Lineartronic experiences?

[rovermorris999]

Does anyone own one? Are they as reliable and smooth as the old slush boxes?

[Guybrush]

I have driven one and am very impressed. Depending on the model, there are two or three modes which alter the change map (and throttle plus maybe engine, not certain). In the basic change map the drive is like one gear right through to top speed and is pretty much totally seamless. No whining or droning, it's very quiet. In the next map, the 'gears' are held longer and run in lower 'ratio' giving more performance, but it's still very smooth. All in all very good and far better than the old 'slushmatics' and as smooth as pdk.

[rovermorris999]

Thanks for that. I'd be looking at a Forester XT. The reviews are mixed but the less complimentary ones are from magazines like Evo and Top Gear who seem to expect them to drive like an Sti.
My only concern is that they are sealed for life whereas the slush box Subaru used had regular oil and filter changes. The one on my 2003 Forester with 130k on still feels like new. Will a Lineartronic last as well? I tend to keep my cars for a long time and well over 100k miles.

[Guybrush]

I think you can change the oil on the lineartronic box. However, it may (not certain), like many gearboxes of all types, not actually have a change schedule specified by the manufacturer.

[rovermorris999]

Thanks. I'd certainly get it done every few years if it's possible to change it. Hopefully there's a drain plug.

[niallf]

I have a 2010 2.5 CVT Outback, which replaced a Gen 4 Manual 2.5 Outback.

CVT takes a little getting used to e.g. car gets faster, revs stays the same, but after 4 years I'm very used to it. Mine's done approaching 120K miles with no problems, and it's definitely better on petrol than the manual before it. I average about 30mpg on a mainly cross country commute. I've considered changing the oil, there's US Youtube video's about doing this, but the oil is special, fairly expensive and from what I understand, important for the correct functioning of the box, so not worth scrimping on.

One other thing, IIRC in the operator's manual it advises against regular use of the paddle shift, suggesting it's best left for when it's necessry to control gearchanges, e.g. short shifts in snow etc. I just put mine in drive and let it do its thing, it's a very easy (and smooth) car to drive.

[rovermorris999]

Thanks for that. I'd be putting that sort of mileage on it so it's nice to hear you've had no problems. I doubt I'd ever use the paddle shift, what's the point? It's an auto after all.

[rastapasta]

rovermorris999 said:

Thanks for that. I'd be putting that sort of mileage on it so it's nice to hear you've had no problems. I doubt I'd ever use the paddle shift, what's the point? It's an auto after all.

The system is excellent. I have driven it in the Outback and also the Levorg. People who rubbish it are generally the same people who have never driven with it. I drive a '14 Legacy manual (one of the last) and honestly I would love the CVT. In the Levorg it is very nice. You should not have any issues mechancially as its a Subaru and they are vastly superior to anything else in this regard on the road. They simply do not die. You say you wont use the paddles but its they are very handy to slow the car down to take a motorway slip road !!!

Just keep it serviced every 15k and you will have zero issues.

[rovermorris999]

Thanks for the input.
I'm just waiting now to find out if the 2018 Forester will have the EyeSight system fitted. It's available elsewhere in the world on the Forester and here on the Outback. Nobody seems to have a clue. I'd really like it and would be disappointed if I bought a 2017 XT and then a few weeks later they announce it for the 2018 model.

[rastapasta]

rovermorris999 said:

Thanks for the input.
I'm just waiting now to find out if the 2018 Forester will have the EyeSight system fitted. It's available elsewhere in the world on the Forester and here on the Outback. Nobody seems to have a clue. I'd really like it and would be disappointed if I bought a 2017 XT and then a few weeks later they announce it for the 2018 model.

It should, this system is on my car as a run out model here in Switzerland but it really comes down to the Importer. I know over here its standard on all models from Levorg up and i think even on the Forrester ( although maybe not the on poverty spec Forrester).