NPoCP: Turbo Wagon Edition Now With More Manuel

"Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero" (sampsonite24) 01/09/2015 at 12:14 • Filed to: subaru, NPOCP, LEGACY GT, wagon, manual

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Found this on cars.com at a small, slightly shady looking used car dealer. The exterior and interior both look clean but as well all know pictures hide bad smells really easily haha. And guess what guys? It's a got' damn stick. For 9 grand maybe I can rescue this like a puppy from an animal shelter. They don't give much in the description and also don't give a free carfax but I have a good mechanic I can take it to to get looked at.

Too much want.

WRXerFish - WRX-Wing pilot > Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero 01/09/2015 at 12:16

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The want is strong in this one.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero 01/09/2015 at 12:16

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Looks clean, but beware of failing head gaskets.

SJGeorge94 > Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero 01/09/2015 at 12:21

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Buy a outback xt, lower with legacy springs and shocks, and get rid of the outback badges make a discount wide body legacy gt

Takuro Spirit > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 01/09/2015 at 12:21

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But... it's turbo.

Tom McParland > Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero 01/09/2015 at 12:24

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Holy shit...that might be my old LGT! Same color, year, and I put that aftermarket shiftnob in. If it is know that I replaced the clutch twice...that transmission was a nightmare. I'm going to call the dealer and get a copy of the CarFax

Big Bubba Ray > Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero 01/09/2015 at 12:24

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Lower it half a grand and it's a winner.

BarryDanger > Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero 01/09/2015 at 12:26

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My buddy has an 05 XT - same drive train. These things are notorious for eating clutches and blowing transmissions sadly.

Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 01/09/2015 at 12:33

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Yeah I'm already aware. My search for a baby vehicle has pretty much narrowed ddown to this and a 4runner so iI've been doing my research

Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero > Tom McParland 01/09/2015 at 12:34

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Thanks tom, and is there anything you can do to the transmission to not make it eat clutches? Cause I also found an automatic LGT but everyone was like "get a manual" because oppo

BeaterGT > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 01/09/2015 at 12:37

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Not a problem on the 05+ turbos although I still don't place much trust in turbo Subarus with over 100k on the clock.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > BeaterGT 01/09/2015 at 12:40

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They also claimed to have fixed it in 2010.

Jay Lauer > Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero 01/09/2015 at 12:41

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It's a bit overpriced for the miles, but I've been looking for exactly one of these for if I have to move.

I had the sedan version. Turbo & Manual. It's less exciting than the WRX, but it is roomier and nicer. The heated seats will burn you.

Tom McParland > Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero 01/09/2015 at 12:42

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Dunno...when I took it to the mechanic after the third clutch was put in he said. "This clutch could last forever or it could last a week. I think there may be something off with your ratios, but that will cost you a lot of money to find out. Trade it for something with a warranty." and that is what I did. So this one may be ok.

Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero > Jay Lauer 01/09/2015 at 12:42

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I'd rather have mmy ass burnt by heated seats than frostbitten by chicago winter

Jay Lauer > Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero 01/09/2015 at 12:49

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+1 there. I did Des Moines winter once. Once.

Its a unsophisticated system that use. It's wires in the foam that heat up, so it'll inflame one butchers but the other skill be cold. It didn't disperse heat well.

mr2gud2u > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 01/09/2015 at 12:50

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I keep hearing that Subaru engines eat head gaskets. Is it all Subarus that have issues with this, or just a select few.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > mr2gud2u 01/09/2015 at 12:56

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It's mostly a design flaw with the 2.5 EJ motors, but they happen in other engines too. It's hard to say that the other engines are a problem though, because so many of the people who have blown head gaskets on other engines also boosted the thing to hell, so there's that. I've known plenty of people who owned Subarus very long term, and while many have had head gasket failures eventually, it doesn't seem to happen on other engines until the mid 200k mile range.

BeaterGT > Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero 01/09/2015 at 13:14

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Have the sedan, can confirm it's fun and a great winter car. I also sprung for a warranty and it's already paid for itself in a year of ownership so there's that.

Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero > BeaterGT 01/09/2015 at 13:20

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What kind of warranty? One offered by the dealer or did you do your own research for the warranty

RiotAct666 > Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero 01/09/2015 at 13:28

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I own one of these. This price is reasonable ONLY if the 110k service was done including timing belt, and there is no evidence what so ever of oil in the anti freeze.

