Introduction and Help

BallardGT · 01-28-2025, 11:34 AM

Hello everyone! This is my first post here! We have owned several over the years:
Previous
'06 Outback
'05 Legacy GT
'15 Legacy
Current
'19 Outback
'23 Ascent
We have purchased all of them used as either certified used or with extensive service history and low miles (except the Ascent which we bought new - got a great deal on it).
We are looking to add to our fleet with a manual transmission car (Impreza, Crosstrek, Outback, Forester, or Legacy). This car will be used to tow behind our motorhome. Preferably 2014+ and under 100k miles but open to suggestions. Is there anything to look for or be aware of when looking for an older model?

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Gixhost · 01-30-2025, 08:48 PM

Welcome! I'm sure someone will follow-up with some good info. If you're going with a manual you're already headed in the right direction for what you intend to do but you already know that. I don't think you can really go wrong with a well cared for version of any of those vehicles. The Legacy and Outback got rid of the manual around the start of years you're looking at I believe. If you do a quick search I'm sure you'll turn up what options you have. The other vehicles kept the manual longer.

subadubadoo · 01-31-2025, 12:39 AM

Just in case you don't know, since you're looking to tow this vehicle, you have to either keep all four wheels on the ground or get the whole car up on a trailer. If you only use one of those two wheel trailers, your diffs will explode right quick.

If you're going for a manual anyway, why not make it an STI? Beefy suspension, nice brakes and a big fat turbo are sure to make your adventures more fun....

Keep in mind Subaru owners often like to drive their cars hard, so look out for soft clutches, power slippage, chunky synchros, hard to hit gear shifts. Since you're out on the west coast you'll also want to pay attention to rust, as older Subarus have a tendency to start falling apart after 10-15yrs of salty roads. Otherwise all basic stuff, check for leaks, CELs, vibrations, noises, etc.

Popsboxer · 02-01-2025, 11:31 AM

Welcome and as mentioned, while you have subie history, they are AWD factor that in with towing (it's better to rewarn people with things they know than let that little slip of the mind hit you).

This isn't the worst place to look around, there's lots of sites for used cars with clean history. What's your budget that's another factor?

Aside budget, how many people are riding in it, and what will you be doing? Things like a hatch v sedan or wagon will matter with what/who you lug around.

Best of luck!

Jack · 02-01-2025, 11:49 AM

You've got a good start on history with Subarus. I'll list mine:

01 2.5RS 4 door
02 Outback
08 Outback
08 Legacy GT
07 WRX
03 Outback
13 Crosstrek
19 Crosstrek
17 Legacy
18 Legacy

I can tell you that at the 13 Crosstrek point, Subaru finally figured out how to make vehicles that didn't have significant rust in the salt belt within 3 years. I junked our 13 Crosstrek and have been stripping it for parts to sell. In the process, the only piece of rust on the entire car, top, bottom, inside, outside was around the drive shaft center bearing mount. With previous cars like the 02 Outback, the whole car was a near disaster in the same number of years and half the miles with everything becoming solid rust.

Indeed, staying away from the CVT in Crosstreks and Imprezas is a good move. Our 13 CVT had a tranny replaced under warranty, then the solenoid control module ($800) replaced about 150k miles. Any Subaru gives up its wheel bearings before 100k miles. With 12+ Imprezas, Crosstreks and I believe Foresters, they have a completely stupid front lower control arm, rear bushing that wears out in about 50k miles. If you ignore it like I did, it'll completely break and give the tire about a 5 inch forward/backwards freedom. Replacing the control arms isn't rocket science. I did mine. Yes, you could replace just the bushing but if you start looking early, you can find control arms new for as cheap as $50 and they have all the bushings and a new ball joint.

BallardGT · 03-07-2025, 09:57 AM

Thank you everyone for all of your advice and recommendations! We were set on finding a Crosstrek or Impreza, 2016 or newer. Almost made a deal on a 2015 Impreza with only 26k miles, one owner car (older lady) but something seemed off. We test drove a few other cars but none seemed to fit the bill, too many miles, rough around the edges, bad service history, etc.

Then my wife suggested test driving a WRX...

First test drive we were hooked! The only downside was most of them had issues with modifications, accidents, etc. Fast forward a few weeks and we found a match! We ended up with a 2020 WRX Premium, one owner car, 37k miles, no modifications except exhaust tips/mufflers, service history (previous owner purchased service contract when it was new).

