We bought a 2002 subaru outback 2.5 L $2500 had 142000 miles. We ended up spending $6k getting a ton of stuff fixed. I love driving it, I am now better educated by your channel. Most people would never invest that much in it and just give up. Parts were $3grand and labor $2800. Axel's replaced, timing belt, water pump, rear main seal, head gaskets, control arms, bushings, tie rod...if I can drive it for another 200k miles, I will get my money out of it. Thanks for your channel, wished I knew before hand.
This guide is awesome. A little intimidating for a less than mechanically inclined person, but definitely doable. I appreciate the time you took to make this.
Great video! I was just about to purchase a 2008 Forester for my daughter for $6,900 w/ 140k on it... Interior was superclean but when I took it to my mechanic he did the same as you and pulled the oil cap at idle and it was like a locomotive blowing puff puff puff. Then on the drive back from my mechanic the check engine light went on with a p0506. I told him my mechanic said walk away from the car. He said the air from the oil cap is completely normal. I think I might have just saved myself from a lot of money down the road... Thoughts! Keep up the great videos! Were still looking in 2021 for her... She loves the style of the car.
At first I was like, cmon man, hoses, belts, filters, even a battery are no biggie fixes on a 230k car. By the end of the vid I was ready to call the junkyard for you.. I got my WRX inspected by a shop for 40 bucks. So worth it after watching this.
Hot tip: Use everything you find wrong with a car as negotiating power! If a seller doesn't want to lower their price, than it's probably a car you are better off not buying. Another quality vid MrSubaru
So yeah, I'm the sucker who bought this garbage car. I've been searching for one ever since. Almost every single one I've looked at so far has had problems, just none as bad as this one. In fact I saw one today where the guy said he had been "a mechanic his whole life" and a whole list of parts he had replaced- which he hadn't. Don't be me. Buyer beware. Oh, and Subaru Guy knows what he's saying.
This car in the video was probably $700 and for that little money it should easily last a year or two even with the problems, like oil leaks. Head gasket isn't bad enough for short trips around town to work. However this wouldn't be something you take on hour long trips. For those, you will need something from mid 2000s. The car in the video is 25 years old.
Been looking for a descent Subaru common problems video, as I am tempted to buy a little project. This is the first useful video I've come across so far. 👌🏽
I’m selling my 2000 Subaru Outback that I have maintained very good. Your video has brought two things to my attention. One ☝️ my car is worth more than I realized and two it’s such a nice reliable car I may not sell it after all. One mechanic to another great video and thank you Mr Subaru. Have a nice day
One look at those tyres (tires) and I would have walked away... Apart from the obvious damage that will have been done to the 4WD the state of these tyres shows how much care this owner gave for his vehicle...
Great Video. First time I watch one of your vids and I’m glad I did. The silence and captions is great cause you can pause it and read along, I may play the video this weekend while I inspect and car shop lol.
I am about to buy a used 2015 2.5i outback thru my local dealership (one owner fully serviced logbook) for $24,000 fingers crossed I have made a great purchase :) your video has helped me to know what questions to ask and what they need to replace before I pick her up and go into 5yrs debt so thank you :) I prob should of watched this before I fully committed to buying her but she is still at the panel beaters getting light and door fixed atm so I might go see them tomorrow and ask mechanic few questions and check her logbook out thoroughly before I bring her home. I trust my local dealership but better to be safe than sorry
As a technician, this video could save a good amount of other car purchases as well, I didn’t know the ring issue with the cap, guess you learn something every day, we don’t work on a lot of ring failures/issues in my area because usually the customer blows it up before the rings can go bad, so motor replacement was more my thing
Wonderful tips! Many thanks and greetings from Brazil. Here we have lots of options of this wonderful Outback, the model i really love after my Forester 2011. I´m really keen on to buy one, but for sure, i´d never seen so many decent tips of how can we inspect the cars before buying. Here, we have few Subaru specialists, lots of mechanics doesn´t work with the label, and at the dealer prices are forbidden, so the better option to us is to check the car by ourselves. Thanks again, will be so helpful to me. Subaru lives longer, just treat them with love and good care. Cheers!!
Looked at a 03 Forester at a Subie specialist a few months ago intending to purchase. Price seemed reasonable, even with all the work he said had been done recently to get it ready for sale. I took it for a short test drive and it seemed somehow not right. When I explained that it seemed to be slow to accelerate and felt like it was dragging a boat anchor behind it, they did an inspection and found a small problem with the Hill Holder system (this car had a manual transmission). I didn't realize that older Subarus had this feature. As a few others here have alluded to, if at all possible, get your trusted mechanic to do a good inspection of ANY car you are thinking of buying. Even scrupulous sellers occasionally overlook things.
The used car investor website has a good used car checklist you can print out. I recently purchased a wrx. I checked it out with one of those worksheets and then later had a mechanic take a look. (This latter is extremely important and worth its weight in gold). I’ve been keeping an eye on Subaru repair and modification channels to learn even more about the vehicles and suggested maintenance. I’m glad I found my way here. It’s nice to learn of those tests for blowby and head gasket leaks. I want to be as knowledgeable as possible for when the time comes. Tyvm!
I'm looking to buy a used 07/09 Subaru outback for my last year of college commuting as my Toyota Yaris is crapping out. However, I'm terrible when it comes to mechanical knowledge. This was immensely helpful ! Seriously grateful. Thank you.
