Why You DO NOT WANT a Subaru Baja Turbo With a Manual Transmission

[@heatherclark6239]

I LOVE my Baja!! Thanks for showing some love for my baby. Great seeing you D. 🥰

[@bigrr64]

That's an awesome Subaru Baja' you got there I don't blame you for never wanting to sell it. I'm sure it's worth a ton of money in this market today.

[@jeffreyblanton9877]

I have 250,000 miles on this vehicle with very few issues. I got lucky and found one with a small bumper dent for $5000 back in 2019. I put about $2000 in body work, tires and other minor repairs and it has been a solid reliable car for the last 3 years.

[@benjaminhilsdon2238]

It seems like the only issue is the availability of unique parts. But the unique parts are basically just the body parts, not drivetrain stuff. Doesn't seem like a huge issue if you're not concerned with keeping it 100% mint and stock. Thanks for the video!

[@richrupert1951]

rear subframe is unique to Baja. For the most part everything aft of the rear door is Baja unique. Rear subframes have a habit of rusting and failing...

[@northamericanoutdooradvent301]

Honestly, I believe for how rare these are becoming, everyone should just keep them as collector’s cars since they are a dying breed like most other cars

[@dead91silvia]

As an owner of an 05 Manual Baja Turbo, much of the negative things said, is incorrect. Yes, many of these parts are extremely rare and Baja only, however not all. I hit a deer January 1st, 2022, completely destroying my hood. I could get a new one from the dealer for about $550, but got an aluminum JDM hood, with an upgraded scoop for $350 used. Yes, the tail end is a nightmare to find grommets and what not, but there are people already 3d printing these parts. Even though these cars have rare hard to find parts, the cab still be found. I just bought another turbo Baja as a project. There is a reason Baja's have a high price tag, low production. And yes, people and the dealer ask to buy my Baja all the time, it just goes with having a desirable car. Don't want that to happen? Get an Outback, no one will care.

[@jhay-rfernandez5540]

Just got my 03. Been hunting for years! Baja’s are amazing!

[@dylankimbro1115]

All the reasons why I love my Baja and plan to revitalize it to greater glory than it never knew.

[@YallowBarfia]

Doug Demuro reviewed my 2006 Black Baja Turbo 5MT identical to this one, now everyone wants one after that video went live! 😂

[@untamablewolf]

yes. that is the exact video that is causing me to search for one right now

[@flatoutlikemcrae2020]

I'm about a day or two away from grabbing an N/A 5MT

[@YallowBarfia]

@@untamablewolf apologies in advance about the rise in prices since the video came out! good lock on your hunt!

[@YallowBarfia]

@@flatoutlikemcrae2020 Hopefully the acquisition was successful.

[@flatoutlikemcrae2020]

@@YallowBarfia sadly wasn't meant to be, dealership wasn't willing to replace the throw out bearing in the clutch, and I don't have a garage to do it myself. I did however get an 08 Caddi off of them with low miles for the same price, and they ended up replacing the spark plugs, fuel injectors, timing set, and ECU because of a check engine light. Ran like a top before they did all of that, but I wasn't going to stop them either lol

[@jeremycraft2445]

Sorry, but as many said.. the vast majority of those who OWN a Baja...LOVE their Baja! I think that speaks volumes as to why your title is incorrect! :)

[@24100mw]

I have a 2004 all silver, Turbo Baja manual, I bought it new and it has been super reliable, I do all my own maintenance. I had to put new front brake pads on it and I had to have the A/C charged once shortly after I got it and it has never leaked down again in nearly 20 years, I think it was under serviced at the factory, and that is it other than tires. It is a fun car to drive and it goes everywhere I have asked it to go. I like that it is small and low, much better than the new crop of baja type vehicles out there.

[@nickster0007]

Got one with 200K+ on it. Loved every mile I put on it. Bought it brand new and never looked back.

[@rayemanuel7460]

I work at a Subaru dealership. We recently had a customer sell us his Baja, yellow and silver in color. We sold it for $11K.

