Baja Turbo 5-speed owner here. Just love it. BTW: The rear seat folds forward so the seat back folds flat. With the hatch open you have almost 8 feet with the tailgate down. Add coilovers and good suspension parts, these Bajas handle great. I added 20mm wheel spacers to the front, 25mm spacers on the rear. improved handling a bit and really sets the stance off.
That sounds like a prime example!! I saw a Baja the other day with a bed shell, I didn’t even know those existed. It was a mix matched color so it looked strange, but still cool to see. Enjoy your 06 manual!! 🙂
AA this Baja is definitely a rare bird...the turbo 2.5 with the manual tranny is nowdays sought after...especially with the resurgence of mini pickups. Shame Subaru didn't make more of these.
I loved my same color 06 behind with a camper top, mine died. Just shy of 300,000, mi. I was going to get it back to my son when he got himself established in Chicago few weeks ago. On the way there he was a bit overloaded but huge cargo bag. A little rails loaded with stuff. The bed was loaded to the top of the camper and there was a massive bicycle rack mounted to the hitch with bikes on there. It blew a tire on the rear. Had about 70 mph costing him to go right into the ditch. Flip in the Baja nose and on top of the roof kept sliding rolling over once. Maybe twice in the safety cage did not even collapse. They came out with various minor scratches, him and his wife and the cat. Sadly for my car that's where came to an end. The weird thing, the bicycles hardly got damaged except for the basket on the front of the handlebars. Glad they came out safe. I didn't have any faith in those frameless windows. But surprisingly it held up the cabin well.
That’s awesome! I’m really hoping Subaru brings out a new Baja with the next gen Outback in probably 2026, if they do I’d likely sell my OBW for one. 😍
I own a 2006 black Baja Turbo, 5 speed manual transmission, and I would do most anything to acquire a tonneau cover similar to the one shown in this video. I purchased the Baja used and the factory supplied cover was totally deteriorated from being out in the sun and weather. Not willing to stay with the stock engine, I replaced it with the Subaru 2.5L STI engine, a 30% boost in horsepower. 🙂
@@wyattrogers8689: Since the fundamental block is the same, the engine mounted to the transmission with no problem. The original intercooler is also in the correct place to keep all the plumbing intact. The major engine differences between stock Baja and STI are internal and programing in the computer. The turbo generates a greater pressure and airflow, the cam is slightly different, and the "computer tuning" is distinctly different. And if you want to get really radical, there are folks with software and a dynamometer that can squeak out a little additional power. This needs to be carefully adjusted if you live in an area that has regular emissions inspection for licensing. I live in one of the required inspection areas. I did not change any of the running gear, and I also don't rev it up and dump the clutch. I'm afraid of twisting an axle or breaking a CV joint. I also didn't change any of the suspension so I'm reluctant to hit a tight turn at 120 MPH. :-) However, when driving through the wilds of central Wyoming, it's tons o'' fun. If I should ever win the lottery, these additional items will certainly receive attention.
I'd love to own one of these, but I can't justify a dealer asking $12,900 for an 18 year old, N/A, 170k mile car. I know they're getting harder to find, but still could find a newer WRX/STI for that price
you didnt lift the bottom half of the seat up, the rear seat will lay flat. i had one but was Automatic :( Looks Great in all Black, dont really care for 2 tone colors.. maybe i'll get another some day
Just be aware. The manuals have 4.44 gear ratios and rhe 5th isnt very tall so it eats gas. Goin from auto to manual i went from 28mpg to 24... And the auto has more torque because torque converters act as gear reduction drives. But on the hwy it runs lower rpms rhan the manual... So yeah manuals have an even 50/50 split front to rear power but... They eat gas have no hwy gears to speak of, and youll burn rhe clutch up making up for lack of torque. The auto trans just...pulls... Period. And you can add a trans oil cooler and pull even harder. The manual depends 1000% on the motor or the clutch. The motor is meh, and rhe clutch has its days numbered if youre slipping trying to not bog it down. Yall can rag the auto all you want...in this case its better. And if you want an ACTUAL 4WD switch you can put a toggle between the ecu and rhe center diff solenoid. Poof. An actual 4wd diff lock that will off road better than even the manuals viscous center diff. Bonus All the bajas had LSD rearends 😁
the automatic that comes in the turbo models are really underrated. the autos can handle more power than the 5mt and the handling is far better because of the more sophisticated 45/55 power split, you can oversteer easily if you arent careful.
