2001 Outback Spark Plug boots

OK, I know you're supposed to consider the 5% rule, but here goes. Please don't laugh to hard. My wife's outback has gone from 27 mpg to 20 and I want to replace the plugs. I can't get the boots off the valve covers to access the plugs. Any tricks to this. I don't want to ruin the boots just to replace the plugs. Thanks

You can get em out, just keep at it.

i thought i would mention that around here when the temps fall below about 20F and stay that way until April (i am in AK), my wife's 2001 outback with 3.0l does the same; goes from 26 mpg to about 20 mpg.

if you also live in a cold environment i think there is nothing wrong with your plugs, every car simply uses more fuel to move all the wheel bearings, gears, etc. when it is cold outside.

I got them off. It was easy once I learned the configuration There is an o-ring seal that holds them in pretty tight. The plugs were in really bad shape. I replaced them and my MPG is back up to where it should be. Thanks for the help.