Just got around to some preventive maintenance on our 2000 Outback Wagon w/ Cold Weather Package (rear LSD). It is now over 4 years old with 45,000 miles.
1) Replaced OEM Firestones with Bridgestone Turanza LS-H. These tires got very good ratings from TireRack (review and survey results) and Consumer Reports. They are rated 400 wear, AA traction, A temperature, 98H load rating. CR claims the new UNI-T AQII compound does work and performs better for wet and snow traction than other tires as they wear. So far, the ride and noise are at least as good as the Firestones. They do seem to be a bit grippier in turns. Wet performace is good, but not enough miles on them to really compare. It's all subjective anyway without a side by side test. Main downside is the possibility of higher wear with the 400 rating and 50,000 mile warranty that is quite a bit less than many top quality T rated tires. The old tires were not completely worn to the indicators; they had just under 1/8" of tread left. See:
3) New wiper blades all around. Used Bosch Micro Edge Excel from rockauto.com. I've used these on our other vehicles, and they're the best I've found for quiet, clean wiping and long life. Fairly pricey, though.
4) Oil & Filter change. Not too exciting, as always it's nice to be able to change these without ramps. Had a few extra Subaru filters around and have begun changing oil again since the free maintenance plan we got through IMBA expired at 3/36k.5) ATF & Filter. It's great to have a spin-on ATF filter. Sucks that it is $40 from the local Subaru dealer. Anyone found an aftermarket replacement or ultra cheap online retailer for this part next time? Used Mobil1 Dexron III ATF. Took 6 full quarts with the filter change; I measured what came out exactly. The old fluid appeared relatively clean.
6) Front differential fluid change. Replaced with 75W90 Mobil 1 GL-5 Gear Oil. Took 1.25 quarts, again I measured what came out and double checked with the dipstick. Requires a 21mm socket. I reused the OEM washer- it didn't appear to be a crush type. The fluid was moderately dirty, with a light coating of very fine metallic particles on the metallic drain plug.7) Rear differential fluid change. Replaced with 75W90 Mobil 1 GL-5 Gear Oil. Took 0.75 quards. Requires a 1/2" socket driver. The old fluid was also somewhat dirty.
8) Air filter. Easy enough, but I lost the bolt that holds the filter section of the housing to the round bracket:-( It's somewhere in the engine compartment, or has fallen off on the road since. Dealer had to order a replacement.Overall, not a bad morning's work, except for the tires which I had done at the local Firestone dealer who beat the TireRack's out-the-door price by 5%. Next is brake fluid and spark plugs, though I may let the dealer tackle those unless someone has some good tips as I've never done those before on this vehicle- and never changed brake fluid at all on any vehicle... The plugs look particularly hard to access on this engine, anyone done them on a 2000+ H4?
Incidentally, pretty good reliability so far after over 4 years and
45k miles. It did need a new radiator last summer, but fortunately that was covered under the 3/36 basic warranty. We also had a loose rear window motor and a driver side vanity mirror (light failed) replaced under warranty.