01-28-2025, 11:34 AM	#1
BallardGT Scooby Newbie Member#: 458536 Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Seattle, WA	Introduction and Help Hello everyone! This is my first post here! We have owned several over the years: Previous '06 Outback '05 Legacy GT '15 Legacy Current '19 Outback '23 Ascent We have purchased all of them used as either certified used or with extensive service history and low miles (except the Ascent which we bought new - got a great deal on it). We are looking to add to our fleet with a manual transmission car (Impreza, Crosstrek, Outback, Forester, or Legacy). This car will be used to tow behind our motorhome. Preferably 2014+ and under 100k miles but open to suggestions. Is there anything to look for or be aware of when looking for an older model? * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

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01-30-2025, 08:48 PM	#2
Gixhost NASIOC Supporter Member#: 180111 Join Date: May 2008 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Lost in the DMV Vehicle: * 2004.114.3 STi Aspen White	Welcome! I'm sure someone will follow-up with some good info. If you're going with a manual you're already headed in the right direction for what you intend to do but you already know that. I don't think you can really go wrong with a well cared for version of any of those vehicles. The Legacy and Outback got rid of the manual around the start of years you're looking at I believe. If you do a quick search I'm sure you'll turn up what options you have. The other vehicles kept the manual longer.

01-31-2025, 12:39 AM	#3
subadubadoo Scooby Newbie Member#: 540137 Join Date: Jan 2025 Vehicle: 2006 WRX Wagon WRB	Just in case you don't know, since you're looking to tow this vehicle, you have to either keep all four wheels on the ground or get the whole car up on a trailer. If you only use one of those two wheel trailers, your diffs will explode right quick. If you're going for a manual anyway, why not make it an STI? Beefy suspension, nice brakes and a big fat turbo are sure to make your adventures more fun.... Keep in mind Subaru owners often like to drive their cars hard, so look out for soft clutches, power slippage, chunky synchros, hard to hit gear shifts. Since you're out on the west coast you'll also want to pay attention to rust, as older Subarus have a tendency to start falling apart after 10-15yrs of salty roads. Otherwise all basic stuff, check for leaks, CELs, vibrations, noises, etc.

02-01-2025, 11:31 AM	#4
Popsboxer Scooby Newbie Member#: 540129 Join Date: Jan 2025 Chapter/Region: MAIC	Welcome and as mentioned, while you have subie history, they are AWD factor that in with towing (it's better to rewarn people with things they know than let that little slip of the mind hit you). This isn't the worst place to look around, there's lots of sites for used cars with clean history. What's your budget that's another factor? Aside budget, how many people are riding in it, and what will you be doing? Things like a hatch v sedan or wagon will matter with what/who you lug around. Best of luck!

02-01-2025, 11:49 AM	#5
Jack Add Lightness Moderator Member#: 13699 Join Date: Dec 2001 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Hopkinton, MA Vehicle: 2021 Building It Better	You've got a good start on history with Subarus. I'll list mine: 01 2.5RS 4 door 02 Outback 08 Outback 08 Legacy GT 07 WRX 03 Outback 13 Crosstrek 19 Crosstrek 17 Legacy 18 Legacy I can tell you that at the 13 Crosstrek point, Subaru finally figured out how to make vehicles that didn't have significant rust in the salt belt within 3 years. I junked our 13 Crosstrek and have been stripping it for parts to sell. In the process, the only piece of rust on the entire car, top, bottom, inside, outside was around the drive shaft center bearing mount. With previous cars like the 02 Outback, the whole car was a near disaster in the same number of years and half the miles with everything becoming solid rust. Indeed, staying away from the CVT in Crosstreks and Imprezas is a good move. Our 13 CVT had a tranny replaced under warranty, then the solenoid control module ($800) replaced about 150k miles. Any Subaru gives up its wheel bearings before 100k miles. With 12+ Imprezas, Crosstreks and I believe Foresters, they have a completely stupid front lower control arm, rear bushing that wears out in about 50k miles. If you ignore it like I did, it'll completely break and give the tire about a 5 inch forward/backwards freedom. Replacing the control arms isn't rocket science. I did mine. Yes, you could replace just the bushing but if you start looking early, you can find control arms new for as cheap as $50 and they have all the bushings and a new ball joint.

03-07-2025, 09:57 AM	#6
BallardGT Scooby Newbie Member#: 458536 Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Seattle, WA	Thank you everyone for all of your advice and recommendations! We were set on finding a Crosstrek or Impreza, 2016 or newer. Almost made a deal on a 2015 Impreza with only 26k miles, one owner car (older lady) but something seemed off. We test drove a few other cars but none seemed to fit the bill, too many miles, rough around the edges, bad service history, etc. Then my wife suggested test driving a WRX... First test drive we were hooked! The only downside was most of them had issues with modifications, accidents, etc. Fast forward a few weeks and we found a match! We ended up with a 2020 WRX Premium, one owner car, 37k miles, no modifications except exhaust tips/mufflers, service history (previous owner purchased service contract when it was new).