The fram filter had my ass laughing! Thanks for the video I will be looking at all of this next week when I get a 2000 forester with 120k miles on it so fingers crossed!!
I’m grateful for this used Subaru guide but, I’m unfortunately stumbling upon this 5 days to late. Purchased a 2004 Outback H6 L.L. Bean, from a dealership. Test drove fine. Bought it. Now, on day 5, I’m noticing a bad rear strut. All rear bushings are shot. A slight power steering whine, and jerky acceleration. Of which, I can only assume that it is from one of the diffs. Coolant leaks is now my newest discovery. So much for thinking that I was about to enjoy owning my very first Subaru. 😫
Always nice to see what other people think are important things to check for when buying a used subie. I learned a couple of tricks from you on this one, many thanks. A very timely addition to my knowledge too since I am currently shopping for yet another subie...
Wish I found this before I bought mine. Lots of work done, and lots still to be done. But, she drives well, which is a great step from where she was when I got her. If only it wasn’t so expensive…
thank you for taking the time to make this video! im going to look at a first gen forester soon and i wont have my buddy with me who is very good with buying used cars. this video gave me the confidence i needed.
Good job, good video. Thanks for sharing this man. It should help whoever finds it. I'm not a car noob by any means. But I'm going to look at a 2010 Forester with 210,000+Kms on it. Just refreshing my memory. It's hard to not want to "just buy" that used car when you see it - especially if you live in an area where "x" car (or any used car) is hard to come by. Until you get some experience with buying used (or new) cars. Like you said, don't jump on it. If you don't have the skills, time, space, to properly inspect it, then ask the owner if they'd be ok with you getting it inspected before a potential purchase. At your cost, of course.
Thanks for this. Going after work today to look at a 2005 Outback. After reading all the stories about head gaskets and timing belts, i'm a bit nervous. The guy selling this car says he recently changed the head gaskets, VC gaskets, front brakes, tune up and some other things. He did it himself, said he used to work on Subaru's and went on to tell me why the gaskets were a problem and on what engines. Sounds like he knows his stuff. Car itself has 127K. I've got my moving blanket and flashlight so I can peek under the car. Your video will give me lots to look at.
Very thorough. I am in the market and appreciate the heads up. I am a woman, though I know a thing or two, we tend to get targeted. I wouldn't go alone...my brother is great with cars, in general...but he's not a Subaru guru. Now, I can pick up the brand-specific slack. Thanks!
OMG, thank you sooooo much...the time u put into this saved me so much, it's exactly what I'm looking for...im a young first time car buyer and now i know exact ly what ti look for, greatly appreciated man
Glad the people who bought my "99 OB didn't see this video first. I sold it for the amount of repairs I had into it the last year I owned it. Nice driving car but repairs were crazy $$$.
A friend bought one like this for $500. It was in the same condtion as this one with the exception of the engine which had been replaced with one with low mileage. The parts needing replacement add up fast, and around here the many Subys that can be found in junk yards are quickly mined for their good parts by folks that are driving the same vintage Subaru as you., and there are lots of them driving around. Fixing the A/C and cv joints was hard work.
CV and rack and pinion boots were beyond shot. Early into the video I figured this must be a very old (15+ years) high mileage car that hadn't been maintained very well. Still, for $1300 bucks he can slap tires on it keep fluids in it and use it around town for a while. I wouldn't call the purchase a total loss (before something seizes or blows up).
I just purchased an 03 outback with 230 for 19....i will go through your inspection and we will see how i do.....first is the oil cap dance!! Thankz. ! Hey the oil cap dance passed! Also did the coolant check with funnel..but it's low and smells of coolant when op temp...next i check pvc and the rest of fluids oh ya slight milk on cap...just condensation who wouldn't say that........
You should do another version of this talking about the turbo versions. Red flags and what not. Pretty similar I know, but turbo specific problems and signs to avoid. Especially since lots of these cars are becoming more affordable and many have been swapped and rebuilt. Things like being able to tell if it’s been worked on. Looking at bolt heads and things. Could be interesting.
1999., 230 K for 1300.00 I'd expect to see some of these problems , but this one has too many ...where would you even start...to sticker something like this it would simply cost more than it's worth !..looks like the last few years it's been completely neglected. I work at a Subaru only shop and if something like this came in ..for whatever reason...we'd tell the owner it's not worth throwing any money into it ...you could buy something much better for less than it would take to get this road safe. Great job on the video...nice clear shots and concise beneficial information.
It' late 2018, now, and I just got a 2002 Impreza Outback Sport wagon, 5-speed manual, 2.5L-4, three days ago. The tires were really bad, so it has a set of 4 new ones on it as of today. The brake rotors & pads have plenty of life left. It starts quickly & runs decently, but in town I could hear some ticking under the hood. I wasn't sure how to get started with the rest of the inspection and found this video. I'm really glad I watched. The main thing I'm worried about next is that I felt what seemed like a shudder/vibration or a worn wheel bearing from the rear. And over bumps, it felt like the rear suspension may need looking at, as it gives a sensation like there's something loose & it makes a noise like metal striking metal (not all that severe), but yet seems tight & controlled over smooth pavement. Tell ya what, I'll see how long it takes for the rear end of the drivetrain to come off. Just kidding. I'll gladly read all the advice anyone cares to offer. Great video for any first-time used-Subaru owner.