RiotAct666 > Takuro Spirit 01/09/2015 at 13:30

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turbos have a screen in the oil filter that gets clogged if you're not on top of it and religious about checking and cleaning that causes head gasket failure if not maintained properly.

RiotAct666 > Tom McParland 01/09/2015 at 13:31

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that same shift knob came STOCK on my LGT wagon that I bought new in 2007

Tom McParland > RiotAct666 01/09/2015 at 13:38

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Yeah the 05 came with a leather shifter with the 1-5 gears...I bought the "Subaru" style one like you see here. It may or may not be my car...but I am curious.

BeaterGT > Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero 01/09/2015 at 14:21

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Unfortunately, it was one offered through the dealer. I probably paid more than I needed to but the peace of mind was definitely worth it and now I know better for next time. It's a CNA warranty if that helps any. They haven't given me any problems with claims. So far I have had all four wheel hubs and my steering rack replaced. Will be bringing it in soon for the HVAC system (fans don't switch properly to feet).

MK6GTI-now with added Miata > Tom McParland 01/09/2015 at 14:27

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That's a common shift knob, but not a common car! Check the VIN with any documents you might still have!

yertle > Tom McParland 01/09/2015 at 14:31

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My friend has the same year sedan, and when his clutch went it took some major transmission work. I never got the full story but it sounded not fun. I don't understand why these Legacys have such clutch issues and the Imprezas of the same vintage seem fine.

yertle > BarryDanger 01/09/2015 at 14:32

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I don't get why these are so much worse than the 05 Imprezas (i.e. WRX). I never had cluch issues in my WRX, but I corroborate your story, my friend's Legacy transmission has been a mess.

Justin L > Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero 01/09/2015 at 14:34

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I had an 05 LGT Sedan 5spd from 33k to 88k, was still on its original clutch when I sold it. Was running some sort of Accessport tune all of those miles. Car was a tank. When I sold it, it was putting 275hp and 320tq to the ground, on the factory clutch. Only repair I did when I had it was a CV boot cracked and flung grease everywhere.

PAron > Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero 01/09/2015 at 14:37

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My LGT wagon was an automatic, which I felt was a good fit for the car. Mine had a head gasket go at about the 120K mark and then suffered internal engine failure at about 140K. I still miss it, but really felt like it shoulda lasted a bit longer. Mostly I just wish subie would bring out a new one.

44444444444 > Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero 01/09/2015 at 14:41

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Why not Volvo?

Fix It Again Tony > Tom McParland 01/09/2015 at 14:42

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How many miles did your clutches last? My 05 LGT wagon only has 40k miles so I haven't experience any longevity problems yet I guess.

Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero > 44444444444 01/09/2015 at 14:45

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Just havnt found one that I had a gotta have it feeling in my price range to be honest

theshinobi01 > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 01/09/2015 at 14:46

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Head gasket failures are predominately with the older Phase 1 SOHC EJ25 engines. Incorrect addition of glycol based coolant instead of Subaru's phosphate coolant caused the head gaskets to corrode, leading to engine failure, overheating, dead cats. The EJ251 found in the Impreza, Outback, Legacy, and Foresters are also prone to failing head gaskets, and Subaru changed the gasket mid way through the cycle. Just make sure you do regular maintenance (oil changes, belts, tensionser, water pump, thermostat, etc).

44444444444 > Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero 01/09/2015 at 14:50

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2006-2007 XC70 for lifted AWD turbo wagon fun (no manuel). $7-9k

2004-2007 V70R for fast AWD, turbo, manuel wagon fun. $9-11k. However the R is a lot more expensive to own.

Tom McParland > Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero 01/09/2015 at 14:52

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Update: not my Subie

Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero > Tom McParland 01/09/2015 at 14:58

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did you get the carfax? Is it at least clean?

Berger Meister > Tom McParland 01/09/2015 at 15:16

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I had a 2005 Outback XT with the same clutch issues. Had to replace it twice, no idea why. I was convinced for awhile that it had to be user error, so I kept trying to figure out what I could be doing that would be wearing down the clutch. But literally no idea.

