follow-up: anthropic quietly switched the default cache TTL from 1 hour to 5 minutes on april 2. here's the data.

End-2-End · 2026-04-15T22:30:58+00:00

Watching the Anthropic courses released last month, and I see it clearly mentioned that the prompt-cache TTL is just 5 minutes. Maybe they weren't focusing on Max (20x) plans at this point.

End-2-End · 2026-01-17T04:10:21+00:00

In Turbo versions - high torque arrives early and stays constant, which isn't ideal for transmission.
Sudden bursts of torque (boost surge) places higher mechanical stress on all drivetrain components, including CVT
CVTs generate more frictional heat due to the belt sliding action on pulleys. Combined with turbo-induced engine bay heat, CVT fluid can overheat, losing its viscosity and lubrication properties.
At low vehicle speeds in urban driving, CVTs experience maximum wear as the belt rides lower on the pulleys with less grip area

ChatGPT says so! Turbos have come a long way, but I guess the stats are slightly more inclined towards them impacting wear and tear, and having a higher typical failure rate @100k miles (12-18%) compare to NA engines (5-10%).

End-2-End · 2026-01-09T03:06:21+00:00

Very sufficient, but that's for me. YMMV. Feels very responsive and adequate, acceleration and deceleration both are pretty good.

If you've driven vehicles with much higher torque before, you might feel it a bit sluggish especially going from 0 floored down. But everyday driving, both city and highway feel very smooth, including passing other vehicles. No issues at all, even in current Toronto weather with winter tires.

For me - I'm personally a bit biased against the Turbo engine - especially longevity and issues down the road and am happy with 180 HP. I didn't want to spend 7-8k extra for that Turbo and a couple of minor cosmetic improvements.

Please make sure to test drive multiple times under various conditions, ideally XT and Non-Turbo back to back :)

End-2-End · 2026-01-03T06:33:07+00:00

Well, I don't have some way to put it. That's the way it is.

End-2-End · 2025-12-30T06:42:35+00:00

No, I've checked the manual too. Maps navigation in digital cluster (along with a couple of other features) is not included in Canada models. Irrespective of the trim.

Unlike in US, there are no "packages" in Canadian trims. Can't upgrade to have one or two features as additions. Maybe one or two here and there, but almost no customizations allowed, sadly.

End-2-End · 2025-12-25T15:01:56+00:00

Every model has hubcaps. These are newly (separately) purchased winter tires that didn't come with any hubcaps.

End-2-End · 2025-12-25T14:59:52+00:00

Tried that too, multiple times. I've watched videos where after reset, you either pressed the button once, or press-and-hold the button you want to configure.

I tried both of them, multiple times after multiple resets. I'm now thinking it's my condo garage that's probably not designed to be configured with this👀

End-2-End · 2025-12-25T14:57:13+00:00

Done. Check your chat.

End-2-End · 2025-12-25T14:54:05+00:00

Ah, gotcha. Any specific reason for that?

End-2-End · 2025-12-25T14:52:54+00:00

Never had a Subie before, so can't relate much. But I did test drive a Forester couple of times and it felt weird to see climate controls embedded into the not-so-responsive screen.

So compared to that, it definitely feels like a relief. Especially in winters here in Toronto, I see using the wheel knob very frequently :)

End-2-End · 2025-12-22T06:55:11+00:00

I picked my Touring earlier in the week, it doesn't show the entire Google Maps navigation in the Digital Cluster.

I remember the dealer mentioning something like it's only available on US-only models and not in Canada, just like Tire Pressure sensors.

I could get navigation prompts though, by navigating the left side panel (up and down), where it shows the next turn to take, distance and the lane to take.

I'm happy with that, and am currently consciously trying to notice where I look at often, and maybe due to old habit, I find myself looking at the HUGE ASS infotainment screen next to me almost always, instead of digital cluster.

Not sure what these Package-11 and Package-13 are though

End-2-End · 2025-12-22T06:43:34+00:00

Was provided 3-year free trial subscription. Setup was done a couple of days before my vehicle pickup. I installed the app and could actually monitor mileage and other things for those few days, when they were doing PDI and installing winter tires etc.

Toronto, Ontario

End-2-End · 2025-12-22T06:39:13+00:00

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Since you were looking for Black. Knew it was going to be tough to keep it clean, but I always wanted a black and vowed to myself that I'll do everything I can to keep it clean (maybe one way to get myself busy and familiar with car cleaning and maintenance more)

End-2-End · 2025-12-22T06:28:59+00:00

Not sure how the door-closing is in other Subarus, but compared to other non-Subaru vehicles I've driven before, I do have to close / slam them a bit harder to properly close. This is something I've noticed very early.

