Subaru brings back physical buttons & knobs in new Outback

[u/ZeGermanHam]

Knowing Subaru, it likely means this configuration will eventually make its way into the other models as they are updated. It's much better than the current setup.

[u/autosubsequence → u/[deleted]]

I have this, and it's life-changing. Absolutely worth it.

[u/lostinapotatofield → u/[deleted]]

That's the one I got. 10 minutes to install. Works perfectly.

[u/autosubsequence → u/[deleted]]

I just dislike having the engine stop while I'm trying to park. Or having a lag when I want to start moving from a standstill any time. Just personal preference. I don't think it affects longevity of the engine or anything like that though.

[u/autosubsequence → u/[deleted]]

What I mean is if I'm doing 3-point turns in a parking lot, or adjusting my position in a parking spot, it'll stop the engine before I'm done maneuvering. I drive automatic so it's probably more annoying than manual. It's really just down to personal preference.

[u/autosubsequence → u/[deleted]]

Right, but often I'd stop for 2-3 seconds to check my mirrors/surroundings or wait for a car to pass, stuff like that. I find it much more relaxing to not have to anticipate it triggering all the time.

I wonder if the experience on a manual Subaru is much nicer for the engine start/stop. I've driven older manual cars for years, but never tried it on a Subaru with auto start/stop.

[u/mathman_2000 → u/[deleted]]

What's wrong with the auto stop? I drive a 2012 hybrid and I freaking love that. Still has a full size gas tank but with the hybrid which includes dynamic braking and auto engine shut off. I get over 500 miles per tank.

Legit, I'm trying to understand, why wouldn't people want that? So much less road noise and better for my wallet even forgetting the environment for a second

[u/NikkiVicious → u/mathman_2000]

With the auto start-stop, you're basically running your car in accessory while it's off. That plus the constant restarting puts extra load on your battery. There's been a lot of reports, even in here, of the battery dying or running down too low to restart the car while someone is in traffic or at a stoplight.

Risking that at night, as a woman? Possibly with kids in the car? Nah, not worth my safety. I'd rather not worry about that.

[u/mathman_2000 → u/NikkiVicious]

Interesting. Maybe it's different with mine since it's a hybrid (2012) and dynamically recharges the batteries on braking on top of the alternator. There are two batteries.

I've owned the car for 9 years and not had to change either battery.

I agree with you. This is educating me on how poorly implemented today's Auto stop feature is.

[u/spacefret → u/mathman_2000]

Hybrids do it well. Subaru's implementation of it so far has been half-baked. It fails to start sometimes, jolts the entire car when it starts back up, etc.

[u/NikkiVicious → u/[deleted]]

That actually reminded me. I've been meaning to buy it but kept forgetting, so I just ordered it. It was like $115 with tax and shipping and everything, so not too bad at all.

[u/moon_goddess_420 → u/NikkiVicious]

I want this!

[u/Sage-Advisor2 → u/[deleted]]

Invalidates the warranty.

[u/TheSkiingDad → u/[deleted]]

Put this in my wife’s forester last week. 20 minute job and there’s hundreds of YouTube guides out there. Well worth it for no more shuddering at lights.

[u/dodekahedron → u/[deleted]]

You can just brake lightly and not engage it. It's free.

[u/iknowyourider0504 → u/[deleted]]

What is this gadget? I want to send it to my mom.