2003 Chevy Tracker

[Garandman]

Subaru has a good AWD platform - their low end cars don't always have axle locking or LS built in though. For a car, they have decent ground clearance.

If looking at an older Suby 4 cylinder, have someone who knows those engines well check it out. Some have had lower end problems, at mileages lower than you'd expect in a modern motor.//

What? Most older Subarus had the 2.2l H4, considered virtually indestructible for 200,000 to 300,000 miles. It was the engine that made Subaru a staple in the snowbelt.

The newer Outbacks with the 2.5l (some are DOHC, some SOHC) have had a lot of head gasket problems, which is an over $1,000 repair, since there are two heads. But most of the cars on the market will have had that done already. Transmissions and the rest of the drivetrain are very durable: figure on front axle replacements about 150K and wheel bearings can go anywhere from about 90K up.

Almost none of the Subarus have limited slip differentials nor do they have a locking center differential. They do have decent ground clearance (the Outback models have the most) and fully independent suspension so they keep traction on a lot of rough hill climbs that some of the big iron [with beam axles] struggle with. The manual shift cars distribute torque 50/50 by default: most of the earlier automatics default to 80/20 unless they have the VTD drive system, which defaults to 45/55. STI's have mechanical limited slip front and rear and a driver-controllable center differential (which is one reason why they weigh more and use more fuel) so they can transfer torque where they want. Bottom line is that Subaru has five or more different AWD systems, but they all work well driving in snow: there are thousands of videos on youtube.

Many also have things like block heaters, battery warmers, heated seats and mirrors, and some even have a heater at the base of the windshield to deice the wipers. If you just need AWD transportation, not a wagon, there are Imprezas around with the 2.2l, both manual and automatic that you should be able to find in your budget. Good luck!

 

[3930dave]

Subaru engine reliability? | Vehicles | Bob Is The Oil Guy

Some discussion on Sub engines there.

Driving any engine past head gasket failure isn't going to end well.... I've seen a few of those at my buddy's shop, that's where my comment came from.

On a road trip last weekend, saw another relatively late model Sub, knocking pretty badly. If you take the time to read UOAs on BITOG, these engines are relatively hard on oil (re. shearing). No engine responds well to neglected oil changes, but IMO, this engine layout is more susceptable to damage from neglected oil.

For the right price, would I look at a well maintained Sub (w. documented oil changes), that tested well re. head gasket integrity ? Sure, as there is lots to like about the overall mechanical design and layout.

Subs have a good AWD system, but it's not quite as Drive It Up Walls capable as you might first think. On a budget, I'd sooner put those limited funds into a basic reliable front-wheel driver, and allocate money to good snow tires, but that's just me....

OP, let us know how this story ends, inquiring minds want to know

Rgds, D.

 

[mikehaugen]

I would pass. For $6000 you can get a Jeep Liberty or Ford Escape that has much better support.

Chris

I would skip the liberty as well. I think it was the 3.7 engine anyway. A friend of mine had one blow up, just parts to rebuild was about $2500 , iirc. After researching there was a fairly common problem with those engines, therefore used engines were practically non-existent or priced very high.

 

[fordmantpw]

Spending 1/3 the cost of the vehicle for the warranty seems like a big red flag to me. I would pass and look elsewhere as others mentioned.

 

[Garandman]

Subaru engine reliability? | Vehicles | Bob Is The Oil Guy

Some discussion on Sub engines there.

Driving any engine past head gasket failure isn't going to end well.... I've seen a few of those at my buddy's shop, that's where my comment came from.//.

Yes, our first Subaru only lasted 189,000 miles (when we sold it), the second 244,000 (when we sold it). Both had head gasket repairs as a precaution, along with other normal maintenance for those cars, such as replacing the timing belt at 112K, etc.

Now I have an H6 with 167,000 miles but it's a whole different kettle of fish, since it has 7.5 quarts of oil and a five speed automatic so it turns a lot lower rpms. My WRX only has 79,000 miles.

 

[RichZ]

Thanks guys, a Subaru is my first choice, I just thought the Tracker might be another option. From what I've read, if you replace the timing belt and water pump at about 100,000 miles, you can get another 200,000 out of a Subaru. So after hearing from you guys, I'm going back to my original plan and getting a Subaru.

