What to look for.

[Targetboy]

Hello....

First post here.

I am going to be buying a 05 or 06 sport in the next few weeks and I was wondering if there are some things I should be looking for when buying a used Baja?

Thanks in advance.

[speedymatt]

you should keep an eye out for... all the good times you'll have.

seriously though i think any issues were sorted out by 05-06. and the only issues that i know of with the sports are with some of the early 03's that have the piston slap from the early phase engine. late 03 and on isn't a worry. do a google search for TSB (technical service bulletins) for the baja, i havn't done it because my baja hasn't given my a reason to, but that will give you an idea of problems subaru knows about and has published something about it.

in general if your new to awd any noise from the drive train (whines, clicks, clunks, binding) aren't good. subaru autos suck power and are weaker than manuals for mods and towing. for a small truck/ sedan there really isn't a better vehicle out there. i daily mine and do home depot runs/throw bikes in the back on the weekend and for the average person its perfect, subaru just dropped the ball with it.

[Thacrudd]

I've got an 05 with 78k (50k of it from me) and I really haven't had any problems. A Subaru dealership mechanic did tell me however that the catalytic converter goes out on a lot of them around 60k-70k, but they are covered under warranty until 70k so if you get that check engine light before then, Take it in and it'll save you a bundle. There's not much you can do about it but try not to run bad gas in it. When gas was around 4 bucks a gallon my Baja had some sputtering issues and none since so I believe someone was trying to make their gas supply stretch a little and I heard from someone else something very similar. Once you get behind the wheel of one, you won't want to let it go. Good luck and enjoy the ride!

[bulwnkl]

you should keep an eye out for... all the good times you'll have.

seriously though i think any issues were sorted out by 05-06. and the only issues that i know of with the sports are with some of the early 03's that have the piston slap from the early phase engine. late 03 and on isn't a worry. do a google search for TSB (technical service bulletins) for the baja, i havn't done it because my baja hasn't given my a reason to, but that will give you an idea of problems subaru knows about and has published something about it.

in general if your new to awd any noise from the drive train (whines, clicks, clunks, binding) aren't good. subaru autos suck power and are weaker than manuals for mods and towing. for a small truck/ sedan there really isn't a better vehicle out there. i daily mine and do home depot runs/throw bikes in the back on the weekend and for the average person its perfect, subaru just dropped the ball with it.

I agree with pretty well all of this, excepting the part about the transmissions' relative strength. IMO, the 4EAT (the automatic tranny) is generally regarded as stronger than the 5-speed manual. You'll lose synchros in the M/Ts and perhaps even bearings before or by the time you need to get into the A/T.

EIther way, with an '05 or '06 you shouldn't really have any specific things to look for.

[Evanism]

There is a small annoyance that I have and have heard is somewhat common...the Driver's door window thing. The window digs into the weatherstripping on the B pillar and I've heard the same from a few other folks on this forum. I had 2 different dealers work on it and it didn't help. Not a deal-killer, just something to watch for.

[YBajaSteve]

There is a small annoyance that I have and have heard is somewhat common...the Driver's door window thing.

You must be talking about the wind noise, didnt make that too clear for someone who doesnt have a baja to understand. hehe. but i think with a newer model he should have less of a problem, or at least i would hope! yay for more people buying bajas!