2006 3.0R engine opinions wanted

[jonathan909]

I haven't given up on the '01 EZ30 I was talking about recently, but have been dealing with higher priority stuff - including acquiring a radiant heater for the garage so I can get the damn thing fixed in comfort.

In the meantime, we have an opportunity to grab an (estate) '06 Outback with the 3.0R - low miles (~250K km and an initial ask of $2K CAD).  That's newer than anything else we have (or have had), so I've never touched this motor.

What do all-y'all think of it?

[Edit]

I see now that it (the EZ30D Mk 2) is basically the same EZ30(D Mk1) as I'm familiar with, but with the addition of VVT.  So my question stands:  Do you think it's a good/bad/indifferent change?

Edited February 11 by jonathan909

[jonathan909]

Crickets... awesome.

Couldn't help buying it at the price.  VVT strikes me as marginal fussiness but probably harmless, though I've seen oil leak through them in a friend's EJ25.  The car's twenty years old and already too modern for my taste, though.  Electronic gear selection, auto-dimming rearview mirror, no key lock on the hatchback, etc.  But we'll see how it goes.

 

[moosens]

Not a big fan of FB but there’s a “Subaru Mechanics” group that might offer a wider base of knowledge than this aging message board.
Apologies if you’re already aware.
Wish I could contribute. Right now I’m a little gun shy of the whole 2005 to present engines. 

[jonathan909]

I boycott bookface.  NFW.  I did notice it's been relatively quite here; hate to see everyone defect.

I feel the same way about the newer, but if this is the same basic engine as my '01 H6s, I think I'll be happy.

 

[Numbchux]

Good engine.

5EAT is lovely when it works. I think higher failure rate than 4 speeds.

 

Prepare for electrical issues. Rear tailgate harness breakage. Passenger airbag light fails and disables the entire airbag system. Any trouble code disables the cruise.