In automobiledom, some models are just transportation, while others grow to be part of the family. They’re a loyal friend for the daily commuter, the weekend Bunnings run and the long-haul holiday journey down to Margaret River. In the state of Western Australia, that vehicle is the Subaru Outback and in particular, the third generation (BP series) version. It’s a real automotive Swiss Army knife, and for the past 15+ years working at WA Auto Parts we have come to greatly admire its well thought-out design principles and long-lasting workhorse performance.
As a top-tier used auto parts buyer and wrecker in Perth, we encounter vehicles from all the major manufacturers—from Japan to Europe to Australia. But there’s just something special about receiving a car with as devoted a cult following as this Outback when it rolls into our yard.
So today we present you with an opportunity to take a look at our newest member: 2009 Subaru Outback Premium in Satin White Pearl. As a complete car, its life is over, but it has a ways to go. It’s a tale of preservation, of mindfully collecting the best bits to ensure dozens of other cherished Subarus remain on the turnpike roads of Perth where they belong.
The Review & The Elephant in the Room
This 2009 Outback arrived not with the hushed burble of its signature boxer engine. The car was towed in, a non-runner with a tale that accompanied many Subaru enthusiasts – suspected engine fault. To the uninitiated, this may appear to be a dead end. It’s just the first chapter to our skilled technicians.
The first walk-around is very thorough. It’s not just damage that we are looking for; it is potential. This Satin White Pearl paint, despite being a good 15 years old, remained lustrous. The passenger side panels were straight, the rear bumper and tailgate were dent and damage free – and all four factory alloy wheels looked to be in good condition.
From here we went on to the Subaru specific stuff. The frameless windws on all four doors, which was a characteristic of this generation, glided down. We pressed the colossal factory sunroof into service, and it reared up and slid back without so much as a hiccup. Inside, the cabin was something of a time capsule. The black leather interior was a rare and pristine addition, with the MOMO wheel showing only light wear, and the optional 6-stack CD player decking popped to life with ease.
And now we have to talk about the elephant in the room: THE MOTOR! This era of Subi’s 2.5L EJ25 boxer engine is a workhorse but does have one well-documented weakness with the head gaskets. This seemed to be the issue in our diagnostics. Most wrecker’s would simply classify the engine as scrap, however we are not like most wreckers at WA Auto Parts.
Every part of it is important to us. We would never offer this engine as a running ‘drop-in’ unit, but just imagine the haul of spares for an adventurous DIY man or professional workshop. The engine block itself is good, the heads are good reconditioning candidates, and all those ancillaries—the alternator; the power steering pump; the A/C compressor; the ignition coils; the sensors—were tested workign items ready to solve some other Subaru owner’s woe. That level of transparency is our business model; we don’t think it’s fair to hide what you’re getting in your food.
Picking the Best Parts – The Premium Option
Once that inspection was finished, we went about meticulously taking apart our Premium model and preserving the best bits.
The Interior Upgrade Package: One of the first things we did was gut out all of the interior. To the owner of a run-of-the mill Outback or Liberty wagon, this vehicle is everything you expect or want in an aspirational luxury model. We salvaged:
The Full Leather Seats: Heated fronts and neat rear bench, all carefully dismantled out and wrapped up.
The MOMO Steering Wheel: A real, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, is noticeably nicer to hold.
The Premium Audio & Climate System: I have tested the 6-stacker head unit and dual-zone automatic climate control unit then removed it, ready for a plug-and-play in to your appropriate model.
The Sunroof Assembly: This is a big time win. We pulled out the whole sunroof cassette — the glass, the motor and tracks as well as the headliner. It’s a tricky but coveted role.
Symmetry AWD Gold: Engine may have been a bit fragile, but the rest of the drive train was rock solid. After the knock, the 4-speed Sportshift auto gearbox was unobtrusive and responsive. We drained its fluid and found it to be clean, free of pollutants—a good sign. The gearbox, as well as the tailshaft, driveshafts and aforementioned hand grenade-strong rear diff were all carefully extracted. These are Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system essentials, and if you ever need to maintain one of these components, it’d be essential to have a source for tested reliable parts in order keep these cars safe and capable on the road.
The Body, Glass and Wheels: The straight un-damaged panels from the passenger side and rear were carefully unbolted. The rear hatch, including its wiper and spoiler, was removed. Frameless doorglass was not available and we removed the heavy glasses and checked for scratches before putting in inventory. Lastly, the factory 17-inch alloy wheels did come off and cleaned up nicely to be swapped in for a trashed set on a later or older model.
The Selling Point: A Savvy Pick as a Modern Classic
Who would buy a used part for a car over 15 years old? For a modern classic owner, it’s the best choice you can make.
Firstly, there’s the cost. A replacement from a dealer, if it’s even available, can be sky-high. From us, you can buy a quality, proven OEM part for a fraction of that. Secondly, it’s about authenticity. You won’t have to compromise on the fit and function of genuine Subaru parts is you opt for a regular old auto supply store, after-market part.
Last, it’s the most sustainable choice. Every bit that we are able to recover is a part that does not have to be manufactured, and saves an absurd amount of energy and raw material. When you select recycled parts, you are doing your part to help the environment with less waste and keeping our planet clean.
This 2009 Outback Is A Catalog Of Opportunities
This one car has now produced a vast amount of high-quality juicy automobile parts. Here is only some of what we have now in stock on our shelves:
Interior: Full Black Leather (Heated Fronts), MOMO Steering Wheel, Sunroof Assembly, Upgraded Head Unit, Dual Zone Climate.
Transmission, Rear End, Driveshafts and Axles: 4-Speed Auto.
Engine Parts: Alternator, A/C Compressor, Power Steering Pump, Intake Manifold, Coils,Sensors. (Engine block/heads available for rebuilders).
Outside: Doors Front And Rear Door, Lift/Gate Rear Door, Bumper Assy Rr, Roof Rack/Rail Alloy Wheels.
Suspension & Brakes – all things struts, shocks, control arms, and Brake Calipers.
We are a one stop solution for secondhand car parts of vast range of makes and models in Australia from Japan, Korea, Europe, America et cetera.
Trés Subaru Service Dudes If you love your Subie and want to keep it purring like new—without busting the bankcall our team of skilled pros. We speak your language.
For prices, enquiries or friendly advice, rely on the team with over 15 years experience in Perth. Contact WA Auto Parts now on (08) 9358 1392






































