hawkeye27dr Posted June 21, 2011 Share Posted June 21, 2011 Bought a Subaru Legacy GT 2005 from a online car auction. Got a sickening deal that I could not pass up. I have not seen the car in person yet. I have seen several pictures and have spoken to the auctioneer and I know that the car has very little if any cosmetic damage. The engine appears to look good and the car runs on it's own ability. How well? I don't know. The car has 89k miles on it. I get it brought to me in a couple of days. I want to get this car in optimal working condition. Where's the best place to take it? Dealer? Regular Mechanic? What are specific things I should note? What procedures should I take to make sure the car maintains its optimal working condition? Is this going to cost a ridiculous amount of money? I'm also really concerned about issues with the turbo. I jumped in somewhat blindly into the purchase and would appreciate any help in learning about this car. Help Please!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LosAngelesLGT Posted June 21, 2011 Share Posted June 21, 2011 I would be terrified that someone mistakenly washed the car and got soap into the intercooler. It will need to be flushed heavily if anyone started it this way. Beware if its too clean. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Capacity Posted June 21, 2011 Share Posted June 21, 2011 Oh the old soap in the intercooler story again... Don't get us started. Welcome to the forum, don't mind him, he likes to start things... not that some of us are any different... I can't say I've never used that line... Don't take it to the "stealership" find a good mechanic and have him look it over. Is it a 5-speed or Automatic ? I'm guessing you may be in for expenses in the near future. Not to make you feel bad but there is aold saying..."if it sounds to good to be true, it normally is" Or you could have gotten lucky. 305,600miles 5/2012 ej257 short block, 8/2011 installed VF52 turbo, @20.8psi, 280whp, 300ftlbs. (SOLD). CHECK your oil, these cars use it. Engine Build - Click Here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LosAngelesLGT Posted June 21, 2011 Share Posted June 21, 2011 Max Capacity you old fuddy duddy OP I hope you got lucky and only need to remove banjo bolt filters and replace your uppipe with a catless pre-turbo up and need new LCA bushings. At 90k the suspension is going to be blown out too. If its a maual clutch will be gone-ish (or replaced)... All things considered its a big ? Did you do good or bad? Only going to know when you go to an INDEPENDANT IMPORT or SUBARU specific mechanic and pay to have it gone over. I'd find a Subaru specialist since these cars have more than one or two wierd things about them. Stealerships are good for buying new cars from and very occasional warranty claims. Thats about it unless you have deep pockets and like parts monkeys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Capacity Posted June 21, 2011 Share Posted June 21, 2011 Hey the poor guy is already having buyer's remorse. I hate to rub salt into a wound. OP most of us have come to realize, it's a love/hate realationship we have with these cars. You need to read the forum here and take notes. Main thing it oil changes every 3500 or so miles. Unless your using great oil. My 05 has 142,000 miles. Stage1 since 8000 miles, stage 2 the past 12,000 miles, been driven...uses oil but runs good. It had regular oil changes with whatever oil was in sale at Walmart. My 09 Spec B has 28,000 miles and now is on Amsoil products. See HAMMERDOWN's post. 305,600miles 5/2012 ej257 short block, 8/2011 installed VF52 turbo, @20.8psi, 280whp, 300ftlbs. (SOLD). CHECK your oil, these cars use it. Engine Build - Click Here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
turbodog Posted June 21, 2011 Share Posted June 21, 2011 IMHO, have someone drain and flush the oil. Look for metal. If there is metal, replace the oil cooler, flush oil more, remove banjo filters, etc. To a search on what to do here. It is very possible this car was traded in after a blown turbo was replaced. The motor may have metal in the oil that wasn't flushed out right. Or it may have damage but still run. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hawkeye27dr Posted June 21, 2011 Author Share Posted June 21, 2011 yea i'm pretty nervous and anxious. will denote details when the car arrives. thanks for info guys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dingbang Posted June 21, 2011 Share Posted June 21, 2011 where are you located? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hawkeye27dr Posted June 21, 2011 Author Share Posted June 21, 2011 Bronx, NY Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
turbodog Posted June 22, 2011 Share Posted June 22, 2011 yea i'm pretty nervous and anxious. will denote details when the car arrives. thanks for info guys. Heck, even drain the oil and send it out for analysis. Check/change the plugs and do a compression test, checking the pistons? Pull the turbo, check for condition and shaft play? Banjo bolt filters, of course. Drop the oil pan, check for metal, and closely inspect the *oil pickup tube*. By far, the most important single thing is to determine is if the motor (and turbo) is intact and not on the verge of failure, leading to a ~$5000 motor rebuild. Every other item (including clutch & tranny) can be replaced/rebuilt/repaired for ~$1000 or under. But you wouldn't want to throw a few $k at the suspension, tires, and a clutch, then have the motor go out a month later. But hey don't stress about it too much. lol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Firepuma Posted June 22, 2011 Share Posted June 22, 2011 hell, even if you have to do a motor it's not