alostsok Posted February 22, 2013 Share Posted February 22, 2013 I might get torched for this, but I need some advice, so here goes I got my '05 LGT 5MT Wagon 3.5 years ago with 35k on the odo. I have 89k on the odo now, and I still owe $7k (I rolled in some $ from a previous car). Car has been obviously great, but now I feel like I've come to pivot -- Either I sell now (while the miles still make it attractive to another buyer), or I keep it for the long haul (and not expect to get anything for it later). Part of me wants something new, but there isn't anything out there matching exactly what I want (manual wagon that's not a turd), and the other stuff is much more expensive. So, do I dig in for the long haul and, if so, what am I facing in terms of maintenance/repairs? And if I keep it for the long haul, do I finally spend the $500 to get an AP (I never wanted before in case I was going to sell the car -- I wanted to sell it as being "stock")? Or should I avoid adding one at this point? Or do I sell it now, shed the $7k, and look for something newer? I can live paying down the $7k to keep this car, I'm just afraid that I'll start incurring substantial repair and maintenance bills. I'm starting to see some small issues here and there, and I am afraid it's coming. Also, should I steer clear of the AP if I'm afraid of added repair costs? Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lgt_nube Posted February 22, 2013 Share Posted February 22, 2013 I can only offer one data point, my 2005 LGT Wagon (5EAT) with almost 150k miles. Essentially no repairs except for replacing the front control arm bushings. A few photos of the LGT My current ride Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StoplightAssassin Posted February 22, 2013 Share Posted February 22, 2013 Keep the car. You have a manual wagon. Keep it in good shape. Do all the maintenance, Keep all of the records. Get a APv2 and flash stg 1. You'll have a renewed joy for your car. In a few years after you've paid off the car, it WILL be worth something considering you've kept it in good condition. As you've discovered, performance manual wagons have gone the way of the Dodo. Maybe by the time you're finally ready to sell, CTS-V wagons will be in your price range. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shello007 Posted February 22, 2013 Share Posted February 22, 2013 I would have given my left Pecan for a 5MT Wagon. You have no Idea what a unique gem you have. They are so rare. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
12sechatch Posted February 22, 2013 Share Posted February 22, 2013 "they are so rare", and yet, lots of people on this site have them. meh Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silvaman61 Posted February 22, 2013 Share Posted February 22, 2013 You should sell it To me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoozeRS05 Posted February 22, 2013 Share Posted February 22, 2013 Keep it, and add some mods. Stay on your maintenance in the meantime, because 89k miles isn't much, bought my LGT 5mt wagon last year with 106k miles. JDM rear sway bar and some mild lowering springs, Cobb AP, UP and DP. You'll basically have a new car. EB's Subaru journal - 2005 LegacyGT Wagon & 2014 Forester FB25 (2008 specB - RIP) IG@legacygtliving Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoozeRS05 Posted February 22, 2013 Share Posted February 22, 2013 What color is it? There were only 86 of my exact model made in the entire N. America. EB's Subaru journal - 2005 LegacyGT Wagon & 2014 Forester FB25 (2008 specB - RIP) IG@legacygtliving Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Capacity Posted February 22, 2013 Share Posted February 22, 2013 What color is your's, mine one of 108 made in black. Keep it get Cobb AP v2 and flash to stage 1. Where did I read that before... Keep an eye on the oil level, top it off as needed. Save up for a turbo just in case. Learn how the turbo sounds. If the sound changes ask us about it. Mine whined for about a 1000 miles before it whistled one morning when leaving the house. I parked it and replaced the turbo, with no engine damage. Mine has been on a stage 1 or better tune since 8000 miles. Read on here and find out more about the car and become a active member. 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...
alostsok Posted February 22, 2013 Author Share Posted February 22, 2013 thanks for all the responses. It's RGP. Don't get me wrong, it's been a great car, and I don't know what else I would even get (unless I was in a position to spend a lot more). I've been debating getting the AP to convince myself just to keep it (I'm sure it will do the trick in that regard), but I'm concerned about having to spend an additional couple of grand on maintenance/repairs (either with or without the AP) in the next year or two just to decide it's no longer worth keeping it after I'm at 110k+ mi. and with an AP, making it all the less desirable for someone else, you know? It seems like the choice is: sell it now or drive it another 60k miles. I'm stupid Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Capacity Posted February 22, 2013 Share Posted February 22, 2013 Did you have the timing belt changed at 105,000 miles ? These cars are better when they are not on the OEM tune. Get the car off of that. Save your money and keep the car. Put some money aside for repairs. At least you know what you got and not someone problem they sold... 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...
alostsok Posted February 22, 2013 Author Share Posted February 22, 2013 i'm at 89k mi. now, so not yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Capacity Posted February 22, 2013 Share Posted February 22, 2013 i'm at 89k mi. now, so not yet. Then what was this, "I'm at 110k+ mi. and with an AP," 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...
