photoweborama Posted October 21, 2018 Share Posted October 21, 2018 My son is obsessed with buying a Subaru. But he wants to spend as little as possible. He’s got about $3000.00 if he can sell his Custom Mitsubishi 3000GT, and if he can talk his Grandma into a loan, $5000.00 What are his options, and what problems to look for? When does one of these have too many miles? Thanks for the help, since I have to help him buy it! Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dgoodhue Posted October 23, 2018 Share Posted October 23, 2018 I assume your son is looking for 200505-09 Turbo model Legacy or Outback. A $3000 or $5000 model is likely to be a money pit. In additional to normal higher miles issues, Turbo failures (which often take out the motor shortly after) and Motor failures with high mileage is common especially at the price range your son is looking to spend. A brand new Turbo is usually a big red flag as well. Browse the forums, it is not uncommon to find new owner of 2005-09 having to dealing with a blown motor from the car that they just bought with a new turbo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
photoweborama Posted October 25, 2018 Author Share Posted October 25, 2018 What he really wants is a 2005 + with a 6 cyl. I let him get what he thought he wanted for his first car. The dream car. I knew after a few years that dream cars are not what they are cracked up to be. He just wants a Subaru wagon with the I6, and AWD. He wants to camp, etc. he wants reliability and space to put stuff. He learned the lesson I was hoping for after driving this for two years! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dgoodhue Posted October 25, 2018 Share Posted October 25, 2018 The 3.0 H6 models are pretty reliable. The 05-07 Legacy wagons never got the H6 motor, so he will be looking for an Outback if want a wagon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
photoweborama Posted October 25, 2018 Author Share Posted October 25, 2018 The 3.0 H6 models are pretty reliable. The 05-07 Legacy wagons never got the H6 motor, so he will be looking for an Outback if want a wagon. What’s the mileage cutoff before they start having problems, and what kind? The one he’s looking at has 266,000. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
photoweborama Posted October 25, 2018 Author Share Posted October 25, 2018 I take that back.. 225,000 Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AWDFTW Posted October 25, 2018 Share Posted October 25, 2018 The H6 is a pretty solid engine, it does want premium fuel FWIW. Tends to have issues with tensioner pulleys. Not a difficult fix. That said, 266K is a lot of miles. If it hasn't been cared for well, that's gonna run up a lot of service bills. Any failure after 250K miles is just part of owning something with a quarter million miles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RWebb Posted October 25, 2018 Share Posted October 25, 2018 I would pass on this IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
photoweborama Posted October 26, 2018 Author Share Posted October 26, 2018 What about the generation before 2005? Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AWDFTW Posted October 27, 2018 Share Posted October 27, 2018 Slightly different version of the 3.0. Older 4 speed auto transmission. Otherwise functionally the same. A 2005+ is a much nicer ride in my opinion...as someone who owns a 2002 H6. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Capacity Posted October 27, 2018 Share Posted October 27, 2018 IMO you should be looking for a 08-09 Outback for his "camping thing" There is a Forum for Outbacks. https://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/ 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...
laughdamon Posted November 11, 2018 Share Posted November 11, 2018 I'd avoid the 4EAT transmission, if he can drive a manual that would be the best option. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dgoodhue Posted November 13, 2018 Share Posted November 13, 2018 I'd avoid the 4EAT transmission, if he can drive a manual that would be the best option. I prefer a MT over a Automatic or CVT anyday, but what is wrong with the 4EAT. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tumbleweed 49 Posted November 13, 2018 Share Posted November 13, 2018 Borrow from his grandmother to buy a car when he already has one? I would suggest he keep the car he has and save so he can pay cash for a better one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laughdamon Posted November 13, 2018 Share Posted November 13, 2018 I prefer a MT over a Automatic or CVT anyday, but what is wrong with the 4EAT. Should be fine stock, but add extra HP and it's days will be numbered... Should be pretty well documented on NASIOC if you haven't found that forum yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RWebb Posted November 13, 2018 Share Posted November 13, 2018 Borrow from his grandmother to buy a car when he already has one? I would suggest he keep the car he has and save so he can pay cash for a better one. But then how can millennials get into debit Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YeuEmMaiMai Posted December 3, 2018 Share Posted December 3, 2018 age is also a big factor in cars....tell your son to keep his car and when he has enough money to afford a newer one, then buy it. I prefer a MT over a Automatic or CVT anyday, but what is wrong with the 4EAT. as far as I know as long as you maintain them with regular fluid, filter changes, nothing.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SBT Posted December 4, 2018 Share Posted December 4, 2018 The H6 3.0 (and 3.6) are both solid engines. The 3.0 is designed to run on premium fuel, the 3.6 is designed to run on regular fuel. That said, there are a number of H6 3.0 2000-2004 engines reported with burnt valves from running them on regular octane (87) fuel. Subaru recommends a minimum of 91 octane on these models. Also, unless you're getting the VDC model, I'd stay away from the 4EAT. Believe the 2005-2009 H6 3.0 were detuned slightly to run "optionally" on 87 octane, but Subaru still recommended premium fuel for best performance. These have also had reported burnt valve issues. I'm looking for one of these, and only 2008-2009 as they have the upgraded 5EAT. With 225K on the clock, and without a ton of receipts (including type of gas run), I'd look elsewhere. - Pro amore Dei et patriam et populum - Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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