Thanks!!

 

[IndyIan]

I've done ok with our 03 Tracker, but it's a 4cyl manual. I get 26-29 mpg out of it on my rural commute. If you don't need the low range TC there are probably better awd vehicles, but I use/abuse it like a truck and it doesn't seem to mind.
Once your down to 4k 4wd vehicles, you need to look at condition anyways, over reputation. I'd look at private sales with a maintenance history first.
If you want to take a flier on that tracker, offer 3k... I doubt the dealer paid more than 1500 unless it looks perfect.

 

[RichZ]

Our closest friend, who is an accountant and also really knows cars, has also advised us to get an older Subie. She and her significant other are also farmers and they have 2 older Subies and a pick-up, which is what we intend to do. The combination of knowing cars and knowing value is a great help to us. She took us to a used car dealer today who sells only Subies. He picks up older Subies with over 100,000 miles, he replaces the timing belt, water pump and head gasket, and whatever else it may need. We test drove a 2004 Outback with 153,000 miles, which happens to be a carbon copy of our friend's Subie, right down to the color. It drove great, and he only wants $3500 for it. We committed to buy it and asked him to come up with a similar Forester. He's got a few he's looking at this week, so we may have our replacement cars in a week or two. This guy has a great business model. He only deals in Subies, all dealers in the area know that, and many turn over their Subie trade ins to him. He does whatever they need to make them dependable and reliable, and he sells them as cheap as he can for a quick turnover. He has a great reputation, so we'll probably be getting 2 cars from him in the next few weeks. And we told him, we'll be recommending him to other friends. Most of his business comes from word of mouth, and it's not a wonder that it does.

 

[5030]

My wife and I are looking for a couple of used 4WD vehicles for our daily drivers, we just use our pick up for hauling farm related things. We went to a local used car lot that has a really good reputation. He has a 2003 Chevy Tracker, V6 engine, 139,000 miles and he wants $4500. Money is tight since we just bought a bigger farm, but both of our daily drivers need a lot of work so we're looking to replace them.

Does anyone have any experience with this vehicle?

Thanks for any info.

I own one, bought it new. I have 135,000 miles on mine, it's a ZR2 with all options and 4x4 and V6. Runs like a top. Parts are absolutely no issue, Rock Auto, Autozone and O'Rieleys has everything you'll ever need. PITA to change the oil filter, you have to pull the front skid plate (4 bolts) and the filter is on the drivers side halfway up but not accessable from the top (steering shaft is in the way) so it's underneath and wiggle it out. Don't get a K&N wrench off, it won't fit. The nut on the end won't fit in the space....

I get 26-28 from mine with a K&N air filter. I run Goodyear All Terrain KO's on all 4 wheels and the spare, change the brakes every 2 iears and the shocks (live in Michigan on crap roads). I just put a complete exhaust system on from manifolds to tailpipe CAT included for less than 300 bucks from Rock Auto. Trans is bullet proof, just change the fluid (2 quarts) every year and change the power steering fluid yearly. Use Sexron-Mercon ATF and dump the bottle and replace with new. A new rack is 600 bucks and one heck of a job to replace.

My original battery lasted until last winter and then got replaces. New wipers every year and a new cabin filter (takes 2 under the glovebox) from Rock Auto every year. I replaced the plugs 2 times, never replaced the PCV valve and I use 5-40 Rotella T5 all the time.

It's a good vehicle and worth 4500 if the bidy is in good shape. It's all Suzuki drivetrain. The Trackers were built in Alliston, Ontario by the CAW. The plant is closed now. Suzuki is no longer making automobiles but parts will never be an issue.

Any questions, send me a PM and no, mine isn't for sale until next year. I'm getting a Ford Focus next summer.

 

[3930dave]

Good feedback 5030 - lots of detail, and agrees with the good service folks I've known had from them.

The CAMI plant was in Ingersoll, and still seems to be making GM SUVs. I think they were shipping the Equinox bodies to Oshawa for engines/final (?), not sure what they do currently. Alliston is the Honda town here.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CAMI_Automotive

Rgds, D.