After 10 years of BMW E39/E38/F01 ownership I'm back in a Japanese motor... Subaru Outback H6 3.0 AWD. My last Jap car was a 1997 Prelude 2.2i VTEC in 2008! I've been looking at getting an older 4x4 for a while now and thought of the P38 Range rover, Disco and even viewed a 97 Amazon VX 4.5 V8 with LPG. RRs put me off mainly due to reliability issues and chelsea tractor factor. The Amazon was impressive but hold their prices extremely well and huge bills when they go wrong, to the extent that you cannot get a well maintained example for less than 5k. So came across one of only two H6s available on AT and snapped it up at trade price. 2002 model, appears to be fully loaded. I must say, impressed is an understatement. The H6 is a quirky package and the 3.0 flat six coupled with Auto transmission make for a nice experience. It has a MOMO steering wheel with wood top and bottom! With 160k miles and a comprehensive maintenance record I'm looking forward to working on it and rectifying the (minor) issues it has after 16 years on the road. I'll continue to post updates when possible. Hope you're all well! Mega Sent from my Note8 using Tapatalk
Well, we didn't see that coming...... I've read that all Subarus like a drink so it'll be interesting to see how you find the Outback.
Yes it's nice to have something a bit, well actually a lot, different. I'm expecting low mpg overall, especially with the 3.0 - but I've sourced this at a low price so can justify the extra fuel outlay over the next year. Sent from my Note8 using Tapatalk
That's certainly radically different to a 7series BMW. I suppose if it becomes a money pit, you can always move it on through the trade.
Thanks gents. I took it down to Reading yesterday and back to Yorkshire, it performed faultlessly and mpg was not too bad. I'm yet to do a brim to brim calculation but it seems it was low 30s overall. The exhaust is blowing from the post cat section so booked in for a new exhaust system post cat with a 5" rolled end. It will burble nicely and not too loud at motorway speeds. Now then, wheel options... stick with stock and bigger winter tyres or change them? They are diamond cut/polished so a refurb will be £££. If change then to what? Any suggestions welcome! Sent from my Note8 using Tapatalk
Looks like 225/60/16s are going to be the biggest size on the stock rims. Any bigger ans full lock issues will arise. What about spacers? Has anyone used them - they would certainly improve the stance. Currently researching alternative wheel options. Sent from my Note8 using Tapatalk
I use spacers to correct the offset and make the wheels fill the arches more. It’s fairly easy on a BMW to find out the minimum offset but on a scooby a bit more research is required. You want to go for as small an offset as possible, so research what aftermarket wheel manufacturers are recommending.
I'm working on the exhaust today. Did a temporary patch on the post cat section, which is starting to fail. So a friend and I are fabricating a bracket to hold the post cat pipe together and reduce exhaust blow until the new system is fitted. Other plans include: LED interior light upgrade 4300K HID Headlight upgrade Speaker replacement in rear doors - n/s speaker blown 12" sub enclosure and amp to give it some bass when required Washed it yesterday and after the exhaust bracket is fitted I'm putting 2 layers of Simoniz liquid wax and Autoglym Super Resin Polish on it to bring the shine back. At some point I'll get a full paint correction done to sort the swirl marks. Will post pics when it's clean (and quieter). Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk Sent from my Note8 using Tapatalk
Cat back stainless steel exhaust fitted. Sounds just right, deep boxer engine note at low revs amd not too loud when pushed. At Motorway speeds exhaust note minimal. Sent from my Note8 using Tapatalk
Winters going on now. Matching Michelin Cross Climate on the front axle and Nokian Weatherproof's on the rear. Next up: Wheel refurb Sub/amp and focal components HiD conversion Tints (still mulling over this one)] Sent from my Note8 using Tapatalk
Hmm subarus aren’t renowned for their tolerance of differing thread depths across or between axles. Be careful wonky diffs aren’t much fun....
6mm on both axles - driving locally all day today the car definitely feels more planted and stable all round. But yes will keep an eye on it, thanks. Sent from my Note8 using Tapatalk
Had the seatbelts replaced today. The original beige belts were frayed and potentially unsafe if ever needed. So swapped for black belts from another H6. Rocker cover gasket to be done to address an oil leak, as well as the caliper sliding bolt on the offside rear. 10" Sub and amp on order to improve sound quality and give it some deep bass and component speakers being considered. Next week: HID kit. Overall the H6 is going well, fun to drive and has already been used to shift a wardrobe and 8ft whiteboard to the new premises. Definitely a multi skilled motor. Sent from my Note8 using Tapatalk