Thanks very much. Your video helped alot. I recently bought a Subaru forester 2001 for a very good price and the owner told me it has just a slight knock at the front to my inspection it had no left stabilizer link few clicks down the road I hear load knocking from under the car. Quick recheck and I have a worn out drivetrain. Now the repair bill adds up to its price🤣. Thanks for the guide.
Another good test to do if you have the time/tools/skills is a compression test. If any cylinders compression is below 120 with throttle closed or 140 with throttle open, WALK AWAY. Trust me, been there and unfortunately, done that.
Wow i learn alots apparently last time i buy used the guys didnt say alots too… and now i see a reason why i see my past mistake too such useful video thanks you alots man.
Thank you for posting. We bought our 09 Forester new about 12 years ago. 190k miles later I just had the Subaru service dept at local Subaru dealership repair. I dont have the time nor proper tools do the precise engine work. IMHO some Subaru repairs should be done by qualified/trained mechanics I am not one of those people. I enjoy learning about it and talking about it. The repair was costly but I think I have improved the long-term life of 09 Forester. By chance anyone know how to locate replacement Power driver seat for 09 Forester. The sipport clip on the seat broke. Sits a little low. I was going to check junk yards.
So with this car, I mean, you didn't check the glass, interior or stuff at the end of the video but, other than new tires... Basically just replace the entire drivetrain and powertrain and you're good to go 👍 LOL poor guy. What did he do with the car afterwards? As many said already, that trick with the floating oil cap was good to know. Thanks for putting this together for all of us 🙏
I often see buyers guides listing things to look for that might be wrong. They list everything. IMO if you aren't handy, those guides are for you. For the sort of person watching this channel, it's more like a way to identify cars with problems you are willing to fix, if the seller will negotiate. Pass on bad electrical, head gasket, or trans stuff. Buy on bad wheel bearing and noisy brakes.
the main thing is the head gaskets you can see if they are the original ones if the little tab sticking out of the head gaskets have a hole or and indent you want the indent
I feel bad for this car and the new owner, he got ripped off. A few things you didn't point out; Oil filter in place of trans filter (structurally different, can cause damage) Check exhaust, well known for leaks Check tail lights and spare tire well for water Smell the coolant in the radiator and reservoir, very easy way to check it. Has a very distinct smell when it goes bad. I recently bought a '99 Legacy Outback Sedan with 106k miles for $2000. Had a thick stack of paperwork. Everything i could imagine was done to it. Timing belt, valve cover+spark seals, tires, brakes, new exhaust, thousands in reciepts. The headgasket was 'possibly' done. No paperwork, but looks like the heads were off at some point. I spent hours at the dealer i found it at, verifying that everything, and still talked the dealer down from.$3900 to $2000.
After 2 months of looking for another Outback, I finally bought a 2008 2.5i with 130K. I feel like I got a good deal - $5500. Cosmetically it's in very good shape, but not 100% mechanically. Although I don't have a Mechanic's competency, I did look under the car and didn't see any leaks. Under the hood, although the engine was a little dirty I didn't see anything concerning either. I took it for a test drive and felt it had good power ( coming from a 2002 Outback) and brakes felt good. When I took it home, the next day I was inspecting it more and did notice some fluid leakage like you depicted on the under the car. No major leaks, but there was some fluid in the same area you focused on. Now, on my 02, I had to get the head gasket done after about 30K miles I had it - around 100K. I plan to drop the car off at my mechanic who specializes in Subaru for an assessment next week. In the meantime. What would be some symptoms if it was a headgasket ( could possibly be something else like valve covers, etc...)? Would the car lose power for example? Thanks!
I bought a 1999 Outback and it had a rear seal leak. I dropped him on the price (not enough) and bought it. The rear seal and cam seals were blown and Subaru said the PCV valve was clogged for about a thousand years. In short, check the PCV as shown in the video. $1500 to fix though they did the timing belt and water pump too.
Don't buy anything without service records. I learned a used aircraft will lose 1/3 of its sale value without them. The vid is a must watch for FYI, they simply aren't built to inspect from the top.
Nice Video. Good for us (not good for the buyer) that you have a truly Fuc#ed up car to show us with many things wrong all over the car. I am going to use this video to do a check of my 1998 legacy with 236,000 miles. It's not perfect but has been well maintained by a Subaru specialist independent garage since new. I am the second owner but the two nice women in comfortable shoes I bought it from used them too. Thanks
For someone like me, I'd have hit the seller with an offer at half the purchase price to split the difference in the repairs needed. I bought a 98 Outback in similar condition for $300 that hadn't seen the road in 3 years. I changed the fluids and a new battery and drove it 95 miles home, sold it last year with minor fixes for $1,000 and the buyer is happy as can be. It was road tripped across the southwest without issue. Honestly for being 25 years old and 230k miles, this is to be expected. Oh another thing not referenced was the old 4EAT was notorious for center diff failures. Drive it in a tight figure 8 configuration in an empty parking lot and feel for binding or tires that feel like their jumping. If it does, you're looking at a rebuild of the tail shaft at around $750 in just parts.
@@MrSubaru1387 sounds about right. Last one I did had a grenaded center diff. The diff was almost $500 plus another $250 for the driven transfer gear and all new bearings.
love this. thanks for going to the effort of making this and sorry to the dude who bought it thinking it was a bargain. maybe it should have a space in your yard, hahahaha. i would like to think my Legacy hasn't got any of these but i'm gonna make a list and check them out. thanks again.