[@will_4709]

Sad

[@dylankimbro1115]

Wow

[@420JackG]

I'm working on an 06 NA 5 speed right now, same canary yellow with silver plastic wrap

[@FredRobel]

I have an '05 Turbo, with 230,000 miles on it. I can agree with a lot of these criticisms regarding the parts. It can be very frustrating to replace small things that break with age/use/minor incidents. But, you learn to work around them by being creative, usually. My turbo hood does have some slight wrinkling in the left front, from a deer strike about 6 years ago. Nothing to be done really, without a lot of expense; so we live with it, and tell the story of the deer incident. I must have gotten lucky with those black bed trim covers, as I bought several of all the ones you pointed out, back in 2020. They were all still available at the Subaru parts sites then. I did check, and you are correct, they are not available anymore. Was sad to see it. Thanks for the video, it wasn't the usual type.

[@CarDietrich]

Thank you for watching Fred!

[@DeltaWolf8301]

The gas cap is not unique, buy 20 oem gas caps if you want. 😂 I’ll give you the gas door is unique, but you can buy a brand new non painted one online so that’s not even that big of a deal, the hood can be repainted and if you need one bad enough you can import one of those from Japan because the legacys of this year were turbo. As far as the clips and other bs tell your friend to join Baja groups on Facebook because someone has solved every single issue you listed here on there.

[@CarDietrich]

I think I meant the little door that covers the gas cap, I may have misspoken in the video

[@TheGhungFu]

2004 Baja Turbo 5 speed here. Found one that spent its life in Arizona, no rust at all, and am doing a full refresh. Body is in fine shape but someone did an awful paint job on it. Didn't match the factory metallic silver well. Going Nardo gray and blackout.. Dreading removing the body cladding but it has to be done. I'll figure something out with the black piping/trim. Engine's coming out next week, full refresh/reseal. I already did the suspension, brakes, all that. She's my baby for sure. Great little mountain car!

[@CarDietrich]

I admire your dedication!

[@ilostmywind]

A Baja saint has started to 3d print the little plastic nubs that are found around the vehicle. You should be able to find them on ebay if you look! Gonna be picking up a yellow 03 soon and cherish every moment

[@josesanchez9894]

Love this car rare to see this thing in good condition. Every car that has a turbo will have some issues. I’ve always noticed the front bumper is pretty close to the forester front bumper.

[@bigrr64]

My mom used to own a Subaru Brat when I was a kid. Looking back on it Me and my sister risked our lives every time we rode in the back of it LOL. Very good information on these, I had no idea they were this rare, and hard to get parts for. I've always like the body styles of these, I like that new Hyundai Santa Cruz it looks a lot like what a new Baja might look like. Maybe if it does well Subaru will bring the brat back with a manual that would be really cool I be in the market for that.

[@CarDietrich]

I grew up in a Mountain Town and when I was a kid there were still quite a few Brats in town, and it was always so awkward when you'd pull up to a light or a stop sign and somebody was sitting in those back seats in the open just staring back at you. At least they had those little handles to hang on to! Lol

[@TheGhungFu]

Update to my last comment - About the body wrap guy and the weather stripping (piping) along the top of the body cladding: No problem there. I'm doing a complete paint restore on my '04 Baja Turbo and was surprised to get all of the cladding off with the black plastic piping intact. Indeed, the stuff is in great shape, pliable and cleaned up nicely. The adhesive strip peeled easily away from the cladding panels, still attached to the 'weather stripping'. Still very sticky, I'm reusing the same adhesive after painting and cleaning things up. There's an out-of-sight flange that actually holds the piping in place. This car spent its first 16 years in Arizona, Nice to know this plastic is holding up so well. Not brittle at all. Let your friend know for future reference. Thanks for keeping these great little cars in the spotlight, so to speak.

[@CarDietrich]

Thank you for the update, I will pass it along!

