Bajabuddy

My used 03 Baja I purchased in March of 06 had just under 30,000 miles. By 50,000 miles or less the tell tell signs of head gasket failure was present. Constant hot leaking coolant smell although no puddles under the car. Although I had purchased a extended warranty the dealer was only willing to add the Subaru approved additive to repair the seepage. It did improve, but within another 10,000 miles oil seepage was present as well, dripping on the exhaust manifold. How convenient for the dealer that they only concluded the car need a new head gasket after the warranty expired. I told them no thanks and never took the car back for my routine service. Finally had the hg replaced around 100,000 miles. Now at 117,000 miles having serious overheating issues. Car is the shop now awaiting a diagnosis. Most everything has been eliminated. Most advising a blow head gasket. Keep a close check on your brakes too. My goes through brake pads faster than anything I've ever driven. Strange too the rear brakes wear out before the front. Despite the issues and repair expenses I've had with the Baja. It has always driven good, been comfortable, reasonably quiet on the road and whether rain slick roads or deep snow it goes.

Having a similar problem with my 03 Baja. On a couple of occasions last month the temp gauge rose quickly to the max. Stopped immediately and let engine cool. Overflow canister was full to top. Radiator hoses and cap were not extremely hot to touch. Added a quart or more of coolant to radiator and was able to continue driving. Fluid in the overflow was never drawn back into the radiator after car was parked and completely cold. Put car in the shop, Nothing determined wrong. Replaced the radiator cap and rubber hose from top of radiator to overflow canister. The hose did has some cracks and deterioration on the end. Drove the car several more days with no overheating issues; although the canister remained above normal levels. Added coolant and/or water to radiator on several occasions. Never any loss of heat from the heater. Week before last made a 400 mile plus trip without incident. One way drive however. Shortly into my return trip the temp gauge pegged out again starting the upgrade of the western VA mountains. Let the engine cool again, added more coolant and made a immediate u-turn back to my starting point. Had to leave the Baja at a repair job and get a rental to get back home. The car has 117,000 miles. Had been well maintained and serviced. Around 100,000 miles; new timing belt and water pump. At about 108,000; new head gasket. Old gasket didn't blow, but was seeping a consider amount of oil on the exhaust manifold. Repairs to the car are on stand-by. Mechanic tried a new thermostat. No difference in condition. Could sit and idle all day without overheating. Hit the incline of a mountain road and the needle hits the max. He also did a flow test on the radiator and no restriction found. The mechanic there is convinced it is the head casket. A new head gasket again is a costly proposition.