I'd just look at the manufacturers plate by right side strut tower. EJ25D on that plate? Walk away. Go find a 95-96 with a 5 speed trans. Most likely an EJ22. If it's decent. Buy it! Don't get me wrong the DOHC EJ25 is a great motor. I enjoyed mine up to the second head gasket failure. But I never had another problem with the car.
I wish I seen this before buying a forester, guy told me he fixed the head gasket and timing belt. A day later I took it to the shop and it needed a new head gasket
Thank you for the amazing guide! "I bring a spill free funnel". This step, please explain. Where do you place the funnel ? Where does this oil come from ?
Very informative. However, wouldn't any 19 yr old auto with 230k on it have a lot of the same problems? I would guess the only 230k mile vehicle you should be driving is one that you have known from new and have owned through its entire usage.Very thorough vide. Thanks.
I've never seen the method of a spill free funnel to check head gasket problems can you elaborate a bit more on that do you just put it in to the radiator and dump a bit more antifreeze in it
@@MrSubaru1387 I've been driving Subaru for almost 20 years and I'm kind of a fanboy of you after watching your videos no homo, I'm stoked you responded
well I guess you get what you pay for, its already a red flag if the price is too low and chances are if the prices are higher or average then it may be in better shape but still never problem free. if your buying a used car by owner the car most likely have problems and if the car didnt have any problems they wouldnt be selling it. its very rare you will ever find a car thats problem free if your buying used, heck even dealerships pull shit on honest people and refuse to back it up. In the end you just cant win so you must be super skeptical, Ive learned the hard way.
You rock my friend, I am tempted by a 2002 bugeye wagon switched with a STI 2.0 engine , your guide will help to perform a exahustive checking plus the compression test.
We bought a 2002 subaru outback 2.5 L $2500 had 142000 miles. We ended up spending $6k getting a ton of stuff fixed. I love driving it, I am now better educated by your channel. Most people would never invest that much in it and just give up. Parts were $3grand and labor $2800. Axel's replaced, timing belt, water pump, rear main seal, head gaskets, control arms, bushings, tie rod...if I can drive it for another 200k miles, I will get my money out of it. Thanks for your channel, wished I knew before hand.
This guide is awesome. A little intimidating for a less than mechanically inclined person, but definitely doable. I appreciate the time you took to make this.
Glad to help!
This video is like a car guys asmr
Great video! I was just about to purchase a 2008 Forester for my daughter for $6,900 w/ 140k on it... Interior was superclean but when I took it to my mechanic he did the same as you and pulled the oil cap at idle and it was like a locomotive blowing puff puff puff. Then on the drive back from my mechanic the check engine light went on with a p0506. I told him my mechanic said walk away from the car. He said the air from the oil cap is completely normal. I think I might have just saved myself from a lot of money down the road... Thoughts! Keep up the great videos! Were still looking in 2021 for her... She loves the style of the car.
Years later, this little video is still helping many and referring to it. Thanks!
At first I was like, cmon man, hoses, belts, filters, even a battery are no biggie fixes on a 230k car. By the end of the vid I was ready to call the junkyard for you.. I got my WRX inspected by a shop for 40 bucks. So worth it after watching this.
Yea, that Outback had a hard life.. My personal 02 Outback has 283,000 miles on it. Wouldn't know it by looking at it though.
Hot tip: Use everything you find wrong with a car as negotiating power! If a seller doesn't want to lower their price, than it's probably a car you are better off not buying.
Another quality vid MrSubaru
+Homebrew Subaru definitely. Always go over a vehicle with a fine toothed comb. Find every issue. Get that low low price! Haha
So true with anything of value that you're buying 2nd hand, buy nice or buy twice
This video saved me from buying a Forester just as bad as this! Thank you!
You're welcome. 👍🏻
So yeah, I'm the sucker who bought this garbage car.
I've been searching for one ever since. Almost every single one I've looked at so far has had problems, just none as bad as this one. In fact I saw one today where the guy said he had been "a mechanic his whole life" and a whole list of parts he had replaced- which he hadn't.
Don't be me. Buyer beware.
Oh, and Subaru Guy knows what he's saying.
This car in the video was probably $700 and for that little money it should easily last a year or two even with the problems, like oil leaks. Head gasket isn't bad enough for short trips around town to work. However this wouldn't be something you take on hour long trips. For those, you will need something from mid 2000s. The car in the video is 25 years old.
+YES10 he paid $1,300.00
bummer
Well, for $1.300 is a fair price, not bad at all. That leaking AT bothers me though.
Don Bivens so you didn’t end up driving this Subaru? Was it too unsafe?
Been looking for a descent Subaru common problems video, as I am tempted to buy a little project. This is the first useful video I've come across so far. 👌🏽
58 Sellers of used Subarus with problems that they haven’t repaired properly thumb-downed this video.... Great Video, thanks for sharing!
if you purchase a 2.5 Subaru Unless there are competent maintenance records...be prepared to change the timing belt and do the head gaskets.
