Brave Pill 2004 Outback 3 point 0.

[119]

Having never owned a Japanese vehicle of any flavour, and after reading about how reliable they are, it seemed to be, for a few hundred quid, worth a go.

144k miles, a lot of paperwork with questionable service history, absolutely fking reeks of dog, a power steering whine that is deafening to the point of needing ear plugs, a towbar that is barely hanging on, possible a knackered battery or alternator, feels like you are driving on gravel, and after getting it home, coolant bottle almost empty.

Had various coolant pipes etc replaced in 2022, alarm and airbag recalls done, various pulleys and belt replaced 18 months ago

Gearbox seems to be very smooth, and the engine is indeed, peachy.

Bought some genuine coolant and topped it up, checked the oil and isn't milky so hopefully not a head gasket but it's now currently sat at the local specialist for the once over and the now waiting for the list of disasters that need sorting.

God help me.

Will get some pics up when/if it makes it back to the driveway.

[MrOrange]

Lovely thing. I had a 56 plate 3.0 and it was a thing, but boy it caused some bills and loved to rust underneath, leak water into the cab, destroy batteries, and drink fuel. Feels so very 1990s. Enjoy.

[thomasrs50]

Before you spend any money it, keep a keen eye on the coolant level.

Altough the 6 cilinder has a reputation of being very bombproof, more and more cars from this era suffer from HG failure.

The symptoms are:

- full overflow bottle after a 30 min drive
- after which the coolant will be sucked back into the rad and showing a low level

In many cases, the 'normal' HG-tests will not show any damage and people will start with replacing rad cap, thermostat, all sorts of hoses etc, but in the end, it's the HG...

[119]

Ah ok that s a great tip about the coolant check.

I guess after after a drive with the engine at temp, the coolant should still be the same level as when cold?

I kinda assumed that as the engine oil was the correct colour with no sludge, and clean coolant the HG would be ok.

[thomasrs50]

The 3.0 will almost never mix coolant and oil, the coolant-system will get pressurised causing the tank to overfill/overflow and spilling coolant.

If it's a HG, the expansion tank will be completely filled.

If everything is ok, the coolant will rise, but nowhere near the top of the expansion tank.

[119]

Ok great stuff thanks.

[MDMA .]

Saloon or Tourer? I have a few bits left over from my Legacy Tourer if you want them (genuine boot liner, retractable parcel shelf etc).

[119]

MDMA . said:

Saloon or Tourer? I have a few bits left over from my Legacy Tourer if you want them (genuine boot liner, retractable parcel shelf etc).

It s a tourer and it came with those already, along with a genuine dog guard!

So I ll pass but thanks for the offer, that s very kind of you.




Heard back from the garage and they suggested replacing the steering pump for £300 rather than mess about with the seals etc and everything else seems to be in order which is all good!