[Michael103063]

I’m new to Subarus and the forum. I could use some advice. Bought the vehicle last weekend with 95k mikes after paying my mechanic to do a pre purchase inspection. Checked brakes, frame, body, fluids, ran codes and test drive it among other things. Gave it the thumbs up.

I filled the tank and began enjoying my new purchase. Had the state vehicle/emissions test done (PA) and an oil change. No problems passing emissions testing. Everything seemed fine until I realized there is a mpg indicator on the dash. States 12mpg. I start poking around under the hood and find the coolant bottle is all but dry, there was a small amount of gunk on the bottom of radiator cap, the sound proofing under the hood is damp with what seems like oil or antifreeze (can’t tell), and there’s worm style hose clamps on both radiator hoses, which leads me to believe the hoses may have blown off at one time recently. I haven't had a scanner on it since the pre purchase inspection so don’t know if any codes but there is not a check engine light and the coolant lite stays blue for a few minutes while it warms up then goes out. Hasn’t gone red. I did do some driving in 50 degree weather and let it idle while parked and the fans never kicked on, maybe not hot enough? The upper and lower radiator hoses are firm and hot at operating temp and I have heat. Engine sounds fine to me and power doesn’t seem bad but it’s my first time owning a 4cyl.

I know just enough about cars to get into trouble. I’m concerned I may have bought a major repair bill. Any help/advice would be appreciated.

 

[donkpow]

Clean all that up and bring fluid levels to the appropriate level. Check your engine oil frequently. By frequently, I mean two or three times a week until you become familiar with the nature of the engine. Check your coolant take everyday until it settles out and doesn't show any leaks. Read your user manual and you'll see the behavior of the coolant light is perfectly normal. Just keep a close eye on it for now.

I think the biggest issue is that you are not familiar with your new car, yet. There are scary stories but until you know there is a problem, don't sweat it.

 

[Michael103063]

Thank you. I will follow your advice. I was just surprised to see over 1/4 tank used in 52 miles. I hope this isn’t the mileage I can expect.

 

[donkpow]

The mileage is a different matter at this point. Not normally related to head gasket or coolant leaking situations.

You should be getting around 22 mpg in the city. I recommend that you manually calculate you gas mileage. That is, fill it up, drive it around for some specified number of miles and fill it up again. See how much you used.

 

[Bill miles]

Disagree with the 22 mpg city. Makes a big difference on how cold it is and length of trips.

 

[Quadraria10]

You may want to have a cooling system pressure test performed and do a close inspection of the radiator and its hose connections. Meanwhile, top it off and bleed any air out of the system. Good luck.

 

[auntiesuebee]

It's a 12 year old vehicle with close to 100k miles. I don't find it unusual that radiator hoses may have failed and been replaced in that period of time.

If you trust the tech that did the inspection, enjoy your new ride.

 

[Peaty]

Fill the radiator back and coolant overflow to the line with a 50:50 mix and see see what happens after driving around a few times.

I like the idea of having the system pressure tested. You also might want to have someone check for exhaust gas in the coolant. Just to see if it is a head gasket issue

The plastic radiators over time will fail. It's not a Subaru thing it's a plastic radiator thing and age. After you clean stuff up, inspect the plastic tank ends with a bright light looking for small cracks that may be weeping coolant. It might not be a bad idea to replace the cap. If it's not holding the proper pressure coolant will boil off. I like to replace mine every 5 years or so as cheap insurance. Once I had an issue with our 2001 where the overflow hose that is attached to the coolant filler neck was very loose, it was leaking coolant making me think it was the radiator crimp. I put a little spring clamp on the hose by the cap and it fixed that.

Typically if it's leaking coolant outside the motor you can smell it It's sort of a sweet syrup smell. I hope you get it sorted.