Yesterday I replaced the low beams on my 2011 Outback. While a little confined (well, maybe a lot), it wasn't nearly as horrible of an experience that I figured (based on reading user experiences on several forums). As long as you properly fold back the fender lining, you can get decent access to the bulb housings. I would say I have normal size hands. And while there isn't enough room to see what you're doing while you're hand is in the way, it was easy enough to feel for what you needed. The passenger side was a little more difficult because I'm right handed. I do agree you shouldn't have to peel back the wheel well lining just to replace low beam lights, but it wasn't as bad as I was led to believe. And I'm very glad I didn't pay someone to do it. All in all, I'd say I spent under an hour doing both sides. I installed the Sylvania Silverstar Ultra's, so hopefully I won't be doing this again for a long time (after which time I'll probably have forgotten how to do everything).
I would advise giving it a try if you need to replace your bulbs. I'm not mechanically inclined at all, so I figure if I can do this, pretty much anyone can.
Yesterday I replaced the low beams on my 2011 Outback. While a little confined (well, maybe a lot), it wasn't nearly as horrible of an experience that I figured (based on reading user experiences on several forums). As long as you properly fold back the fender lining, you can get decent access to the bulb housings. I would say I have normal size hands. And while there isn't enough room to see what you're doing while you're hand is in the way, it was easy enough to feel for what you needed. The passenger side was a little more difficult because I'm right handed. I do agree you shouldn't have to peel back the wheel well lining just to replace low beam lights, but it wasn't as bad as I was led to believe. And I'm very glad I didn't pay someone to do it. All in all, I'd say I spent under an hour doing both sides. I installed the Sylvania Silverstar Ultra's, so hopefully I won't be doing this again for a long time (after which time I'll probably have forgotten how to do everything). I would advise giving it a try if you need to replace your bulbs. I'm not mechanically inclined at all, so I figure if I can do this, pretty much anyone can.