Hi all,
been lurking around a while and have made the best decision i could have... i went subaru.
after tossong between the forester and outback the wife (with bump) and i picked up a 2004 outback.
It's done 163,000 but all highway k's as previous (only) owner lives in bendigo. and we got it at the right price.
I had it checked out and apart from needing a new clutch (though could get 6 months out of it apparently) all seems good. it has 100,000k service stamped in book but dealer cannot confirm timing belt was done so we'll get that done straight away to be sure.
my questions (bet you knew this was coming!) are
is there anything else i should be looking for in a preventative manner?
it also needs new tyres. never planned on doing any off road work but there is a little voice inside me that says "go on. it'll take it and you'll love it" is there a quality tyre recommended that will do light off road without making a racket on road? or can road tyres take the occasional light stuff?
how much am i looking at for timing belt and clutch? local guy not dealer.
the ashtray is stuck... interior is PERFECT accept the ashtray which is neither in nor out and the cover door is stuck in down position. tried to remove it, tried to push it in. nadda! it's taking alot of force - as in red faced force and not going anywhere. do they stick? or has some monkey put it in upside down?(will try and post pic as soon as i take it).
Thanks to you all for the forum and helping me make the right decision. LOVE this car.