[@MushuPuma]

I spent a year hunting down my '05 Manual with a Turbo. So far the only parts I've had some trouble finding were the axels and CV boots. I found several that would fit, but upon further research, don't seem to hold up as long as the parts meant for the Baja. I am currently missing one of my bed grommets, but haven't looked into it yet. Mine also came with the hard tonneau cover, and due to a long story, am missing some of the mounting brackets and drainage tubing. The rubber "discs" that fit around the "sail bars" are decimated, and just like the weather stripping, can't be found anywhere. I want to try and remove them, and make make molds from them, so I can pour a set of silicone replacements.

[@Databyter]

All that is good to know. However, none of that is going to assuade somebody who wants one of those rare cars from trying to get one, and loving it, like your friend does, when they get one. It's hard to own a rare gem, but it IS worthwhile, and there are ALWAYS solutions to the problems that go along with ownership.

[@scoobiesteve]

Few false statements hood is still readily available the scoop there is a few dealers that have them also 100% available from anywhere in the world that had turbo 00-04 legacys, the rear door cards are same as legacy/outback as I literally put a set in my 00 LGT rear seat bottom can be swapped to legacy/outback to fit 3 although i see no point the center is nice, cladding can be removed without destroying the "weather stripping" and is also still available even if you somehow managed it, gas cap unique? I'm assuming you mean fuel door as the cap is compatible with literally every Subaru and the door is still available as well. And as an end all response if she doesn't like the attention that comes with it she should sell it

[@CarDietrich]

Don't forget to like and subscribe!

[@Em022]

i got a turbo automatic. I don't care about the body too much anymore tbh. As long as it runs and I can have fun in it.

[@SnarkyRC]

I have four Bajas. Two drivers and two parts cars. The parts cars are garage kept only.

[@ronmonarch2679]

much of this video is 100% accurate but not quite as bad as he makes it sound. I have a 2005 manual turbo and I have been able to keep it all original and in mint shape except for the sound system and rear mirror. The car has always been garaged. Years ago I saw the problem with the floor mats and bought several sets. I still have one unopened set. Those grommets in the back can be made easily by anyone with a 3D printer. I'm often approached by people very interested in the car and reminiscing about when they had a Brat. I'm always surprised by how many young kids want it.

[@dchiffy]

Great report. Consider 3d printing some of the parts

[@andrewwightman7206]

I use my 3d printer for some of the unique plastic parts on my Baja.

[@CarDietrich]

Excellent, I have a feeling that's going to be the way we keep a lot of old cars on the road as time goes on

[@dylankimbro1115]

Great idea I might hit you up on some help with mine.

[@andrewwightman7206]

@@dylankimbro1115 Baja owners always welcome! Id be happy to try and help

[@bimo1018]

I think your wrong on the hood part, it may not be cheap but in Japan they did have a turbo charged legacy sedan or wagon. They had the same hoods with the hole for the intake it's not impossible to get one. But how much are ya gonna pay for one who knows.

[@CarDietrich]

Hmmm interesting point, I'll let my friend know

[@greggrunwald3267]

Love my Baja I also have people ask to buy it all the time. I will Never sell it. Such a fun zippy car to drive. The parts problem will eventually be its demise but for now I am going to enjoy the ride.

[@jennsauer9230]

I remember we hid that car in the back AND took out the battery so no one else would buy it!!!

[@mikeoxlong3676]

I wish they'd bring back the Baja but unfortunately they'd only offer it in cvt these days. Damn shame because this is basically my dream car. Small fuel efficient, light offroading, destroys ice and snow, manual transmission, and a truck bed for hauling gasoline and other stinky things I don't want inside my car. Currently own a manual crosstrek. If the crosstrek just had the back chopped off and was given a bed it would be PERFECT.

[@CarDietrich]

I actually think it would work best if they used the current Outback as the Platform for a new Baja. The issue with these when they were new was they were too small, and the additional size of the newest Outback would solve that problem. But yeah they probably wouldn't make it with a stick.