I’m selling my 2000 Subaru Outback that I have maintained very good. Your video has brought two things to my attention. One ☝️ my car is worth more than I realized and two it’s such a nice reliable car I may not sell it after all. One mechanic to another great video and thank you Mr Subaru. Have a nice day
You're welcome. 👍🏻
One look at those tyres (tires) and I would have walked away... Apart from the obvious damage that will have been done to the 4WD the state of these tyres shows how much care this owner gave for his vehicle...
Great Video. First time I watch one of your vids and I’m glad I did. The silence and captions is great cause you can pause it and read along, I may play the video this weekend while I inspect and car shop lol.
You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed the video. 👍🏻
I am about to buy a used 2015 2.5i outback thru my local dealership (one owner fully serviced logbook) for $24,000 fingers crossed I have made a great purchase :) your video has helped me to know what questions to ask and what they need to replace before I pick her up and go into 5yrs debt so thank you :) I prob should of watched this before I fully committed to buying her but she is still at the panel beaters getting light and door fixed atm so I might go see them tomorrow and ask mechanic few questions and check her logbook out thoroughly before I bring her home. I trust my local dealership but better to be safe than sorry
Nicely done! I learned a few things about the typical Subaru problems, which means your video was very thorough, thank you.
Fantastic overview, lots of people will benefit from this. Reminded me of a couple of things too.
Thanks fella
As a technician, this video could save a good amount of other car purchases as well, I didn’t know the ring issue with the cap, guess you learn something every day, we don’t work on a lot of ring failures/issues in my area because usually the customer blows it up before the rings can go bad, so motor replacement was more my thing
Definatly wish I saw this before I bought my Legacy!
Wonderful tips! Many thanks and greetings from Brazil. Here we have lots of options of this wonderful Outback, the model i really love after my Forester 2011. I´m really keen on to buy one, but for sure, i´d never seen so many decent tips of how can we inspect the cars before buying. Here, we have few Subaru specialists, lots of mechanics doesn´t work with the label, and at the dealer prices are forbidden, so the better option to us is to check the car by ourselves. Thanks again, will be so helpful to me. Subaru lives longer, just treat them with love and good care. Cheers!!
If only I had known a fraction of these before I bought my 99 Forester, it could have saved me almost a year of bills and towing expenses
I paid $500 for my subaru has 174xx.
She just needed some suspension work done. No regrets so far
You are a very thorough mechanic! Excellent video, which i should have watched before buying my Subaru
Looked at a 03 Forester at a Subie specialist a few months ago intending to purchase. Price seemed reasonable, even with all the work he said had been done recently to get it ready for sale. I took it for a short test drive and it seemed somehow not right. When I explained that it seemed to be slow to accelerate and felt like it was dragging a boat anchor behind it, they did an inspection and found a small problem with the Hill Holder system (this car had a manual transmission). I didn't realize that older Subarus had this feature.
As a few others here have alluded to, if at all possible, get your trusted mechanic to do a good inspection of ANY car you are thinking of buying. Even scrupulous sellers occasionally overlook things.
The used car investor website has a good used car checklist you can print out. I recently purchased a wrx. I checked it out with one of those worksheets and then later had a mechanic take a look. (This latter is extremely important and worth its weight in gold). I’ve been keeping an eye on Subaru repair and modification channels to learn even more about the vehicles and suggested maintenance.
I’m glad I found my way here. It’s nice to learn of those tests for blowby and head gasket leaks. I want to be as knowledgeable as possible for when the time comes. Tyvm!
I'm looking to buy a used 07/09 Subaru outback for my last year of college commuting as my Toyota Yaris is crapping out. However, I'm terrible when it comes to mechanical knowledge. This was immensely helpful ! Seriously grateful. Thank you.
+Anthony Horda you're welcome. Glad to help. 👍
The fram filter had my ass laughing! Thanks for the video I will be looking at all of this next week when I get a 2000 forester with 120k miles on it so fingers crossed!!
Excellent to do/check list for any car purchase, not only Subarus. Gonna check these things on my 1998 Honda CR-V as soon as I can.
I’m grateful for this used Subaru guide but, I’m unfortunately stumbling upon this 5 days to late. Purchased a 2004 Outback H6 L.L. Bean, from a dealership. Test drove fine. Bought it. Now, on day 5, I’m noticing a bad rear strut. All rear bushings are shot. A slight power steering whine, and jerky acceleration. Of which, I can only assume that it is from one of the diffs. Coolant leaks is now my newest discovery. So much for thinking that I was about to enjoy owning my very first Subaru. 😫
Always nice to see what other people think are important things to check for when buying a used subie. I learned a couple of tricks from you on this one, many thanks. A very timely addition to my knowledge too since I am currently shopping for yet another subie...
You're welcome. Glad to help. 👍
Wish I found this before I bought mine. Lots of work done, and lots still to be done. But, she drives well, which is a great step from where she was when I got her. If only it wasn’t so expensive…
thank you for taking the time to make this video! im going to look at a first gen forester soon and i wont have my buddy with me who is very good with buying used cars. this video gave me the confidence i needed.
Just bought 2005 outback with 67000 this morning. Thanks for the video!
How do you like it?
Good job, good video. Thanks for sharing this man. It should help whoever finds it.
I'm not a car noob by any means. But I'm going to look at a 2010 Forester with 210,000+Kms on it. Just refreshing my memory.
It's hard to not want to "just buy" that used car when you see it - especially if you live in an area where "x" car (or any used car) is hard to come by. Until you get some experience with buying used (or new) cars.
