'98 JDM Legacy EJ20TT, Good buy?

[robbied]

Hi guys,

Just signed up here, had a read through, some great info on here.

Im looking at buying a '98 JDM Legacy Wagon (BD5, EJ20 TT, 5speed auto) at the moment for a daily driver.
Its in beautiful condition inside and out (been stored for years) with low miles.
Drives nicely, has a full exhaust installed (most likely in Japan).
I've just got a couple of questions about these models.

-Any common reliability problems/faults/failures?

-Whats the fuel consumption like?

Thanks,

Rob

[Huffer]

-Any common reliability problems/faults/failures?

-Whats the fuel consumption like?

Thanks,

Rob

I'm guessing you're either in Europe, the Pacific or Canada.

Anyways.... reliability issues - spun bearings are the main failure as if the boost is turned up, it'll eat itself. Older engines that haven't been looked after usually need rebuilding at some point with new seals. Vac hoses go bad/dry rot.

Fuel consumption - depends on how bad you beat it. These cars take off like rockets so it's very hard not to row the gearstick like a canoe.

Update your User Profile too, to show your location. :)

[anothernord]

Fuel consumption largely depends on the driver, as Huffer mentioned. I would expect a city mileage of 18-23 Miles per gallon, and around 27-30 on the highway. Again, it depends on the driver, and the condition of the car.

[Sarra]

The 1998 came with a 5EAT? That's news to me (or are you hooking it up to a newer 5EAT?)...

[robbied]

Thanks for the replies guys!

I think its a 5 speed auto? (it has 1, 2, 3, overdrive, drive). Could be wrong though.

I updated my profile, im from Aus btw :smt030

[anothernord]

Thanks for the replies guys!

I think its a 5 speed auto? (it has 1, 2, 3, overdrive, drive). Could be wrong though.

I updated my profile, im from Aus btw :smt030

That sounds like the 4EAT. It has four gears, plus an overdrive, so in a way it has five speeds, but it isn't a true 5EAT.

[jey]

Since when did overdrive not count as a gear?

The 2010 Subaru Impreza 2.5GT's "4EAT" has 4 gears, the 4th being an overdrive gear:
1st 2.785, 2nd 1.545, 3rd 1.0, 4th 0.694

The 2010 Legacy 3.6 "5EAT" has 5 gears, the 5th being an overdrive gear:
1 3.540; 2 2.264; 3 1.471; 4 1.00; 5 0.834

[Sarra]

The torque converter clutch doesn't count as a gear. :lol: All it does is lock the transmission to the engine when you're in 4th gear. With it unlocked, if you give it gas (not enough to drop a gear), then let off, the RPM's will go up and down. With it locked, you can give it gas (not enough to unlock the TCC), then let off, and the RPM's won't change other than the car accelerating.

[robbied]

Thanks for the replies guys.

I had another detailed look at the car and decided to buy it :smt023

Just need to do a few things in the short term (service, new headunit) and its ready to roll.
Pics will follow :razz:

[Robbks]

Nice buy mate.
welcome to the world of Twin Turbo black magic.

also being in Aus, jump onto RSlibertyclub.org for a wealth of local info too.

my TT leggy is here
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=16354 (http://www.sl-i.net/FORUM/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=16354)

[robbied]

Nice buy mate.
welcome to the world of Twin Turbo black magic.

also being in Aus, jump onto RSlibertyclub.org for a wealth of local info too.

my TT leggy is here
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=16354 (http://www.sl-i.net/FORUM/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=16354)

Thanks for the tip man just joined rslibertyclub. So far it looks great (very active).
Your car is sweet!
Ill post mine up soon enough too.

Do you know what the 100,000km service for our car involves?
I also have a TD04 (from Mitsubishi Evo 3) lying around, do these fit on our cars?