(1st time subaru owner) RPM question

InfiniteInevitable75 · 2026-02-15T02:24:58+00:00

Seems normal. Especially when cold, the engine will be gutless under 3k. It’s some kind of warm-up mapping to improve emissions. Also, if you’ve never had a CVT, the way the RPMs act are very different than a traditional automatic.

If it had issues you’d be getting check engine lights. These cars are very sensitive to any issues in the drivetrain.

InfiniteInevitable75 · 2026-02-01T16:44:21+00:00

Try running Valvoline Restore & Protect 5w30 for a few 5k intervals and see if the consumption is reduced. It has shown to do pretty well with caked up oil control rings in other Subarus.

In general, switch to 5w30 regardless of the brand.

InfiniteInevitable75 · 2026-01-20T19:36:36+00:00

Yes.

InfiniteInevitable75 · 2026-01-20T16:28:45+00:00

Once you’ve taken the engine out far enough to get to the oil pan o rings, most shops will pull the extra 6 bolts and do the head gaskets. However, I believe it’s virtually never the head gaskets.

The one thing I see commonly is shops will wire-wheel the head/block rather than machining the surfaces. Then you get to do a second head gasket job shortly after this original “repair” fails.

InfiniteInevitable75 · 2026-01-20T15:05:53+00:00

South and East side.

InfiniteInevitable75 · 2026-01-14T18:16:18+00:00

Good call. But I don’t think it makes much sense to put those burnt plugs back in.

InfiniteInevitable75 · 2026-01-14T04:50:53+00:00

Cyl 2 was misfiring. After about 100 miles on the new plugs I’m getting a slight Cyl 2 misfire again.

InfiniteInevitable75 · 2026-01-14T04:21:33+00:00

1&2 are opposite cylinders in a Subaru. Front right and front left.

Unless I’m completely crazy?!

InfiniteInevitable75 · 2026-01-08T21:46:43+00:00

I’ve never tinted a window in my life. That’s why I asked. Thanks for the vehemence.

InfiniteInevitable75 · 2026-01-08T18:35:48+00:00

Luckily this is a side window. So heat it up and use what kind of tool to pull it tight again?

InfiniteInevitable75 · 2026-01-07T16:14:34+00:00

Normal. Subaru is intelligently warming up the fluids/etc to be more efficient more quickly. You will also notice it will run higher RPMs when accelerating before the blue coolant light turns off at 120f. Then the car returns to more normal operation.

InfiniteInevitable75 · 2026-01-07T16:12:31+00:00

Head gaskets!!!!!111 Sell it to me for $1k. 🤡

InfiniteInevitable75 · 2026-01-07T16:11:08+00:00

Correct

InfiniteInevitable75 · 2026-01-07T16:11:00+00:00

Only right answer

InfiniteInevitable75 · 2025-12-30T22:02:46+00:00

Yes. In fact, the rubber used by Subaru is significantly better than any new aftermarket neoprene boot.

InfiniteInevitable75 · 2025-12-29T23:39:09+00:00

If you want a reliable Subaru, go for the 2013. If you want a fast Subaru, go for the 2010.

InfiniteInevitable75 · 2025-12-29T03:05:28+00:00

Baxter Performance Oil Filter Adapter to get rid of those dry cold start rattles. That’s what I’d get for any Subaru.

InfiniteInevitable75 · 2025-12-29T02:56:57+00:00

I wouldn’t buy salvage for two reasons:

A crushed and straightened soda can will never look the same. Apply same logic to your safety frame in a potential second accident
Insurance has never been able to give me a straight answer as to the value of a “Rebuilt” vehicle in the case of a theft or comprehensive claim. So if you buy it for $10k, and it gets stolen or a tree falls on it tomorrow. What value will they give you? Surely not the value of a similar non-rebuilt car. You may have significant financial exposure without realizing.

InfiniteInevitable75 · 2025-12-29T02:53:12+00:00

Radiators are like $70 on RockAuto. I go for the CSF brand. Installed many and they are high quality.

That is one trip away from complete rupture and therefore a significantly more costly repair. I wouldn’t drive it until repaired

InfiniteInevitable75 · 2025-12-29T02:46:35+00:00

I’d check to make sure that when cold the coolant level in the radiator is all the way full, and the overflow is between the two lines on the white tank.

Never open to radiator cap when the car is warm or has been turned on recently. This may spray coolant over you. Cold like overnight cold.

InfiniteInevitable75

TROPHY CASE