Like you said, don't jump on it. If you don't have the skills, time, space, to properly inspect it, then ask the owner if they'd be ok with you getting it inspected before a potential purchase. At your cost, of course.
Thanks for this. Going after work today to look at a 2005 Outback. After reading all the stories about head gaskets and timing belts, i'm a bit nervous. The guy selling this car says he recently changed the head gaskets, VC gaskets, front brakes, tune up and some other things. He did it himself, said he used to work on Subaru's and went on to tell me why the gaskets were a problem and on what engines. Sounds like he knows his stuff. Car itself has 127K. I've got my moving blanket and flashlight so I can peek under the car. Your video will give me lots to look at.
You're welcome. 👍🏻 Good luck on the car.
I am in the lookout for one in a few months and this video is brilliant. Thank you.
You're welcome. 👍🏻
Ive had several Outback XTs and IMU always in the market for a low mile XT. Fabulous machines
Once again, great quality video. That shaking oil cap test is a neat trick, never occurred to me!
+Gavin Whiteley glad you enjoyed the video.
I love that you are so much about this process! I check some of these items, but always bring to my trusted mechanic!
Very thorough. I am in the market and appreciate the heads up.
I am a woman, though I know a thing or two, we tend to get targeted. I wouldn't go alone...my brother is great with cars, in general...but he's not a Subaru guru. Now, I can pick up the brand-specific slack.
Thanks!
You're welcome.
OMG, thank you sooooo much...the time u put into this saved me so much, it's exactly what I'm looking for...im a young first time car buyer and now i know exact ly what ti look for, greatly appreciated man
Glad the people who bought my "99 OB didn't see this video first. I sold it for the amount of repairs I had into it the last year I owned it. Nice driving car but repairs were crazy $$$.
A bunch of useful tips that aren't just the generic "Is the check engine light on?"
A friend bought one like this for $500. It was in the same condtion as this one with the exception of the engine which had been replaced with one with low mileage. The parts needing replacement add up fast, and around here the many Subys that can be found in junk yards are quickly mined for their good parts by folks that are driving the same vintage Subaru as you., and there are lots of them driving around. Fixing the A/C and cv joints was hard work.
CV and rack and pinion boots were beyond shot. Early into the video I figured this must be a very old (15+ years) high mileage car that hadn't been maintained very well. Still, for $1300 bucks he can slap tires on it keep fluids in it and use it around town for a while. I wouldn't call the purchase a total loss (before something seizes or blows up).
I just purchased an 03 outback with 230 for 19....i will go through your inspection and we will see how i do.....first is the oil cap dance!! Thankz. ! Hey the oil cap dance passed! Also did the coolant check with funnel..but it's low and smells of coolant when op temp...next i check pvc and the rest of fluids oh ya slight milk on cap...just condensation who wouldn't say that........
Got confused on KBB or NADA mention on the video at 0:44 but realized you misspelled value as valve lol.
Me too.
this is a big help for us, we'll be test driving a crosstrek on sat, got more things to check, thanks, now im subscribing...
+MEL ASON awesome! Glad to help. I've had my eye on a crosstrek for a while now. Great little cars. 👍
I'm glad I did't watch this when I was hunting for my 2nd gen LL bean Outback. Even with the host of issues its my most favorite car ever.
You should do another version of this talking about the turbo versions. Red flags and what not. Pretty similar I know, but turbo specific problems and signs to avoid. Especially since lots of these cars are becoming more affordable and many have been swapped and rebuilt. Things like being able to tell if it’s been worked on. Looking at bolt heads and things. Could be interesting.
+Invitingsauce Thanks for the suggestion. 👍
Most impostand thing you forgot: check blinker fluid and piston return springs.
Wished I lived in s.carolina I'd bring all my stuff to you. Except one dawn thing...the heat,to dawn hot. Thx for your info you're good.
I drive a 1997 Outback Legacy. I miss the hood scoops on the newer Outbacks. Miss the 90s looks.
1999., 230 K for 1300.00 I'd expect to see some of these problems , but this one has too many ...where would you even start...to sticker something like this it would simply cost more than it's worth !..looks like the last few years it's been completely neglected. I work at a Subaru only shop and if something like this came in ..for whatever reason...we'd tell the owner it's not worth throwing any money into it ...you could buy something much better for less than it would take to get this road safe. Great job on the video...nice clear shots and concise beneficial information.
+willyD200 yea, people will screw someone over in a heartbeat. This was a solid $400-500 car, no more. Glad you enjoyed the video. 👍
It' late 2018, now, and I just got a 2002 Impreza Outback Sport wagon, 5-speed manual, 2.5L-4, three days ago. The tires were really bad, so it has a set of 4 new ones on it as of today. The brake rotors & pads have plenty of life left. It starts quickly & runs decently, but in town I could hear some ticking under the hood. I wasn't sure how to get started with the rest of the inspection and found this video. I'm really glad I watched. The main thing I'm worried about next is that I felt what seemed like a shudder/vibration or a worn wheel bearing from the rear. And over bumps, it felt like the rear suspension may need looking at, as it gives a sensation like there's something loose & it makes a noise like metal striking metal (not all that severe), but yet seems tight & controlled over smooth pavement. Tell ya what, I'll see how long it takes for the rear end of the drivetrain to come off. Just kidding. I'll gladly read all the advice anyone cares to offer. Great video for any first-time used-Subaru owner.
