jnaylor

OK, I don't want to turn this into a Skyline-vs-EVO-vs-WRX debate, but a mate and myself (who BTW have stuff-all mechanical experience between us) were arguing over the supposed fact that Subaru's are "harder" to work on than most other cars... can anyone vouch for this comment? It's something we've heard a few cowboy mechanics say...

(oh and I don't want to compare them to TVRs, Ferarri's and the like, just your average Mitsubishi, Peugeot, Toyota, Volkswagen, Holden, Nissan, etc, etc. Well OK maybe not "average" but cars with comparable price and performance.)

churchwa

Well given that people who have been working on Rolls and Bentleys for the past 30 years have so far taken 3 days to install PPP on my STi8, i would say yes they are.

jonmorris

It seems pretty cramped in the engine bay, so I'd assume it to be quite labour intensive to do even simple things.

Ditto with my old Escort Cossie and the Focus RS. Even though parts may not be too expensive (especially the few standard Ford parts), labour gets you every time unless you can do it yourself or know someone!

camk

As per above, engine bay is very tight. Even changing the spark plugs is a tough DIY job.

jnaylor

true on the spark plugs, then again there's got to be something in there that's easier to do that other engines???

ChristianR

iTrader: (1)

Even chaging the plastic cog (inside your gearbox) that feeds the speed sensor. If that goes, to replace it, you need to take the gearbox out, strip it down, replace it build it back up and put it back on.

Apparantly on fords, they actually have a little compartment on the side of the gearbox casing that you can take out to change the plastic cog that feeds the speed sensor.

camk

Oil change not too bad. I was trained in engine maintenance in the Army and usually always did my own standard stuff on the servicing front but when I got the scoob I just looked at it and say no way. The labour costs for most jobs show how difficult it is even for garages with all the ramps etc.
There probably will be some guy saying its not bad but for your average Joe I think its a tough car to self maintain. The other worry for me would be aggravating the known engine weaknesses through my DIY bodgework, I can see it now, puts the fuel filter in the wrong way, boom. Maybe I'm being over sensitive but it would be a concern.

Cheers
Cammy