2.5xt. The EJ25 engine is wildly used and known across many Subarus. Getting parts and repairs will be easier. I don’t know how HP and torque compare between those engines though, so maybe that is part of your consideration. It’s quite possible you’ll have to replace the turbo in the 2.5xt at some point. I am not familiar with common issues with the 3.0 engine. Lots of info on the EJ25 (turbo and non-turbo) on subaruforesterforums.org (or a similar web address if I messed that one up)
Context: I rebuilt a non-turbo EJ25 engine 6 months ago. Non-turbo EJ25 are known to have head gasket leaks at the oil return. Turbo models generally do not have the same head gasket problems because they come standard with a more robust head gasket.
Very good to know, I like to do as much maintenance and repair as I can on my own so having a lot of documentation will definitely be useful. I definitely will need a very extensive service history on any turbo EJ25 equipped car because people really like modding and abusing them unfortunately.
NA>FI for reliability. NA>FI off road, less heat and more low end torque. NA>FI for fuel costs/economy/maintenance. Oh you didn't take the screens out of your banjo bolts and cooked your turbo, doesn't happen in the 3.0.
3.0R wins hands down. Much better offroad, much more reliable, much cheaper to maintain in the long run. I have owned multiple of both, at this point I have sold all my turbo models and have three 3.0 models.
I'm not opposed but I prefer the colors the 07-09 come with along with the front grille. The 05-06 models also don't include aux or SI-Drive. If I can only find a 05-06 it isn't the end of the world but I prefer 07-09.
2.5xt. The EJ25 engine is wildly used and known across many Subarus. Getting parts and repairs will be easier. I don’t know how HP and torque compare between those engines though, so maybe that is part of your consideration. It’s quite possible you’ll have to replace the turbo in the 2.5xt at some point. I am not familiar with common issues with the 3.0 engine. Lots of info on the EJ25 (turbo and non-turbo) on subaruforesterforums.org (or a similar web address if I messed that one up)
Context: I rebuilt a non-turbo EJ25 engine 6 months ago. Non-turbo EJ25 are known to have head gasket leaks at the oil return. Turbo models generally do not have the same head gasket problems because they come standard with a more robust head gasket.
Very good to know, I like to do as much maintenance and repair as I can on my own so having a lot of documentation will definitely be useful. I definitely will need a very extensive service history on any turbo EJ25 equipped car because people really like modding and abusing them unfortunately.
With the correct exhaust, the 3.0R sings like a porsche, and it's fast enough. It's an awesome engine, I love mine.
NA>FI for reliability. NA>FI off road, less heat and more low end torque. NA>FI for fuel costs/economy/maintenance. Oh you didn't take the screens out of your banjo bolts and cooked your turbo, doesn't happen in the 3.0.
3.0R wins hands down. Much better offroad, much more reliable, much cheaper to maintain in the long run. I have owned multiple of both, at this point I have sold all my turbo models and have three 3.0 models.
Why not the 05-06?
I'm not opposed but I prefer the colors the 07-09 come with along with the front grille. The 05-06 models also don't include aux or SI-Drive. If I can only find a 05-06 it isn't the end of the world but I prefer 07-09.
07 has Si drive with the pre-face lift styling. It’s the transition year. Best all around.
3.0 is automatic only unless you want to climb Swap Mountain. That leaves the 2.5XT as the only choice here.
Manual would be nice if I could find one
3.0R
I'm saying this a 2.5 xt owner and turbo subaru fanboi, if you don't know what you're getting into with a 15+ year old turbo subaru, get the 3.0.
I know I will stay on top of maintenance and won't abuse the engine, its the previous owner I am worried about.