2006 Subaru Impeza Wagon
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There are no real trouble spots in Subaru engines/transmissions of that vintage. The 4EAT doesn't stand up to abuse very well, but nobody is going to abuse a base wagon.
If it drives OK, go for it. If the shifts are rough or it binds in turns, leave it alone.
Check the transmission fluid to see if it smells/looks burnt. I would definitely change it unless it looks fresh.
If it drives OK, go for it. If the shifts are rough or it binds in turns, leave it alone.
Check the transmission fluid to see if it smells/looks burnt. I would definitely change it unless it looks fresh.
Make sure the T-belt has been changed or you are in for another $300-500 dollars right off the bat. I think the head gasket issue was fixed by them, but i'm not sure. I've owned 7+ subarus over the years.
That price is low, ($500 below trade in value) does that include trade? I would get the VIN and go to a subaru dealer and have the service manager or writer do a service history check. Proceed with caution.
I just sold my 2007 Outback base for almost twice that. It was clean and had close to 60,000 miles.
Decided to get rid of it as it was too complex (for a 4 cyl engine), the quirky-ness of the AWD (sensitive to tire sizes), the lack of window frames, the lack of leg room in the front seats, the consist smell of coolant when parked in the garage, thin paint (rock chip magnet), gear spacing for the 4 speeds is too great and other issues.
Pros? Best AWD system out there, for flat areas excellent cruising 75-85mph, great MPG (just got back from trip to San Diego and over 27MPG incl CA gas) and its a REAL wagon.
Your deal sounds REAL good so be careful. Subaru does have EXCELLENT resale value. I sold it after 3.5 years and lost only $3k on it.
Good luck, Bill
Decided to get rid of it as it was too complex (for a 4 cyl engine), the quirky-ness of the AWD (sensitive to tire sizes), the lack of window frames, the lack of leg room in the front seats, the consist smell of coolant when parked in the garage, thin paint (rock chip magnet), gear spacing for the 4 speeds is too great and other issues.
Pros? Best AWD system out there, for flat areas excellent cruising 75-85mph, great MPG (just got back from trip to San Diego and over 27MPG incl CA gas) and its a REAL wagon.
Your deal sounds REAL good so be careful. Subaru does have EXCELLENT resale value. I sold it after 3.5 years and lost only $3k on it.
Good luck, Bill
Timing belt is due at 105,000 miles, so it has a way to go yet.
There are still some reports of head gasket problems in the non-turbo 2.5, but far fewer than for 2003 and earlier. Check for oil leaks at the headgaskets on the bottom.
Agree that the price seems low. Subarus tend to hold their value.
There are still some reports of head gasket problems in the non-turbo 2.5, but far fewer than for 2003 and earlier. Check for oil leaks at the headgaskets on the bottom.
Agree that the price seems low. Subarus tend to hold their value.
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We like both of our Subies, and would not hesitate to buy another.
AWD is priceless on those days that you really need it.
Bear in mind, though, that you pay for AWD every mile you drive, in reduced fuel economy and higher maintenance costs.
You should also understand that the coming timing belt service is more like a Honda V-6 in cost and complexity than a Honda 4, since the HO engine has two of everything, just like a V-6.
Still, if you want AWD, a Subaru is probably your best choice.
World-class AWD system, and a car at least somewhat out of the mainstream.
AWD is priceless on those days that you really need it.
Bear in mind, though, that you pay for AWD every mile you drive, in reduced fuel economy and higher maintenance costs.
You should also understand that the coming timing belt service is more like a Honda V-6 in cost and complexity than a Honda 4, since the HO engine has two of everything, just like a V-6.
Still, if you want AWD, a Subaru is probably your best choice.
World-class AWD system, and a car at least somewhat out of the mainstream.
Originally Posted By: fdcg27
You should also understand that the coming timing belt service is more like a Honda V-6 in cost and complexity than a Honda 4, since the HO engine has two of everything, just like a V-6.
Based on what?????
My local mechanic(20+yrs Subaru experience) did ours for $425 in less than 2hrs including a $150 tensioner on our 2005 Legacy turbo. He says they are very easy.....It only has one timing belt and easier access due to flat four.
You should also understand that the coming timing belt service is more like a Honda V-6 in cost and complexity than a Honda 4, since the HO engine has two of everything, just like a V-6.
Based on what?????
My local mechanic(20+yrs Subaru experience) did ours for $425 in less than 2hrs including a $150 tensioner on our 2005 Legacy turbo. He says they are very easy.....It only has one timing belt and easier access due to flat four.
Timing belt is easier on the Subie than the Honda because the engine is longitudinal. Much more space and easier to access everything. Not as easy as a Volvo 240, but way easier than anything with a sideways engine.
