Stuff

You need a long (12"+) Phillips-head screwdriver. If you look really close there are marks molded into the top of the plastic headlight housing that show where the top of the screwdriver goes. From the service manual:

https://www.subaruoutback.org/threads/pedal-commander-review.545405/#post-6264070

The Nappa leather is now a choice of black or brown instead of Sierra Tan. Just about everyone likes the tan when they see it so the new colors are a letdown.

I wouldn't do the overpriced 2 year service special the dealerships offer but I would have a safety check done. In the warranty and maintenance manual there is a chart of what is recommended.

Right side above the CV joint boot. I added a red arrow.

It depends on which transmission as the 2.4 and 2.5 are different.

Check to see if the bracket and mounting screws are in the trunk with or under the spare tire. The installation instructions were not updated for 2023 so not much help: https://techinfo.subaru.com/stis/doc/accInstallGuide/SOA342L171 IxI.pdf

It looks like they changed from chrome to black trim for 2023. They are listed in the accessory catalog as part number F001SAN110. 2020-2022 was F001SAN010 but no longer showing for 2020 in parts catalog but was updated to show 2020-2023 in technical information system. Other references haven't been updated.

Drive with it in full auto so as to dehumidify the car before you park it.

Try keeping it on full auto to see if it makes a difference. Otherwise ask the dealer what's going on.

Not a problem with my 2020. Is it worse after a rain? Do you keep anything in the car or trunk that holds moisture? Is it different if you park outside vs. garage? Do you keep the heating/cooling in full auto?

Good to know. I haven't seen the new Cosmic in person but it seems Subaru is going in the right direction there. I passed on the old Abyss Blue as it was too dull so went with the Magnetite Gray Metallic (still a bit boring). From the brochure the 2023s also changed some interior colors. One change I don't like is going from Sierra Tan Nappa Leather to Java Brown Nappa Leather for the touring. Your black STI wheels do make a better look than the standard rims. Congrats on the new ride.

How do you like the Cosmic Blue Pearl as compared to last year's Abyss Blue Pearl?

I went down that road when I first got the car trying things. Not much seems to matter other than outside temperature even if the HVAC is set to off.

I haven't gotten the postcard. Was it only for the 2.5L? I think they shipped with a slightly smaller CCA battery than the 2.4L. On the Outback forums they talk about how the battery affects the ASS (auto stop start). Sometimes I want it shutting down for longer periods (like at a drive-through) but 15 to 20 seconds is a waste. Once in a while when it is warm out it might go to 2 minutes. I'm thinking a better battery would help but I'm not willing to spend money on it.