Looking for another car

[SVXyGirl]

Ok to make a long story short. I'm looking to get another vehicle. Something that has more room than the SVXs. Aside from borrowing my fiances Jeep or my parents truck, I don't have a lot of room to haul stuff or doggies around in the SVX. I've packed a lot in the SVXs (example: Reading last year). I'm really interested in the 2004-2007 Forester XT. I'm also looking at the Outback, but I think certain years had head gasket issues. Is this true? Here are some things I would like to have in a vehicle:

- Manual
- Hatchback or larger back area (like the Forester or Jeep)
- AWD is a plus but not necessary.
- Decent gas mileage
- must have "get-up-n-go". I don't need a race car, but I don't want a slug.
- Being able to tow a motorcycle or two would be great.

Aside from the Forester and Outback, I was looking at non-Subaru vehicles like the Toyota Rav4, or Honda CRV. I also was looking at the Mini Cooper. I know that is different from the others, but I've always liked them. I know Mike had a lot of issues with his Mini, but I have a friend with one and she has never had a problem with it. Anything I get will be used. As of right now I don't plan to sell either of the SVXs because I wouldn't be able to get the money they're worth IMO. Plus no one wants my Claret. So I'm researching whats out there and I'm getting an idea about $$ too. Any suggestions, advice, etc is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[XxMattrimxX]

If you are looking for a 4cyl the EJ22t engine is the best I know of as far as durability and reliability. Its in legacy until 93? I think? Dunno if that helps at all.
But I always liked Baja's too. Lol.

[icingdeath88]

I think certain years of the NA 2.5 engines had head gasket issues.

[subeman90]

How much do you want to spend?

For what you want to do the first thing that comes to mind is an H6 Outback. Hands down this would do everything you want and wouldn't kill your wallet at the gas pump either. If you can get past the fact that it is an automatic.

Personally I would stay away from the turbo cars. Too much to worry about if they were or weren't taken care of properly. The turbos (Subaru) like to go out too on the newer cars (Mike Davis can chime in on this one).

2.5's do have HG issues. The newer the motor the less likely it will have issues. (2000 OB will sooner or later need it done, 2007 not as likely)

[SVXyGirl]

Originally Posted by subeman90

2.5's do have HG issues. The newer the motor the less likely it will have issues. (2000 OB will sooner or later need it done, 2007 not as likely)

Why do they have HG issues? design of the engine or something?

[subeman90]

Originally Posted by SVXyGirl

Why do they have HG issues? design of the engine or something?

poor HG design is what I have been told which doesn't surprise me since the 96-99 4 cam 2.5 had 5 revisions before they got that one right.

[sabin]

i have a well cared for 2005 outback xt limited automatic 72k miles. it has a subaru gold warranty until 100k
i would like to get rid of it and lower my bills. let me know if you might be interested

[Green1995SVX]

2005-2006 legacy and forester turbos have some pretty serious engine and turbo issues. Do some research before you buy one of those. I have a 2005 legacy gt that's dead and doing a nice job of holding down my garage floor right now. A good friend of mine has a 2005 forester XT that's been through 2 engines and 3 turbos at only 50,000 miles.

How about one of these:

http://www.autotrader.com/dealers/in...C&cardist=5717

[TomsSVX]

E39 540 Touring w/ an m5 drivetrain swap....

Tom

[shelfy]

I haven't had any trouble with my 05 FXT, but it sure likes to guzzle the premium fuel. Worse mileage than my V8 Grand Cherokee.

[Green1995SVX]

Originally Posted by shelfy

I haven't had any trouble with my 05 FXT, but it sure likes to guzzle the premium fuel. Worse mileage than my V8 Grand Cherokee.

Have you removed the screen from the turbo banjo bolt? if not, do it now.

[shelfy]

Originally Posted by Green1995SVX

Have you removed the screen from the turbo banjo bolt? if not, do it now.

I have no idea what that is. Eric?

[K_Dub]

My Mom and Sister both had head gasket issues right between 100-125K miles in their EJ251 (a 2003 Baja and a 2001 Fozzy). That seems par for the course with this motor. I really do like the look and stats for the 2005+ XT line, but I've still heard the same about that motor, besides which finding a stick shift is pretty tough (impossible in Outback form I believe). Sabin's car does sound just the ticket, but if it were me I'd have trouble committing to that motor. I can personally attest to the EJ22 being a real tough SOB, with no issues over years of abuse. The problem is that they're all getting a bit long in the tooth by now, and finding an Outback with one is a real scavenger hunt (only available in 1996 with the 5MT). If you find a '96 EJ22 Outback for sale and pass it by, send it my way.

Thinking outside the box, I really like the Suzuki SX4 Crossover. It really isn't a crossover as much as a new Justy. They're Fiesta/Fit sized but with a part time AWD and folding rear seats it's about as close to an old Subee as you'll find at a dealership today. As for sportyness; it won Pike's Peak, albeit slightly modified.

[sabin]

the 2.5 na has know head gasket issues from 97-04
the 2.5 turbos have a a small screen in the oil feed banjo bolt to the turbo they can clog and starve the turbo of oil and sometimes kill the engine. the filter is cheap and pretty easy to get to. some people remove them, i clean mine every other oil change.

the outback xt was available in stick in all years. the legacy wagon turbo only had it in 2005.

the main reason i went for the outback over the forester was the transmission. the forester xt has a 4eat, the outback and legacy have a 5eat that is vtd with a 45-55 split. i wish i could get swap the drivetrain into my svx.

[K_Dub]

Originally Posted by sabin

the 2.5 na has know head gasket issues from 97-04
the 2.5 turbos have a a small screen in the oil feed banjo bolt to the turbo they can clog and starve the turbo of oil and sometimes kill the engine. the filter is cheap and pretty easy to get to. some people remove them, i clean mine every other oil change.

the outback xt was available in stick in all years. the legacy wagon turbo only had it in 2005.

the main reason i went for the outback over the forester was the transmission. the forester xt has a 4eat, the outback and legacy have a 5eat that is vtd with a 45-55 split. i wish i could get swap the drivetrain into my svx.

I was mistaken about the transmissions, it was the Legacy that was hard to find with a stick. I stand corrected. I'd also forgoten the Forester XT was saddled with the old 4EAT. This is good info. Has Subaru ever offered an H6 with a stick? I don't believe so, but perhaps I'm wrong there too.

Don't get me wrong, you've got a really sweet car. I somehow suspect that I'll always call that "the last real Subaru". GLWTS