Subaru Legacy - high miler - engine knocking

[Landlord]

Hi,

We're looking at a Subaru Legacy ('05) with 152,000 FSH, however, there is apparently a knocking sound on start-up. The dealer advised us against buying it(!) after he heard it as he didn't know what it was and would rather we didn't buy a dud (in his approx. words).

However, are Legacys known for this or is it something we should be worried about. A mechanic friend said it may be the crankshaft or, at worst, a new engine. Now, a 3 month warranty is £160 approx. Would it be sensible to buy the car (cheap) with the warranty and then get a new engine out of it - or would the warranty people wriggle out of it?

Thanks,
Phil.

[Landlord]

doogz said:

Will almost certainly be the big ends, i.e. the bearings that fix the rods to the crank.

They might fail catastrophically tomorrow and punch a massive hole in the block (not an exaggeration) or it might run, being a bit noisy, for another 6 months.

But it will be a big job when they need done, i'd stay away, that's a lot of miles for an EJ20/25

Thanks. One question - big job meaning £100's or £1,000's?

[Landlord]

doogz said:

You'd be lucky to get any change from £1000 at a decent independant garage i'd think.

The reason I ask is that, even if it is a grand, it's still competitively priced(ish).

What would you think about the warranty? Worth the paper it's printed on or does it differ company to company?

Thanks again.

[intrepid44]

Could it be piston slap?

Which would require a rebore, and some overbored pistons/rings.

[*Al*]

As said probably big end bearing/s, actually quite common on Subarus. Mine unfortunately went the same way.

[Landlord]

intrepid44 said:

Could it be piston slap?

Which would require a rebore, and some overbored pistons/rings.

I read something about that on Google but it should go away when warm, apparently. I don't believe this one does.

Edit: Just been told it does go away whilst driving. A mechanic friend asked if it made the noise in neutral when revving the engine and it did.

Edited by Landlord on Tuesday 27th April 16:26

[Landlord]

*Al* said:

As said probably big end bearing/s, actually quite common on Subarus. Mine unfortunately went the same way.

What was the outcome for you then? New engine?

[Landlord]

Also, I've just been told that the "orange light that looks like an engine" is on....

[bazking69]

I'd be looking elsewhere, unless it was stupidly cheap.

[Muzzer]

Landlord said:

Also, I've just been told that the "orange light that looks like an engine" is on....

Walk away.

There's plenty (ish) about. Don't get tempted into one car just because it looks cheap.

It could be something relatively cheap. It could be a new engine. Why take the risk?

If it's a new engine and the warranty company back out (which they'll inevitably try to do on a 3 month warranty*) is it worth even doing on a 152k mile Legacy?

• You'll have little recourse at the dealer aswell as he's told you about it and advised you not to buy it!

[Landlord]

Muzzer said:

Landlord said:

Also, I've just been told that the "orange light that looks like an engine" is on....

Walk away.

There's plenty (ish) about. Don't get tempted into one car just because it looks cheap.

It could be something relatively cheap. It could be a new engine. Why take the risk?

If it's a new engine and the warranty company back out (which they'll inevitably try to do on a 3 month warranty*) is it worth even doing on a 152k mile Legacy?

• You'll have little recourse at the dealer aswell as he's told you about it and advised you not to buy it!

True. Very true. The thing is, it's about £2,500 cheaper than comparable cars........ I'm answering my own question aren't I? Walk away.