Things to look for when buying a 3.0R-B?

[patrickbateman]

Hi - I've been lurking for a while (this site is good). Thought I'd hijack this thread as I have similar questions.

I've been looking for a Liberty 3.0r-b, around 2006-2007, roughly at the 100k mark in terms of mileage.

I found a nice example and got an RAA inspection (I'm in SA) - it came back with problems including discoloured oil/auto trans fluid/brake fluid/power fluid, oil leaks around the timing cover and rocker cover, "deterioration" on front control arm, split bushes, and grease leaking from a CV boot.

I'm probably a car ignoramus by the standards of most people here, but my understanding is that a car with about 80k on the clock which has been properly serviced should not have most of those issues - maybe discoloured oil if coming up for a service, but not the rest of it. The CV issues and oil leaks were particularly concerning for a car that looked immaculate and has supposedly been looked after well.

Am I being too paranoid? Does discoloured trans fluid suggest too much hard driving?

Anyway, more generally, I'd be keen to hear what I should be looking out for on R-Bs at around 80-120k kilometres.

[zch91]

Normal wear and tear if you ask me, after 6-7 years things start to break down/wear out. Leaks from the engine seals seems a little bit odd, not exactly sure what the inspector is getting at saying the fluids are 'discoloured', most of them will be original i'd say. You could check the service records to find out.

EZ30 are known for using oil, make sure you take note of this.

[danew]

I thought I would bump this thread up as I am looking at a 3.0RB for my sister. I have tried to cliff note the key things to look out for, can someone please let me know if I have missed anything?

- Hydraulic diff bushes
- CV's
- Excess oil usage
- Suspension bushes in general
- aftermarket clutches
- centre diff issues (binding/locking)
- Fluid leaks
- Extensive Service history
- General quality/feel of driving the car

Thoughts?

[alessandro132]

Looks pretty thorough to me.

[30rbullet]

Where are all these 13 and 15k 3.0RB manuals? Or are they all sedans?

Subaru sedans are aids :p

Also more than welcome to come have a look at a few cars if you want to go to that august meet kiahatsu has got going on. I could probably drag it along.

I bought a 05 3.0r-b wagon 6sp man for $13, 470 on road paid cash though so got it down from $14, 990.

Had 195ks but full complete service log book, car was in mint condition and all the running gear under the car was replaced with sti gear and whiteline f and r swaybars with slotted rotors f and r.

Was on the market for 4 days apparently so they obviously get snagged quick!