Any updates?
Thanks very much. Your video helped alot. I recently bought a Subaru forester 2001 for a very good price and the owner told me it has just a slight knock at the front to my inspection it had no left stabilizer link few clicks down the road I hear load knocking from under the car. Quick recheck and I have a worn out drivetrain. Now the repair bill adds up to its price🤣.
Thanks for the guide.
Oh no, sorry that you encountered the issues with the vehicle.
Awesome video! Wish I had watched it before throwing down on my first bru which ended up being an absolute nightmare
This video was helpful for me, i own a 97 outback with 300k on it and im gonna start doing these tests on it to see what's fully wrong with it
Another good test to do if you have the time/tools/skills is a compression test. If any cylinders compression is below 120 with throttle closed or 140 with throttle open, WALK AWAY. Trust me, been there and unfortunately, done that.
Wow i learn alots apparently last time i buy used the guys didnt say alots too… and now i see a reason why i see my past mistake too such useful video thanks you alots man.
Thank you for posting. We bought our 09 Forester new about 12 years ago. 190k miles later I just had the Subaru service dept at local Subaru dealership repair. I dont have the time nor proper tools do the precise engine work. IMHO some Subaru repairs should be done by qualified/trained mechanics
I am not one of those people. I enjoy learning about it and talking about it. The repair was costly but I think I have improved the long-term life of 09 Forester. By chance anyone know how to locate replacement Power driver seat for 09 Forester. The sipport clip on the seat broke. Sits a little low. I was going to check junk yards.
So with this car, I mean, you didn't check the glass, interior or stuff at the end of the video but, other than new tires...
Basically just replace the entire drivetrain and powertrain and you're good to go 👍
LOL poor guy. What did he do with the car afterwards?
As many said already, that trick with the floating oil cap was good to know.
Thanks for putting this together for all of us 🙏
I often see buyers guides listing things to look for that might be wrong. They list everything. IMO if you aren't handy, those guides are for you. For the sort of person watching this channel, it's more like a way to identify cars with problems you are willing to fix, if the seller will negotiate. Pass on bad electrical, head gasket, or trans stuff. Buy on bad wheel bearing and noisy brakes.
the main thing is the head gaskets
you can see if they are the original ones
if the little tab sticking out of the head gaskets have a hole or and indent you want the indent
This is great info and these same checks can also be applied to most cars.... Nice Job ! - I'd return this car back to the owner..
I feel bad for this car and the new owner, he got ripped off.
A few things you didn't point out;
Oil filter in place of trans filter (structurally different, can cause damage)
Check exhaust, well known for leaks
Check tail lights and spare tire well for water
Smell the coolant in the radiator and reservoir, very easy way to check it. Has a very distinct smell when it goes bad.
I recently bought a '99 Legacy Outback Sedan with 106k miles for $2000.
Had a thick stack of paperwork. Everything i could imagine was done to it.
Timing belt, valve cover+spark seals, tires, brakes, new exhaust, thousands in reciepts.
The headgasket was 'possibly' done. No paperwork, but looks like the heads were off at some point.
I spent hours at the dealer i found it at, verifying that everything, and still talked the dealer down from.$3900 to $2000.
I also verified the mileage. DMV confirmed it, the Carfax matched up, repair reciepts matched, all the vins on the car match.
+Curt Smith this is actually all on the same car...
no he didnt get ripped off ,if he loved the car
I ended up with the car at the end. Fixed it up and sold it.
After 2 months of looking for another Outback, I finally bought a 2008 2.5i with 130K. I feel like I got a good deal - $5500. Cosmetically it's in very good shape, but not 100% mechanically. Although I don't have a Mechanic's competency, I did look under the car and didn't see any leaks. Under the hood, although the engine was a little dirty I didn't see anything concerning either. I took it for a test drive and felt it had good power ( coming from a 2002 Outback) and brakes felt good.
When I took it home, the next day I was inspecting it more and did notice some fluid leakage like you depicted on the under the car. No major leaks, but there was some fluid in the same area you focused on.
Now, on my 02, I had to get the head gasket done after about 30K miles I had it - around 100K.
I plan to drop the car off at my mechanic who specializes in Subaru for an assessment next week. In the meantime. What would be some symptoms if it was a headgasket ( could possibly be something else like valve covers, etc...)? Would the car lose power for example? Thanks!
An amazing informative and in-depth video! I really appreciate it!
What a great video guide! Thank you for taking the time to do this, I will use it in the future.
You're welcome. 👍🏻
Loads of information to look for. Thanks! Just a question: where and how did you put the funnel, to check for blown head gasket?
+Drum Ape in the radiator filler. Remove radiator cap and test there.
I bought a 1999 Outback and it had a rear seal leak. I dropped him on the price (not enough) and bought it. The rear seal and cam seals were blown and Subaru said the PCV valve was clogged for about a thousand years. In short, check the PCV as shown in the video. $1500 to fix though they did the timing belt and water pump too.
Excellent video, absolutely spot on for a Subi....
Don't buy anything without service records. I learned a used aircraft will lose 1/3 of its sale value without them. The vid is a must watch for FYI, they simply aren't built to inspect from the top.
