I’m looking at a 2007 Subaru Outback with a manual transmission and when I accelerate it makes a grinding/screeching noise. I suspect it might be from somewhere in the transmission or diffs. Whenever I am coasting the noise goes away. I want to know if it is worth buying and fixing. The car is very clean and recently got its head gaskets and timing belt replaced at 127,000 miles. I just want to know if there is a bearing in the transmission/diff that is causing this noise during acceleration or if it is something else. The car has 156,000 miles on it and and I have already talked him down to $5300. Is it possible that a fluid change could make the noise go away. And please give me ideas about this problem and cost to get it fixed. Thanks
I'd personally walk away from that Subaru based on how you describe that noise, or at the very least, pay $100 to have a mechanic diagnose the sound and make sure it's not something simple, like a really worn out brake system in need of an overhaul. If the guy doesn't want to let you have someone diagnose it, walk away.
If the transmission and drivetrain is indeed the source of the noise, you'll easily spend what you pay for it getting the AWD drivetrain fixed, if not more. You'd be better off finding a Toyota for the combined price of all of that work vs having some transmission shop rebuild the transmission and drivetrain and chance them not doing it right. I paid $2500 to have a 4-speed automatic transmission in a 1999 Ranger rebuilt and it took the shop almost a year to get it somewhat right, I still don't think it actually is. And that is a RWD tranny with a transfer case for 4x4, not a full-time AWD system. I should have gotten a remanufactured one.
He has a manual though, those are usually $500~$750 to replace with a good one.
It’s not how on an automatic you don’t have a clue what’s inside of the junkyard unit, in this case it’s usually obvious if the used manual is in good condition or not.