Learn me Subaru Outback XT

Baby is on the way so the Tacoma will be going away. I've decided to replace it with a 2005 or 2006 Subaru Outback XT (rather than a Mazda 3 hatchback or a Honda Odyssey). I'm excited for the 2.5 liter turbo motor plus the FIVE-speed automatic (rather than the four-speed auto with the base engine). Since XTs are scarce in Phoenix I will fly to Denver where there are many to choose from. And I've decided to pay a little more to get better condition and fewer miles since I am planning on keeping this car for ~ten years.

So what do I need to know about these cars, especially: -What to look for or avoid when purchasing? -Timing belt or chain? -Reliability issues? -Tips for maintaining it myself? -Any tips for the first oil change, since I'll probably do it in my brother's driveway before I drive it 1,000 miles back to Phoenix. Any other stuff to do before I drive it home?

Thanks for your help!

David

My experience is with the N/A version (XS), so YMMV

I don't know about the turbo motors, but check for headgasket leaks. I know on the N/A engine they tend to be a problem. They're anywhere from $1300-2200 from a garage.

Has a timing belt. If it has the above issue, do both at the same time.

get the maintenance records and check for religious oil changes. The leagacy / outback turbo motor is far more fussy about oil than the WRX motor, and a $7000 repair bill for turbo and motor is not uncommon

car39 wrote: get the maintenance records and check for religious oil changes. The leagacy / outback turbo motor is far more fussy about oil than the WRX motor, and a $7000 repair bill for turbo and motor is not uncommon

This. 1,000 times this.

I bought one that hadn't had consistent oil changes (apparently) and it has cost me a ton of money and headaches. Granted now I have a fresh short-block but after a year it has cost me $6,000.

The 5-speed auto (5EAT) is a treat but if you're going to work the car in the heat, get a tranny cooler to keep it happy. A basic tune livens the engine up considerably and will also net you better fuel economy.

The VF40 turbo isn't known for longevity, but there are OEM options out there that are good (read upgrade) substitutions. If you can find a VF52 for less than $600 grab it.

They do not however have headgasket issues.

iirc, there were only two years they were available with the manual, compared to one MY (05) for the LGT wagon.

the outbacks all got the same brakes as the N/A legacy wagon did, which felt a bit mushy compared to the LGT i test drove. LGTs came with larger disks and i think better calipers but its been a while since i was looking at those.

the automatic equipped outbacks have the capability to lock up the center diff in the transfer case as terrain requires, and can be hacked to let you lock it up on demand. the manual equipped models i think just have a torsen center diff.

look for one with the winter package as that adds seat heaters, wiper park heater and rear viscous LSD. a lot of the LGTs and outback XTs came in limited trim and with the winter package so it shouldn't be terribly difficult to find

The Outbacks didn't get the bigger brakes of the LGT? That's a shame.

LGT has dual piston calipers FYI.

I own an '05 OXT and it's been great so far. I bought it with 26k miles and now it's at about 54k. Though I can't speak for the 5EAT as I shift my own gears. The only complaint I remember reading about the auto was due to turbo lag.

The '06 will have a cat-less up-pipe stock, whereas the '05 will have a catted one - people seem to think that eventually the converter material breaks down and can wind up in the turbo, wrecking it. I plan on replacing mine at some point(whenever I get around to doing a downpipe upgrade most likely).

I think the whole regular oil change thing is related to the turbo banjo bolt filter clogging and starving the turbo of oil, many people seem to remove it, figuring that the oil filter will be effective enough, along with regular oil changes.

Oh, I've gotten up to almost 25mpg average with mine(I commute all backroads 60mi/day round trip to work. And that's getting into it a bit here and there, but mostly trying to achieve decent mileage.

That's all I can think of now, hope it helps. Good luck in your search, they're great DD cars.

-Sean

P.S. I think the LGT brakes are a bolt-in upgrade