Originally Posted By: rjundi
Originally Posted By: fdcg27
You should also understand that the coming timing belt service is more like a Honda V-6 in cost and complexity than a Honda 4, since the HO engine has two of everything, just like a V-6.
Based on what?????
My local mechanic(20+yrs Subaru experience) did ours for $425 in less than 2hrs including a $150 tensioner on our 2005 Legacy turbo. He says they are very easy.....It only has one timing belt and easier access due to flat four.
I guess I need to find somebody like you local mechanic, then.
Or take a look at just how easy it really is and plan on doing it myself.
Originally Posted By: fdcg27
You should also understand that the coming timing belt service is more like a Honda V-6 in cost and complexity than a Honda 4, since the HO engine has two of everything, just like a V-6.
Based on what?????
My local mechanic(20+yrs Subaru experience) did ours for $425 in less than 2hrs including a $150 tensioner on our 2005 Legacy turbo. He says they are very easy.....It only has one timing belt and easier access due to flat four.
I guess I need to find somebody like you local mechanic, then.
Or take a look at just how easy it really is and plan on doing it myself.
Timing belt is usually expensive as it is recommended to change the "while you're in there" parts at the 105k service. Water pump, timing belt, bearings, idler, cam seals, crank seals, re-seal oil pump. Almost all of those will last longer than the 105k service and not until the 210k. Failure of idler, water pump, etc will take out the belt and the interference design engine.
Thank being said, I don't find a $1200ish repair bill every $100k miles to be out of line with car ownership.
Thank being said, I don't find a $1200ish repair bill every $100k miles to be out of line with car ownership.
There is no point to touch the oil pump unless you have to, that is just wrong.
It is prudent to replace everything in the kit however.
http://www.amazon.com/Timing-Belt-Subaru-Baja-2003/dp/B003AO2KBA
While you could skirt by on just roller & belt alone it is not recommended. It makes sense if you have everything apart to replace what is easily accessible now.
It is prudent to replace everything in the kit however.
http://www.amazon.com/Timing-Belt-Subaru-Baja-2003/dp/B003AO2KBA
While you could skirt by on just roller & belt alone it is not recommended. It makes sense if you have everything apart to replace what is easily accessible now.
Originally Posted By: Thermo1223
There is no point to touch the oil pump unless you have to, that is just wrong.
It is prudent to replace everything in the kit however.
http://www.amazon.com/Timing-Belt-Subaru-Baja-2003/dp/B003AO2KBA
While you could skirt by on just roller & belt alone it is not recommended. It makes sense if you have everything apart to replace what is easily accessible now.
When I had my TC off my car I replaced the oil pump seals. For like $10 it seems like a no brainer to me. (I did not remove the oil pump! Just the seals)
There is no point to touch the oil pump unless you have to, that is just wrong.
It is prudent to replace everything in the kit however.
http://www.amazon.com/Timing-Belt-Subaru-Baja-2003/dp/B003AO2KBA
While you could skirt by on just roller & belt alone it is not recommended. It makes sense if you have everything apart to replace what is easily accessible now.
When I had my TC off my car I replaced the oil pump seals. For like $10 it seems like a no brainer to me. (I did not remove the oil pump! Just the seals)
Originally Posted By: HollowEyes
Timing belt is usually expensive as it is recommended to change the "while you're in there" parts at the 105k service. Water pump, timing belt, bearings, idler, cam seals, crank seals, re-seal oil pump. Almost all of those will last longer than the 105k service and not until the 210k. Failure of idler, water pump, etc will take out the belt and the interference design engine.
Thank being said, I don't find a $1200ish repair bill every $100k miles to be out of line with car ownership.
I sure do. Coming up on 210k on the Corolla and I'd be ticked if I had to spend $2400 more in those 210,000 miles if not needed.
As far as timing belt on a Honda V6 being the same as the Subaru motor I disagree. My Dad's honda powered Vue (RIP) just got its timing chain done and it was a JOB.
The Subaru "looked" to be MUCH easier though I just sold it with not having to do the belt since it only had close to 60k on it.
Take care, Bill
Timing belt is usually expensive as it is recommended to change the "while you're in there" parts at the 105k service. Water pump, timing belt, bearings, idler, cam seals, crank seals, re-seal oil pump. Almost all of those will last longer than the 105k service and not until the 210k. Failure of idler, water pump, etc will take out the belt and the interference design engine.
Thank being said, I don't find a $1200ish repair bill every $100k miles to be out of line with car ownership.
I sure do. Coming up on 210k on the Corolla and I'd be ticked if I had to spend $2400 more in those 210,000 miles if not needed.
