I am getting only about 13 mpg in my newly acquired Outback and am new
to diagnosing these problems and need a little help with where to go
without replacing everything.  I did a OBDII read and exported the
data to Excel :

Some time ago I posted about a stubborn CEL light code P0447. It has finally
been resolved and it was a corroded solder in the wiring in the rear wheel
well. Fixing this seems also to have solved a rough engine problem (though
it might be too soon to tell...)

How do I determine if I have a Phase I or Phase II 2.5 L engine?  And
what distinguishes an early Phase II from later Phase II?
I'm thinking about buying a Chevy Equinox with the old venerable small
block engine. Subaru seems to have an engine design problem.

I have a 1999 Forester. I will be changing the antifreeze.
I plan on using Prestone. Since the block is aluminum can I use the
regular Prestone or should I use the Prestone Prime?
Any tips on how to avoid air pockets?

checked all the fluids in my new 07' 2.5i 5M Impreza wagon. Have to
learn all this new fangled stuff, so I can drive the dammed car.
 Evened and lowered the tire pressures to factory specs, and ran the
motor. Hear a faint knock from the front of the motor. Sounds like

I have a 9-month-old 2007 Subaru Legacy Spec.B than has been
accelerating somewhat choppily ever since I bought it.  At first I
just wrote it off as normal turbocharger lag, but lately I have been
wondering if this is indeed normal.

Bought me a 2.5i  5M wagon yesterday. Drove it an hr before paying.
Brake pedal was soft. Had some travel before they started to grab.
Told them to check them out. One guy they said was a tech, was telling
me that is how the ABS will feel. Didn't make me feel very comfortable

Two questions:
1) Where is the egr control solenoid located on a 93 impreza?
Is it hard to get to? Dealer wants to charge $170 labor to replace, and
$90 for the egr control solenoid, total $260.

So, the car is just over three years old with about 20K on it (yes, I
don't drive that much).
While there has always been some vibration when braking (presumably due to
the antilock brakes grabbing and releasing), I just noticed that even if I

Just picked up a brand new 07 Impreza Outback sport.  Is there anything that
I should keep my out for?  Any known issues?
Thanks,
john

The bulb behind the AC/Heat dashboard panel in my son's '95 Legacy sedan is
out. How difficult is it to replace? Are there instructions (or a service
manual) online somewhere that would show how to disassemble the panel and
help getting to this bulb?

I just got a new '07 Forester. The seat belt unfastened warning comes on
as usual. Except it repeats every minute or so. It's driving me to
distraction.
Yes, I do use my seat belt. I stated using them when my '66 Corvair came

what's the latest theory on breaking them in? Last I remember was no
sustained high speeds for 1K mi, or something like that. May be
picking up a car 120mi away, and the Interstate would be quicker, but
I'm thinking secondary roads, and maybe stopping and letting it cool

Buying a used car is not difficult. Here are some guidelines for you
when considering purchasing a used car:
1. Window-shop around first before doing the final selection. Allot
one day to visit a dealership to look around and test-drive the cars.

i lurk mostly, but post when necessary..    this weekend, i tore the
plastic protector/cover that is under the engine in the front of my
2000 obw.  you're probably familiar with it, it has a small flap in it
that opens to get the the filter and hoses. it's about 3 feet wide in