New Subaru XV

[Hobbes187]

 

Thanks for the advise mate. Not sure if the batteries in the latest batch are different from yours.

 

I spoke to the SA this morning, he said that this batch comes with non-MF type batteries, thus we need to monitor it.

 

In addition, just noted that the factory filled EO is 0-W20 type, while they filled it up with W30 Shell Synthetic oil for the 1k oil change.

 

Saw a few XVs coming in for servicing as well. The service lounge standard has dropped though, no more hot breakfast liao lol..... only a few chocolate buns with a water dispenser to make some hot drinks. : )

 

What is the engine oil grade recommended in the manual?

 

i do some read up... actually. w20 not so suitable for our weather here... here is better to use w30 or w40 although slight high fc than w20 but it is better for our HOT HOT weather

 

All my prevous cars I used w30 in first few years then switched to w40 as the engine wears. W20 sounds a little thin...

[Micb]

yup, the manual says w20 oil, factory filled.

 

Alternative, can also use w30 or w40 oil.

 

From the job report, they used the 5w30 shell synthetic oil for the 1k servicing.

 

Not sure if there is any typo or error, quite surprise they are using synthetic oil for 1k change. Not complaining at all, lol !

[ER-3682]

yup, the manual says w20 oil, factory filled.

 

Alternative, can also use w30 or w40 oil.

 

From the job report, they used the 5w30 shell synthetic oil for the 1k servicing.

 

Not sure if there is any typo or error, quite surprise they are using synthetic oil for 1k change. Not complaining at all, lol !

Mazda latest "SkyActiv" also even using 0w-20 oil...so no problem.

[Rainyday]

yup, the manual says w20 oil, factory filled.

 

Alternative, can also use w30 or w40 oil.

 

From the job report, they used the 5w30 shell synthetic oil for the 1k servicing.

 

Not sure if there is any typo or error, quite surprise they are using synthetic oil for 1k change. Not complaining at all, lol !

 

This is because our free maintenance package stated, they will use fully synthetic for engine oil change.

[Hobbes187]

yup, the manual says w20 oil, factory filled.

 

Alternative, can also use w30 or w40 oil.

 

From the job report, they used the 5w30 shell synthetic oil for the 1k servicing.

 

Not sure if there is any typo or error, quite surprise they are using synthetic oil for 1k change. Not complaining at all, lol !

 

I always thought first 3 servicing should be done with mineral oil. Was told by AD of previous cars that mineral oil is thicker and better for run in period.

 

Seems like no mention in the manual of using mineral oil for initial servicing. Maybe using mineral oil was more to save cost since the oil gets changed much more often in the first 10k.

[Micb]

 

This is because our free maintenance package stated, they will use fully synthetic for engine oil change.

 

Oh, I did not notice it. Where to find this info? Is it inside the service booklet or other doc?

 

Thanks !

[Rainyday]

It is actually stated in the memo at Leng Keng SC counter.

[Harlic9]

Went for 1k servicing for Forester last weekend.

Job report says 5w30 shell synthetic, but when ask the service attendant, he mentioned its actually semi-syn.

They will only switch to full syn at 10k.

 

For info.

 

yup, the manual says w20 oil, factory filled.

 

Alternative, can also use w30 or w40 oil.

 

From the job report, they used the 5w30 shell synthetic oil for the 1k servicing.

 

Not sure if there is any typo or error, quite surprise they are using synthetic oil for 1k change. Not complaining at all, lol !

 

[Micb]

Went for 1k servicing for Forester last weekend.

Job report says 5w30 shell synthetic, but when ask the service attendant, he mentioned its actually semi-syn.

They will only switch to full syn at 10k.

 

For info.

 

 

 

Thanks for the info !

 

Now, I'm confused what went into the engine, the job report indicated 5w30 shell synthetic while it is actually semi-syn.

 

I will bring this up during my next visit, to verify.

 

Actually, not really a big issue, but more of good to know and a right to know too, even though it is a 5 year free servicing package.

 

Cheers.

[Rainyday]

Interesting to know that the job sheet stated fully synthetic but the actual oil change is semi? I don't see what is the reason MI need to do so.

[Dark_flan]

I am thinking of switching my Altis which is built like a rock like reliability for the entire near 10 years it had served me which COE is ending this year to the XV 1.6 (only variant) due to its commanding height, sport utility looks, 4WD traction etc. Driven a normal Impreza (old generation) and kinda like it. Slow though. This XV seems better as test driven recently.

 

Is it thirsty? Expensive to maintain? Timing chain or belt? Insurance on par with regular 1.6? etc perhaps something which I would need to be aware of?

[Hobbes187]

I am thinking of switching my Altis which is built like a rock like reliability for the entire near 10 years it had served me which COE is ending this year to the XV 1.6 (only variant) due to its commanding height, sport utility looks, 4WD traction etc. Driven a normal Impreza (old generation) and kinda like it. Slow though. This XV seems better as test driven recently.

 

Is it thirsty? Expensive to maintain? Timing chain or belt? Insurance on par with regular 1.6? etc perhaps something which I would need to be aware of?

 

I recently collected mine so just to share with you what I can.

