Would you sell it?

[tylerb83]

Here's my dilemma:

I have a 2006 Outback Limited, manual transmission. I've had it for one year, put about 10,000 miles on. It now has roughly 82,500 on it. I like the car, but there are problems:

It ghostwalks. I believe this problem has to do with alignment and suspension, which besides the massive GW thread, is also covered here (tire wear problem).

I believe the wear is related to GWing. In just 10,000 miles, I've noticed severe (but even) wear on my General Altimax's. They've been rotated front-to-back 2 times, I believe. Tires are expensive and if I'm going to drive this car through winter, I need to get some new ones. Also, I need to address the alignment issue (likely with DAFTEK's camber solution). Taking off from a stop is also getting a just a bit rough under heavier acceleration...don't know if clutch is starting to slip a bit or not.

Here's my dilemma: between Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds True Cash Value, the car is worth anywhere between $3,000 and $4,000 more than what I owe on it. I could almost get what I paid for it from a dealer 1 year ago.

I'd like to get another Subie--either OB or Forester. But the OB can't be an 05-09 (not risking GW again; can't afford too new). I also don't want pre- 03? for fear of head gasket issues.

I'm also not decided on manual or automatic--but my wife and I are leaning toward automatic. I like the manual...but IMO, it's not ideal on an OB or Forester (unless XT). Is there anything to be aware of in terms of transmission issues? Any complaints about the 4EAT? We wouldn't mind getting into a slightly older model but with similar mileage. Reducing the monthly payment a bit would be nice...

Sorry about the length but I'm really torn on this. One moment I want to sell sell sell... then I kind of get nostalgic and want to keep it. Of course, safety and confidence are very important--GW makes me feel neither and I'm quite tired of thinking about it and its many possible solutions. So I thought I'd seek the collective wisdom of the OB community.

[rockhopjohn]

I would swap for a similar aged Forester. BTW, don't count on anything 2003+ to be free of the HG issues. As the new cars age we are seeing a lot of the 2003+ developing oil leaks at the HG.

[tylerb83]

Thanks for the reply. I actually just read a thread with 03-04's experiencing some HG issues. I guess H6 3.0 is an option...but I'm not thrilled about the mpg and premium fuel...

[SovereignAxe]

The 4EAT is a total slushbox but apparently fairly bulletproof. When I bought mine the tranny fluid was toast. I noticed it when I was climbing a mountain, the distinct smell of burning oil-and I could tell it wasn't motor oil. I checked the fluid and sure enough it was brown. Did a couple of drain and refills and it runs great now. I should also note that this tranny is EXTREMELY hesitant to downshift when you try to accelerate from a steady speed. However, downshifting manually does manage to bring the fun factor back a bit.

I bought this car to lower my payments as well. I sold a 2005 Altima that I simply could not afford (given to me by parents, but ended up having to make full payments on) for this OB and cut my payments in half.

[SovereignAxe]

Oh and to answer your question...

I came into this thread expecting to respond with asking would the cost of your repairs be more than the price of the new car you bought, but I didn't expect you to be going for an older/cheaper model. Since that is the case, and it does seem like you're trying to save money, I don't see any reason (aside from parting with an otherwise nice car) not to. IMO you should sell it as soon as you can find a 2000-2004 3.0 H6 to replace it with.

[rockhopjohn]

I personally would have a really hard time buying a 2000-2004 H6. They are gutless (compared to the newer models) and certainly don't give the performance necessary to justify the added expense.

Having owned 3 Outbacks, if I had it to do over, instead of buying my 2004, I would have saved my money for repairs, and just stuck with a nice clean 1996-1999 and just planned to do the HGs.

[tylerb83]

Saving money is certainly important, but not the main reason I'm considering this move. First, I didn't realize I would be so far ahead of what it's worth. I realize I won't get Blue Book, but TCV (or really close) is a solid goal. When I bought the car, I got a great price on it from a Hyundai dealership 300 miles away--I think they just wanted to get the 5 speed ugly ducking off their lot

Anyway, the main issue is the suspension/alignment/GWing. I realize there are some potential fixes out there, but that would require finding a garage that would accommodate my (weird) requests. I'm still considering doing these repairs, getting new tires (probably TripleTreds or Primacy--great reviews in forums), and trying one more year. But considering I could save some headache, sell this car, and have a nice downpayment for the next one... I like that option too.

Originally Posted by SovereignAxe

Oh and to answer your question...

I came into this thread expecting to respond with asking would the cost of your repairs be more than the price of the new car you bought, but I didn't expect you to be going for an older/cheaper model. Since that is the case, and it does seem like you're trying to save money, I don't see any reason (aside from parting with an otherwise nice car) not to. IMO you should sell it as soon as you can find a 2000-2004 3.0 H6 to replace it with.

[tylerb83]

I'm kind of stuck with a similar-aged Forester, huh?

Originally Posted by rockhopjohn

I personally would have a really hard time buying a 2000-2004 H6. They are gutless (compared to the newer models) and certainly don't give the performance necessary to justify the added expense.

Having owned 3 Outbacks, if I had it to do over, instead of buying my 2004, I would have saved my money for repairs, and just stuck with a nice clean 1996-1999 and just planned to do the HGs.

[rockhopjohn]

You're, not stuck with anything, I imagine you could move up to a little newer Forester.

[subiesailor]

Put another 40K on it make a little side fund called new car. Put money in it each month and by the time you have another 40K on the old subaru - you can pay nearly cash for your next ride. Every vehicle out there has some niggly little issue that if you think about it all day long every day will make you a mental case. As long as the **** thing starts up -gets you to work etc and doesn't cost you $300+ a month in repair costs keep it.

If you can easily pay cash right now for a new ride without impacting your 1yr layoff money or impacting your maxed out 401K contributions each month? Then sell it and get a new ride.