Legacy GT-B: Things to look out for
Discussion
I'm going to have a look at a 1996 Legacy GT-B tomorrow. Having searched, I see they're pretty well regarded amongst JapChatters, but neither here, nor on uklegacy.com does there seem to be much in the way of a buyers guide. Does anyone have any hints as to what to look out for? Anything specific to Subarus in general, the Legacy or the GT-B in particular?
Ta!
Ta!
Where are you both!!Rattle/knocking from cold start is piston slap, not really good! Very common issue that eventually... leads to terminal failure. They often do many miles like it though.
Other occasional things, Smokey exhaust is sign of HG on way out, check for clean oil & waterworks. Also physically check cambelt condition by looking at it!! Some get speedo faults which is just the drive part that goes into the box. Both turbo's should work
there is normally a wee laggy point between the two at about 4500rpm this as far as I can tell is pretty normal unless its fully floored in higher gear right through the rev range under load.
Other occasional things, Smokey exhaust is sign of HG on way out, check for clean oil & waterworks. Also physically check cambelt condition by looking at it!! Some get speedo faults which is just the drive part that goes into the box. Both turbo's should work
there is normally a wee laggy point between the two at about 4500rpm this as far as I can tell is pretty normal unless its fully floored in higher gear right through the rev range under load. 
I've never heard of an engine failure resulting from piston slap, but it doesn't sound nice.
Stay away from autos, the manuals are much better. As with any AWD car the clutch tends to be the weak link in the drivetrain so make sure theres no slip or anything.
The twin-turbo setup can be pretty complicated to work on if anything goes wrong so try and find a lower-miles, well maintained example without any dodgy looking modifications and run it on the best fuel you can.
Leaky rocker cover gaskets are fairly common, not a huge issue but potentially annoying.
Stay away from autos, the manuals are much better. As with any AWD car the clutch tends to be the weak link in the drivetrain so make sure theres no slip or anything.
The twin-turbo setup can be pretty complicated to work on if anything goes wrong so try and find a lower-miles, well maintained example without any dodgy looking modifications and run it on the best fuel you can.
Leaky rocker cover gaskets are fairly common, not a huge issue but potentially annoying.
Edited by GravelBen on Sunday 23 November 20:39
Cheers all. Well, if I were being ultra careful at the time, I probably would have walked on by, but feeling foolish and having the cash burning a hole in my pocket, a 96 manual GT-B in white is now sat on the driveway. Beats renting a van for the impending house move and I'll cover the 2.5 miles to the new house much quicker. 
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