What do you know about Subarus? Reliable?

So I am looking to get a cheap, awd drive car, and the Subaru seems to fit the bill. Vehicle is a 2005 Subaru Legacy with 114k on the clock. Guy is asking $6000 for it.

Haven't checked it out yet, plan on doing so Wednesday. Anybody familiar with this model year or anything similar? Are they known for any issues or problems? FYI, this is not the GT turbo model, I know those tend to have turbo issues. Its just a base one. Guy has service records for the vehicle, but says the timing belt and water pump have yet to be replaced. I thought if I did buy it I would just run it till the belt breaks, but I researched and found the subaru is an interference motor, so I probably should replace it soon.

Anyways, your experience with subarus? Pros? Cons? And anything in between would be helpful

 

they are great cars. we're on our second legacy now the first one had 110k and the only thing that needed to be fixed was the ABS computer and one CV shaft. Other than the computer just normal oil changes. Get the belt and water pump changed and run it for another 90k

 

Sweet! Would you recommend most likely to change the belt right away given its past 100k miles, or maybe drive it for a while?

 

KPT speaks highly of his subaru days. maybe PM him fo mo advice.

 

They are pretty reliable. If you are looking for reliability stay away from any Subaru Turbo model.

Subaru's require a ton more maintenance than our Toyota's. If you can find one that is documented to be maintained, it would be worth the extra money IMO.

 

Yea, I originally was looking for a GT, but after all the issues I heard about the turbo, I figured I'd stay away.

 

We have had Subaru's for many, many years; reliability is excellent. But in saying that; you do need to do some preventive maintenance on high mileage ones.

1. Change the timing belt; no big deal but get it done right, check that water pump while your at it.

2. There is an issue with some head gaskets. Subaru, as most manufacturers buys gasket from various vendors. Some deteriorate, at high mileage; still not a big deal for a Subaru mechanic.

3. The very old Subarus, in the late 70's and eighties had a coolant crossover pipe that would leak; I don't see that on the 90's and up.

4. We never had an issue with any engine or driveline part on any Subaru.

5. Did the previous owner, change oil regularly??? Subaru's are really strong runners; but they can't fix stupid. Someone who never changed oil.

oldracer

 

my dad has an 02 outback...and that thing has gone to shit since 110k. so many expensive repair bills, he wishes he sold the thing before he had almost $4k done on the motor, because the repair bills just keep comming.

 

^^What was the problem(s)

 

The 02s have a known head gasket problem in 03 the part was revised and updated which solved the problem.

 

my friends in total have had/owned 4 subies. With the exception of driver error, bullet proof cars imho.

 

My husband had a Subaru Legacy 30th Anniversary edition (1999). We sold it to my father-in-law and they sold it to my husbands co-worker. That co-worker still drives it everyday and he absolutely loves it. I don't know anything about its 'history' - but I know it was taken care of from day one (we bought it new). It looked just like this:

 

Had a 91 Legacy L wagon. Bought it with 178,000, retired air force kernel-fly fisherman. Free lifetime oil changes for him. Came with a stack of recites (oil changes every month) couple sets of struts, belts, tune up stuff and all the regular services. I sold it with 286,000, and didn't keep up as diligently with the oil changes. I put a battery in it, a radiator, (internally plugged) and a muffler. What a great car, and man do they go through the snow.

 

Did you end up pulling the trigger on one yet? I had a '99 Legacy Sedan that I was very sad to part with. Think it was the first time I cried in many years. But then my truck has been more than suitable as a replacement

 

We've owned 7 of them - from a 1976 to my wife's current vehicle, a 2011 Outback wagon. They have all been reliable and from my perspective have not required any more maintenance than other quality made vehicles. When you include those owned by members of our extended family, we've owned almost 40 of them since 1969.

Change the oil regularly and change the timing belt at 100k - other than that, routine maintenance parts like tires, brakes, wiper blades, etc have been all we've really had to do.

 

My wife drives a 97 Subaru Legacy 145,000 miles. Routine maintenance, the engine runs great. Very reliable. The only problem was a mysterious brake leak that was finally resolved.

 

Funny this thread revived! I am actually in the process of trying to lease a subaru impreza!

Also, was looking at a subaru legacy l, 140k miles, the guy wanted 4 grand for it. Its a 2002 or 2003. However, from the reviews I have read, those engines are notorious for head gasket repairs and oil leaks??? Anybody have any of those problems???

 

Imprezas are awesome. Even the base model handles so well!

Because of the flat engine design, the head gasket is submerged in coolant all the time. If the previous owner replaced the coolant every three years with the correct coolant type and correct conditioner, then it's OK. Otherwise it's risky.