What to look for on an 04 Limited 115k auto

[davebugs]

I may have a chance to get what the title says.

 

I've never looked at, purchased, or worked on anything that new except routine maintenance (oil, tranny, spark plugs, brakes) on the GF's 2006 Impreza.

 

Do these HG's leak like the 2000 2.5 SOHC's? Is it the same engine or was the HG issue better by then?

 

They are probably gonna trade it tomorrow and I may be able to get it for under 7k. I haven't seen the car and I may have to take other folks word for it's condition.

 

I'm wondering if thats a fair price - they say it's in average shape. What could hurt me. I'm thinking the traditional HG's, and torque bind. Probably overdue for a timing belt.

 

Thoughts? Guidance? Or pass on it?

 

Thanks,

 

Dave

[idosubaru]

sounds like you got it about figured out dave.

 

the headgasket issue is really a toss and noone knows. folks will say "it was solved 20XX", but there have been recent failures too, you can find instances on the board here. time will tell, no one really knows.

 

although it seems to me you don't see nearly the number of early low mileage failures that the older EJ25's had - like 40,000 miles. and these newer ones leak externally and don't overheat, so you don't get stranded. much more desirable.

 

yes, it's due for a timing belt change. i'd change the ATF as well and do general tune up stuff - PCV, plugs, wires, etc.