Looking to join the family. Been checking & driving 05-06 Subaru Baja's in Sport & Turbo. Leaning towards the Turbo's.
Have done some research, Consumer Reports seems to favor 05+.
Currently have 02 Sub Impreza so familiar w/brand
Located in S. Ohio but willing to travel for the right one if any are known to be available.
Any advice/tips/watchouts that the experts can provide would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance, MSHCBH
Baja Buying Advice
Moderator: mikenmel08
Re: Baja Buying Advice
No "unique" advice to add here, had mine about 20 months now (turbo). I think you should just consider all the same things any used car buying would entail, and since you are familiar with Subaru, you prolly already know all the maintenance stuff to check into (camshaft belts and other major things at 95K miles?). I was a bit skeptical of getting a turbo at first, but talked with a salesman at the dealership I bought mine, he had something like 10 Subaru turbo's over the years and had worked at the dealership a long time. Said biggest key to turbo life was oil changes and quality oil. Subaru went from a recommended interval of 7.5 months/7500 miles to 3750 miles for turbos. I don't go quite that short, but go six months with top of the line amsoil (normally go one year).
You will find Baja come at a bit of a premium price, at least that was my experience, especially if you can find some in the low mileage range. But I ended up getting one that was originally brought in for full service before giving to their daughter, and then traded in on another Subaru. It was normally dealer serviced. It had complete 60K service, plus, something like $1800 worth of stuff (prolly some needed, some not) so I won't need any major scheduled services for another couple years yet.
You will find Baja come at a bit of a premium price, at least that was my experience, especially if you can find some in the low mileage range. But I ended up getting one that was originally brought in for full service before giving to their daughter, and then traded in on another Subaru. It was normally dealer serviced. It had complete 60K service, plus, something like $1800 worth of stuff (prolly some needed, some not) so I won't need any major scheduled services for another couple years yet.
Re: Baja Buying Advice
Thanks kman.
I am finding a variety of mileage & prices as well as conditions like any used car search. Premium seems to be due to supply or lack there of. IMO they are unique to funky looking but I have had some different vehicles over the years including a Merkur XR4ti with the double Wright Brothers wing on the back. One dealer even used the adjective "funky" in their Baja ad. Leaning towards non-turbo due to the fact that I will probably have my youngest daughter drive it when the winter weather turns bad. Turbos are fine by me provided your maintain them. Currently have a Audi Q5 Turbo and a Saab 9 3 Turbo Convertible.
I am finding a variety of mileage & prices as well as conditions like any used car search. Premium seems to be due to supply or lack there of. IMO they are unique to funky looking but I have had some different vehicles over the years including a Merkur XR4ti with the double Wright Brothers wing on the back. One dealer even used the adjective "funky" in their Baja ad. Leaning towards non-turbo due to the fact that I will probably have my youngest daughter drive it when the winter weather turns bad. Turbos are fine by me provided your maintain them. Currently have a Audi Q5 Turbo and a Saab 9 3 Turbo Convertible.