Looking into a GT Spec B, what to look for...

[Scooby-Doo]

Hey all,

Dropped off the forums for a while there I'm afraid.

As you may of guessed by the title, a few things have aligned and within probably a week or two i should have the finances availbe to finally get a Spec B, manual o'coarse..

Now I've been doing my research, aswell as churning through carsales etc, just wondering a few things.

1. Any major faults/ issues i need to look out for (Like gen3 2.5l headgasket issues etc)
2. Price/mileage sort of equations, (seems your looking around 30k, for 40,000km~80,000KM)
3.If anyone knows of any for sale in VIC area and not on carsales let me know

Thanks in advance

Cheers,
Nick

[MY-25-GT]

I am not aware of any major faults with them like the gen 3 Head gaskit but it will all depend on who you buy it from etc, I searched for quite awhile and the main thing I found was dont buy one around 50,000kms unless you are ok with paying for the major service coming up at 60,0000kms which at subaru can cost anything from $2000 to $3000.

Not all Spec B's are the same there are a lot of little changes and add-ons such as mine came with the STI front lip and Rear Spoiler from new. But only the drivers seat is Eletric not the Passanger. Mine has the Micintosh system however doesnt have the Aux point in the centre console. Main thing with all subaru is are CV Boots, Belts and history.

Subaru for $200 do a complete check over and test run, which if it scores above 90% you can pay a flat fee of $1500 and get warranty put onto it for 3 years. Not all subarus do this but some do.

I ended up paying $29,500 for my 2008 Liberty Spec B Sedan with 41,000kms on it, I bought from Liverpool Subaru in Sydney and they put 5 years warranty onto it too. I test drove and looked at about 15 to 20 Spec Bs before I bought this one. But thats because I looked at the 3.0L and Gt, Sedan and Wagon.

Main thing is do your research, look at the person or place you are buying from, Where was the car serviced, and if you have any doubt at all get the car checked over cause $200 upfront is a lot cheaper than a possible couple of thousand later down the track.

[senator]

the major service coming up at 60,0000kms which at subaru can cost anything from $2000 to $3000.
.

Major service is every 50k……should cost around $600-700 at most through are dealership, Major services require all fluids (radiator, diffs front and rear, transmission and engine) to be changed.

The next major service around the 100 k mark require the timing belt to be changed, sparks plugs and all fluids, expect to pay around the $1500 mark.

Common issues on the 07 and 08 GT’s were oil return lines from the turbos would crack, Subaru released are recall for this, also big end bearing issues were common, more so earlier on in life. The head gasket issue is minor but still a possibility. Wheels bearing have been known to go, also CV boots are another weak point, the boot can be easily changed as long as no damage is sustained to the joint.

Service history would be the main area to investigate, are car serviced regularly should be the best buy.

[Scooby-Doo]

Thanks for the help guys.

I'll start looking into those possibilities, I will also make enquiries to a few of the scooby dealers around melbourne.

Also I shall keep trawling carsales, also any other good suby/lib forums you can think of to ask advice on (yours was great just thought i should gather some knowledge ), already a part of ozlib but they seem pretty dead..

Cheers again fellas,
Nick

[jp928]

Mine is Jan 08 build wagon , 6mt. 50k service was under $600, average service to 87.5 is under $300. Mine was in the suspect bad bearing batch , so they gave me a 5yr warranty, but it passed the first oil change test, and hasnt missed a beat. Looking at next round of services, (as listed at Docklands anyway) they seem to have spread the big items out over 100 and 112.5k, to soften the blow a bit.
Apart from above advice, I basically look for an interior that matches the mileage on the clock - low mileage = low wear on driver seat, gear lever, floor mats; higher mileage = more wear.
Mate of mine just bought a my07 3.0rb 6mt wagon with 76k on it, high $20s. Unmarked exterior, a little wheel rash, one owner, full service history. similar gear knob wear to mine (88k), seat very good condition, loose floor mat needs replacement. Rest of the interior almost brand new.
I think you will be lucky to catch one as low as 40k kms, and you will pay more for it.
jp 08 gtb 6mt wagon

[bigBADbenny]

Subaru for $200 do a complete check over and test run, which if it scores above 90% you can pay a flat fee of $1500 and get warranty put onto it for 3 years. Not all subarus do this but some do.

Wow! What dealers and what conditions?

[MY-25-GT]

It was at McGrath Subaru Hoxley Park and it gave a rating out of 100%, potential future cost and wear and tear etc, they said that it take it was their professional option but not the whole entire car could be checked, if the car comes out with over 90% they will also offer a warranty period for certain models at a extra charge.