In the world of cars, some models are simply transport, while others become part of the family. They’re a trusted companion for the daily commute, the weekend hardware store run, and the long-haul holiday trip down to Margaret River. Here in Western Australia, the Subaru Outback, particularly the third-generation (BP) model, is one of those cars. It’s a true automotive Swiss Army knife, and for over 15 years, our team at WA Auto Parts has developed a deep respect for its clever engineering and enduring practicality.
As Perth’s leading used auto parts buyer, seller, and wrecker, we see vehicles from every corner of the globe—Japanese, European, Australian, you name it. But there’s always a special kind of excitement when a vehicle with a true cult following like this Outback rolls into our yard.
Today, we invite you to join us as we get acquainted with our latest arrival: a 2009 Subaru Outback Premium in Satin White Pearl. Its life as a complete car has come to an end, but its journey is far from over. This is a story of preservation, of carefully salvaging the best components to help keep dozens of other beloved Subarus on the Perth roads where they belong.
The Assessment & The Elephant in the Room
This 2009 Outback didn’t arrive with the quiet burble of its signature boxer engine. It was towed in, a non-runner with a story familiar to many Subaru enthusiasts—a suspected engine issue. To the uninitiated, this might seem like the end of the line. For our experienced technicians, it’s simply the first chapter.
The initial walk-around is a meticulous process. We’re not just looking for damage; we’re looking for potential. The Satin White Pearl paint, though showing signs of a 15-year life, still held a deep lustre. The passenger side panels were straight, the rear bumper and tailgate were undamaged, and the factory alloy wheels were all in good shape.
Then we moved to the Subaru-specific details. The frameless windows on all four doors—a hallmark of this generation—retracted smoothly. We tested the enormous factory sunroof, and it tilted and slid open without a single stutter. Inside, the cabin was a time capsule. The full black leather interior was immaculate, the MOMO steering wheel showed minimal wear, and the premium 6-stacker CD player powered on, ready to play.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: the engine. The EJ25 boxer engine in this generation is a fantastic motor, but it has a known Achilles’ heel: the head gaskets. Our diagnostics confirmed this was likely the cause of the failure. Many wreckers might just label the engine as scrap, but that’s not how we do things at WA Auto Parts.
We understand the value in every component. While we would never sell this engine as a running “drop-in” unit, we recognise it as a treasure trove of parts for DIY mechanics and professional workshops. The engine block itself is sound, the heads are perfect candidates for reconditioning, and every single ancillary part—the alternator, the power steering pump, the A/C compressor, the ignition coils, the sensors—is a tested, working component ready to solve another Subaru owner’s problem. This transparency is fundamental to our business; we believe our customers deserve to know exactly what they are buying.
Harvesting the Best Components: The Premium Experience
With the assessment complete, our team began the careful process of dismantling, preserving the best parts that make this Premium model so desirable.
The Interior Upgrade Package: One of the first things we did was remove the complete interior. For an owner of a base model Outback or Liberty wagon, this car represents a complete luxury upgrade. We salvaged:
- The Full Leather Seats: Heated front seats and a clean rear bench, all carefully removed and wrapped to protect them.
- The MOMO Steering Wheel: A genuine, leather-wrapped wheel with integrated audio and cruise controls, offering a much more premium feel.
- The Premium Audio & Climate System: The 6-stacker head unit and the dual-zone automatic climate control unit were both tested and removed, ready for a plug-and-play installation into a compatible vehicle.
- The Sunroof Assembly: This is a major prize. We removed the entire sunroof cassette—the glass, the motor, the tracks, and the headliner. It’s a complex but highly sought-after part.
Symmetrical AWD Gold: While the engine had an issue, the rest of the drivetrain was bulletproof. The 4-speed Sportshift automatic transmission was smooth and responsive before the engine failed. We drained its fluid, which was clean and free of contaminants—a great sign. The transmission, along with the tailshaft, driveshafts, and the famously robust rear differential, were all carefully removed. These are the core components of Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, and having a supply of tested, reliable parts is essential for keeping these cars safe and capable on the road.
Body, Glass, and Wheels: The straight, undamaged panels from the passenger side and rear were meticulously unbolted. The tailgate, complete with its spoiler and wiper, was taken off. The unique frameless door glass panels were removed and inspected for scratches before being put into inventory. Finally, the set of factory 17-inch alloy wheels were taken off, cleaned, and are now ready to replace a damaged set or upgrade an older model.
The Value Proposition: A Smart Choice for a Modern Classic
Why buy used parts for a car that’s over 15 years old? For owners of these modern classics, it’s the smartest choice you can make.
Firstly, there’s the cost. A new part from a dealer, if it’s even still available, can cost a fortune. A quality, tested OEM part from us costs a fraction of that price. Secondly, it’s about authenticity. A genuine Subaru part is guaranteed to fit and function exactly as it was designed to, something that can’t always be said for cheaper, aftermarket alternatives.
Finally, it’s the most sustainable option. Every part we salvage is one less part that needs to be manufactured, saving an enormous amount of energy and raw materials. By choosing used parts, you are actively participating in a circular economy, reducing waste and preserving our environment.
A Catalogue of Opportunities from This 2009 Outback
This single vehicle has now yielded a huge inventory of high-quality parts. Here is just a partial list of what is now available on our shelves:
- Interior: Full Black Leather Interior (Heated Fronts), MOMO Steering Wheel, Sunroof Assembly, Premium Head Unit, Dual-Zone Climate Control.
- Drivetrain: 4-Speed Automatic Transmission, Rear Differential, Driveshafts, Axles.
- Engine Components: Alternator, A/C Compressor, Power Steering Pump, Intake Manifold, Coils, Sensors. (Engine block/heads available for rebuilders).
- Exterior: Passenger Doors, Tailgate, Rear Bumper, Roof Rails, Alloy Wheels.
- Suspension & Brakes: Struts, Shocks, Control Arms, Brake Calipers.
We are your one-stop shop for used auto parts, covering an immense range of Japanese, Korean, Australian, European, and American cars, trucks, utes, and vans.
If you love your Subaru and want to keep it running in top condition without breaking the bank, give our expert team a call. We speak your language.
For pricing, availability, or friendly advice, trust the team with over 15 years of experience serving Perth. Call WA Auto Parts today on (08) 9358 1392