Looking to buy Gen 3 lib... help

[slimjimbo]

Howdy all,

I've got a mate who's looking to get a new daily. Basically he wants a wagon that will perform OK on the highway (he is from the country and visits his parents every now and then).

Not looking for a turbo, looking to spend $5-7k.

I've suggested to him that a Gen 3 should do the job and fit his budget - are there any things (aside from usual stuff) to look out for on them? Did Subaru get the headgasket issue on the 2.5's sorted by Gen 3?

I don't know much about anything post Gen2, so appreciate any pointers.

Thanks guys

[Dropz]

5-7 is a bit tight for a clean low km gen3. If he can go 7-10 he can get a much nicer gen3 wagon.
Head gaskets got better in the genIV but still not great. Hoping the new FB engines perform better at life.

Basically the entire EJ range was doomed for headgasket leaks.

[slimjimbo]

We've found one for low 6's that looks good, high-ish k's (200 thou) but seems to have been serviced appropriately it's life. Just had the 200k full service etc.

They want 6k, but it's been for sale for a little while, will see if we can't knock them down a little bit more.

[cruisn]

You'll get a GX for that. Not an RX or Heritage thats in good nick.

The headgasket issue was a Gen2 2.5 related problem.

[AWDDave]

You'll get a GX for that. Not an RX or Heritage thats in good nick.

The headgasket issue was a Gen2 2.5 related problem.

That is correct. Gen2 RX had DOHC 2.5. Gasket problems galore!

Gen3 RX SOHC 2.5 were bullet proof. I had one with 370,000klms that drove like brand new.

With 200,000klms, you've still got years left on the motor. Manual is the way to go...

[Nottage969]

You'll get a GX for that. Not an RX or Heritage thats in good nick.

The headgasket issue was a Gen2 2.5 related problem.

Gen3 RX SOHC 2.5 were bullet proof. I had one with 370,000klms that drove like brand new.

With 200,000klms, you've still got years left on the motor. Manual is the way to go...

Never heard such strong talk about this engine, brought a smile to my face to hear it! Thought at 205,000 i should be well and truly on the lookout for my next Lib...

[Dropz]

If you think the gen3 doesn't have a head gasket issue you clearly don't work on them. I see just as many with head gasket problems as I do with gen 1s and gen 2s

I don't doubt that they are a strong engine, because i know they are, but the head gaskets still leak just as often, and just as bad.

[slimjimbo]

You'll get a GX for that. Not an RX or Heritage thats in good nick.

The headgasket issue was a Gen2 2.5 related problem.

Tis a GX. Just needs a car and needs it now and doesn't have the extra $$$ to spend on a RX/Heritage/H6.

I thought it was Gen 2 2.5s' (I know you did yours in) but wasn't sure how many models it affected.

Thanks Mark

[kiks]

Buy a second hand BA or later falcon wagon.

Does what he needs better, second hand subarus are severely over valued and are just average cars as non turbo. And as turbo are just average cars with a higher price tag.

A gen3 in immaculate condition, latest non turbo RX or heritage should be at most 5-6k looking at what is available in the 5-10k market.

Underpowered, inefficient on fuel, too small to be adequately comfortable, and no redeeming features except decent build quality and a barely there 4wd system. Better than most other shit, but a competent highway cruiser and occasional farm bus, that you can get parts for for $5 at any repco in shitsville, it is not.