I’m sure they’ve had conversations regarding it with the direction other manufacturers are going. I guess time will tell if it ever resurfaces! There’s actually an old Brat in my neighborhood, pretty cool to see on occasion. 🙂
Baja Turbo 5-speed owner here. Just love it. BTW: The rear seat folds forward so the seat back folds flat. With the hatch open you have almost 8 feet with the tailgate down.
Add coilovers and good suspension parts, these Bajas handle great. I added 20mm wheel spacers to the front, 25mm spacers on the rear. improved handling a bit and really sets the stance off.
That’s good to know, and sounds like a lot of fun! Thanks for watching. 🙂
I have a 2005 baja manual transmission sunroof leather power windows locks put 2 " lift and only has 148k miles still going strong 💪
How do you like the 2inch lift? Just bought 2006 w/ less than 100K miles.
Just bought a 2006 manual with less than 100K miles. Amazing condition - garaged entire life.
That sounds like a prime example!! I saw a Baja the other day with a bed shell, I didn’t even know those existed. It was a mix matched color so it looked strange, but still cool to see. Enjoy your 06 manual!! 🙂
AA this Baja is definitely a rare bird...the turbo 2.5 with the manual tranny is nowdays sought after...especially with the resurgence of mini pickups. Shame Subaru didn't make more of these.
Absolutely agree! It was produced in the wrong decade, similar to the FJ Cruiser, IMO. 🙂
Good review. I really like the design with the pass through to the bed, wish that feature was on new trucks.
Thank you, and for watching! They certainly were unique. It would be cool if traditional body/bed on frame trucks had a similar design! 🙂
I loved my same color 06 behind with a camper top, mine died. Just shy of 300,000, mi.
I was going to get it back to my son when he got himself established in Chicago few weeks ago. On the way there he was a bit overloaded but huge cargo bag. A little rails loaded with stuff. The bed was loaded to the top of the camper and there was a massive bicycle rack mounted to the hitch with bikes on there. It blew a tire on the rear. Had about 70 mph costing him to go right into the ditch. Flip in the Baja nose and on top of the roof kept sliding rolling over once. Maybe twice in the safety cage did not even collapse. They came out with various minor scratches, him and his wife and the cat. Sadly for my car that's where came to an end. The weird thing, the bicycles hardly got damaged except for the basket on the front of the handlebars. Glad they came out safe. I didn't have any faith in those frameless windows. But surprisingly it held up the cabin well.
I’m so glad they are okay!!! Thanks for sharing this story, I’m really sorry to hear about out your Baja. 😕
I drive an 06 Baja turbo manual every day. It's pretty awesome
That is awesome! 🙂
You can tell the dealer is an optimist and a dreamer with that asking price.
😝 No Comment, lol.
I love my Bajas. My favorite of all vehicles❤
That’s awesome! I’m really hoping Subaru brings out a new Baja with the next gen Outback in probably 2026, if they do I’d likely sell my OBW for one. 😍
The bottom of the back seat lifts up, so the back rest lays flat. On the sides when the back seat rest is down you have 2 storage compartments.
Thanks for adding this!! 🙂
I own a 2006 black Baja Turbo, 5 speed manual transmission, and I would do most anything to acquire a tonneau cover similar to the one shown in this video. I purchased the Baja used and the factory supplied cover was totally deteriorated from being out in the sun and weather. Not willing to stay with the stock engine, I replaced it with the Subaru 2.5L STI engine, a 30% boost in horsepower. 🙂
That sounds like a sweet Baja! And I hope you find the only tonneau you’re looking for. 🙂
how hard was the swap? i have an 06 turbo. did you have to build the transmission or diff, or was the power manageable enough?
