lowlyfe03

https://youtu.be/ZySx7UBBrD8

The above video is a clip of the idle of a 2012 tl sh-awd im considering buying. Not sure how it's supposed to sound. Sounds weird to me but im used to Subarus. Also quite a bit of black shit in the exhaust tips and a bit of white smoke when the guy started it at 20 degrees celcius. Not sure if thats a red flag either.

Also if anyone can inform me of any common issues to look for when buying one of these (specifically the awd/6 speed) would be extremely helpful.

I got an absolute lemon (10 grand in repairs in 4 years) last time a bought a used car so just want to make sure it doesnt happen again. Cheers.

dopeboy1

Didnt see the video but common issues are;

1) make sure airbag recall is done
2) 3.7 engines can consume excess oil (there is a tsb)
3) on awd models the prop shaft can go which will give a whirl/whinning sound (about $1000 to replace)

Look into those 3 things and test drive the shit out of it.

lowlyfe03

Thanks dopeboy. Wow that oil consumption is definitely a thing. Just did a quick search and some people are saying as much as 2.5 quarts between changes. Thats not good. Does that happen with all of them? Are there alot of engine failures due to this?

Unfortunately I already test drove it. Took it on the highway never heard that prop shaft noise. I think i can eliminate that.

wreak

I believe a few guys have managed to get their engines replaced or rebuilt due to consumption, but not many. I dont believe they all do it, its just more prevelant with the 3.7L. Is the car you looked at a 6spd manual or automatic?

lowlyfe03

Its a 6 speed.

wreak

My understanding is that if you keep the oil topped up on the ones that are burning it you are fine but obviously if its consuming lots of oil and you just leave it you could experience a failure. Not many total engine failures have been reported on this site though.

wreak

Okay but the automatic in the 2012 has six gears too, so is it manual or automatic transmission? Im assuming manual, if it is those are pretty rare and have a lot more pep than the autos. They also had a lot less transmission issues than the autos.

lowlyfe03

Ok fair enough. It just scares me because I actually had to replace the short block on my current car (07 Legacy 2.5i) because of the same reason. Was burning oil and the rings got fried. My legacy also had sooty exhaust tips and white smoke in warm weather. Just sounds all too familiar.

lowlyfe03