School me on turbo Subis

[RidgeRunner]

Decided not to get a truck at this point, associated cost to DD is almost double that of my car. Still, it's time to update my '98 Outback. I've always wanted a WRX so I was thinking I might go that route. Looking at '02-'04 WRX wagons, 5-spd manual. Anything I need to look for or stay away from?

I bought my Outback w/ 180k on it and it's required very little maintenance aside from a clutch, and currently has 244k on it. What milage should I try and stay under with a turbo motor?

EDIT: Also looking at Outback XTs, same questions apply to that turbo motor.

TIA

[Haku]

My DD is a WRX wagon that I've had since new and I won't ever get rid of it. If possible, try to get as unmolested a car as possible. They are getting down into the price range that "ricer guys" can afford them, and they don't always do it right. If you can find one that is completely stock, then that is what I would go for.

Things to look at are whether the stock turbo heat shield is on and there are these ugly green brackets over the fuel injectors called commonly called "Green Brackets of Death" because they are a pain to take off. If either of those is missing, then its likely they have modified something. Just google them and you'll find writeups on it to see where to look for them. They are there to protect the injectors during installation of the engine into the car and aren't critical to the car working correctly, but if they are missing its a good indication that someone has messed with the injectors in some way. The only real reason to mess with them is because you went to bigger ones to get more power when upgrading turbo's.

It isn't the most efficient vehicle in the world compared to some, but it'll still do 25-30mpg if you drive it the right way. You can also get it into the sub-10's if you drive it hard, but that is pretty much constantly being at full throttle.

Maintenance wise, its a VERY reliable car. Mine has ~140k on it and all I've really had to do to it was basic maintenance plus a clutch swap at ~70k or so. I replaced the timing belt when I upgraded the shortblock (Forged stuff plus 2.5 instead of 2.0l displacement), but that is a pretty critical one to do when the factory says so. I haven't done much research on it, but I would expect a well taken care of engine to last well over 200k or even 300k without any need of rebuild or such.

The Outback XT has essentially the same engine as the STI, but with a smaller turbo and a few other small external differences, so its essentially the same story. The ricer/mod crowd hasn't embraced them quite as much, so it might be easier to find an unmodified one.

For the WRX, I would actually look at the 05' model year. They upgraded to the 2.5l engine that year, and it has better brakes too. The interior is a bit more refined as well. I love my Wagon and use it for all kinds of stuff you wouldn't expect. I have a truck now, but for a while the Subbie was my utility vehicle as well as my DD. I think you were on the trip when I flat towed my Samurai up to OCG and back, and it did awesome. I've had 4 guys, all their gear and 6 kayaks on top for a week too.

Just like with the PSD you were looking at, I would be happy to come look at a Subaru with you schedule permitting.

[RidgeRunner]

Thanks for the reply Josh. I do remember you towing the Sami to OCG with your WRX. I'm leaning toward the Outback XT as it is roomier that a WRX hatchback. Right now I usually have a 6' step ladder in the back of my old Outback and it is also my utility/parts runner vehicle. Just looking for something a little funner to drive, and a little newer/less miles.

Most of the '05 and newer WRXs are out of my price range, 8k is my budget.

I waiting to hear back on a '06 Outback XT with 163k, TB done @ 113k, and turbo replaced at 145k. It's a little higher milage than I was wanting but the price is good and the car looks to be in good condition and well cared for. We'll see, I'm not too afraid of higher milage Subis, but don't know much about the turbo w/ higher milage.

[Haku]

With the seats down you could probably fit a ladder in there, but not as easily or comfortably as the Outback. There are definitely days I wished I had gotten one of those instead, but overall I've been pretty happy with it.

I wouldn't say that a Turbo will really change the longevity or reliability in the case of a stock vehicle. The only times I've heard of them having problems is when people drive them too hard or do tons of power adder mods to it. The engine internals were upgraded to match the turbo, so I wouldn't worry too much about the turbo lasting any less then a Naturally Aspirated one.

[jayson44]

the only negative I've heard is that the turbo itself takes a little more upkeep. but otherwise, I'd love to have one vs our NA. it's a dog...especially with the auto. probably my only qualm with the subaru's we've owned. haven't owned a turbo yet.

J.

[The StRanger]

Head Gaskets...
Every Subi I see Ether needs them or has them done !!

[Brad]

As with any turbo car that has over 100k . Budget to replace the turbo.

[94ToyBear]

Like anything stay away from anything that a teenanger owned and have emission up to date emission test before you buy it.

[foxtrot]

I have a buddy selling his 06 outback, he is asking 11k though. Let me know if you want more info. It is black 5 speed with pretty much perfect interior and exterior

[The StRanger]

stay away from anything that a teenanger owned .

Or if it has a loud Psssss between shifts !!!

[Haku]

Or if it has a loud Psssss between shifts !!!

This is especially true of Subaru's, since the Blow Off Valves mess with the fuel delivery since they don't return the turbo charge air to the intake tract.

As far as turbo's, luckily the Subaru community is pretty well catered for in the aftermarket world (even Legacies and Outbacks), so you can generally find reasonably priced new Turbos, or a used Turbo from someone upgrading theirs (that is how I got all of mine... I'm running a VF48 out of an 08' STI).

I've heard similar things about the headgaskets failing too, but haven't experienced it too much myself. I did blow a head gasket, but that was my own dumb fault when I didn't fill the cooling system enough after draining it and majorly overheated on the way to work one day. I've heard of guys doing those in the car, but it would be a major pain in the ass since the cylinder heads sit against the fender walls and are hard to work around. Most guys just pull the engine out to do that, which isn't too bad but if you can't do it yourself would cost a pretty penny.

Honestly though, that is kind of par for the course for any higher mileage car. The EJ series motors are pretty legendary for both size/weight/power and also reliability. Coupled with a good AWD system and decent interior and its hard to beat for the price.