Subaru service recommendations for Canberra

[Ted and Fi]

Hi. I have read quite a number of Subaru related posts here so was wondering if anyone can recommend somewhere to service our newly acquired Subaru (or equally useful, where not to take it). It still has 9 mths new car warrenty and 3 yrs Subaru assured warranty so that might limit me to dealerships but the only Subaru owner I know has warned me away from the dealership we brought it from.

Also, if anyone can confirm my reseach - diamond chains on front, chains of some description for the back but don't need to be top-class... really only for afternoon freeze if we are caught out as if it's questionable in the morning we will use the tube.

And, now we have had a massive hail storm, any good body shops... hubby has been out cycling and, thankfully took the old car to the meeting point. They might both need work!

[chicco]

I have a liberty for chains I do own a set of Diamond pattern chains. Chains should only be put on the front only as they have the majority of the drive and none the back as far as I know and have been told. Over the 6 years I have owned a subi I have never been required to put chains on in NSW, even in the worst conditions. My advice is with a subi is if 2wd vehicles are putting on chains just slow right down and drive very smoothly both acceleration and steering and keep braking minimal use the engine to keep to a safe slow speed.

[Bear]

I take my Outback to Capital Subaru and never had a problem with them. Just moved to new premises and have a brand new up to date workshop. I did notice that the last service was much more expensive than the previous ones (without seeming to involve more work).

Never fitted chains to it.

[Pollo]

Guys can't help on the where to service yet agree on the chain comments re not having required them.

This is for past outbacks and even B-spec with lower profile tyres and directional tread.

[SnowFlake]

Subie owners I know have their cars serviced by the dealer if only because they trade them in just before the big 100k service.

[Paul Oberin]

Subie owners I know have their cars serviced by the dealer if only because they trade them in just before the big 100k service.The 100K service requires a new $600 timing belt which includes the labour, nothing to be afraid of and a lot of other brands have the same problem, I know all our BMW's had the same problem only way more expensive.
The one problem with AWD cars is tyres, you have to keep all tyres the same rolling circumference or you risk wearing out the Viscous coupling (clutch) in the gear box as we did, we had tyres on the front that were new and half worn ones on the back, after about 2,000kms we were up for a $1800 gearbox part, I was told that it is quite common with AWD's, but the tyre places don't know or don't bother telling you that.

[Pollo]

tyre places don't know or don't bother telling you that.

Paul,

We've been quite lucky that we haven't had a puncture and had to replace just one tyre. We've always ensured the cars were serviced up to date and tyre rotation methodical where possible to ensure even wear.

Camber etc has sometimes blown due to big ar$e pot holes and therefore needed re adjusting.

[Bear]

Don't do the timing belt at 100,000 any more Paul (or at least they didn't on mine and it isn't on the service schedule). Not sure when they do it though.

[Paul Oberin]

Don't do the timing belt at 100,000 any more Paul (or at least they didn't on mine and it isn't on the service schedule). Not sure when they do it though.Not sure, we had one done at 100,000 and again at 200,000 on our 2003 model Outback, it may not be required on later models.

[Bendalong]

Evening all. Our 2006 spec 2.0 L Liberty sti requires replacement of the cam belts at the 140,000 km service. I understand the post 2006 2.5 L and 3.0L are about the same and not sure about the 3.5 L. Best check with the factory service agents.

[blutek]

Here a place in Phillip that does handbook services & tunes for Subaru:
http://www.ultimatetunes.com.au/Servicing.html

We carry chains and usually fit them only once in a season (it was going into Guthega this year in a blizzard). Most trips they won't be used, but road/performance tyres are not great on ice, particularly if more than 50% worn. The main problem I have now is the minimal space between top of wheel chain and the suspension strut (2008 WRX) - a bump could cause major damage. The wheel sock may be a better alternative (it should also be available locally):
http://www.activeoutdoors.info/activeoutdoors/Article91.html

[Bear]

Can't say I need a race tune for the Outback Blutek but will keep it in mind if I ever go turbo in a subie. :D

[chicco]

I've had my subi for about 130000km now and its done 215000 now always done log book service including timing belts at each 100000km and the only additional thing I've done is replace the clutch. Dont recall the price for the timing belt replacement but I remember the 200000km servcie wasnt way over the top about $1200-$1500 and that included timing belt, ac regas, in tank fuel filter replacment etc. As for the tyres I have heard of that problem but I enquired to a mate of mine who is a subi mechanic as was told not to worry about it. I have only replace 6 tyres since I have owned the car and rotate the 4 tyres front to back, back to front on the same side as they are directional and done approx 30000km on one older pair and one newer pair.




The 100K service requires a new $600 timing belt which includes the labour, nothing to be afraid of and a lot of other brands have the same problem, I know all our BMW's had the same problem only way more expensive.
The one problem with AWD cars is tyres, you have to keep all tyres the same rolling circumference or you risk wearing out the Viscous coupling (clutch) in the gear box as we did, we had tyres on the front that were new and half worn ones on the back, after about 2,000kms we were up for a $1800 gearbox part, I was told that it is quite common with AWD's, but the tyre places don't know or don't bother telling you that.