whtmike2k Posted December 9, 2009 Share Posted December 9, 2009 I've read on these boards, and online elsewhere, about the failing turbos (and the ensuing engine destruction it causes!) on the Legacy GT's. I'm in the market right now, and found a '05 GT wagon I really like. The dealer doesn't have/can't provide me with a full service history, though he assures me "it's been babied and cared for since day 1!!" to his credit though, it is a one-owner car. The mechanics and other dealerships i've talked to about a prepurchase inspection all echo the same thing - as long as the oil has been changed every 3-4k miles, I should be fine. They say only reason for turbo failure is lack of regular oil changes (going 5-6k+ between changes). They all quote me $75 or so for a pre-purchase inspection, and $200+ if i wanted them to take the turbo off and see if it's in good shape or if it's been replaced. SO what's the real story with the turbos on these engines? What should I look for? Car only has about 55k miles on it. I just don't want to get it home, put 5,000 miles on it and then it dies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krzyss Posted December 9, 2009 Share Posted December 9, 2009 Well, the need to replace oil each 3750 miles was voiced by SOA in late 2006, if I am not mistaken, so if I were you I would pay for banjo bolt check instead of full turbo inspection. Krzys Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ssej Posted December 9, 2009 Share Posted December 9, 2009 From browsing these forums, I find that the main cause of stock turbo death in these cars is the oil pick-up line breaking, causing oil starvation to the turbo. http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=78603&highlight=oil+pickup Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 9, 2009 Share Posted December 9, 2009 From browsing these forums, I find that the main cause of stock turbo death in these cars is the oil pick-up line breaking, causing oil starvation to the turbo. http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=78603&highlight=oil+pickup Yes, that happens, too, but it usually kills entire engine (since the whole oil supply is cut). It's not nearly as common as plain vanilla turbo failure. My take is this: the turbo dies, because it's crappy, particularly the VF40 in MY05 and due to poor maintenance (long OCIs, cheap dino oils) do not help. It's not scientific evidence, but MY06+ failures seem to be much less frequent. The turbo part # has changed, so the part was revised for MY06 (plus in MY07 a different turbo, VF46, was introduced) I believe the banjo filter clogging is usually the result of turbo failure, not a cause of it. The dying which sends debris into the engine. People with failed turbos "tend to drive home". Subsequent shoddy repair that does not involve cleaning the oil sump and more importantly the oil cooler that traps debris and cannot be cleaned. My advice: do not even touch cars with replaced turbos. Cars with engine replaced are also suspect, because I bet 99% of repairs do not include new oil cooler. There are several stories of repeated turbo/engine/turbo/engine failures. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ehsnils Posted December 10, 2009 Share Posted December 10, 2009 If you worry about turbo failure - don't buy turbo. But it's a lot less fun without a turbo. So have a check of the banjo bolt and the oil feed pipe. The price for that is small compared to the annoyances and costs related to a toast engine and turbo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeteWK Posted December 10, 2009 Share Posted December 10, 2009 Hi Mike. 200 dollars sounds good to me. Cheap insurance and peace of mind. Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whtmike2k Posted December 11, 2009 Author Share Posted December 11, 2009 Does the 05 WRX or 05 Outback have the same turbo / same issues? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishbone Posted December 16, 2009 Share Posted December 16, 2009 Outback yes, it is after all a Subaru Legacy Outback. WRX completely different motor and turbo. You'll get some different opinions on this issue. Personally I say that as long as you keep up with oil changes, use a quality oil, inspect/replace/service the banjo bolt, the likelyhood of the turbo failing are slim. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lafta Posted December 17, 2009 Share Posted December 17, 2009 Guys. My turbo is fine thus far. Next time in I will have the banjo bolt and oil feed pipe checked. Pardon me my not knowing, but is there a fluke chance having the check done may bring on a problem? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whtmike2k Posted December 17, 2009 Author Share Posted December 17, 2009 Yes, that happens, too, but it usually kills entire engine (since the whole oil supply is cut). It's not nearly as common as plain vanilla turbo failure. My take is this: the turbo dies, because it's crappy, particularly the VF40 in MY05 and due to poor maintenance (long OCIs, cheap dino oils) do not help. It's not scientific evidence, but MY06+ failures seem to be much less frequent. The turbo part # has changed, so the part was revised for MY06 (plus in MY07 a different turbo, VF46, was introduced) I believe the banjo filter clogging is usually the result of turbo failure, not a cause of it. The dying which sends debris into the engine. People with failed turbos "tend to drive home". Subsequent shoddy repair that does not involve cleaning the oil sump and more importantly the oil cooler that traps debris and cannot be cleaned. My advice: do not even touch cars with replaced turbos. Cars with engine replaced are also suspect, because I bet 99% of repairs do not include new oil cooler. There are several stories of repeated turbo/engine/turbo/engine failures. so you really wouldn't buy one with a replaced turbo (that's what this legacy has, apparently). Hmm. I didn't think about the residual effects of a failed turbo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 17, 2009 Share Posted December 17, 2009 No, I would not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mustangendsley Posted December 17, 2009 Share Posted December 17, 2009 I have almost 70k on my 05 gt and never had any problem with my turbo. Im stage 1 at 16 lbs boost. I really think it is putting to much aftermarket parts in and pushing the turbo way past its working capasity. It is just like i have heard fucktards brake cars, not the car itself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishbone Posted December 17, 2009 Share Posted December 17, 2009 +1 I am at 76K miles and my turbo has not seen stock pressure since 2007 and it is just fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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