What I learned about my '04 OBW

[Alan]

I just discovered a couple of features I had no idea were there, so, for
anyone else who does not know about them:

1. The rear center seatbelt retracts completely out of the way into the
roof. There is a small compartment for the belt clips to latch onto.
2. The rear seat bench folds up forward so that the rear seat backs fold
down and latch onto it. This protects the backs of the front seats.
3. There are seat belt holders in the rear set to hold the receivers when
you fold up the seat as descibed above. Thjis keep the seat belt receivers
from falling behind the seat.
4. There is a small strap to pull on to pull the rear seat bench forward as
described above.

 

[Brian Wasson]

Yes, nice features, all. AFAIK, they have been included since the 2000
redesign.

Another feature many folks don't know about on the Outbacks (and maybe
the Legacy?)is that there is a auxiliary 12v power port hidden away
inside the jack compartment in the rear area.

It's silly, but the feature we most like on our new 2003 OBW, compared
to our 2001 OBW, is the green-glowing circle around the ignition
switch. Makes finding it a lot easier in the dark!

 

[Alan]

Thanks. I knew about the extra power port. We had a key light on our 99
Camry, so I would have been very disappointed if the Subie didn't have one.
I just wish all of the various controls on the doors were lit.

 

[Nicolas Dore]

Yes, nice features, all. AFAIK, they have been included since the 2000
redesign.

Another feature many folks don't know about on the Outbacks (and maybe
the Legacy?)is that there is a auxiliary 12v power port hidden away
inside the jack compartment in the rear area.

It's silly, but the feature we most like on our new 2003 OBW, compared
to our 2001 OBW, is the green-glowing circle around the ignition
switch. Makes finding it a lot easier in the dark!

Does someone know of a way to retrofit one of these? Would be very, very usefull...

Nicolas

 

[L. Kreh]

Except for #1, these features are all in our 99 Outback.

 

[Adam Helberg]

I just discovered a couple of features I had no idea were there, so, for
anyone else who does not know about them:

1. The rear center seatbelt retracts completely out of the way into the
roof. There is a small compartment for the belt clips to latch onto.
2. The rear seat bench folds up forward so that the rear seat backs fold
down and latch onto it. This protects the backs of the front seats.
3. There are seat belt holders in the rear set to hold the receivers when
you fold up the seat as descibed above. Thjis keep the seat belt receivers
from falling behind the seat.
4. There is a small strap to pull on to pull the rear seat bench forward as
described above.

I'll add one more I discovered on my 2002 OB. It has two trip meters.

Adam

 

[marc]

Actually there were over 150 changes from the 99-2000MY

Your salesman did not do his job.!!! I would also suggest that you look in
the manual under in case of emergency and familiarize yourself with Towing,
the hook behind the panel in the front bumper on the right hand side. how
to close Sunroofs, if you have them. How to take the car out of park if the
battery or ignition is dead (Tab on the side of the gear lever in an
automatic) If putting on the small spare with an automatic, or the AT temp
light comes on, you need to put the 30 amp fuse in the FWD slot (remember to
remove when serviced)

....

Marc Soloway
Natick Subaru, Natick MA
Sales and Leasing.

 

[Alan]

Thanks. I did know about the other items you mentioned. Also the fuse should
always be put in when the donut spare is used, from what my manual says
(though it doesn't say which amperage to use! I figured the 30 was the right
one). I agree that the salesman did not do his job. He barely knew hot to
get the OnStar account set up.

Now, here's a few questions... what is the extra space in the jack
compartment for? It looks like it could hold a cylinder or can of some kind.
Flat tire repair pressurized goo? And why do they mount the spare so you
have to take it out to check the air pressure? That was really dumb! Oh, and
why not put a switch in the jack compartment to throw the car into FWD. That
fuse bit is ill-conceived.

These very minor issues aside, we LOVE this car!

Thanks again!