Starting to think my LGT really is cursed

Rice & Gravy · 03-08-2006, 12:18 PM

So you might recall that just before I bought my car it had had the entire top of the block basically redone. Heads remachined, valve job, new HG. I got a good deal on it and based on what was done figured I'd be in good shape. The engine is for sure, but since then:

Aftermarket wheels/lugs were more or less rusted on. Lugs were a complete PITA to get off, but I got it done and put the OEM wheels back on.

Rear diff started leaking a bit, but that was solved by tightening the bolts - no more leaking.

Then the issue with the misfire at #3, which resulted in the broken off plug and all those problems you might remember. Eventually this was fixed and it turned out to be a bad injector.

Then the gunk I noticed around the right axle at the tranny. I cleaned that all up and it has not reappeared to date

But now I am pretty sure I need a new CV boot or joint (might just do the whole front axle). I have clicking from the right when making slow, sharp turns into a parking space. And I need new front brakes, at least rotors for sure. And to make matters worse, the Conti Extreme Contacts with less than 5k miles on them seem to flatspot like hell. It takes about 3 miles for the steering wheel to stop shaking on the way home everyday.

It's one little thing after another, but the car runs great. Sorry, just had to bitch and vent a little. I might just trade the car in on a 06 WRX wagon. I put up a feeler FS thread btw. Who knows.

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Five9Dak · 03-08-2006, 12:34 PM

Trade it in if its been that much headache.

Teh Legacy · 03-08-2006, 04:30 PM

something something lemon law something else.

MCarp22 · 03-08-2006, 04:51 PM

Do worn out front brakes and a bad CV axle make a car a lemon?

DLC · 03-08-2006, 05:07 PM

Nope, they certainly do not. My car has had its fair share of problems, but remember, they're not new anymore after this long...

PHATsuby · 03-08-2006, 05:27 PM

I like to avoid these problems by pre-emptively changing all the parts on the car before they go bad

seriously though, over 30k on my 01(yea its low mileage) with at least 7k turbo'd and no issues to date besides ones I created.

Ben

Rice & Gravy · 03-08-2006, 05:36 PM

I know none of these issues are really that bad, and it DOES have 90k miles on it afterall, it's just frustrating always dealing with one thing or another. I was in a mood earlier about it and had to vent a little.

I just took both front wheels off when I got home and neither cv boot is ripped or torn, so I am not quite sure what is going on there.

MitchGT · 03-08-2006, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Five9Dak

Trade it in if its been that much headache.

agreed.

Rice & Gravy · 03-08-2006, 05:47 PM

The thing is I don't owe anything on this which is nice. But I actually talked to a dealer about something today. I'd dump this on trade and then lease a WRX wagon (sales price $22k) for 3 years - since I drive so few miles and change cars so much. Based on my good credit and the trade in my lease payment for 3 years 15k miles/yr would be about $190. The residual value of the car at the end of the lease (what I'd have to buy it for) is 54% which works out to ~13500. I'm considering it.

kevinsUBARU · 03-08-2006, 06:31 PM

I had a 1995 Impreza that was just as much as (maybe more than) a pain in the ass. The best thing I ever did with it was trade it in and get myself into a reasonable monthly payment on my 2001 Legacy wagon.

Good luck with it

Kraziken · 03-08-2006, 06:52 PM

I know people complain about headgasket failures etc, and even when I had my 3rd gen RX-7, something about reliability, etc.

If you don't have any car payments though, your saving considerable money. Unless something really bad happens, it almost always pays off more to repair than replace. But most people don't want the headache, so they trade in.

Or it seems you may just be bored with your ride, leasing is a good option if you don't think you'll be keeping the car long term.

All though I'm with Phatsuby, replace everything, it's like having a new car.

MCarp22 · 03-08-2006, 07:18 PM

I can't see trading in a perfectly good car for a $190 a month lease becuase it had less than $300 in repairs needed.

Rice & Gravy · 03-08-2006, 07:25 PM

It could be that new car itch, but you are right, no car payment is NICE. I do change cars a LOT, but I've seriously investigated an engine swap b/c I'd love more power but also love the Legacy. In order to do that I'd probably take a small loan on my title through my CU. For ~7k I could do EJ20 through Eastcoast Swappers, suspension, painted Baja hood, etc. I am still contemplating this.