[@SkaBob]

We have an 05 Baja Turbo 5 speed, we still have a lot of Baja's here in Washington. Have 298K miles on ours and it's been fixed up some with full exhaust and downpipe, wrx intercooler, tvg deletes, open source tuned, 08-14 WRX heads (to bump the compression from 8.2 to 8.7 adding better low end and off boost power) but don't drive it much anymore. It's really not all that practical the bed is really small and there is almost no interior room. We also have an Ioniq 5, it's more like a wagon and has a lot more usable space than the Baja.

[@kenbo80]

Looks like a nice Baja. Is it for sale?

[@CarDietrich]

Not at this time

[@phooesnax]

XT needing premium fuel would be the rub I think.

[@HenauderTitzauf]

While living in Wichita Falls, Tx, back in 1969-74, I got to drive a 1970 model Subaru. Great start for that co. The station wagon had a 4 speed trans, a/c, radio, roof rack, great car, but my wife wanted the only option, NO auto trans. But, it drove great. The biggest downfall Subaru I’ve ever seen is the wretched sorry outside of a moped CONSTANT VELOCITY TRANS, CVY, (CVT). Anyway you slice it, the CVT Out of a moped, scooter, race track Baja scooter, IS A DOWNFALL TO CARS, NO MATTER WHAT BRAND CAR/TRUCK/SUV you buy, you gonna get screwed in about 1,2,3, 24,000/30,000 miles.

[@eze8024]

Correct, I want a Baja turbo with vtd sportshift 4eat

[@davidstratton6374]

I really wanted this exact truck. Now I am thinking otherwise.. Thank you.

[@dylankimbro1115]

Man get it they are unicorns

[@dead91silvia]

I've owned my 05 turbo manual for 7 years, it's not as bad as he said. Yes, cosmetic parts are hard to find, but keeping them in the road is easy, even more so if they are n/a. If you really want one, go drive one, I have 13 cars, my Baja is my favorite.

[@paulandrews7573]

@3:40, I have a 2005 Subaru outback legacy turbo with a hood scoop, FWIW

[@CarDietrich]

Different hood. 2005 is a third gen Outback, all the Baja's were based on the second gen

[@genevievefoley7938]

this shit all sounds like quitter talk. i’m keeping my baby alive. he’s only got 39k on him and i’m not giving up!!!!

[@k.simpson2]

I wrecked mine and still have it. Looking at a turbo manual for sale now wild this was only posted 3 days ago wtf?… LoL

[@CarDietrich]

Sorry to hear about your accident! Keep your old one for parts lol

[@k.simpson2]

I just want to build it back we will see what happens. Everything happens for a reason all part of the learning process.

[@vindicatedrascal]

I have one if you want to buy her

[@k.simpson2]

@@vindicatedrascal automatic?

[@Theslomodojo]

Thank you for your video, but along with most other commenters here, I completely disagree with your advice NOT to buy a Baja Turbo due to unavailability of a few, immaterial parts. Your friend who actually OWNS the vehicle you are talking about, LOVES it and refuses to sell it. Why is that? Because it is an excellent car! Most of the parts that your are talking about being irreplaceable, are in fact replaceable. The others can be replaced with some imagination and effort, but I guess it was easier for you to make a video, bashing the car than to do that! In 2007, I traded in my blue, 2005 manual-shift Baja with 175,000 miles on it, for a obsidian black, 2006 Automatic Turbo. On my trade-in for the 2005, the dealer gave me back, what I paid for the 2005 vehicle a year earlier. The 2006 was a lease return with only about 26,000 miles on it. In the last 16 years I put 125,000 trouble-free miles on it. I have a 2" Anderson Lift Kit and an A.R.E. cap on the back. It is fast as hell and reliable. People ask me if I want to sell it all the time. If you've taken notice, the demand for Bajas has increased and their supply is decreasing, resulting in climbing prices. Today my Baja is worth more than what I paid for it at the dealership 16 years ago! It is ridiculous to condemn one of the most versatile, fun and reliable cars on the road today just because you can't find some plastic buttons or a hood scoop doing a quick internet search, or at your local dealership. By the way, besides the 2 Bajas, I owned a black Brat with T-tops and blue plaid interior back in the 80s and 90s. I sold that car with over 250K miles on the odometer. The guy I sold it to still has it in his garage to this day and it's worth a lot more than I sold it to him for back then. He loves it and doesn't worry too much about plastic buttons, etc.

