[AWDFTW]

Maintenance records are key.

Well serviced and taken care of, 160k wouldn't worry me.

No records, I'd plan on about $2k of preventative work to be safe. (Complete timing belt and all associated parts, general tune up, fresh fluids, etc).

 

[AWDBoost]

With one owner it should be easy to verify the maintenance. Definitely ask about oil changes and new turbos. Maybe the turbo failed and now you have a brand new one, thats a plus, maybe it never failed so you'll have to pay attention to it.

 

[deb]

Thanks to you both for the input. I'm looking forward to seeing the vehicle tomorrow afternoon and really hoping to bring it home! Thanks to this site - I'm going better informed.

 

[rasterman]

With one owner it should be easy to verify the maintenance. Definitely ask about oil changes and new turbos. Maybe the turbo failed and now you have a brand new one, thats a plus, maybe it never failed so you'll have to pay attention to it.

Sounds like this is just a Limited, not an XT, so the turbo wouldn't be a concern.

To the OP, you'll still want to verify the records as far as a timing belt & oil changes.

 

[nipper]

And think about your stereo options. You are married to that head unit as it can't be swaped out for an aftermarket unit cheaply

 

[iLikeTurtles]

And think about your stereo options. You are married to that head unit as it can't be swaped out for an aftermarket unit cheaply

There are many options for dash kits to install an aftermarket stereo, my 2005 came with one already installed, can't recall the brand of the kit but I know it cost less than $50

 

[nipper]

He is looking at a LTD , not a 2.5i. LTD's come with automatic climate control which is built into the same panel as the stereo.

Subarus of this generation can NOT have aftermarket units installed without a big pain to the wallet or major complication.

You have a 2.5i, which does NOT have automatic climate controls.

 

[iLikeTurtles]

Scosche? unsure on spelling or Metra made a kit for the outbacks with auto climate controls, maybe they are now discontinued but they were available the last time I checked.

 

[nipper]

Nope never did. Trust me on this one, i looked high and low and had to come up with a much less pricy (not by much) and elegant solution.

1- mount head unit in glove box
2- mount head unit in cubby
3- hack in an aux input
4- Use a grom adapter and get a hvac unit from a 2008 or 2009
5- Use an adapter that works through the speakers but not the unit
6- Get a JDM HVAC unit (which is not incorporated into the stereo) at a really high cost. Still requires a adapter and a head unit.

really depends upon what you want to do and your needs. I went for the grom unit and an updated HU from a newer subaru.

Official dual HVAC Double Din (JDM) Kit thread! - Subaru Legacy Forums

Major Surgery
http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/dual-hvac-pcb-relocation-info-53848.html

JDM HVAC panel
http://www.japanparts.com/db/partslist.php?dealer=1&car=6&middlesmall=2:13&maker=&volkey=&page=3

 

[rasterman]

I bit the bullet and installed the JDM kit. Believe me, I looked for alternatives before sinking $375 into a bracket for a $200 head unit.

(I haven't tracked the exchange rate since, that was what it ran me 18 months ago)

 

[nipper]

I went with a GROM unit, it's not perfect, but I did get to upgrade my HU to one with an MP3 player and have all the blutooth functions. I just wish the titles from the ipod would scroll.

 

[vebop]

On my 08 LTD I removed the glove box insert and put in an Alpine iPod HU. It was spliced into the existing harness, leaving the stock radio & ventilation system intact. Wiring led back to an amp in the tire well, sub-woofer enclosure and upgraded door speakers. Advantage is with the glove box closed it's a total stealth sound system.