Subaru Problems

CARMAKERS like to move stock as the end of the year looms. It helps boost their annual sales and moves cars that are plated in the current year. They are harder to move once the new year starts for the very reason you mention. You could wait until early 2006 and get a 2006-plated car, or try to crunch the dealer even harder now on a 2005 car. The car with the later date will be a little easier to sell later, but if you buy it for less now you won't be out of pocket.

THE side support of the driver's seat wears fastest on most cars because the driver tends to slide their backside across it when getting in and out. I'm not aware of any particular problem with the Subaru trim, but you seem to be seeing wear far worse than I'd normally expect.

WE ASKED Subaru to comment: ``Subaru Australia is concerned to hear of this customer's problem. ``We are confident it is not common and would like the opportunity to inspect the vehicle further via the customer's local Subaru dealer, where an in-depth report can be submitted to Subaru Australia for consideration. ``Subaru Australia has exceptionally strong product guidelines and any manufacturing defects found are covered under warranty (within the warranty period). ``We have an out-of-warranty `goodwill' arrangement where, on meeting certain criteria, manufacturing defects can be claimed out of the warranty period.'' There you are, Michael. Take your car back to your dealer, have them inspect it and report back to Subaru.

WE APPROACHED Subaru for its thoughts. The company said it is difficult to accurately diagnose the engine noise without hearing it or knowing the specific conditions when it occurs. It is possibly caused by pinging or by pre-detonation of the fuel in the combustion chamber and this can be the result of the quality and/or octane rating of the fuel. If the dealer cannot determine the actual cause, it can ask for help from Subaru Australia's technical support department (ph: 1800 226 643) so more specific information can be obtained to assist the diagnosis.

THE BA Falcon should do the job. It is rated to tow up to 2300kg with the auto and the Ford tow pack. I wouldn't recommend the manual, as it isn't rated as high as the auto. As far as the Subaru goes, I would think it should cope with the load you want to move without any drama. The Ford is more solidly built than the Subaru, but I wouldn't advise you against the Outback.

WE ASKED Subaru to explain why it doesn't recommend non-factory modifications, including exhaust systems. Suppliers often don't tell customers that modifications could adversely affect other parts over time. For example, modifiers may give extra horsepower and boost, but they alter the cam profile, exhaust gas temperature and air/fuel mixture. This can cause failure elsewhere, such as exhaust valves or melted pistons.

I WOULDN'T agree that all fuel-injected cars have the problem you describe, and I'm amazed one mechanic saw fit to decoke the engine after 79,000km. And the advice about fourth gear being too high at 50km/h is simply stunning. I suspect the fuel. Switch to another outlet, run PULP if you're not already, and consider cleaning the fuel injectors.

SUBARU technical expert Derek Ashby says that, for cars with automatic transmission, Subaru recommends towing with the transmission in D range. In this range, the TCU can best control the transmission oil temperature through control of the torque converter lock-up clutch to protect the transmission against overheating.

WE PUT your questions to Subaru's technical people, who gave this response: ``This is a normal characteristic. It is of a minor nature and we have had only a handful of comments from owners of the thousands of this model that we have sold. The current model has enhancements to ensure only minor sensation of the opening and closing of the throttle when cruise control operates to maintain the set speed, particularly on downhill roads.'' Though the company claims to have had few complaints, it has moved to improve the cruise control on the current model, which should tell you they thought it wasn't up to scratch. Unfortunately, it seems you'll have to put up with it or get the newer model.