SubieN8

In a few years, I want a 4Runner, Tacoma, Legacy Outback or a Brat/Baja. Something with some height.

Ordered my 2020 Forester Sport in white with Option Package 24. I was never in love with my Legacy, although it’s a nice car for sure. It was a garage queen, as I was afraid it’d get scratched or worse. Elated to be going back to the Forester, where there’s more room, a higher seating position and more ruggedness. Road trips here we come!

I have never found that on my 2016. I am pretty certain that I have been through all of the screens and displays.

Not a feature of your’s.

About a week and a half ago I noticed a tear in the leather of my driver's seat. Probably and inch and a half long, but didn't tear through the material under the surface. I still have no idea how as the only thing I ever keep in a back pocket is my wallet. The only thing I can think of is stress when pivoting my body to get in and out of the seat.

 

I found a leather repair kit on Amazon and applied it this past weekend. It took a fair amount of experimentation to get a good mix of colors to mostly match the seat, but the application was pretty easy. It just took a night to dry and it feels like it should hold up well. If you're not staring at it from a foot away, it blends in pretty well. Obviously I'm usually covering it up by sitting on it anyway. Attaching a couple of before and after pictures.

 

Has anyone else had rips or tears in their leather seats? I'm still really surprised this happened to mine. I got under 40k miles, never have anything sharp in my rear pockets, and am not a particularly large guy (about 180 pounds). I clean and condition the seats probably 3x a year or so.

A girlfriend of mine, has a 2015 with 75,000mi and the light colored leather and she has a similar tear. She traded her 2008 Outback for it, in 2014, and she said those seats were fine on her old car. Quality isn’t the same, it’s apparent.

At least the 2019 Ascent gives us a 2nd year engine/transmission combination. Teething issues should be over.

 

Looking at ConsumerReports they do show issues with the Ascent's reliability by saying it is only average overall. Electronics showing only average, power equipment and body integrity above average (not best). Then owner reports of paint/trim. Nothing about drivetrain issues.

The service departments even know about the CVT issues with the Ascent. Hopefully it’s been figured out by now, but it’s definitely been an issue.

A form of this HTCVT has been in use since 2015 in the 3.6R models, and maybe even before that in the A-Spec STIs overseas. And the 2.4 is just a bored and stroked 2.0 that's also been in use since 2014 on the FXT.

 

There's not a ton of "new" tech with the core components of this car that should scare you away.

 

When my 2020 arrives with its CVT it'll be my 5th Subaru CVT (not including my wife's current outback that also has one).

 

Don't let the outliers on the internet scare you.

 

 

Personally haven't had an issue with a single one of them.

Actually, the High Torque CVT is the one that has the most issues. This has been the case since at least the 2014 Forester XT.

My rule is steer clear of new cars, especially CVT's. The mechanical method behind CVT's still gives me pause.

 

I'm still eyeing a 2019 Subaru legacy, most of the engine problems should be ironed out by now.

You know the 2019 has a CVT, right?

Thanks! That does help. However, is it possible to change the kPA to PSI unit? Right now the screen is showing 220kPA.

Yes, through that same screens settings. You’ll have to do that while stationary.

The car will look like an AMC eagle.

 

Maybe the Outback Sedan or SUS would be a better representation.

I like my lifted Legacy MUCH better than stock.

$128 for oil change/tire rotation at my local dealer. F - that. There's plenty of youtube videos...I'll be changing the oil here next week. Few tools (ramps, chocks, filter wrench, oil spill mat, oil pan, oil tank, gloves, wrags) and hopefully I'll be prepared - $25 for oil/filter)

 

I do have a question - does anyone know the best place to buy bulk drain plug gaskets? Wife and I both drive a Subaru (2019 outback and legacy 2.5) I've purchased everything else I need on Amazon, but can't find anything on that damn gasket.

I bought my gaskets and filters on Amazon (6 package deal). Pretty sure this is still the same part number for the 2019’s since nothing changed.

https://www.amazon.com/2011-2018-15208AA15A-Geniuine-Impreza-Forester/dp/B071J2GZYN/ref=pd_rhf_ee_s_rp_c_0_3/140-5207866-6341302?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B071J2GZYN&pd_rd_r=6b333d99-a1e0-4edf-b068-4625a31629f4&pd_rd_w=VYarX&pd_rd_wg=EjBl6&pf_rd_p=144c9400-e7ab-4127-a834-816f6410c5df&pf_rd_r=G39Y03ADF9XC1BDSHDTR&psc=1&refRID=G39Y03ADF9XC1BDSHDTR

What did they do for you? Replacement?

Yep, it was replaced.

Nope. It’s easy. You can be driving and setting the memory function will still work.

1. Find your favorite seating position.

2. Press and hold the Set button first, then while it’s still pressed, press and hold the the 1 or 2 and you’ll hear the beep.

You’re done.

This works on my 2018.

Sulfuric acid. It can come either from the catalytic converter (most common, due to trace amounts of sulfur in the fuel) or from the battery (due to leakage or overcharging).

Makes sense to me, just never had an issue with a battery in my life, so never connected that smell to a battery. Good to know!

Rotten egg smell could be from your battery.

That's a new one, never heard that before... I assume it was the catalytic converter. Either way, I had so many issues with that car, it was gone at 8k miles.