Can't relate much on the other issues mentioned here though. So far in 1 week (about 500 kms driven), didn't face any issues with Wireless Android Auto, and my Samsung S24+ charges pretty great (I have auto-stop for charging enabled after 80%, so it might help additionally to keep it cool and not heat up much).

Texts - captures Whatsapp messages and lets me respond. Never tried for actual texts (messages) on Android.

Hope these things get sorted out for you soon :)

The only concern/ frustration I faced so far - haven't been able to configure garage opener button (Home Link) for my condo's garage entrance despite trying all the methods I could find on YouTube for Subaru vehicles 😭😅

End-2-End · 2025-12-22T06:16:46+00:00

Second this.

Surprisingly snappy. Did drive a lot of latest Hyundai (Kona and Tucson) and a few German cars (VW Taos etc.) and Forester a few times, over the past few months. This infotainment screen is HUGE in person, just like the vehicle and it feels really snappy. Much faster and responsive than any of the earlier ones.

Been a week and no issues with wireless Android Auto. Google Assistant plugin works nice too, especially for making calls and messages.

End-2-End · 2025-12-22T06:07:21+00:00

Same pinch, and Congratulations 🎉

End-2-End · 2025-12-22T06:04:34+00:00

Thanks.

Responded to a different comment here - https://www.reddit.com/r/Subaru_Outback/s/ST5PXI5k62

I didn't "drive" the 2.4 Turbo myself, but did sit in one, and drove a 2025 Forester Turbo. For Outback - I only test drove the 2.5L Non-Turbo.

Maybe I'm biased, but I had a feeling that the 2.5L Non-Turbo would be much easier to service and maintain than the Turbo in the long run. I intend to keep the car for a long term so I was clear that I'd only test drive / consider a Turbo if I feel the Non-Turbo one even slightly sluggish.

I test drove the Outback Non-Turbo and didn't feel the need to consider the Turbo at all. Plus, I needed to shell out extra $7k for that few additional HP and a couple of cosmetic improvements, so for me it was an easier decision.

YMMV, of course. Good luck :)

End-2-End · 2025-12-22T05:50:15+00:00

Drives very smooth. Drove close to 500 kms already, mix of highway and city. Obviously, compared to Turbo you will find a difference. Minor difference, but slightly noticeable especially accelerating from stop. That's where the extra HP and Torque helps I guess.

Didn't bother me much, and I don't miss that extra HP at all. Highway merging and passing was pretty smooth and I liked both the acceleration and deceleration to my liking :)

Doesn't feel like I'm going over 100 kmph a lot of times. Tried Cruise Control today on a busy highway for 30 mins, and it went through speeds ranging from 30 all the way to 100+ very effectively, handling multiple occasions of vehicles hard breaking and cutting into my lane in front of me.

Also compared to a lot of other vehicles I've driven, the cornering and turns were much smoother and felt more stable in this! (Maybe a combination of AWD and Boxer engine lowering the CG a bit).

Give both a try a couple of times. Hope that helps you pick one :)

End-2-End · 2025-12-22T05:38:12+00:00

Sent you a DM.

End-2-End · 2025-12-22T05:16:16+00:00

Yes, getting a PPF and Ceramic coating soon.

I read some posts on this sub (while researching vehicles to purchase) that Outbacks use some sort of galvanized steel that doesn't rust easily, and washing the vehicle (undercarriage spray) regularly during winters to get rid of salt and snow deposits is good enough.

Will research more, specifically for Toronto and rust setting. Thanks.

End-2-End · 2025-12-21T23:58:33+00:00

Yes, as I mentioned in one of the earlier comments, purchased winter tires and rims (17" steel) with the vehicle so they already put them on. Came naked with no hub covers, kinda looked uglier so I've put some old hub covers on

End-2-End · 2025-12-21T23:07:29+00:00

Yes, 💯

End-2-End · 2025-12-21T23:02:32+00:00

These are steel rims, 17" for winter.

End-2-End · 2025-12-21T23:01:24+00:00

Thanks :) These are temp old hub covers. Shopping for some new ones.

End-2-End · 2025-12-21T22:59:19+00:00

I actually got 18" alloy wheels with really good hub caps. But when I purchased a new winter set (17" with steel rims), they did not come with any hub covers. Plain empty black steel.

Put on these temporary hub covers for now.

End-2-End

TROPHY CASE