Oil Changes and Suby Engine Life ...

[Bob Beamesderfer]

I'd sell it or trade at a non-Subie dealer that can't see all the warranty work done.

Not true, CARFAX has ended the day were you can't see every dealer service.

Only if the dealer reports it.

[Bob Beamesderfer]

It's a PITA getting to the Legacy Outback oil filter. I change the oil myself in our other cars.

They must have moved it because on the '99 it's right up front on the bottom of the engine. I don't even need to put the car on ramps or stands to change the oil. That is the one and only part of working on the car that isn't a pain in the ass.

[Bob Beamesderfer]

Don't know what a "boxer motor" is

Boxer = flat configuration, opposed cylinders. In a "normal" engine, the cylinders are above the crank case and the oil goes down into the sump by gravity. I wonder on a boxer engine if all the oil pours and pools up against the undersides of the pistons on one side when cornering.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flat_engine" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Pistons are above the crank case in a boxer engine also.

[Steve Towers]

by Will Kalman on Thu Dec 23, 2010 9:53 am

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flat_engine" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Will, thanks for the link.

[Mako Koiwai]

They must have moved it because on the '99 it's right up front on the bottom of the engine. I don't even need to put the car on ramps or stands to change the oil. That is the one and only part of working on the car that isn't a pain in the ass.

Duh! ... I was thinking of Karen's Cabriolet! I'll be changing the Legacy's oil myself next week.

[Rick Brown]

Will what you say is all true, but the bottom line is the dealer that replaced the engine for the third time, said change the oil every 3K. It's under warranty for one year, but if you don't follow their recommendation you risk that your not covered and lets be honest, this car is a lemon, either by build or design. On the 3rd engine I am betting by design.

The real answer is dump it if you can, but until then you need to play by the rules.

I question whether the dealer can change the rules. Unless the manufacturer has a bulletin that requires the 3k change I think the dealer is just trying to cover his a$$ with some BS.