Just bought a 2005 Baja because I loved the look. Now I'm wondering what I can do about parts. It's got 150,000 miles on it and was bought from a "dealer" who got it at auction. I'm sure it's going to need something eventually, I'm just looking to find out what models and years have parts that I can match up.

 

Right now I'm looking for headlights and the sheild that covers the bottom of the car beneath the engine. Looks like someone removed it to change oil and never put it back.

The Baja was built on the Legacy Outback platform.

Almost all dealers get their cars from auto auctions or trade ins so no cause for concern on that.

 

traditional wisdom is to check fluids - engine, transmission, center (If auto) and rear differential, coolant and brakes.

 

Standard places to watch are the external head gasket leak that was fairly common to these motors and if done right on the first fix should last the life of the motor thereafter.

 

Also check timing belt. They are due for replacement at 110,000 miles. If done at that interval you are good to 200k. If it hasn't been done, they could fail at any time and you'll be looking at a big repair bill. Gates timing kits with water pump are about $150. on amazon right now.

 

Legacy and Outback will share almost all parts. Impreza and Forester share mostly the same drivetrain parts but had different body parts.

Just want to say thanks for the input. I'm sure I'm over my head with all of this, so I'll probably be on here a lot as time goes on. :-)