[@danaevans2364]

My friend has an '04 Baja turbo with an '06 engine in it. The turbo just went out... That's the only thing wrong with it. I bet she'll be ready to sell it... I'm on my way right now to price how much a turbo unit is, but since she's a single mom, and I'm poor white trash, I'm sure it'll be cost prohibitive.

[@CarDietrich]

I'm sorry to hear about your friend's issues with her Baja. The engine is one part of that car that does share parts with other Subarus, so the turbos from similar year Forester XTs and WRXs should swap in as a replacement part, if she can find a cheap one of those used that is still good.

[@cristian46901]

do u know if subaru baja non turbo and outback use the same bumper

[@CarDietrich]

They are slightly different designs, but I think they could probably make the front bumper from a 2000-2005 Outback fit onto a Baja. Consult your local body shop

[@cristian46901]

@@CarDietrich not the bumper i meant to say the hood my baja is 2003 non turbo please help

[@CarDietrich]

I think you're in luck, the hood from a 2000-2005 Outback should swap on to your non-turbo Baja. Again, consult your local body shop.

[@cristian46901]

@@CarDietrich It did fit i was lucky to find the only subie outback same color as mine at the junk yard

[@al_tariot]

Can I buy that car?

[@CarDietrich]

lol

[@endrizo]

well i DO want one

[@josephkool8411]

I thought the license plate meant weekend brat. Bye the way those things are fast

[@CarDietrich]

No it means "Wicked Brat." Trust me I know the owner.

[@josephkool8411]

@@CarDietrich Sorry

[@Jestr86]

thats not going to stop me from buying a baja.. i'm the type that makes things work just to keep it going.. and i wouldn't get a turbo because they are less reliable.

[@phooesnax]

Anybody with a lathe could make those grommets.

[@p24p14]

Took too long to get to the point, which is basically "body parts are hard to find" - yeah, thats the case with any old car

[@seadog915]

If this is supposed to be a put down on the Baja' You Fail! You just sound like someone who wishes he had bought one when they were available. (Sour Grapes) They're very hard to find in DECENT shape. She can probably sell it for almost what she paid for it in 2006 !

[@vindicatedrascal]

I drive this car. 5spd w STi turbo. Fight me

[@trumpsmum9210]

You’re telling people not to buy because you can’t get a new hood? Lol 😂 ridiculous!! Who would buy a new hood?

[@CarDietrich]

The shroud around the air intake for the intercooler gets oxidized over time and needs to be replaced

[@c-martz2846]

I respect your opinion but I totally disagree with your assessment of the Baja. I got 200k solid miles since 2007 and I’ll never get rid of it. You’re bias against the car is set and your title of this video is for, a clickbait. Thumbs down buddy because you’re gripé “ you can’t find parts” you’re an idiot of you think Toyota makes replacement accessories for a 20 year old car🤦‍♂️

[@John-rw9bv]

Chill out haha, Subaru dont offer a lot of these parts anymore - its a valid criticism. I love my Baja, even without any grommets holding the bed protector on hahah. I think ideally one day i'd replace all of that weathered bed plastic with aluminium anyway. The weather-seals around the body cladding IS the reason i haven't taken it off yet to look behind to see if there's rust. But i can use silicone sealant, and the finished result would look much cleaner. So the criticisms are there, but it's up to us as owners to put in the work and dispel their criticisms >:)

[@danmcdonald726]

Don't buy a Baja with a manual...because of reason that apply to all baja's

[@endrizo]

3rd gen legacy

[@jamesburge1983]

Let me save you about 7 min. of your life. It is old, and like all old cars parts can be a bitch to get. Done. Now am I biased? Yes I love mine and will not sell it, period. If I could I would put an STI with a 6 speed in it. I will drive it till I can not drive it anymore.

[@OriginalFallofMind]

3d printer