BarryDanger > yertle 01/09/2015 at 15:33

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weight I suppose.

JethroBoDean > Jay Lauer 01/09/2015 at 15:35

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translate = "inflame one butt cheek but the other would still be cold." I think that's what your were trying to achieve ... unless you're trying to play Mushmouth here.

nope > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 01/09/2015 at 16:04

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It's been said already, but the turbo GTs don't suffer from HG issues. They have thicker HGs. The regular 2.5i Legacy did not get the thicker HG, and there have been some HG failures reported, but it does not seem to have the same failure rate Subaru had with previous generation cars.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Tom McParland 01/09/2015 at 16:10

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Thus far I've changed the clutch once on my LGT...I've had it almost 3 years now. From what I've read, a big issue with the transmission is fixed with a quill/snout repair kit - which I did when the clutch was replaced. Here's to hoping it'll keep it from shattering into a million pieces.

I think my car has an aftermarket short throw kit from a previous owner - doesn't feel as horrible to shift as I've heard Subarus of this vintage can be...however the clutch is absolutely horrendous. After 3 years I'm still not entirely comfortable reading its feel or bite point - and it randomly gives off burning clutch smells for no conceivable reason...apart from it being a Subaru clutch.

Tom McParland > Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero 01/09/2015 at 16:17

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I did...except for an open recall it is clean.

Longroof > BarryDanger 01/09/2015 at 16:27

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mine's on the third clutch. 175000km, 110000ish mile

Schep9d > Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero 01/09/2015 at 16:32

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I think a manual wagon (1 of about 1200 only offered in 05) under 10k is pretty good. Under the hood it looks bone stock. I would be surprised if it is still on the original turbo as that is a weak point on these cars. Always get a pre purchase inspection with a compression and leak down test. They are super fun cars. Even better with about 15k put in the right places.

My 300+whp track day wagon.

ChrisFu > Tom McParland 01/09/2015 at 16:37

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Thats actually the factory-offered Momo shift knob they sold as an option on the LGT and WRX back then. Not terribly unique in that era.

Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero > Tom McParland 01/09/2015 at 16:37

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Thanks tom. That helps :)

ktonl > Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero 01/09/2015 at 21:13

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Damn that interior is sharp. I didn't know they came in that colour combination. If only it had the panoramic sunroof as well.....

cursedsubie > Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero 01/10/2015 at 14:26

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132k mile ticking time bomb IMHO.

If you buy......

If it still has the original turbo at least make sure the banjo bolt filters have been removed or are not partially plugged if you really think they need to be there.

Pick up a catless up-pipe and get it in there. The 05 has a pre turbo cat in the uppipe that can disintegrate and take out the turbo. You can pick up stock catless STI ones used reasonable sometimes or get a nice Grimmspeed one.

If it has the original two piece crank pulley get it off there immediately and put on a aftermarket one piece unit. The two piece ones have a really high failure rate when they get old and will eff up your timing belt cover and AC compressor wiring when they fail.

At 132k the 4th gear synchro is probably on it's last legs.

Make sure there are no stone chips in the windshield near the wiper defroster on the bottom of the front window (if it has that option). You risk it cracking the windshield on a really cold morning if you have a low chip on the window and kick on the wiper defroster.

Pick up a cobb accessport or something similar and if your leaving it stock get a stage 0 tune t get rid of the lean fuel issues on cyl 4.

If it doesn't have a valve cover leak at that mileage it will soon, unless the seal have already been replaced.

Lastly check the inner passengers side front CV boot, it's in the mileage/age range where the extra heat from the turbo uppipe should be about done ruining it.

I wouldn't buy it for a daily driver but YMMV.

BigTDogg > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 02/23/2015 at 12:31

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HGs aren't usually a concern with this generation. It tends to be more issues with the AVCS oil screens and up pipe cat. That and the factory tune which is known to cause lean conditions and burn valves.

Fridrik > BeaterGT 05/13/2016 at 15:21

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CNA warranties are the best warranties out there.. You definitely did not make a mistake buying it.. Even though you let the dealer profit on it.

BeaterGT > Fridrik 05/13/2016 at 15:36

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Eh, they’re a dealer. That’s what they do. I wasn’t aware you could buy them as an individual either. I just knew there was no way I was taking the repair costs on my own.