Bought a 2005 Subaru Outback with a fully rebuilt engine, fresh fluids, and all the usual upkeep done. The inside is super clean and it’s got a sunroof and heated seats. The car has 234,000 miles on it, but the rebuilt motor has under 1,000. The guy who fixed it up was getting it ready for his son, but the kid wanted a Forester instead.
I paid $3500 for it. I’m hoping it was the right call. I’m not looking to flip it, just planning to drive it till it quits.
Cars like that in rougher shape with old engines still sell for more than $3500 where I live. Sounds like you did just fine.
At that age, if the suspension hasn’t been replaced yet, you might notice a big difference with new struts and bushings.
I still drive my 2005 every day (it’s at 222k miles) and I could probably sell it for more than what you paid. So yeah, sounds like a great price with all the stuff done on it.
If there’s proof of all the work done, $3500 sounds like a fair deal.
If the rebuild was done right, that engine could have another 200k in it. $3500? I’d say you did good.
Sounds like a solid deal to me. If you haven’t already, you might still take it to a shop just to have someone give it a once-over.
Really depends on how good the person was who did the rebuild, and what exactly they did. A full rebuild in my book means taking everything apart—new bearings, crank, pistons, rings, resurfaced heads, turbo head gaskets, all new timing stuff, oil pump, water pump. I’d also swap the radiator and hoses while you’re at it. If he did all that and you keep up with oil changes using synthetic every 5k miles, it’ll last a long time.
@lorenza
He showed me photos of the whole process from start to finish. He’s even working on another engine for his son. Was actually really cool to see. He’s a great guy.
Reminds me of my old ‘05 that I had to sell for scrap in North Dakota for $500. The head gasket blew while I was on the highway and wrecked the motor. Got a 2022 model when I got back home.
If it hasn’t been done yet, the front CV boots (or axles) might need to be replaced down the line. The right one sits right over the catalytic converter, so it gets cooked pretty fast. It’s not a hard job though. Aftermarket ones are cheap, even now. With a fresh engine and the right head gaskets, it should last a long time.
Go for it!
Quick update: I took her out through Route 220 into Highland County, VA and she ran great. Sport mode feels awesome. Just need to pick up some freon and fix the front outlet, but that’s minor. I named her Ethyl and we’re gonna have some good times.