It has developed some transmission problems and without going into the whole story, it needs the trans replaced. I also noticed it uses oil and is making some loud noises when it first starts (like the timing chain slapping). After all, I’m thinking about what to do next. Here are the options I’m looking at:
1) Buy a lower mileage wreck and swap the engine/CVT out. I’m not 100% sure which years are compatible. Looks like maybe 2013-2105? I did a forum search and found some helpful posts, but nothing that specifically answered the year of the engine/CVT to be swapped in – anyone know?
2) Buy a newer model Outback or Crossstreck (wife likes both) with lower miles at auction and have the necessary repairs done.
I’ve been looking at lower mileage 2013-2015 wrecks and think I can get one in the $2k-$5k range.
I would budget about $7k purchase price + $5k in repairs for a newer model (20-23). I think I can probably get $3k-$4k for the 2013 in current condition which means I’d spend about $9k-$10k on a newer one in total.
Any suggestions? I haven’t done much work on Subarus, but I am a skilled mechanic and have all the tools I would need to either do an engine/CVT swap, or body/mechanical repairs on an auction car.
Thanks in advance for your advice!
