Our ’07 Outback Sport hit 10,000 miles earlier today. How did this happen? Well, it took 388 days and approximately 430 gallons of 87 octane gasoline at a cost of about $1280. This fuel estimates cover a little over 9800 miles; the Subaru had about 40 miles on the odometer when we bought it, and the last fill up was a few miles ago. So, the mileage so far breaks down to an average of 22.9 MPG, a maximum of 28.9 MPG and a minimum of 19.6 MPG. The price of a gallon of gasoline during this period ranged from $2.60 (on the first tank) to $3.26 (last month) with an average of $2.97. Need more?

Other operating costs: The Subaru required no repairs, so that would be a big $0. Maintenance costs were $72.50. This is a little high because I flushed the tranny and differential oil after a stream crossing; two oil changes were done, one free from the dealer and one I did for $18. Other than that, I’ve added a rear differential skid plate ($62) and swapped the rear sway bar and front springs for OE WRX parts ($102).

The 10,000 mile mark was achieved shortly after a ride at Schaeffer (an 8.3 mile, 50 minute, 10.3 MPH average speed ride, since we’re counting). To celebrate I stopped under the Chicken and Subaru sign off of 355 in Rockville. I can’t comment on the chicken (I’m a vegetarian), but I can say that the Subarus are good.

Final thoughts: I’m very happy with the Impreza. I’m glad I didn’t buy the WRX, refer back to chart detailing the cost of gasoline, and I can’t really think of anything I would have done differently. I would like to see better mileage, but the seven minute commute to work doesn’t help. All of the occasions where the Impreza averaged over 25 MPG we mostly highway (most of those had a bike on the roof), and the remained of the tanks are mostly city. I’m taking the Subaru from Maryland to Colorado soon. One leg of the trip will be sans-bike, the rest will be two to four bikes on the roof/hitch rack. This should give a good indication of the highway mileage potential. I’ll post results sometime in June.

Your link for this weekend:
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Your camera phone photos for this weekend:

A Friday evening ride at Schaeffer Farm.

This afternoon on the upper yellow loop at Gambrill State Park.

This rare Schwinn Safari was pulled from the garbage a few months ago — the chrome was rusty, the paint was rough and the brake levers were beyond repair. However, I didn’t let the ridiculously small frame and equally small wheels deter me…

The Schwinn now sports a custom two-tone matte green finish with carmel saddle, vintage slingshot style MTB stem, chopped bars and cork bar tape. The retro paint job is nicely complemented by the original white-wall tires. Also, the original non-functional v-brake-style brakes have given way to a fully functional coaster brake. Now I just have to try to ride it.