2009 Outback 2.5i 5 Speed manual

[Omsok]

Hello all. Just bought a 2009 Outback, manual trans., normally aspirated 4 cyl. Just had a new clutch put in it last week. Has 127’000 kms on it. Has been a city car that sat a lot, so will be going through it top to bottom to get it back in shape. Needs tires, timing belt, sway bar connect and a few odds and ends. Brakes and rotors have been done it three times already. Rear passenger window doesn’t go down. 

Not sure what I am going to do with it or how far I will go yet. For now I plan on just driving it. Need to see if grease on the rack and pinion is head gasket problem, or leaking CV boots. Been looking at tire options. Has worn winters on it now. Not really safe to drive at all in my opinion. Didn’t check manu. date yet. Thinking to get another set of rims and mount my used Jetta tires for rest of winter. They are 205/60R16. About 3% smaller than stock. Since the car is not overpowered I wont mind slightly smaller tires for a cpl months. 

Will then put stocks back on and swap em next time I am in the U. S. A. Was thinking of going with something a little more solid for non pavement driving, but not sure this car will be used much offroad. 

Getting it detailed Monday. P. O. did not smoke, but had a dog. Smells like a homless guy was living in it with a family of squirrels. 

Our other vehicle is a Jeep WK. Heavily modified for Expedition travel. Photo below. 

A good friend of mine is a head mechanic at Subaru and knows these cars inside and out, so will be able to add some technical input. 

Previous vehicle was a Jetta TDI Sportwagen that got “returned” to VW today. #neveragainvw #dieselgate

Any guidance on where to start reading in the forum appreciated. Any interest in developing aftermarket parts, let me know. I work with cast and fabricated steel and aluminum. 

Happy Friday.

Edited February 24, 2018 by Omsok