Hey guys, I'm need another vehicle for work and I'm looking into a used 2001 Outback wagon L.L. Bean edition with 190k miles. They're asking $5,500. My only concern is the miles. Anyone have experience with high mileage suby's? Especially with outbacks? Thanks
As long as the oil was changed/ATF changed...it'll last forever. is it the 3.0L or 2.5L? The 3.0L EZ30 Gen1 engines are nearly bulletproof. I've seen ZERO problems out of them. The 2.5L has leaky headgaskets.
The only problem is occasional hesitation issues. Classic suggested a whole new wiring harness. But its just hesitation - the car doesn't die. He can keep driving.
I don't know if I will experience it when i test drive it. He said it seldom happens. I'll ask him some other questions.... like when does it happen - when it's cold, warmed up, or after extended driving. And if it feels like a fuel cut. Any suggestions as to what else to ask?
probably an intermittent fuel pump issue. Ask...if when it hesitates, if the car wont GO at all...but returns to idle fine...then after a while it'll go again and be ok. If so...sounds like a fuel pump.
I test drive it tuesday. Runs great. Slow as a dog compared to my sti :rofl: I didn't experience the hesitation at all. He says sometimes it goes weeks without a hiccup. He said usually it's cruising on the highway at light loads under 2500rpm. When it hesitates gassing it makes it go away. I might make a decision on it soon. The biggest problem by far is the inside of the car is COVERED with dog hair :rofl: Anyone have any ideas how to get that stuff out? A full detail may work but thats expensive.
Steam clean it. Having it detailed would be best along with steam cleaning it. Could be a sensor issue...one or both front A/F sensor(s) starting to go out.
The guys in woodstock haha. Don't even think about trying to snag this deal from me Yeah I'm going to get him to do the detail... or get him to knock off $500. How much is a serious all out detail? Will, how much is AF sensor? It should be easy to test/swap out eh? Classic suggested a entire wiring harness replacement.... I think it was $500.
If the car runs fine otherwise and does not have a P003x/P0172/P0171 code...then you will be chasing your ass around diagnosing it by testing front A/F sensors. I've had front A/F and O2 sensors test GOOD and just like a new one...but under a actual operation they would go to shit. First thing to do is replace the air and fuel filter (if it has an underhood fuel filter, if not, oh well) with SUBARU stuff, then hook up a fuel pressure gauge to the incoming pressure hose at the the engine and see what the fuel pressure is when it hesitates. If there is a large drop compared to normal...its the fuel pump. Otherwise, hook up and watch the MAP, both front A/F sensors, all 3 fuel trims, TPS, IAT....all of them in Raw and Translated data formats. Make sure to be logging when it hesitates...keep it hesitating for a few seconds if possible...then make it quit. Stop the logging then save and analyze.
Thanks will! I guess i'll have to drive it a while to get the hesitation. It sounds like it's difficult to consistently get the hestitation. As long as the car doesn't die and leave me on the side of the highway I think i'll be ok. Now what to do about the dog hair and dander
Ok, he sold it already to someone else. Will, which outback config is best for towing 3000 pounds... H6 or turbo H4? I'm suspecting the H6 will have more low end torque needed. Also a manual is better than auto for towing right?
Towing 3000 pounds with any Subaru is not a good idea. Even though the Outback is rated at 3000 it is at the upper limit and what your are towing will have 90% the weight of what you are towing it with.
Even if we go slow? The trailer has two axles and brakes. I have haul it out to las vegas and back so it's mainly interstate driving.
I bet the mountains and hills along the way would kill the transmission even if you add a cooler and traveled slow.
manual or auto? I just towed the trailer up from miami with my v6 odyssey with an auto tranny. It was scary but we did it. It's got about 250hp.
The towing rating actually goes down with the manual transmissions. Getting an extra 3000 pounds moving is hard on the stock clutch. Only the 2005 + Outbacks have a tow rating of 3000lbs. The one you were looking at is limited to 2000lbs. Your best bet is to either rent a truck/suv or buy one if you plan on towing frequently.