On the hunt...

[livetoclimb]

Hi everyone.

New member here - UK. 

I currently own a 4 year old Skoda Octavia Scout and whilst it’s been a good car I could do with freeing up some money due to an impending wedding/baby. I only do about 6-8k per year, with most of these miles on A roads/M ways - I commute on my motorbike.

When I bought the Scout, the other contender was a Gen 5 Outback 2.5i, but I went with my head as the OB was hugely more expensive, and on the test drive I was impressed with everything but the power delivery. The thing was gutless, albeit with only about 500 miles on the clock so perhaps not really run in. I wasn’t particularly enamoured with the CVT either and was concerned about potential reliability issues with the transmission down the line. 

I’m now wondering whether a facelift 07-09 OB might be the way forward - with the 3.0 H6. Not concerned about low fuel economy or high VED as I do relatively few miles.

So what are the general views on these cars? Looking for ride comfort, winter/rough road abilities, load lugging abilities, and (ideally!) reliability. More than happy to carry out preventative maintenance. 

I’ve seen a few on AutoTrader and EBay which seems to be in good condition but have 120k plus miles and not heavily advertised as having FSH which is important to me. Prices vary disproportionately and do not particularly seem to really reflect MOT history or condition. Whilst I’ve seen them in the wild, I’m yet to sit in or test drive one

There’s one for sale for about £4.3k currently, at a small dealer near Heathrow, with 125k on the clock - it ostensibly looks good but I’m concerned by the inconsistent reviews on the dealer, plus it’s a lot to spend on a relatively high mileage car.

Any advice greatly appreciated. I’m ideally looking to spend between £3.5k and £4k on something with fairly low mileage, FSH and ideally owned by someone who has looked after it. Is this realistic? Even better, is anyone selling anything good?? 
 

Thanks in advance.

[Judd]

3.0 litre H6 is a peach, lovely gearbox too.

Chain cam engine, HG trouble very rare, and the spark plugs whilst awkward can be done from underneath without too much cursing though your wrists will be shredded  😣

Check the rear subframe in particular for rust and check the front inner CV joints at the time of purchase, on the previous model to that one (a very good car itself too) those inner sat right over the CATs and the heat would cause perishing and splitting of the boots, easy enough DIY to fix but check at purchase, also check the exhaust out, it isn't cheap.

Myself i avoid all cars that have lived in Scotland due to excess salt usage leading to corrosion issues.

The model you are looking for is the pick of the bunch for Outbacks in my humble, had the present low mileage Forester not cropped up we would have got another H6 for wifey, as you allude to they need an annual service at the very least, not many low mileage examples about but take your time and the right one will appear, i'd rather buy these privately so i can judge the owner as well as the car.

Don't pay too much for high ved years, few people want anything @ £555 annual tax.

[livetoclimb]

Thanks Juddian. Really helpful response. When I find one I’ll make sure I check these particulars - although it seems these are relatively straightforward cars compared to more modern turbo or Diesel engines. Subaru’s glory days perhaps?
 

I noticed that one for sale on AT sold on here privately a year or two ago for less than £3k, now up for sale with 20k more miles for £4.3k. Private seems like a better option!

Theres a Subaru specialist not far from me so once I find one worth buying I’ll probably get them to give it a once over for peace of mind. 

Part of me keeps thinking about a newer 2.5i but I think I’d get fed up with the lack of oomph very quickly. 

If anyone selling a facelift H6 sees this please let me know..! 

[Macka]

Hi I’ve just advertised my 2004 H6 which has only done 79K Miles with a FSH and extensive maintenance. It’s also had a full check up at Bentens Subaru last October. The bodywork is also immaculate.  It’s in the for sale section and pics are on eBay and to follow on here. If you have any questions do let me know.

Thanks

[Macka]

Ps I’ve had 5 H6’s both facelift and previous so if you have any general questions too just shout cheers 

[livetoclimb]

Thanks Macka. Saw this a few days too late I’m afraid. Best of luck with the sale - looks like a lovely car.

I have actually found one - 100k miles, early 07 facelift with full service history and seems v well looked after. 

Paid a fair price too, including winter tyres in case we ever get snow again so v pleased.

Probably needs new drop links as slight clunk from front offside over bigger bumps but will get that sorted as well as new summer tyres.

Picking it up in a week or so and will report back! 

[livetoclimb]

A

On 3/3/2020 at 8:33 PM, Macka said:

Ps I’ve had 5 H6’s both facelift and previous so if you have any general questions too just shout cheers 

ny suggestions for useful tips and tricks/tasteful mods are much appreciated!

[Macka]

That’s great - I hope you really enjoy it 🙂 they are brilliant cars. The sports sharp dial is interesting too for taking off speed wise!