Ultimately what I'll likely do is fix the front brakes and figure out what is going on with the clicking, then wait till the 2007s come out in September and find a deal at year end after Xmas on something new.

Rice & Gravy · 03-08-2006, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MCarp22

I can't see trading in a perfectly good car for a $190 a month lease becuase it had less than $300 in repairs needed.

I agree with you. Like I said, I was in a mood. Trading in a car for downpayment on a lease is not the right thing to do.

bhall · 03-09-2006, 11:26 AM

Sounds like some strange but not huge problems. Maybe your car just wants to spend some more time with you

.
Axle is to be expected around that mileage and everything else seems like a fluke or regular maintenance.

I am just going to say it:
All of you guys that are jumping ship for wrx need to just be true to yourself and just tell us you want boost. Enough with all of the excuses

**cough Tora, fibuz, Gray cough ***

Rice & Gravy · 03-09-2006, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bhall

Sounds like some strange but not huge problems. Maybe your car just wants to spend some more time with you

.
Axle is to be expected around that mileage and everything else seems like a fluke or regular maintenance.

I am just going to say it:
All of you guys that are jumping ship for wrx need to just be true to yourself and just tell us you want boost. Enough with all of the excuses

**cough Tora, fibuz, Gray cough ***

Ha! Boost envy.

Well, I am keeping the car...for now.

I bought new Brembo OE replacement rotors and Hawk HPS pads for the front last night, and talked to a guy Anthony (xntrk75) recommended and am getting a new front right half shaft today. I'll do rear brakes next month probably.

btw, I think I am buying leather front seats too. Just need to scout out Black OB leather rears too, if possible.

PHATsuby · 03-09-2006, 12:19 PM

I have a forester XT drivetrain for you

interested?

Ben

Rice & Gravy · 03-09-2006, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PHATsuby

I have a forester XT drivetrain for you

interested?

Ben

Ah, man! How much? *drool*

Kraziken · 03-09-2006, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gray

Ha! Boost envy.

Well, I am keeping the car...for now.

I bought new Brembo OE replacement rotors and Hawk HPS pads for the front last night, and talked to a guy Anthony (xntrk75) recommended and am getting a new front right half shaft today. I'll do rear brakes next month probably.

btw, I think I am buying leather front seats too. Just need to scout out Black OB leather rears too, if possible.

There ya go.

What you need to do, is keep doing small upgrades, until one day, you realize, I CAN'T trade this sucker in, I'll lose too much money.

iamrazor · 03-09-2006, 08:28 PM

If you decide to keep it, I have a custom cat-back FS... I'll take your stocker too

Rice & Gravy · 03-12-2006, 09:34 AM

*sigh* More problems...

Now I am getting 'binding' and wheel hop on tight right AND left hand turns at speeds less than 20 mph. Neither CV boot is damaged, PS fluid is full. I am replacing the right front half shaft next week, I guess I'll get the left and do that one too.

If that does not clear it up the problem has to be the center diff, right?

CRAP!

Wiscon_Mark · 03-12-2006, 12:13 PM

geez...

Rice & Gravy · 03-12-2006, 12:33 PM

Yeah, I was just testing it out while running some errands. It seems to be when the car is good and warmed up, not first off when it is cold, which to my understanding is indicative of the center dif or VC.

Wiscon_Mark · 03-12-2006, 12:46 PM

well, if it's torque bind, yes...you have a 5MT, so it's probably the coupler. That's the problem we had on the 95 5 years ago, it was a FWD only car until it got fixed. The only major repair that car ever needed.

Zytek · 03-12-2006, 04:31 PM

sounds like about how lucky i have been with my lgt. i have had more problems then i could count.

