Sometimes when I put it in reverse with the clutch fully down, it still grinds. Is this a common problem? I heard it is...should I make a note of this when I go to the dealer? Or is just like that...

fixable?

Sometimes 3rd gear doesnt go in as smooth as other times too.

Well, know that you're in company :) My wrx has a helluva time getting into reverse (clutch fully depressed...) the guy at the dealership told me to shift 3-4 a few times, then drop it in N, let up on the clutch and redepress, and voila, it works, however... I'm not a big fan of this, but what else can I do? 2nd gear is a pain in the ass, it's really hard to get into gear (yes, my clutch is fully depressed), and then, well, there's the well known 2-1 downshift problem, but if I absolutely have to do it, i just double clutch and it works quite well...

However, I'm wondering the same thing myself, do I dare try to take it to the dealer to have it repaired? My car is still stock, except for my stereo, but if they try to link that to tranny problems... :lol: Hehe

--Spadini

You said it grinds.... now when this happens do you have any momentum or are you moving... like you just rolled back off a driveway or something? If you're moving that happens and the way to prevent that awful noise is just to blip the throttle and put it in.

If you're completely stationary though and haven't revved the motor and reverse just won't go in without excessive force. Just shift it into 4th then it will work. This is a trick that works on all causes for the most part.

This is normal in every manual transmission car I have ever driven.

Edit: Manual transmission vehicles I have driven that exhibited occasional reverse grinding/difficulty to engage:
Case 1190 tractor
the ol' Ford tractor ("Blue Bessie")
IHI flatbed "hay" truck
Mazda 626
VW van
VW squareback
VW Golf
Saab 900 turbo
Plymouth Valiant
Mitsubishi Eclipse rs-t
Honda Civics, Accords
Toyota Corolla
Subaru Impreza WRX

Hope this helps alleviate any doubts!

Okay,
I have a 2.5 with that SAME problem. Drives me insane..cuz it's the most painful thing in the world.
You just have to make sure you've been in gear, then shift into neutral, and go into reverse...just make sure you take your time, don't jerk it in. That's what I've learned...it sucks. I didn't know if something's wrong with it, etc. You just can't be in a hurry I guess.
I usually just double tap the clutch though...maybe it's not the same thing as yours though...but it may be. Just release the clutch in neutral...it's your friend
Sarah

ya gotta double clutch to get the Roo's in R...
i've never driven one yet that DIDNT do this...

it's very much a normal Subaru thing guys...

nothing is wrong w/the car...

now if it POPS OUT of R when it's been in R...
then you have an issue...

have fun!
j.
www.subiegal.com

Originally posted by Stanley
This is normal in every manual transmission car I have ever driven.

Would have to agree with Stanley. Every manual car that I've owned (all Hondas) have had the same situation. This is where it is difficult to shift into R when at a standstill (like out of my garage).

What I have to do is to put it into 1st move about 2-inches, neutral, then reverse. No problem. Been this way for every one of my cars.

My R grinds when I shift into it if I have a little forward momentum. If I'm standing still it slips right in. I also get the occasional won't shift into R without shifting to a different gear first. I've experienced this with other manual cars, so it's not just Subaru. If you go to www.howstuffworks.com and read up on how transmisisons work, I think it tells you why reverse is like that (I may be wrong, but anyways, it's an interesting read).

-Matt