2015 Legacy 3.6r Limited - Maintenance Questions

Hey everyone, first time posting and looking for some help and advice on my 2015 Legacy 3.6. I have roughly 88k miles on my car, it has been very solid and reliable, especially since I commute roughly 600 miles per week into NYC. So far I have only done regular oil changes, brakes and a set of plugs around 40k miles. In the past I typically got rid of cars around 100k miles, this one I am considering keeping well beyond that. Since I work and commute so many hours I don’t have time to do the maintenance myself so I have had it done at the dealership. Very expensive! But with that said, since I am considering keeping the car I am wondering a few things that I hope you all could help with:

 

1) I don’t think the 2015 3.6 has the head gasket issue problem is that true?

2) should I now be changing all fluids; CVT, Differential, Brake?

3) if so, does it make sense to change everything over to Amsoil?

4) change plugs again?

5) radiator and coolant flush?

6) I want to change the fog lights to LED, any recommendations?

7) what else should be done? PCV?, belts?

8) probably going to update the nav maps- just because, even though I don’t really use the car nav.

9) other recommendations?

 

I know it’s going to be expensive, but maybe I can find an independent to do most of this work. I assume with all of this maintenance I could get to 200k with this car?

 

Thank you all for your help!

My recommendation is to follow the schedule published in the Subaru Warranty & Maintenance Guide you should have received with your Legacy.

 

Living that close to the coast, at 5 years you're probably overdue for new brake fluid. Most other maintenance items (other than filters and engine oil) are "inspect periodically, and replace on condition."

Edited January 13, 2020 by ammcinnis

Thanks, I think I will definitely do brake fluid next service

Howdy neighbor... I have so far only had to deal with the tires and breakes but I only have 50K on mine. I did the last oil change and front breaks myself as I wanted to start to do my own maintenance for cost savings. Just be sure to keep a good record of all maintenance and parts you buy just in case. [warranty issues]. To be honest I was surprised you already changed the spark plugs... I did not see that in my manual.... maybe I missed it...

Thank you! I have kept records. All service to date has been at the dealership. I thought it was strange to do the plugs already but the dealer talked me into it. Since I commute so much with the car it’s important to me to keep it maintained. The car is paid off so I don’t want to take on another car payment. I want it to last! That’s why I thinking of doing a full suite of preventative maintenance and switching to Amsoil

I'd be nervous using anything other than the correct Subaru CVT fluid for the CVT. The Amsoil may work, but if it doesn't you could be out several thousand dollars for a new CVT.

Firstly, find a reputable mechanic. You're wasting a lot of money having all of your maintenance done at the dealer, ESPECIALLY if they're not offering you some sort of lifetime drivetrain warranty or something similar.

 

Brake fluid: this should be done ASAP and ~ every few years. If you insist on having this performed at the dealer, MAKE SURE THEY'RE ACTUALLY FLUSHING THROUGH EACH CALIPER. My local dealer had a heckuva deal and I almost bit. I called back before my appointment date and asked what they actually did during the brake fluid change and they admitted that they only siphon out the old fluid from the reservoir and refill it. This is NOT good enough.

 

CVT fluid: I would also have this done ASAP, if you plan on keeping the car for a long time. Ensure they use the correct orange fluid for the HTCVT.

 

All other: follow the book.

 

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Plugs: why did you change your plugs so early?

 

Differentials: if you want to go above and beyond what most people do, have the differential fluid replaced. Amsoil gear lube might make you feel better, but won't perform any better than OTS fluids. With that said, something like Motul Gear 300 is the best on-paper lube.

 

LED's: DiodeDynamics has sales at nearly every holiday. Wait until then and order everything from then. Both my '15 Legacy and '14 Forester have all interior lights replaced with DD LED's, along with their brightest backup lights, puddle lights, etc. MY FXT came with HID's; my Legacy halogens. I replaced the halogens in the Legacy with DD LED low-beams.

Edited January 13, 2020 by gathermewool

Thank you, changing brake and CVT fluid will definitely be done with the next oil change. I’m in the process of finding an independent mechanic instead of the dealer. Thanks for the tip on ensuring they purge the calipers too. I will stick with subaru recommended fluids instead of the a Amsoil.

As for changing the plugs, I allowed myself (foolishly) to be talked into it by the dealer.

Don't be so hard on yourself. Most of us have been there at one point or another.

 

To most, I can imagine the dealer seems like the safest, most honest choice. My experience does not back that up. In reality, I find myself having to do research here and on other Subie websites BEFORE taking my car in for warranty work. If I don't, I would more often than not get a, "could not replicate" note upon return.

 

Regarding maintenance, you'll thank us when/if you find a good mechanic. There are some shady mechanics out there, too, so be wary and make sure you sign off on an ACCURATE work ticket BEFORE letting them begin work. Maintenance items are explicit, so there's no reason why you can't get what will be done for what price in writing on a work-order.

 

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With all of the said, I had my CVT "flushed" by one of my local dealers. I don't trust my nearest dealer; however, conversations with other local dealers' service writers, including a quick knowledge check about fluids required, etc. lead me to choose that dealer for that work item only.

I received the following costs for maintenance items from the dealer - now to decide what I tackle myself versus letting the dealer do it.

 

CVT Fluid Change - $358

Differential fluid change - $98

Brake fluid change - $148

Power steering fluid change - $148

Cooling system fluid change - $118

 

I haven't done any of these myself yet - but I don't foresee any other than the CVT being basic maintenance that a first timer DIY'er couldn't accomplish

I received the following costs for maintenance items from the dealer ...

 

Power steering fluid change - $148

Time to find another dealer or independent Subaru specialist shop. Hint: Your Legacy has electric power steering; there is no fluid.

 

Beyond that:

My recommendation is to follow the schedule published in the Subaru Warranty & Maintenance Guide ...

Time to find another dealer or independent Subaru specialist shop. Hint: Your Legacy has electric power steering; there is no fluid.

 

Beyond that:

 

Bingo. I wonder if the tech going through the list would inform the service writer of the mistake re: PSF.

 

Your coolant isn't due yet and I haven't read any benefits to exceeding the book on this PM item.

I received the following costs for maintenance items from the dealer - now to decide what I tackle myself versus letting the dealer do it.

 

CVT Fluid Change - $358

Differential fluid change - $98

Brake fluid change - $148

Power steering fluid change - $148

Cooling system fluid change - $118

 

I haven't done any of these myself yet - but I don't foresee any other than the CVT being basic maintenance that a first timer DIY'er couldn't accomplish

 

Was this a general quote of their costs for various items, or a specific quote for service based on your specific car at this time?

Was this a general quote of their costs for various items, or a specific quote for service based on your specific car at this time?

 

Good question - It started with a call to the service department to ask about CVT fluid change, which by the way they said its not recommended to change and that if they do change it, its usually at much higher mileage. I am at 88k miles.

 

I then asked what else should I be prepping for now or before 100k. I specifically asked about these items, thinking it was all due or about to be due since none of it has been done or recommended by the dealer. That's when I was given these prices, but also never told about the power steering

I received the following costs for maintenance items from the dealer - now to decide what I tackle myself versus letting the dealer do it.

 

CVT Fluid Change - $358

Differential fluid change - $98

Brake fluid change - $148

Power steering fluid change - $148

Cooling system fluid change - $118

 

I haven't done any of these myself yet - but I don't foresee any other than the CVT being basic maintenance that a first timer DIY'er couldn't accomplish

 

 

**Don't forget you have both a front and rear differental and both fluids need to be changed.

Stopped into my dealer yesterday and they said that the CVT fluid is “lifetime”. That’s scary!