Automatic Subaru - good gearboxes? (any issues??)
Discussion
I have an auto Subaru Legacy on 88,000 miles. No problems whatsoever. Check that the 'power' and 'hold' buttons illuminate in the dash though - they are electrical 'programme amendments' to the gearbox - one for power, one for icy conditions - being electrical these can fail and it's not a simple fix I don't think. (not all auots have these so if it doesn't, ignore me)
hora said:
stain said:
One other thing I have always found with the auto versions is that they really blunt the performance, even the spec B. no low range either if that's important to you.
The 2.0 N/A isn't a performance car either. I'll have a spin first. If it feels peppy enough I'll take it if its sluggish/annoying I'll walkThe 4-speed one is OK but feels old compared to modern boxes from BMW and Mercedes. My mid-1990s one was still going strong at 130K miles although it was only mated to a natasp 2-litre engine.
The 5-speed one is very good - still not in the league of the Germans in terms of smooth delivery though. It contains the centre diff and the front diff, and can apportion up to 55% of the torque to the rear wheels. It has common fluid for itself, the two diffs, and the torque converter (so one fluid change). I'm told this box is strong but the fact that Subaru chose not to implement it with the diesel engine suggests it's not that strong. The 3-litre engine can push out 220lbft whereas the diesel can manage 250lbft. Perhaps the intention was to state how well it wears. Mine's at 105K miles at the mo and seems happy enough.
The 5-speed one is very good - still not in the league of the Germans in terms of smooth delivery though. It contains the centre diff and the front diff, and can apportion up to 55% of the torque to the rear wheels. It has common fluid for itself, the two diffs, and the torque converter (so one fluid change). I'm told this box is strong but the fact that Subaru chose not to implement it with the diesel engine suggests it's not that strong. The 3-litre engine can push out 220lbft whereas the diesel can manage 250lbft. Perhaps the intention was to state how well it wears. Mine's at 105K miles at the mo and seems happy enough.
I have a 2.5 Legacy with the 4 spd auto box. The 2.0 was a bit slow, but the 2.5 is fine (year 2001 Legacy). The box itself is good at what it does, despite being quite old now.
But there are ways to make the box work better. Firstly, it wants to get into 4th as soon as possible, fine for motorways etc, but around town it's reluctant to drop into 2nd quick enough. If you put it in D3, it won't change into 4th so is much more responsive, and around town makes no difference whatsoever to mpg.
The Power/Hold buttun is useful in Power mode for holding the gear for a bit longer at mid throttle, again useful around town. I read up a lot on the box and tried different things and found it much better than just shoving it in D and driving it. I'd definately have one again. Haven't tried the later 5spd auto so can't comment on that.
But there are ways to make the box work better. Firstly, it wants to get into 4th as soon as possible, fine for motorways etc, but around town it's reluctant to drop into 2nd quick enough. If you put it in D3, it won't change into 4th so is much more responsive, and around town makes no difference whatsoever to mpg.
The Power/Hold buttun is useful in Power mode for holding the gear for a bit longer at mid throttle, again useful around town. I read up a lot on the box and tried different things and found it much better than just shoving it in D and driving it. I'd definately have one again. Haven't tried the later 5spd auto so can't comment on that.
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