dto605 Posted April 26, 2009 Share Posted April 26, 2009 I am look at a 2002 Subaru Outback Sedan 3.0 H6. It has 75,000 miles and an asking price of about $8,000. I understand that the Blue Book value on this car is around $12k or $13K but I am more concerned an any typical issues these cars/engines have with them. I spoke with a mechanic who I trust, he said that timing belts and water pumps are typical Subaru 100k mile repairs. What are yours thoughts? Anything in particular I should look for? Thanks for your help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cougar Posted April 26, 2009 Share Posted April 26, 2009 What the mechanic stated is true for the older H-4 motors. There is a timing chain in the H-6 that lasts longer than the belts. The engine also requires high octane gas to run like it should. If the car hasn't been previously damaged it sounds like a very good buy but it sounds to me that the car has something from the past history. If you haven't checked Car Fax it may be a good thing to do. Hopefully this car doesn't come with a Salvage Title. When you see deals like this you have to wonder why. Then again, good deals do happen. As always, buyer beware. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dto605 Posted April 26, 2009 Author Share Posted April 26, 2009 The carfax has a blemish, it was t-boned at 20,000 miles, the car has all service records from subaru dealerships which could be seen as either a good or bad thing. So the H6 takes premium? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cougar Posted April 26, 2009 Share Posted April 26, 2009 You might take the car to an alignment shop to make sure the wheels are tracking ok. If that is good then maybe things will be ok regardless of the wreck. The car is never the same as a undamaged one though but the price is good. Dealer service records are a big plus. Premium gas, yes indeed but not a real biggie and you don't have to use it all the time. Check the Owner's Manual. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted April 26, 2009 Share Posted April 26, 2009 i like seeing previous damage, pictures, or knowing exactly what was done. ask for the paper work or pictures. if it's just a dented door or two which was replaced, that's no big deal. if the pillar was crushed, pulled, and realigned and all the air bags went off then you have concerns over how well the repair was done in terms of the safety given another accident. my H6 has side impact air bags, and i think this one should too, i'd wonder if those went off and were replaced properly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dto605 Posted April 26, 2009 Author Share Posted April 26, 2009 Yeah before I buy anything used I will take it to my guy and have it thrown on the lift for a peak. How fun is the h6 to drive? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pontiac6KSTEAWD Posted April 26, 2009 Share Posted April 26, 2009 My H6 in my Tribeca says Premium Gas Recomended, but not required.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3Pin Posted April 26, 2009 Share Posted April 26, 2009 I have an 02 H6 LL Bean and it is really fun to drive. My favorite Subbie so far. Real smooth, decent mileage compared with the H4 I bought mine with 62K about 2 years ago for upper about 10K. I use mid grade gas all of the time. Not much extra in my mind versus regular 87 octane. I would be a bit concerned with the t-bone. A good frame guy might be able to confirm if it was put back together right. Maybe not. I would look at the tires also and see if there are any signs of uneven wear. If brand spanking new tires are on it, I would be a little cautious. Good luck with your search! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 How fun is the h6 to drive?what are you coming from? if you're coming from the EA82 80's era subaru's you're going to think NASA built this thing. ours does plenty more than we need, i like it. but if you're coming from something 90s-ish you might be a little disappointed if you're looking for a sports car. don't get me wrong, i love ours and it drives great for us, but it's not a "fast" car either - keeping in mind "fast" is subjecive. that's not why we bought it. our wagon feels a bit more like a SUV than our other soobs (legacy's, impreza's, XT6), but those are all very low to the ground and hug the road like crazy. this car is big, heavy, a wagon, but has tons of safety features and improvements. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dto605 Posted April 27, 2009 Author Share Posted April 27, 2009 Well, ready for this?? I am coming from a Diesel Jetta that does 0-60 in about 30 seconds. I will miss the MPG but I drive much less now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dto605 Posted April 27, 2009 Author Share Posted April 27, 2009 I also have found a 2000 Outback Limited. H4, 1 owner, 99,995 miles. Asking $5,990. Minor fender bender and had the back right panel replaced. Are those 25,000 less miles and larger engine yet the history of a t-bone not worth the extra $2,000? Or is the H4 a better bet? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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