I have a question Scotty I want to get a Subaru Impreza somewhere around 2002 to 2009, I want to be a manual transmission, want to know if they are goods cars, anything I should look for when shopping for one? I’m not expecting Toyota reliability, but something good enough, also want to know if there are any major flaws with the engine or transmission, thanks!!!
I would not buy one unless there is proof that the head gaskets have already been replaced. That's an expensive engine-out job that you don't want to be stuck with on an old car.
Good that you're looking at the manual trans ones. I wouldn't touch any with their autos. The head gaskets in those is the main issue with those years...You don't have to pull the engine; It can be done in the car, but even that is a lot of work. I did it 5 years ago.
I always thought pulling the engine was the "easy" way to remove the heads on those engines! I did that ages ago to pull a cylinder head on a Subaru but for other work, not head gasket. This was on one of their old pushrod engines, over 40 years ago, and those didn't have gasket problems. Being a small (1600 cc) lightweight aluminum engine I used a metal trash can as an engine stand. I still have the special tool needed to remove the head bolts blocked by the rockers on those, so if anyone needs to work on a 1970s-vintage Subaru engine let me know.
:silly:
There was a multi-part video made by a real garage showing doing the job in the car. I followed it to a T and it came out great. Also, while it was all apart, other things got done since it was perfect opportunity.
Interesting, I'll have to look for that - mainly out of curiosity since it's not a job I expect to be doing. On those really old Subies pulling the engine was an easy job. I imagine there's a lot more that needs to be dealt with on the newer ones to do it.
Like others have said, my only concern is the head gasket. It is the generation that was hit hardest. If it was changed, that yes. If not, maybe, if you are willing to change it when the time comes.
Besides head gasket issues Subaru are solid built cars and they usually don't have head gasket issues into they have high mileage. I still got my 09 Subaru with 236k miles original powertrain,if you take care of them there good vehicles
