Subaru Problems

It’s a difficult one for the dealership to fix, as it seems like it only happens after being driven for some time at high speed. It’s hard to do that at the dealership. But it would seem like the steering is losing assistance. Check the pump.

Both would be well suited on the basis of what you have told us. The top Sportage is more expensive than the top XV, but it’s more economical, the service intervals are a little longer, and it comes with a 7-year warranty compared to the XV’s 3-year deal. If you planned to keep the car for a number of years I would suggest the Sportage is the better choice, but if you turn your cars over regularly I would probably go for the XV.

In going order it’s worth $7000-$9000 depending on condition, so you have to consider if it’s worth spending $5000 on it to get it back on the road. It’s eight years old, has done 180,000 km, it’s probably best to sell it to a wrecker if you can get $2000 for it.

The difference between 4WD and AWD has become blurred as some AWD cars have become more capable of use offroad. It used to be that a 4WD were part-time four-wheel drives with high and low range, which could be locked in for off-road use. An AWD was really an on-demand system, which was front-wheel drive for most of the time, and drive as sent to the rear wheels when needed for traction. A lot of AWD SUVS now have quite sophisticated electronic systems that give them greater ability to go down bush tracks. One of the big issues for AWDs vehicles off-road is usually their ground clearance, so you have to assess the roads you want to use and drive accordingly.

The shudder on take-off suggests a transmission problem, but the other issues are unlikely to be related to the gearbox. Get it to a Subaru dealer or specialist and have it checked out.

The Michelins would probably give you a more comfortable ride, and the road noise should be better. Before ditching your Bridgestones you could try lowering the inflation pressure to 32 psi and see if that makes your life more pleasant.

I would use the factory recommended oil, at least while the car is under warranty. Once the warranty has expired you could use the Mobil oil and shouldn’t experience any problems.