Subaru Problems

Assessing what is "normal" wear and tear on things like carpets is always difficult, but for the carpet to be wearing heavily after four years is not what I would call normal. I would also agree that the dealer should have told you they were fitting non-genuine parts to your car when they advised you to replace them. Perhaps the dealer was thinking they were doing you a favour by fitting cheaper wiper blades and saving you some money, but I doubt that Subaru would be happy with the dealer for doing that. I would approach Subaru's customer assistance people and argue your case for having the carpets and floor mats replaced, and at the same request that they have the non-genuine wiper blades replaced by genuine parts.

When new the Liberty would get around 12 L/100 km on average. If the whirring noise is heard when you depress the clutch pedal it is most likely a clutch throw-out bearing, if the clutch is worn it will be taking up near the floor and you might experience some crunching of the gears. The clicking noise you hear when turning is probably the CV joints, which probably need replacing.

Without wishing to send you into a blind panic I would have it diagnosed and fixed. It is likely to get worse and eventually could bring the car to halt altogether, leaving you or your family stranded. It is likely to be a sensor as the dealer suggests, perhaps a crank angle sensor, and they should be able to identify it and replace if needed.

We asked Subaru and the short answer is no. They told us that the roof cross bars between the Liberty and the Outback are different, as are the way they mount to the roof. Your Outback has a rail system, similar to current Outback and Forester, whereas the Liberty screws into the roof. With two different attachment systems, they cannot be interchanged.

It does sound like your son has been treated very shabbily. You could complain directly to Subaru about the treatment he received. It should also serve as a lesson to your son that he shouldn't allow himself to be bullied in any way. If he isn't sure about what the dealer is telling him, or doing, he should tell the dealer and ask for a full and proper explanation, and even ask to see the parts that need replacing. If he's still unhappy he could take the car to another dealer, or another mechanic.

If you haven't had the brakes checked, do so, as it could be the brake rotors causing your steering shudder. I wouldn't be expecting to rebuild the suspension as such, although you could have a suspension specialist check the shock absorbers for you. Likewise, I wouldn't be expecting the auto to pack up just because it's racked up 100,000km, particularly if it's driving normally without a sign of a problem.

If you like the Outback then I would go for that, you should be able to get a 2007 model within your budget, but if you shopped for a new car you would be restricted to an Impreza at best in the Subaru range.

Check the tread-wear indicator bars in the tread grooves. If they are visible on the surface of the tread the tyres should be replaced. If not, you have to make a judgment. I would err on the side of safety and replace the tyres before you leave. They're close to the point they need replacing anyway.

We asked Subaru to help us answer your questions and they have told us that the "manual release mechanism is to provide for emergency recovery if the vehicle becomes stuck in Park for any reason." We were told that there is no current or historical problem with the car, and that this type of mechanism is not uncommon. It was recommended that you discuss the issue of the recurrence of the problem with your dealer. We were also informed that the original switch should have been covered by Subaru's 24-months parts warranty, which applies when an authorized dealer installs a genuine part. Subaru says that it is possible that the extensive electrical modification and subsequent restoration that is made to emergency vehicles could have contributed to the problem with your vehicle, but that it is equally likely that the switch simply failed. It was suggested that you go back to your dealer and request that the warranty be honoured, and also request that the issue be referred to the Subaru regional office for technical review if it reoccurs.

A Subaru dealer would be able to fix it for you, so too should a competent panel beater or mechanic. If you're not sure of your local panel beaters or mechanics take it to a dealer who should have both the competence and parts needed to affect a repair.