@@wyattrogers8689: Since the fundamental block is the same, the engine mounted to the transmission with no problem. The original intercooler is also in the correct place to keep all the plumbing intact. The major engine differences between stock Baja and STI are internal and programing in the computer. The turbo generates a greater pressure and airflow, the cam is slightly different, and the "computer tuning" is distinctly different. And if you want to get really radical, there are folks with software and a dynamometer that can squeak out a little additional power. This needs to be carefully adjusted if you live in an area that has regular emissions inspection for licensing. I live in one of the required inspection areas. I did not change any of the running gear, and I also don't rev it up and dump the clutch. I'm afraid of twisting an axle or breaking a CV joint. I also didn't change any of the suspension so I'm reluctant to hit a tight turn at 120 MPH. :-) However, when driving through the wilds of central Wyoming, it's tons o'' fun. If I should ever win the lottery, these additional items will certainly receive attention.
I have a 2003 w 326,000 miles. Still drives pretty good but she’s leaking oil.
That’s awesome! Just a leaky oil pan gasket or something else?
Great review! I get so much attention when I drive my Baja lol. Wish mine had a tonneau cover
Thanks!! I’m not surprised! What color combo and powertrain configuration does yours have? You could always add accessories later. 🙂
@@AutomotiveAnonymous208 Baja tonneau covers are extremely hard to find unfortunately. Mine is a silver NA with the 5 speed
Good review.
I heard that Subaru is coming out with a new Baja on the next OBW redesign.
I'd love to own one of these, but I can't justify a dealer asking $12,900 for an 18 year old, N/A, 170k mile car. I know they're getting harder to find, but still could find a newer WRX/STI for that price
Absolutely agree! For that price I’d want a lower miles turbo manual.
I have an 05 baja with 2 " lift 148k leather sunroof bought for $ 3200
The bottom of the back seat flips foreward so that the back folds flat.
I like the Ute style
I wish we had high performance Utes in America, lol. 🤷♂️🙂
you didnt lift the bottom half of the seat up, the rear seat will lay flat.
i had one but was Automatic :(
Looks Great in all Black, dont really care for 2 tone colors..
maybe i'll get another some day
Opps, thanks for adding that!
I’m hoping Subaru releases a new version to compete with the Santa Cruz and Maverick!
Shifter is just a bushing away from being just okay ;)
You’re right! 😛
My recent video compares the Baja to the Ford Maverick. I was surprised how close in size they are.
That’s awesome! I did a 2.0 turbo Maverick a while ago, it was pretty quick! Thanks for sharing and for watching. 🙂
@Automotive Anonymous Thanks! If you ever want to collaborate on a video, let me know.
I would trade somebody my 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness for a manual turboed Baja.
Just be aware. The manuals have 4.44 gear ratios and rhe 5th isnt very tall so it eats gas. Goin from auto to manual i went from 28mpg to 24... And the auto has more torque because torque converters act as gear reduction drives. But on the hwy it runs lower rpms rhan the manual... So yeah manuals have an even 50/50 split front to rear power but... They eat gas have no hwy gears to speak of, and youll burn rhe clutch up making up for lack of torque. The auto trans just...pulls... Period. And you can add a trans oil cooler and pull even harder. The manual depends 1000% on the motor or the clutch. The motor is meh, and rhe clutch has its days numbered if youre slipping trying to not bog it down.
Yall can rag the auto all you want...in this case its better. And if you want an ACTUAL 4WD switch you can put a toggle between the ecu and rhe center diff solenoid. Poof. An actual 4wd diff lock that will off road better than even the manuals viscous center diff.
Bonus
All the bajas had LSD rearends 😁
This is great information, thanks for sharing your knowledge and person experiences! 🙂
As an owner of the non-turbo 5-speed you're right about it eating gas on the highway!! By the time you hit 60 mph it's just sitting at 3k rpm 🥲
the automatic that comes in the turbo models are really underrated. the autos can handle more power than the 5mt and the handling is far better because of the more sophisticated 45/55 power split, you can oversteer easily if you arent careful.
Ahead of its time. They’d be smart to reintroduce one. Still for my money I’d rather buy a Subaru Sambar. Something about those Kei trucks!
I’m sure they’ve had conversations regarding it with the direction other manufacturers are going. I guess time will tell if it ever resurfaces! There’s actually an old Brat in my neighborhood, pretty cool to see on occasion. 🙂
I wish you said why the 5 speed is so desirable. Poor title.
How much this car price??????
I don’t remember, it was quite a while ago. In new reviews I try to always show the window sticker or the dealers asking price sticker.
I think volkswagen baja