As far as timing belt on a Honda V6 being the same as the Subaru motor I disagree. My Dad's honda powered Vue (RIP) just got its timing chain done and it was a JOB.
The Subaru "looked" to be MUCH easier though I just sold it with not having to do the belt since it only had close to 60k on it.
Take care, Bill
Originally Posted By: jeff194
I am looking at a used Impreza wagon base model, not the WRX. It has Auto, air,etc. 87,000 miles looks clean. Price is $8500.
Does anyone have any experience with these vehicle, any one know of any trouble spots.
The Impreza wagon is quite a bit smaller than the larger Outback.
My wife loved her 2005, but there are a couple things that I would change if I could.
I don't like the frameless windows. They seal just fine, but getting in and out I've almost bumped my face on the edge a time or two.
If it has the same seats that my wife's had they are very uncomfortable. I guess the side panels are meant to hold your backside in the seat during hard cornering, but we both found them rather uncomfortable. When it was a couple years old I took out the front seats, removed the bottom upholstery, and removed the uncomfortable panels, then replaced the upholstery.
Ours had a manual transmission and it was easy to get well over 30 MPG on the highway. It was also pretty much unstoppable in the snow.
We sold it when it was 5 years old and purchased a 2006 full size Outback to make trips to our lake house more comfortable. We never had a problem with it and I would recommend it to anyone.
I am looking at a used Impreza wagon base model, not the WRX. It has Auto, air,etc. 87,000 miles looks clean. Price is $8500.
Does anyone have any experience with these vehicle, any one know of any trouble spots.
The Impreza wagon is quite a bit smaller than the larger Outback.
My wife loved her 2005, but there are a couple things that I would change if I could.
I don't like the frameless windows. They seal just fine, but getting in and out I've almost bumped my face on the edge a time or two.
If it has the same seats that my wife's had they are very uncomfortable. I guess the side panels are meant to hold your backside in the seat during hard cornering, but we both found them rather uncomfortable. When it was a couple years old I took out the front seats, removed the bottom upholstery, and removed the uncomfortable panels, then replaced the upholstery.
Ours had a manual transmission and it was easy to get well over 30 MPG on the highway. It was also pretty much unstoppable in the snow.
We sold it when it was 5 years old and purchased a 2006 full size Outback to make trips to our lake house more comfortable. We never had a problem with it and I would recommend it to anyone.
Originally Posted By: Bill in Utah
I just sold my 2007 Outback base for almost twice that. It was clean and had close to 60,000 miles.
Decided to get rid of it as it was too complex (for a 4 cyl engine), the quirky-ness of the AWD (sensitive to tire sizes), the lack of window frames, the lack of leg room in the front seats, the consist smell of coolant when parked in the garage, thin paint (rock chip magnet), gear spacing for the 4 speeds is too great and other issues.
Pros? Best AWD system out there, for flat areas excellent cruising 75-85mph, great MPG (just got back from trip to San Diego and over 27MPG incl CA gas) and its a REAL wagon.
Your deal sounds REAL good so be careful. Subaru does have EXCELLENT resale value. I sold it after 3.5 years and lost only $3k on it.
Good luck, Bill
I'm a little late to the party, but we're about to buy an '07 Outback in great condition from my in-laws for a fantastic price. Could you clarify a couple things, just to ease my mind?
What did you dislike about the lack of window frames? It's a little unorthodox, but if they seal fine, I don't see a problem.
Also, the smell of coolant. Were you loosing coolant, or no?
Thanks!
I just sold my 2007 Outback base for almost twice that. It was clean and had close to 60,000 miles.
Decided to get rid of it as it was too complex (for a 4 cyl engine), the quirky-ness of the AWD (sensitive to tire sizes), the lack of window frames, the lack of leg room in the front seats, the consist smell of coolant when parked in the garage, thin paint (rock chip magnet), gear spacing for the 4 speeds is too great and other issues.
Pros? Best AWD system out there, for flat areas excellent cruising 75-85mph, great MPG (just got back from trip to San Diego and over 27MPG incl CA gas) and its a REAL wagon.
Your deal sounds REAL good so be careful. Subaru does have EXCELLENT resale value. I sold it after 3.5 years and lost only $3k on it.
Good luck, Bill
I'm a little late to the party, but we're about to buy an '07 Outback in great condition from my in-laws for a fantastic price. Could you clarify a couple things, just to ease my mind?
What did you dislike about the lack of window frames? It's a little unorthodox, but if they seal fine, I don't see a problem.
Also, the smell of coolant. Were you loosing coolant, or no?
Thanks!
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