 

Maintenance is free for first 5 years if you buy with the promotion, after 5 years I don't think it will be that expensive to maintain compared to other makes since it doesn't have special parts except AWD.

 

Insurance for me was a bit more expensive compared to my previous Honda, maybe about 20% more.

 

FC on average I see others getting around 12+km/l. I can't comment as I only just got mine.

 

Like what you said, the pros of this car are the size of the car, the look and the AWD. Another thing I like is the legroom of the rear seats, much better than the other rides I tested. Downside is probably the bare interior compared to other makes although I think now MI is giving touchscreen, reverse cam etc.

 

And try to get freebies/discounts from your SE... It seems that they have a little leeway to give stuff like front camera, rear step protector, visors etc... Or ask for direct discounts...

Edited March 17, 2015 by Hobbes187

[TongWeeChen]

Interesting to know that the job sheet stated fully synthetic but the actual oil change is semi? I don't see what is the reason MI need to do so.

 

my first visit, job card printed semi then 2nd visit printed fully syn.... i ask them: MI replied actually it is typo and system does not updated during my 1st visit.... as for some SA mentioned that it is semi, i believed they are not updated also :-)

 

[Rainyday]

I am thinking of switching my Altis which is built like a rock like reliability for the entire near 10 years it had served me which COE is ending this year to the XV 1.6 (only variant) due to its commanding height, sport utility looks, 4WD traction etc. Driven a normal Impreza (old generation) and kinda like it. Slow though. This XV seems better as test driven recently.

 

Is it thirsty? Expensive to maintain? Timing chain or belt? Insurance on par with regular 1.6? etc perhaps something which I would need to be aware of?

 

There are quite a number of choices these days for sub 100-110k of budget.

So, just go test drive all of those if you have time, really, it really help if you are undecided which one to go.

 

This is my second Subaru, the parts generally expensive at MI compare to stockist. Majority of the parts are genuine from Subaru made in Japan, hence the price is on the high side. Of course you can still get the 3rd party parts lie Micro oil filter for subaru, only cost $5 per piece, use at your own risk like any other car makes.

 

Maintenance wise pretty straightforward, no big surprise for Subaru. The good thing about the new series of Subaru FA (turbo) and FB (NA) engine is no longer using timing belt and it is using timing chain now, hence you can save the hassler and 100k major maintenance cost.

Previous generation of Subaru also facing power steering pump problem or wear and tear, which will cost you 1k-1.2k for replacement, but for XV, it is using electric power steering now, hence this potential problem has been eliminated, not too sure about the EPS reliability, but with the 3 years warranty (5 years warranty only cover the engine and gearbox if I'm not mistaken), it should be quite safe to use.

 

Insurance is very subjective especially this need to look at your profile, you can try to use aviva or direct asia online quotation to gauge the differences.

 

There are really not many things that need to pay extra attention to take care of XV, the only thing you may need to consider would be it may be expensive on tyre replacement, since it is using 225/55/r17, which can cost you $250-300 per piece depends on brand and model. Car battery as it need to support auto start/stop, not fantastic but average 12km/L of fuel consumption (to me it is very reasonable considering 1400kg++ of body weight).

 

Hope this help.

 

my first visit, job card printed semi then 2nd visit printed fully syn.... i ask them: MI replied actually it is typo and system does not updated during my 1st visit.... as for some SA mentioned that it is semi, i believed they are not updated also :-)

 

 

I see.

Anyway, I'm OK with the mineral or semi synthetic or fully synthetic before 10k km, so long they get the right fully synthetic engine oil during 10k km oil change. Having said that, I think MI should still update/provide the right description of what they did (and charge, though is free) for the servicing. Will ask the same my next visit. Cheers...

[Dark_flan]

Ha thanks for the feedback about your ride but now I am in midst of deciding between the K3 SX and XV which they have basically the same pricing except the overall package of the K3 seems better off but the XV provides me with a different feel and rally image though with a spartan interior. If given a choice which would you advise>?

 

Elantra not considered now as the model is getting on.. and may be replaced soon.

[Hobbes187]

Ha thanks for the feedback about your ride but now I am in midst of deciding between the K3 SX and XV which they have basically the same pricing except the overall package of the K3 seems better off but the XV provides me with a different feel and rally image though with a spartan interior. If given a choice which would you advise>?

 

Elantra not considered now as the model is getting on.. and may be replaced soon.

 

 

If you ask this question at the K3 thread they will say K3 and if you ask this here most likely answer is XV... Haha...

 

Best way is to try both, compare the package and go with your heart.

 

Both are good cars but one is sedan and the other is a mini SUV. A lot depends on what you need in the vehicle.

Edited March 19, 2015 by Hobbes187

[Rainyday]

I picked XV over K3 despite K3 was almost cheaper by 10k.

The only thing K3 that I like is the rear air-con, decent boot space, and decent interior as well, whereby XV is not really excel on that.

 

But when comparing passive safety, to me it is much more important than anything else, not to say K3 is not safe, but I chose the slightly better equip with the budget for the car purchase, including 7 Airbags and AWD.

[Rainyday]

Forgot to mention one important thing during my purchase, it comes with 5 years free servicing and warranty, so practically just pump and drive and worry later. Of course wear and tear parts are not included.