the end of the world, ask me how i know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chameleon Posted June 22, 2011 Share Posted June 22, 2011 Welcome to the boards. I pretty much did the same thing you did....i bought mine bind as well and jumped in the deep end. Like everyone says it is really going to be love / hate relationship. I hope you got lucky. My car practically lives at the dealer. I hate to see it go and spend the money but also love it and missed it when it comes back. So far everyone has given you pretty solid starting points....so just go from there. I won't mention any of my misfortunes or money spent in repairs in an effort not to scare you too bad. Cheers, Me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hawkeye27dr Posted June 28, 2011 Author Share Posted June 28, 2011 Update: The car came in. Expecting the worse, I was pleasantly surprised. The car came in looking and performing lovely. The mechanic said she was in great condition except for a very very minor oil leak in a tough spot which I will get fixed ASAP. Only got a couple pics but will take more. Been working too much to enjoy the car. Glad to join the GT crew. http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h64/hawkeye27dr/legacy/IMG_20110627_143755.jpg http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h64/hawkeye27dr/legacy/IMG_20110627_143736.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nrw Posted June 28, 2011 Share Posted June 28, 2011 I wonder if it was in a front end collision? Appears to have 06-07 headlights. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goneskiian Posted June 28, 2011 Share Posted June 28, 2011 Yup. Those are definitely NOT '05 headlights. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HtrdlncN281 Posted June 29, 2011 Share Posted June 29, 2011 These cars aren't too difficult to work on yourself if there is a problem except for spark plugs being. A PITA........ need real thin hands. Anyways welcome to the GRP club...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LosAngelesLGT Posted June 29, 2011 Share Posted June 29, 2011 Doesnt match my 05 lights. Do the body lines look good where the bumper meets the hood in front on either side of the grill. It looks a little wierd but could easily be the pic. I am glad it was in good shape, looking good and good to go. Welcome to the rarest (oem) color of all LGT. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hawkeye27dr Posted June 29, 2011 Author Share Posted June 29, 2011 Its quiet possible it could've been in a collision and the lights have been changed explaining the gap mentioned above. Will look into it when I can. Still haven't gotten plates on the car. Waiting for the paperwork to arrive. but here's a couple more pics. Looks pretty stock which is fine with me. http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h64/hawkeye27dr/legacy/subie2.jpg http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h64/hawkeye27dr/legacy/subie4.jpg http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h64/hawkeye27dr/legacy/subie3.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverLegs Posted June 29, 2011 Share Posted June 29, 2011 Not sure if anyone has said it yet but get the VIN and get a car fax. find out if it had any recall work done on it. the oil lines to the turbo were recalled because there was a filter that would get clogged and therefore starve the turbo of oil causing it to "blow up"...If you look in and the turbo is nice and shiny then you know you have a new turbo and the oil lines have been replaced...still something to look into. It was the biggest problem with the '05's and why the '05 LGT is on the worst car to buy used list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverLegs Posted June 29, 2011 Share Posted June 29, 2011 Also my headlights look like that so i'm not sure what you guys are talking about they look like '06 headlights. then again my car does have on record a front end collision but you can't tell where. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsmith40a Posted June 29, 2011 Share Posted June 29, 2011 the steering wheel is clearly crooked Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goneskiian Posted June 29, 2011 Share Posted June 29, 2011 Also my headlights look like that so i'm not sure what you guys are talking about they look like '06 headlights. then again my car does have on record a front end collision but you can't tell where. Here's a link to a picture of an '05 headlights. There is black in the headlight unlike the '06 which is all bright chrome in the headlight. http://legacygt.com/forums/showpost.php?p=31299&postcount=15 You definitely have front end damage that was enough to have the headlights replaced. Cheers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madcatz Posted June 30, 2011 Share Posted June 30, 2011 find a competent mechanic and have a leak down/compression test done soon I know its putting the buggy in front of the horse now, but its going to tell you if your in need of an engine soon if your compression is toast -Travis Rob (rao) you're a fine gentleman, thanks I guess. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
06LegacyRBP Posted June 30, 2011 Share Posted June 30, 2011 Maybe previous owner painted the black housing chrome...lol sometimes I think I'm a comedian!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Legacy51 Posted July 2, 2011 Share Posted July 2, 2011 the steering wheel is clearly crooked How can you tell? I see how the wheel looks to be facing you even though the pic is at an angle but it's a pic and could just be deceiving...? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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