"Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura" (sundowne36)
04/13/2015 at 16:49 • Filed to: None
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"Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura" (sundowne36)
04/13/2015 at 16:49 • Filed to: None | 0
| 4 |
Following the debacle from yesterday, I found myself stopping at an Infiniti (I feel dumb for squinting and typing this name 10 times) and found myself checking out a 2008 Subaru Legacy 2.5i. Not exactly special, but a bit more nicer than the Camry.
The only problem is I know jack squat about this generation of the Legacy and thought it (apart from the cracked plastic on the gear shifter) checked out nice. And Google failed me again when I tried to look up "Subaru Legacy Buyer's Guide."
Halp!
Do-Rif-To
> Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura
04/13/2015 at 16:56 |
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I owned one of those! (2009 though but whatevs)
Any specific questions? It was a great car but a little bit pokey for me, I traded in for a WRX last year.
Boxer_4
> Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura
04/13/2015 at 17:00 |
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Cars101.com is a great Subaru specific website that has a lot of good information on general specs and options for pretty much every model and year. It's one of my favorite websites.
Beyond that, what would you like to know?
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Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura
> Boxer_4
04/13/2015 at 17:12 |
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Anything I should look out for, and I might check that site out.
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Boxer_4
> Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura
04/13/2015 at 18:34 |
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The 2008 Legacy 2.5i has the EJ253 2.5 liter engine, which has some design changes that pretty much solved the head gasket failure issues that were very common with the older EJ251 and EJ25D 2.5 liter engines found in the previous generation Legacy. Head gasket failure can still occur with the EJ253, but it is very rare. However, it seems like if a particular car has had head gasket issues, they are more likely to occur again.
To be on the safe side, check to see that there aren't any external leaks between the heads and the block (the seam will look "wet" with oil), or any contamination of the engine coolant with engine oil. Also, if you can view the service records, check to see if there is any mention of head gasket replacement. If it's had them replaced, it might be worth it to find one that hasn't had that problem.
The EJ253 is an interference engine and uses a timing belt. The belt should be changed at 105,000 miles or 105 months, whichever comes first. The tensioner, idler pulleys, water pump, and thermostat should be changed, too.
In 2008, Subaru was in the process of switching between two coolants (old green coolant and new Super Coolant). It's not an issue, but something to be aware of if you would ever need to add coolant.
Early fourth generation Legacys had issues with rear wheel bearings failing, but it was solved after the 2006 model year. Sometimes the issue will pop up on later years, but it's quite rare.
If you are serious about any particular Legacy (or Subaru in general) definitely take it to either a Subaru dealer or Subaru specialist and let them give it a good once over.