Jump to content
LegacyGT.com

new to subi's & just bought an 08 legacy, convince me to keep it...


Recommended Posts

first post here on the forum and not a troll, but I recently purchased an 08 legacy 2.5i sedan and so far im not too happy with it. its my first import vehicle and my first financed vehicle, not to mention first encounter with owning a Subaru. I thought I would be more into the car, but as time goes by I resent it more and more. I can't take it back & I don't know how soon I can resell it so im stuck with it for the time being.

 

its got 95k on it and it looks/looked immaculate but two days after I rolled off the lot the check engine light came on and it has a jumpy idle after I pop it in neutral while decelerating. I pulled the code at an oreilly auto & got a p2097, post catalyst fuel trim system too rich bank 1, which I am guessing to be a rear o2 sensor. over the weekend the center cap on my wheel came off and now today I have a warning light that looks like a horseshoe with an exclamation point inside it going off and I discovered that there isn't an owners manual in the car while trying to figure out what it is.

 

so far I am unimpressed with the vehicle, I don't know if I am holding a used car/the Subaru brand to too high of a standard or if I happened to buy into a finicky hyped brand that requires tons of maintenance to keep it on the road. most of the Subaru owners I talked to praised them, citing quality and reliability, but I am not seeing it so far. please, share your thoughts and insights as to why I should stick with this car and where I can get good oem quality replacement parts for it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

-Find out why you got that code and get it fixed. Probably something simple.

 

-The horseshoe light is just your tpms ( tire pressure monitor system). One of your tires are low on air.

 

- Buy some new hubcap from Wal-Mart for $20

 

The code is the only real issue and I would put a blame on a whole brand because of it. It has 95k, so what would you expect ? 2.5i is a great, reliable car (although very slow)

 

 

IF you're upset because of the small issues, I suggest you not to buy used and just start leasing. Every used car will need some maintenance done to it, so expect to save some $$ before purchasing.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

im gonna buy a rear o2 since my searching has concluded that to be the problem, so im gonna pick one up next payday and go from there. I have the alloy wheels and the cool cap on the center with the subi stars is gone, want to get that replaced soon cause its bothering me. the power on this thing is decent, but (along with everything else) it is also not what I was wanting/expecting. its non turbo, so what are the best options of gettting more power out of it if I plan on keeping it? where can I get an owners manual for this?
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I personally wouldn't upgrade a 2.5i. Doesn't really seem like it would be worth it for the price. And with regards to your owners manual, try checking ebay, you could probably get one on their for a relatively cheap price. Other than that, any questions you have can by found by searching the site. Oh, and welcome to the lovely world of Subaru!
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Bank 1 is front O2, I believe bank 2 is rear O2. That's on a GT, I'm not up on 2.5i's.

 

Order a new cheap white metal center cap from Fredbeans, a vendor at the vendor link up top.

305,600miles 5/2012 ej257 short block, 8/2011 installed VF52 turbo, @20.8psi, 280whp, 300ftlbs. (SOLD).  CHECK your oil, these cars use it.

 

Engine Build - Click Here

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Your problems are very minor, common, and not reason enough to jump ship on a car you must have liked enough in the first place to purchase. O2 sensors commonly last 100-200k, I just replaced both of mine at 115k, it's just a simple air sensor that will lose performance over time.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

so far I am unimpressed with the vehicle, I don't know if I am holding a used car/the Subaru brand to too high of a standard or if I happened to buy into a finicky hyped brand that requires tons of maintenance to keep it on the road.

 

 

It sounds like you have some serious buyers remorse!

 

What kind of car(s) did you have before? The non-turbo Subarus are known to be fairly reliable, however any car with 95k miles will need some time and money to keep it happy. Your problems sound very straightforward and simple to fix. That being said, did the dealership do the 100k mile tune-up before you got it? That is a fairly costly undertaking and is ENTIRELY NECESSARY, especially the timing belt & water pump. Also at that mileage you should expect some things to need replaced in the near future such as brake pads, wheel bearings ect.

 

As for making the car go faster, you are pretty much SOL. The 2.5i kinda is what it is and though some people have turbo charged the naturally aspirated motor, it is rarely done as it is expensive and the power boost is minimal. Most 2.5i owners on this forum tend to focus on suspension upgrades & aesthetics.

 

Being in the Seattle area you are lucky in that there are tons of reputable independent Subaru shops in the area. If you are just looking for local OEM parts, Chapman's Subaru in Bellevue has a large selection though the prices aren't particularly competitive (go to Fred Bean's for better pricing).

 

If you do decide to part with the car, there is a higher than usual demand for Subarus around here. Wait for ski season to arrive and I am sure you can move your car if that is what you want to do. I am personally on my second turbo Subaru and I have been very happy with the brand, though I know they are not for everyone.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

first post here on the forum and not a troll, but I recently purchased an 08 legacy 2.5i sedan and so far im not too happy with it. its my first import vehicle and my first financed vehicle, not to mention first encounter with owning a Subaru. I thought I would be more into the car, but as time goes by I resent it more and more. I can't take it back & I don't know how soon I can resell it so im stuck with it for the time being.

 

its got 95k on it and it looks/looked immaculate but two days after I rolled off the lot the check engine light came on and it has a jumpy idle after I pop it in neutral while decelerating. I pulled the code at an oreilly auto & got a p2097, post catalyst fuel trim system too rich bank 1, which I am guessing to be a rear o2 sensor. over the weekend the center cap on my wheel came off and now today I have a warning light that looks like a horseshoe with an exclamation point inside it going off and I discovered that there isn't an owners manual in the car while trying to figure out what it is.

 

so far I am unimpressed with the vehicle, I don't know if I am holding a used car/the Subaru brand to too high of a standard or if I happened to buy into a finicky hyped brand that requires tons of maintenance to keep it on the road. most of the Subaru owners I talked to praised them, citing quality and reliability, but I am not seeing it so far. please, share your thoughts and insights as to why I should stick with this car and where I can get good oem quality replacement parts for it.

 

you're best bet is probably to take it to a non-dealer tech and have it checked over. i never trust a dealer's service dept, but there are plenty of performance shops in my area. could be something really simple.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

yep, lots of remorse with this one, I should have never bought it. I'm gonna call the dealership I bought it from tomorrow and see what my options are as far as taking it back. if nothing comes of it im gonna replace both o2 sensors and do the timing belt/water pump, sit on it & sell it this winter. the warning light was the tpms & the right rear tire is not holding air so im gonna have the tires replaced as well. hopefully I can do all of this for under $1000 so I can try and break even on the car when I sell it.

 

got both the owners manual and center cap off ebay. those other sites recommended gave me a headache, might just be my frustration with the situation though. until now ive owned an 80's buick gn clone & ford trucks, and they were great as far as not needing work right after buying them. I also bought them private party and with cash in hand, never did finance until now.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.



×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Terms of Use