CD Article: Subaru Legacy/Outback/Baja, 2000-2004

[CD_Editor]

         
Used Vehicle Review:


A common problem with the second generation Subaru Legacy and Outback models is leaky head gaskets in the base 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, reports Contributing Editor, Chris Chase.  Potential purchasers should make sure this has been addressed, he says.
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[Shnak]

For years and years, I thought Subaru was an Australian company because of those Crocodile Dundee commercials! 

Also, I've always liked the Baja. I'd love to get one if I could find a good deal. With that said, I've never sat in one, so I'm not sure how big it is inside, especially the rear seats. I know a Legacy Wagon makes much more sense at a lower price, but the Baja is unique. And I like unique! 

[Canada Stig]

I am seriously considering a used Outback or Impreza for my 21 year old daughter who is still in school but drives through the best snow Central Ontario has to offer on a daily basis.  She really likes either the Impreza or the Legacy/outback and it seems like the best combination of space, fuel economy etc plus AWD, even compared to say a CRV or Escape 4 cyl.

I have heard (as the article says) head gaskets are a problem.  I've never owned a Subie but I have owned many Japanese cars, as well as German ones, with little complaints.

What is dealer service like?  Parts prices?  Maintenance costs? etc. etc.

[johngenx]

Try to stay away from the dealer.  Parts prices are very high, and book rates on labour are ridiculous.  The beauty of the older models (like 2004 Legacy or 2004-2005 Impreza) is the relative simplicity of the cars and lots of good jobber parts.

The 2005 Legacy and Outback models are nicer, sleeker, and therefore, usually priced much higher.  The 2004 models are well sorted, and the best value in the used Legacy market.  Try not to go older than 2004 if the budget allows.  That said, most everyone I know has an older Subaru, and generally, they're pretty bulletproof.

Maintenance is not terribly DIY friendly, but there are a growing number of indies that are more than competent to fix Subarus.  I would still have the dealer do the timing belts, as all the boxers are interference engines, and if they screw up, it's a big bill.  Many indies don't have the ability money-wise to just drop in a new engine for you.

DO NOT use quick lube services.  The Subaru automatic transmissions use a screw-on filter that looks all the world like the engine oil filter, and is often a big screw up by quick lube places.  You're playing the odds there, and they're not good.

As for AWD, well, once you drive a Subaru in the winter, you're going to have a tough time not owning a Subaru forever.  The system is superior to anything else in the price range, and even high-end AWD systems (BMW, MB, Audi...) are not better despite the high prices.

Two words:  WINTER TIRES.  Even AWD is all about tires.  My Forester is on Blizzaks, and I did have my "all-season" tires still mounted on our first snow fall.  Borrowed my wife's Blizzak equipped Corolla as the Forester was down-right dangerous.