12sechatch Posted February 22, 2013 Share Posted February 22, 2013 ^you have to read the whole sentence. If you just read the bolded, you'll get confused "but I'm concerned about having to spend an additional couple of grand on maintenance/repairs in the next year or two just to decide it's no longer worth keeping it after I'm at 110k+ mi. and with an AP, making it all the less desirable for someone else, you know?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ttnio Posted February 22, 2013 Share Posted February 22, 2013 Indeed!!!They are rare. This is the place to shop for those rarities. Go with your gusto young man ... "they are so rare", and yet, lots of people on this site have them. meh Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
12sechatch Posted February 22, 2013 Share Posted February 22, 2013 "rare" only means something if someone is willing to pay a premium to get their hands on that "rare" item. I'd be happy to sell my white, manual, black leather, limited wagon. But alas, nobody cares how "rare" it is when it comes to giving me a check. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alostsok Posted February 22, 2013 Author Share Posted February 22, 2013 12sechatch -- What's on your odo? And why are you thinking of selling? Your AP'ed? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
12sechatch Posted February 22, 2013 Share Posted February 22, 2013 100K. Not actively looking to sell, but would be happy to. No AP, opensource at the moment. Mainly just trying to prove a point about the 'rarity' and it not mattering much so dont let that influence your decisions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoozeRS05 Posted February 22, 2013 Share Posted February 22, 2013 While you've never actively tried to sell yours... And a white, LGT wagon, 5mt with black limited interior is I think the rarest of them all. EB's Subaru journal - 2005 LegacyGT Wagon & 2014 Forester FB25 (2008 specB - RIP) IG@legacygtliving Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
12sechatch Posted February 22, 2013 Share Posted February 22, 2013 ^exactly. I'm not saying it wouldn't sell. Hell, I bought it. But my point is, I can't list this thing for $18K and expect it to be gone tomorrow. I still have to ask a realistic number for it as the "rarity" does not add any real value, just appeal. On par with adding granite countertops in your kitchen. They wont make your house appraise for more, but for the right buyer, they would choose your house over the one next door. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoozeRS05 Posted February 22, 2013 Share Posted February 22, 2013 People will pay real dollars for a car that is rare. If you want to demand $5k over market value then no you won't sell your car. But all other things equal you could potentially expect $1k more for your wagon then a silver LGT 5mt wagon with tan interior, $2k over that if the other wagon is a auto trans. Out on the street you might have to settle for less, but here at LGT.com that's a gem you have in your wagon. EB's Subaru journal - 2005 LegacyGT Wagon & 2014 Forester FB25 (2008 specB - RIP) IG@legacygtliving Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silvaman61 Posted February 23, 2013 Share Posted February 23, 2013 As a soon- to- be legacy consumer I can confirm that I would indeed pay more for a 5mt wagon. That is probably just because I favor the wagon though. If I liked the sedans more the rarity of a manual wagon would have no affect on me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shello007 Posted February 23, 2013 Share Posted February 23, 2013 Well spoken Boozer and silvaman. The point I was making is; a used-car lot or website seldom has a 5MT Wagon for sale, because less were made, and those who have them seldom sell...hence the 'rarity'. It's in this light I was informing the OP of the 'gem' he has and that he should keep it. Should he decide to do otherwise, he can surely fetch a decent price compared to an equal 5MT Sedan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stanjk3 Posted February 23, 2013 Share Posted February 23, 2013 I'm in a similar situation, closing in on 90K miles. AFAIK still has the original turbo. Have only done a couple minor mods like tinted rear windows, slotted rotors and a lightweight crank pulley. Have had the car for 4 years, the less than stellar MPG (17-18) wasn't a big deal when I was only driving around ~5K miles a year and getting plenty of OT at work. But now that I drive closer to 8K miles, gas is near $4/gal again and don't get as much OT, I've thought of trading it in for a new Impreza. Yeah 0-60 in 9+ seconds vs 6 is gonna suck but 27MPG on regular vs 17-18MPG on premium makes up for it. Friends don't let friends drink cheap beer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoozeRS05 Posted February 24, 2013 Share Posted February 24, 2013 BMB's very nice stg2 wagon, auto trans, with 72k miles is for sale right now at $11,500!! All things equal and he had a 5mt, imo it would sell quicky for $13,000. EB's Subaru journal - 2005 LegacyGT Wagon & 2014 Forester FB25 (2008 specB - RIP) IG@legacygtliving Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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