Back in a Subaru

[Philv8s]

I have just put a deposit down on an Outback H6. Wanted a reliable estate without a diesel lump so this seemed an obvious choice for me.
I used to own a forester STI but I am new to the H6 lump. It has been looked after but is high mileage. I was wondering if there is any prudent preventative measures that may prudent or does regular servicing keep these engines happy?

[ericmcn]

Have a Legacy with the H6 lump, 93k miles on mine and goes like new - just ensure you do frequent oil changes with good quality oil, no harm in getting all fluids done too.

good sensible purchase

[PomBstard]

Good chap! This time last year I was lamenting being without a Subaru for the first time in 12 years. I lasted 4 weeks, before agreeing a price on a 2012/13 Liberty GT.

Oil changes are about it. My mate had an 02 Outback H6 for about 11-12 years - loved it.

[Nincompoop]

Good work! Adore mine, 06 Outback Rn on 130,000+ and LPG.

The only advice I would offer where my H6 experience differs from the EJ 4's that I have run would be not to skimp on parts or fluids and lubricants. The 5EAT is only properly happy when fed with genuine Subaru ATF, generally only available from the States in sufficient quantities to perform a full flush. Likewise the coolant, OEM spec has special magics within and you still ought to add their 'coolant conditioner' (steel seal derivative) because the HVAC system isn't exactly Subaru's best piece of design.

Keep an eye on steel coolant pipes, especially the pair that run below the exhaust manifolds. Overheating problems may lead you to think that your HGs are on their way out - PO was convinced that they were on the point of letting go - but a new rad cap and a good burping stopped it pushing the coolant back.

Enjoy. Did I mention that I adore mine? Especially when the VVT kicks in at about 4 thou...

[Philv8s]

Thanks for the info guys. I look forward to my 100+mile journey back home with it on Saturday to get to know it abit better.
Due to time constraints on the day i had all of 15 mins to check car/test drive it and use the vendors loo before I had to shoot back home again.
Hope my spidey senses were in good working order, sure I will find out enroute home if I missed something iffy!

[julianm]

That coolant conditioner is actually Holts radweld so you can pick it just about anywhere if you want to add some.
I did fancy an H6 but can`t justify the £500 a year tax, robbing tts.....

[Philv8s]

Mine was registered a week before the changes in 2006 so is cheap
In fact there are plenty cheap H6 outbacks around, just make sure they were registered before the change in early 2006 (can’t remember the exact date).

[julianm]

Well found that man! I`ve got to get another 70k or so out of my 2.5 so I`ll be looking in about 7 years...
Have all the H6`s got the leather & sunroof? - I`d be happier without really.

[Konan]

Nincompoop said:

The 5EAT is only properly happy when fed with genuine Subaru ATF, generally only available from the States in sufficient quantities to perform a full flush.

I thought this until recently, but I now believe that Subaru have stopped selling the 4EAT fluid and the ATF they now provideis good for all boxes, including the jatco.

So, after pricing it up for import from the states, I braced myself and phoned the local dealer for a cost on 3 cans from them. About £100.