I recently inherited a 1996 Subaru Outback with a 2.2. Has about 88k miles on it. I run regular 87 octane in it, and it gets about 150 miles from fill up to the empty marker. This is basically about 10mpg...from a four cylinder. I do tend to drive hard, but then again I can get 300miles out of a g35 the way I drive. Any Ideas?

 

I'd start with checking spark plugs & wires...maybe an ECU reset (especially if automatic).

10MPG is not right though.

fibuz

 

How would I go about resetting the ecu? On a side not.. i noticed you're out there in Tuscon..I"m probaly going to drive this thing there if I go to U of A.

 

Disconnect the battery and stand on the brake pedal for 5 minutes or so to reset the ECU.

Does the car run smoothly? Are there any other indications as to why it would have such poor mileage?

 

I would say it runs and idles pretty smooth considering its age. Should I check the air filter, or would that be a negligeable difference?

 

The air filter could be completely clogged and it would still run, but not very well.

The list of items i'd check/replace are:

Air Filter
Plugs (ngk)
wires
fuel filter
o2 sensor

Any problems starting?

88k miles is very low for a 96, just getting broken in. Most of those probably have another 50-60k on them by now. Subies get driven.

 

I'd say it starts up pretty quick most days, probaly within 5 seconds.

 

How's the automatic shift? Is it sluggish and slippy? It's odd that the car runs well, at least from your perspective, and gets such poor mileage.

 

The auto shifts decently well, only a hard shift from first to second. I went to reset the ecu today, and when i reconnected the negative battery cable, the car started the blinking the parking lights and the backligts on the dash and radio. Any ideas?

EDIt: Never mind, found the elusive button under the dash.

 

I have 280,000 on my 95 LSI still runs grate. You might think about getting the timming belt changed. recomed at 60k. if the timming is off a tooth it will run but get bad gas miles.

 

You might want to make sure the fuel system is operating correctly. I have a fuel gauge that kind of sticks near the empty mark. Don't want you to get stranded with an empty tank........but you should make sure you are actually on empty. Presumably this can be verified as the gas station at your next fill up.