Nice Video. Good for us (not good for the buyer) that you have a truly Fuc#ed up car to show us with many things wrong all over the car. I am going to use this video to do a check of my 1998 legacy with 236,000 miles. It's not perfect but has been well maintained by a Subaru specialist independent garage since new. I am the second owner but the two nice women in comfortable shoes I bought it from used them too. Thanks
I am going to look at a subaru impreza 97 tomorrow and if everything is alright it will become my first car.
And did you buy it? :D
@@tomaszjez9469 yes and I dont regret it
Good for u, I already saw three different foresters.
great list.
put a code reader on and make sure everything comes ready and no pending codes.
+MrJpsullivan yea... Realized that I forgot to mention that after I had posted...
For someone like me, I'd have hit the seller with an offer at half the purchase price to split the difference in the repairs needed. I bought a 98 Outback in similar condition for $300 that hadn't seen the road in 3 years. I changed the fluids and a new battery and drove it 95 miles home, sold it last year with minor fixes for $1,000 and the buyer is happy as can be. It was road tripped across the southwest without issue. Honestly for being 25 years old and 230k miles, this is to be expected.
Oh another thing not referenced was the old 4EAT was notorious for center diff failures. Drive it in a tight figure 8 configuration in an empty parking lot and feel for binding or tires that feel like their jumping. If it does, you're looking at a rebuild of the tail shaft at around $750 in just parts.
That'd be the transfer clutch in the tail housing. $750? More like $225 for everything.
@@MrSubaru1387 sounds about right. Last one I did had a grenaded center diff. The diff was almost $500 plus another $250 for the driven transfer gear and all new bearings.
Great video. I did not know about the oil cap check. I will use that in the future.
Brisky86 Keep in mind, a bad/clogged PCV valve can cause excess crank pressure and make it dance like that. possibly what happened here.
Yeah, I always replace the PCV when I get a new to me car anyway, so that is good to know too.
Also, while the car is in the jacks, hold the wheel and look for excessive up/down and left/right play
Very Well Done! Practices for every used car purchase, Subaru or otherwise. Subbed and Thanks.
m bee thank you. Glad you enjoyed the video. Awesome, welcome to the channel!
love this. thanks for going to the effort of making this and sorry to the dude who bought it thinking it was a bargain. maybe it should have a space in your yard, hahahaha. i would like to think my Legacy hasn't got any of these but i'm gonna make a list and check them out. thanks again.
Yeah, dude tried to sale it to me as another parts car.
Super. Above and beyond - high standards.
I'd just look at the manufacturers plate by right side strut tower. EJ25D on that plate? Walk away. Go find a 95-96 with a 5 speed trans. Most likely an EJ22. If it's decent. Buy it! Don't get me wrong the DOHC EJ25 is a great motor. I enjoyed mine up to the second head gasket failure. But I never had another problem with the car.
I wish I seen this before buying a forester, guy told me he fixed the head gasket and timing belt. A day later I took it to the shop and it needed a new head gasket
Thank you for the amazing guide!
"I bring a spill free funnel". This step, please explain. Where do you place the funnel ? Where does this oil come from ?
amzn.to/39cf1Xo one of these. In place of the radiator cap. Look for air bubbles in the coolant.
The oil is from leaking seals and gaskets.
Awesome guide. Would of appreciated hearing you talk instead of having to read. I like to listen to TH-cam while driving 🤓
Thank you for the heads up! Some stuff I'll check on my ride
Very very good, thanks for this. I want to find a good Outback or Legacy and this will be a big help. Brilliant video!
Very informative. However, wouldn't any 19 yr old auto with 230k on it have a lot of the same problems? I would guess the only 230k mile vehicle you should be driving is one that you have known from new and have owned through its entire usage.Very thorough vide. Thanks.
I've never seen the method of a spill free funnel to check head gasket problems can you elaborate a bit more on that do you just put it in to the radiator and dump a bit more antifreeze in it
Correct, get it up to temp and see if it bubbles.
@@MrSubaru1387 I've been driving Subaru for almost 20 years and I'm kind of a fanboy of you after watching your videos no homo, I'm stoked you responded
well I guess you get what you pay for, its already a red flag if the price is too low and chances are if the prices are higher or average then it may be in better shape but still never problem free. if your buying a used car by owner the car most likely have problems and if the car didnt have any problems they wouldnt be selling it. its very rare you will ever find a car thats problem free if your buying used, heck even dealerships pull shit on honest people and refuse to back it up. In the end you just cant win so you must be super skeptical, Ive learned the hard way.
Thank you! This will definitely help me and my friends in the future!
Thanks a lot for your efforts, just wrote a 32 points checklist based on your video! Now feeling more confident about how to avoiding a lemon
+chrimay awesome. Glad to help. 👍
You rock my friend, I am tempted by a 2002 bugeye wagon switched with a STI 2.0 engine , your guide will help to perform a exahustive checking plus the compression test.
+chrimay glad to help.
Gracias Mr subaru 1387 buena informacion
I bought a 1100 dollar outback sport 6 months ago and haven’t had a single problem besides the alternator going out lmao
This is an amazing video to have for a first time buyer like me, thanks!
You're welcome. 👍🏻
Excellent and very informative video. Thanks
BRILLIANT AND DETAILED!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH
10:15 Ooo. That felt like a kick in the nuts. "THANK YOU SIR, MAY I HAVE ANOTHER!"
Fram user?
Not anymore.
Good! Haha. I've seen them break down and pump cardboard and glue through an engine.