Picking up a 2000 Subaru Legacy that hasn't moved in years

Picking up a 2000 Subaru Legacy that hasn't moved in years

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sgtBerbatov

Original Poster:

2,597 posts

82 months

Thursday 22nd February 2018
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I'm in a odd, but I think lucky, situation where I've been given a Subaru Legacy 2.0 from 2000. The guy who's giving it to me has said it's been stood for a few years, will need a new battery and the tyres are flat. It was put away working as he got another car at the time and just never used it after that. It's been in a garage under sheets, so at least it's been dry stored. From what I gather it's the non-turbo Boxer in this car.

I've never had a Subaru before, and I've never picked up a car like this where it's been stood for ages like this. Never even seen a Boxer engine in my life either, so I'm totally new to the mechanics of these cars.

Is there anything I need to look out for with the car? As in, will the Boxer box itself to bits if I turn the key for the first time after such a long time standing?

sgtBerbatov

Original Poster:

2,597 posts

82 months

Friday 23rd February 2018
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julianm said:
I`ve got a 2.5 2005 Outback which is a similar enough engine as far as I know. I`d disconnect the plugs so that it won`t fire until some oil pressure has built up (warning light goes out) & then reconnect & try your luck! Make sure you`ve got coolant. Expect the exhaust to have perforated through with standing.
I had my Saab put away for 11 years & it fired up Ok in 2 seconds - I was bothered about old petrol but in the end it didn`t matter. I topped up with a gallon & ran that through & everything was fine. New oil & filter asap. I`m sure you`d get some helpful advice from http://www.uklegacy.com - it`s a good forum. Very best of luck & post a picture or a video!
Thanks for that.

I was planning on squirting some WD40 in the cylinders before starting it, as I know they suffer (or can suffer) piston slap and I'd like to avoid adding to the problem!

I'll check out the Legacy website. And I'll post a photo or two tomorrow when I pick it up!

sgtBerbatov

Original Poster:

2,597 posts

82 months

Monday 26th February 2018
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I picked it up on Saturday, and it looks amazing.





Body work, while it needs a wash and there's a little crazing on the front bumper, is perfect really. Nothing a good polish would sort out!

There's no air con in it, which I'm not fussed about. Less to sap the power of the engine!

Only issue I had was when I started the car the revs weren't steady. Idled at 1,500 then dipped to the point of stalling then came back again. Did it a few times and it eventually stalled. I'm going to change the filter and clean the leads etc this weekend, as I think a combination of stale fuel and damp just gave it a hard time starting.

Moved away without a problem, the owner never put the hand brake on it so that was a God send.

I've had a look at the plugs, I didn't bring my proper tool kit like a proper tool forgetting it wasn't a normal inline engine. So I didn't take the plugs out. I've had a watch of some videos, looks a pain but not impossible.

All in all, the car cost me a bottle of Tyrconnell Whiskey. I think it's a good buy!

sgtBerbatov

Original Poster:

2,597 posts

82 months

Tuesday 27th February 2018
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Thank you all, I'm fairly pleased with it. I love the colour, just trying to stop myself from buying some gold alloys to match the blue colour...

Currently pricing up the oils I need to change. I've bought the engine oil easily enough, but I'm struggling with trying to work out what the best gearbox and diff oil to use on these cars is? Also I'm not sure how much fluid is required by the gearbox and the rear diff?