03-08-2006, 12:18 PM	#1
Rice & Gravy Scooby Specialist Member#: 39569 Join Date: Jul 2003 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Eastern Panhandler, WV Vehicle: 09 Acura TSX 6spd doodoo brown	Starting to think my LGT really is cursed So you might recall that just before I bought my car it had had the entire top of the block basically redone. Heads remachined, valve job, new HG. I got a good deal on it and based on what was done figured I'd be in good shape. The engine is for sure, but since then: Aftermarket wheels/lugs were more or less rusted on. Lugs were a complete PITA to get off, but I got it done and put the OEM wheels back on. Rear diff started leaking a bit, but that was solved by tightening the bolts - no more leaking. Then the issue with the misfire at #3, which resulted in the broken off plug and all those problems you might remember. Eventually this was fixed and it turned out to be a bad injector. Then the gunk I noticed around the right axle at the tranny. I cleaned that all up and it has not reappeared to date But now I am pretty sure I need a new CV boot or joint (might just do the whole front axle). I have clicking from the right when making slow, sharp turns into a parking space. And I need new front brakes, at least rotors for sure. And to make matters worse, the Conti Extreme Contacts with less than 5k miles on them seem to flatspot like hell. It takes about 3 miles for the steering wheel to stop shaking on the way home everyday. It's one little thing after another, but the car runs great. Sorry, just had to bitch and vent a little. I might just trade the car in on a 06 WRX wagon. I put up a feeler FS thread btw. Who knows. * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

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03-08-2006, 12:34 PM	#2
Five9Dak Scooby Newbie Member#: 103264 Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Philly, PA Vehicle: 1999 Dakota 5.9L R/T Black	Trade it in if its been that much headache.

03-08-2006, 04:30 PM	#3
Teh Legacy Scooby Specialist Member#: 9853 Join Date: Sep 2001 Chapter/Region: International Location: Never miss an opportunity Vehicle: to keep your mouth shut.	something something lemon law something else.

03-08-2006, 04:51 PM	#4
MCarp22 Scooby Newbie Member#: 102684 Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Nashville, TN Vehicle: 2013 Impreza Deep Cherry	Do worn out front brakes and a bad CV axle make a car a lemon?

03-08-2006, 05:07 PM	#5
DLC out back Moderator Member#: 1964 Join Date: Jul 2000 Chapter/Region: RMIC Location: 84XXX Vehicle: 01 BH Blue/Bronze	Nope, they certainly do not. My car has had its fair share of problems, but remember, they're not new anymore after this long...

03-08-2006, 05:27 PM	#6
PHATsuby Scooby Guru Member#: 13617 Join Date: Dec 2001 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: MN Vehicle: 2001 Legacy GT back to stock is a project too	I like to avoid these problems by pre-emptively changing all the parts on the car before they go bad seriously though, over 30k on my 01(yea its low mileage) with at least 7k turbo'd and no issues to date besides ones I created. Ben

03-08-2006, 05:36 PM	#7
Rice & Gravy Scooby Specialist Member#: 39569 Join Date: Jul 2003 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Eastern Panhandler, WV Vehicle: 09 Acura TSX 6spd doodoo brown	I know none of these issues are really that bad, and it DOES have 90k miles on it afterall, it's just frustrating always dealing with one thing or another. I was in a mood earlier about it and had to vent a little. I just took both front wheels off when I got home and neither cv boot is ripped or torn, so I am not quite sure what is going on there.

03-08-2006, 05:47 PM	#9
Rice & Gravy Scooby Specialist Member#: 39569 Join Date: Jul 2003 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Eastern Panhandler, WV Vehicle: 09 Acura TSX 6spd doodoo brown	The thing is I don't owe anything on this which is nice. But I actually talked to a dealer about something today. I'd dump this on trade and then lease a WRX wagon (sales price $22k) for 3 years - since I drive so few miles and change cars so much. Based on my good credit and the trade in my lease payment for 3 years 15k miles/yr would be about $190. The residual value of the car at the end of the lease (what I'd have to buy it for) is 54% which works out to ~13500. I'm considering it.

03-08-2006, 06:31 PM	#10
kevinsUBARU Scooby Specialist Member#: 2263 Join Date: Sep 2000 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Funky Kingston, NY Vehicle: 2012 Impreza Sport	I had a 1995 Impreza that was just as much as (maybe more than) a pain in the ass. The best thing I ever did with it was trade it in and get myself into a reasonable monthly payment on my 2001 Legacy wagon. Good luck with it

03-08-2006, 06:52 PM	#11
Kraziken Scooby Specialist Member#: 38629 Join Date: Jun 2003 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Northwest Vehicle: 1999 Legacy GT (STI) White	I know people complain about headgasket failures etc, and even when I had my 3rd gen RX-7, something about reliability, etc. If you don't have any car payments though, your saving considerable money. Unless something really bad happens, it almost always pays off more to repair than replace. But most people don't want the headache, so they trade in. Or it seems you may just be bored with your ride, leasing is a good option if you don't think you'll be keeping the car long term. All though I'm with Phatsuby, replace everything, it's like having a new car.

