What to look for in a used Forester & Outback?

[PaulS]

Hello, this is my first post on this message board.  I'm looking for either a used Forester or Outback.  I'd prefer a manual tranny, but I'll take an automatic if the price is right.  I'm wanting to spend around $8,000 or less. So, this car shouldn't be newer than a 2004 model I wouldn't think. I live in West Virginia, but I'll travel, if necessary, to purchase the car.  My last Subaru was an '89 GL, and I'm sure a lot has changed since then.

 

What should I look for when purchasing a Subaru that's probably going to be 10 years old with 100,000, or more, miles?

A. What years were their head gasket problems?

B. Do the timing belts need changed at 100,000 miles?

C. Are there other outstanding things to look for?

 

Any advice/info is appreciated.  I'm not an Internet-message board-technical guy who is on my computer around the clock, so keep that in mind.  I want to replace my Accord with a car with more ground clearance and all-wheel-drive.  And this message board seems like the best place to get good info.  

 

Thank..............

 

 

 

 

[1 Lucky Texan]

TB schedule is 105K miles OR 105 months, whichever is first. Unless there is incontrovertible proof that the TB was done with high quality parts by an experienced mechanic, better to get a car that needs the service so YOU have control of the quality of the service and a warranty if you hire it done.

 

search for 'torque bind' . that would be another expensive mistake to make and the problem can be (but isn't commonly) hidden on automatic transmission cars.

 

best to have a pre-purchase inspection done.

 

the years you're looking for don't typically have dangerously weak headgaskets like models from the late 90s.

 

BUT, ANY older car can suffer from poor ownership or be hiding a present problem, regardless of brand.

 

maybe someone from WV can suggest a shop for you to have an inspection done.

[idosubaru]

In general terms the 00-04 models are nice in some practical ways. They don't have VVT, PZEV, less complicated exhausts, no ghostwalking or shimmies that can't be mitigated.  $8k could put you in 05+ land though.  www.cars101.com has lots of subaru specific info.

 

You're in a good range to buy from an owner if you're willing to pull it off.  Averaged out you always get a better deal buying from owners than dealers. Dealers know nothing about a car or why it was auctioned or traded in. Chances are really high that a personal owner is selling with full disclosure or confidence...dealers have none of that.  You're in the price/year range where this holds true.

 

You're in WV (im in Morgantown) - rust is huge anyway. But the rear subframes on some early 2000 models (not sure if it's just H6 Outback sor H4's as well) are subject to rust and recalls by Subaru...inspect carefully.  If you're lucky enough to swing it - by one from the south or west, it's awesome having a rust free car!

 

Headgaskets - only an issue on EJ25 engines.  All years, the symptoms and severity differ.  00-04's are the "best" in my opinion.  00+ (and 99 Foresters) leak externally, so check them, it's very simple. Look under hte engine at the head gasket mating surface on both sides.  It's either leaking or it's not.

 

If fixed the EJ25 TURBO headgasket should be used - those differ and do not leak.  Repairing with the same failure prone headgasket isn't a great fix, so while nice I don't put a premium on already repaired ones.

 

Timing belts are 105,000.  I prefer having a complete timing kit installed - new pulleys and tensioner, expecting 200,000 (to the next change) from the original pulley bearings and tensioner is a small risk. Ebay kits are very reasonable for all those parts $160-$200 for a complete kit.

 

Torque bind as mentioned above.

 

The EZ30 H6 engine is awesome for reliability:  no timing belt (timing chain) and excellent reliability.  The few issues they have are super simple.  You can easily get one in the $8k range now in the 00-04 model year, but they only come in automatic Outbacks.

 

That's about it for major issues to look out for.

 

Find one in Morgantown, or in Charleston by next week (i'll be there two days), or pay my mileage and I'll look at it for you. lol

Edited June 3, 2013 by grossgary