A year in review : My 2010 Subaru Outback

[Darkanion]

Sure ya have, Rich...sure ya have...

Nice ride Michael. I really like the Forresters I've seen around town....

I'd take pictures, but pictures can be found just any old place on teh interwebz...

Thanks! From what I've heard the Outbacks are a little higher quality than the Foresters. I've never been in a Forester, though. So..

 

[Darkanion]

So Michael... is it safe to assume that your year has been trouble free? I don't recall you ever mentioning and breakage or issues.

The only thing it's been back to the dealer for was to install splash guards... and I was told "it already has them."

That is one thing I would improve on, if I could... I like GM's "contoured" splash guards and the fact that they actually look like they might "guard" against some splashing.. These things are about useless..

Unfortunately, the alternative that I've found looks like someone just took some random piece of black plastic, slapped a logo on it, and stuck it on the car..

There has been a recall on some wiring for the steering wheel controls for the stereo, but I haven't bothered with that. "Some day." Some people on the Outback forums have complained of "shaking" in the steering wheel. Either mine doesn't do it or it's so light that I can't feel it.. So, I haven't bothered with that, either..

Oil changes, gas, and an occasional car wash is about all I've done to it. It needs a thorough bath and probably a good clay-bar / waxing session before we warm up too much more..

 

[Sodbuster]

The only thing it's been back to the dealer for was to install splash guards... and I was told "it already has them."

Yea..the splash guards are

You'd think the aftermarket accessories would look better than that!

 

[Darkanion]

Yea..the splash guards are

You'd think the aftermarket accessories would look better than that!

Agreed! Everyone just "loves" those dang things, on the Subaru forums. I think they look like shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiz! And the OEM ones don't even look like "splash guards" to me.. AND they want a hundred bucks for them, plus installation..

 

[Zembonez]

So Michael... is it safe to assume that your year has been trouble free? I don't recall you ever mentioning and breakage or issues.

The only thing it's been back to the dealer for was to install splash guards... and I was told "it already has them."

That is one thing I would improve on, if I could... I like GM's "contoured" splash guards and the fact that they actually look like they might "guard" against some splashing.. These things are about useless..

Unfortunately, the alternative that I've found looks like someone just took some random piece of black plastic, slapped a logo on it, and stuck it on the car..

There has been a recall on some wiring for the steering wheel controls for the stereo, but I haven't bothered with that. "Some day." Some people on the Outback forums have complained of "shaking" in the steering wheel. Either mine doesn't do it or it's so light that I can't feel it.. So, I haven't bothered with that, either..

Oil changes, gas, and an occasional car wash is about all I've done to it. It needs a thorough bath and probably a good clay-bar / waxing session before we warm up too much more..

Those aftermarket guards look like they would be effective but they aren't too pretty.

Good deal on the reliability .

 

[Darkanion]

Those aftermarket guards look like they would be effective but they aren't too pretty.

Good deal on the reliability .

Agreed on effectiveness. If I was frequently on dirt/gravel roads, I'd probably have a set of those.. Look good or not, they would be effective and I guess that's why they're loved so much. I just wish there was something in the aftermarket that was effective and flowed with the look of the vehicle a little better..

Thanks! I'm happy with it. I guess the real test of how well Subaru backs its products will be if/when something breaks and I have to take it in. Until then, I'll just drive it & enjoy!

 

[ScottyBoy]

Yeah, the first month or two was probably the worst about wanting to be able to see over/through other vehicles.. and wanting to stomp the gas pedal and QUICKLY get around someone.

After I got used to the size, handling, etc. of the Outback, it's more "fun" to maneuver in traffic, around curves, etc. But, if you got a nice, straight shot, the Denali would eat its lunch!

I have to agree with you there Michael. Our Altima is really fun to drive, especially cornering and the twisties. That's where the Burban comes up short. One particular curve on I 20 I can take at 80-85mph in the Altima, but if I try that same curved at more than 65mph in the Suburban, the tires will screech in protest.

 

[Darkanion]

I have to agree with you there Michael. Our Altima is really fun to drive, especially cornering and the twisties. That's where the Burban comes up short. One particular curve on I 20 I can take at 80-85mph in the Altima, but if I try that same curved at more than 65mph in the Suburban, the tires will screech in protest.

Yeah, there's a cloverleaf near the house that I've been workin' on some.. when no one is in front of me and holdin' me up..

I took a friend through one part of it the other day at 60 and about all he could do was take a breath, grab the "oh shit" strap, and look at me like "wtf are you doing!?"

 

[Darkanion]

They've been starting to jack with the freeway between where I live and a place I've been going to for several years. Well, on my way back home Friday night, stuck in traffic, I noticed something... I finally hit 10k miles! Ok... 10k, plus one.

I'm STILL waiting on the front strut tower brace to arrive.. Starting to get the itch to go somewhere on a road trip. So, I may be ordering the skid plates here in the next few days, if they've "finalized" the ones for the 3.6.. I don't want to get the itch to go somewhere iffy and break something important...

 

[buRRp]