03-08-2006, 07:18 PM	#12
MCarp22 Scooby Newbie Member#: 102684 Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Nashville, TN Vehicle: 2013 Impreza Deep Cherry	I can't see trading in a perfectly good car for a $190 a month lease becuase it had less than $300 in repairs needed.

03-08-2006, 07:25 PM	#13
Rice & Gravy Scooby Specialist Member#: 39569 Join Date: Jul 2003 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Eastern Panhandler, WV Vehicle: 09 Acura TSX 6spd doodoo brown	It could be that new car itch, but you are right, no car payment is NICE. I do change cars a LOT, but I've seriously investigated an engine swap b/c I'd love more power but also love the Legacy. In order to do that I'd probably take a small loan on my title through my CU. For ~7k I could do EJ20 through Eastcoast Swappers, suspension, painted Baja hood, etc. I am still contemplating this. Ultimately what I'll likely do is fix the front brakes and figure out what is going on with the clicking, then wait till the 2007s come out in September and find a deal at year end after Xmas on something new.

03-09-2006, 11:26 AM	#15
bhall Scooby Newbie Member#: 56015 Join Date: Feb 2004 Chapter/Region: RMIC Location: Denver, CO Vehicle: No you're a towel!	Sounds like some strange but not huge problems. Maybe your car just wants to spend some more time with you . Axle is to be expected around that mileage and everything else seems like a fluke or regular maintenance. I am just going to say it: All of you guys that are jumping ship for wrx need to just be true to yourself and just tell us you want boost. Enough with all of the excuses cough Tora, fibuz, Gray cough *

03-09-2006, 12:19 PM	#17
PHATsuby Scooby Guru Member#: 13617 Join Date: Dec 2001 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: MN Vehicle: 2001 Legacy GT back to stock is a project too	I have a forester XT drivetrain for you interested? Ben

03-09-2006, 08:28 PM	#20
iamrazor Scooby Guru Member#: 52324 Join Date: Jan 2004 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Pelham, NH Vehicle: 2011 SWP WRX LTD 1990 T30 miata	If you decide to keep it, I have a custom cat-back FS... I'll take your stocker too

03-12-2006, 09:34 AM	#21
Rice & Gravy Scooby Specialist Member#: 39569 Join Date: Jul 2003 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Eastern Panhandler, WV Vehicle: 09 Acura TSX 6spd doodoo brown	sigh More problems... Now I am getting 'binding' and wheel hop on tight right AND left hand turns at speeds less than 20 mph. Neither CV boot is damaged, PS fluid is full. I am replacing the right front half shaft next week, I guess I'll get the left and do that one too. If that does not clear it up the problem has to be the center diff, right? CRAP!

03-12-2006, 12:13 PM	#22
Wiscon_Mark Scooby Guru Member#: 94945 Join Date: Aug 2005 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Stevens Point, WI Vehicle: 1995 Legacy OB 5MT 2003 Forester X 5MT	geez...

03-12-2006, 12:33 PM	#23
Rice & Gravy Scooby Specialist Member#: 39569 Join Date: Jul 2003 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Eastern Panhandler, WV Vehicle: 09 Acura TSX 6spd doodoo brown	Yeah, I was just testing it out while running some errands. It seems to be when the car is good and warmed up, not first off when it is cold, which to my understanding is indicative of the center dif or VC.

03-12-2006, 12:46 PM	#24
Wiscon_Mark Scooby Guru Member#: 94945 Join Date: Aug 2005 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Stevens Point, WI Vehicle: 1995 Legacy OB 5MT 2003 Forester X 5MT	well, if it's torque bind, yes...you have a 5MT, so it's probably the coupler. That's the problem we had on the 95 5 years ago, it was a FWD only car until it got fixed. The only major repair that car ever needed.

03-12-2006, 04:31 PM	#25
Zytek Scooby Newbie Member#: 83814 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Olympia WA Vehicle: 2000 Legacy GT LTD Black	sounds like about how lucky i have been with my lgt. i have had more problems then i could count.