dodge hemi fairs in the police cruisers. Your money pays for those, there should be a youtube rant.

Subaru owners in Alaska are close to being a cult. They love them. They handle slippery roads pretty well.

[signart]

Talk to Subbie owners, you won't find many who would rather drive something else. Just walk up to them and ask them. You won't find many traded in at dealerships.
The recall is covering 2012 & 2013 models, so 6-8 year old cars repaired is not a big deal.
Go to the county or city garage and see how the Dodge hemi fairs in the police cruisers. Your money pays for those, there should be a youtube rant.

Subaru owners in Alaska are close to being a cult. They love them. They handle slippery roads pretty well.

They handle dry roads too. Don't try to run down a WRX in the twisties with your Valk.

[scooperhsd]

CVT's and Dual Clutch Transmissions ....relatively new to the industry...I'll wait before buying either.

VW has been using them since the mid 2000's - only real drawback with them is the need to change the transmission fluid every 40K miles (and you REALLY need to pay attention that it gets done - VW's are reliable - but they are intolerant of slipshod maintenance - they need it done right done on schedule).

[signart]

CVT's and Dual Clutch Transmissions ....relatively new to the industry...I'll wait before buying either.

VW has been using them since the mid 2000's - only real drawback with them is the need to change the transmission fluid every 40K miles (and you REALLY need to pay attention that it gets done - VW's are reliable - but they are intolerant of slipshod maintenance - they need it done right done on schedule).

Buick used them in the 50's. They also had a low range. Aggressive use in reverse was a downfall,
same problem with a modern cvt. No shifting, no computers. You could manually shift it into low range if you wished, but was not necessary.
 

[F6Dave]

A friend bought a new Outback.  As a joke, his co-workers printed up a bunch of left-wing bumper stickers from online images and plastered them all over his new car.  Around here, Subarus are often owned by people on the left, many of whom don't even like cars.  Subaru advertising shows that the company is clearly aware of its customer's political leanings.

Interestingly, while the brand appeals to a 'green' demographic, they're not a big player in the hybrid/ZEV market.

[Rams]

Talk to Subbie owners, you won't find many who would rather drive something else. Just walk up to them and ask them. You won't find many traded in at dealerships.
The recall is covering 2012 & 2013 models, so 6-8 year old cars repaired is not a big deal.
Go to the county or city garage and see how the Dodge hemi fairs in the police cruisers. Your money pays for those, there should be a youtube rant.

Have done that with the Subbie owners I have recovered for, they sincerely believe in Suburu's.   I don't try to talk them in or out of anything.   I'm getting paid to take their Subbie to a dealer.   Have been asked multiple times to take the Subbies to a transmission shop.   Have not been able to get even one into a tranny shop.   They won't touch a CVT.     My understanding is that the dealer only replaces the CVTs and send all used CVTs back for a factory rebuild.

As I said, I wouldn't have one even if Carl paid for it.    Well, that may not be true if I could use it as a trade in on a new Ram with a 6.7 Cummins.  

Edited: I should clarify what I really mean, I wouldn't buy anything with a CVT transmission, I have nothing against Suburus with the exception of the transmissions.

Rams

[Robert]

[Well, that may not be true if I could use it as a trade in on a new Ram with a 6.7 Cummins.  

Rams

    

I dont understand they are easy to rebuild just split the case and change the rubber band 

[signart]

[Well, that may not be true if I could use it as a trade in on a new Ram with a 6.7 Cummins.  

Rams

    

I dont understand they are easy to rebuild just split the case and change the rubber band 

You won't find any rubber bands in there, the hamsters would strangle on them

[Bighead]

Go to the county or city garage and see how the Dodge hemi fairs in the police cruisers. Your money pays for those, there should be a youtube rant.

No problems with the Hemi in my 2005 Ram pickup. Not one issue other than It loves fuel

[cookiedough]

Only thing I do not like about Subaru's since am considering a new crosstek is the lack of power from 150hp 4 banger.   I do all hwy. miles and when I want passing power,  most 4 bangers at 150hp is barely adequate.  That is what I bought a used Pontiac Vibe for,  similar car just older and smidge less power at 132 hp with same 30 mpg, just  not AWD being FWD only.    Speaking of Vibe,  Pontiac got the 1.8L engine and tranny from Toyota Matrix/older corolla so, knock on wood, is reliable.   Was looking at the Matrix and ended up with a Vibe since over 1 grand cheaper and same darn car almost identical inside and out.    If I get another 100K miles out of it, I got my 4K worth buying it. 

[Robert]

Rememeber the old VW bugs 40hp and the later years it really got a big boost to about 65hp 

I do know two things for sure about Subaru, the front transfer gear goes bad and you can run it in 2 wheel without repairing it, without any problem. Also you can literally lift the engine out of the car by hand. 2 guys can do in one on either side of the car.