loza

Hi Jay. Thanks for replying. Some good info there. Interesting modifications. Overall sounds like a good model to go for. Cheers.

Hello. I will soon (in a month or 2) be in the market for a used Subaru. I am looking at non-turbo Impreza hatchbacks and the 3rd gen (2007-2014) is what I can afford. To eliminate any confusion, this is the generation that I am talking about: Sites I am looking at are Gumtree and Ebay, these seem to be where the most ads are. My number 1 concern is reliability. Not fussed about performance. I am aware that these models can use oil quickly, and have a timing belt (not chain). I have noticed they come as 2.0L and 1.5L, most of the ads I have seen are the 1.5. Does anyone have any tips that could sway me toward either engine size? Manual or auto transmission, I am not fussed about. It looks like manuals come with dual-range which is pretty cool. Does anyone know if the dual range on these locks the diff? Or does it not (meaning it can be used on tarmac). Also, does anyone know if these models come with a USB port for playing music? I could replace the stock system with another head unit. I don't care about GPS, as I use my phone for that. I'm looking for any other tips that could help me make the right choice, things to look out for, etc. Thanks for reading.

Thanks Geoff. It may be another month or 2 before I purchase :)

Mr B, very sound advice, thanks!

Hi Jay. I have been mulling over the engine choice for a little while now. I really appreciate your input, Mr B, but I am leaning more towards the 2.5 over the 3.0 mainly because of the running costs (fuel-consumption and premium petrol). Subaru's are already on the thirsty side, without a big engine, and I am far from rich! Also, like I said, performance is not important to me. I know you said there are potential head-gasket issues, but I am wondering just how common this issue is ... I mean my parents both had a 2.5 in Australia and never had any issues. Also started looking into Legacy Estates (I think the main difference is less ground clearance). I have found one ad, which ticks every box, and it's a good price. It is a 2.5, however, the timing belt has been replaced recently. It's also a '05 model, which will save me some dosh on Tax, as Mr B pointed out. Cheers.

Oh ok. Not important for me as I use a phone for nav :)

Mr B, thanks for your advice. Very helpful. For me, performance is not important, but reliability is so I am leaning toward the 3.0 based on your comments. Does any one know the difference between the "R" and the "Rn" ?

Also, does the 3.0 take regular unleaded, or does it need premium?

Hi Mr B. Thanks for your reply. I was originally thinking the 2.5 because 1. It would be cheaper to buy and 2. It would be less thirsty ... But if there's not much difference maybe I'll consider the 3.0. Cheers.

Hi Folks, I came across this community when researching Subaru Outbacks and I can see myself being a regular viewer and occasional poster! I think it's great that there's an active Subie community in this country :) A bit about me: Born on the UK but spent most of my life so far in Australia. Back living in the UK now. Subaru's are very popular in Australia. I read somewhere that Australia is the 3rd largest market for Subaru (behind Japan and The States), despite the lower population. Someone told me years ago that subies are known as "rust buckets" here in the UK, but I think that is the reputation of the old models (eg, the L-Series from the 80's). I am assuming that newer models don't carry the same tag (am I right?). My father, who is a qualified mechanic, got me into Subaru's mainly due to the reliability of them. He has owned several over the years, starting from the early 80's (I think). My first car was an L-Series wagon (estate) that the old man let me have once I got my licence. It was a bit slow but pretty much indestructible! This was a model that had a manual dual-range (diff-locked) gearbox, and I did my fair share of off-roading. I am looking at soon purchasing my first Subaru in this country, so I am watching the "For Sale" pages in this forum. My model of choice will be an Outback, the generation with a "dip" in the headlights (03 til 09, I think). Any advice would be much appreciated! One question I have, for anyone who knows, is: Does the 03-09 Outback have a timing belt or timing chain? Cheers.