Can a newer model Subaru Legacy survive about 15 in. of many days worth of water submersion?

Asked by Landon Feb 05, 2018 at 02:38 AM about the 2016 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited AWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Wondering if it would be worth taking a flyer on a 2016 Subaru Legacy Limited 3.6R (hurricane Harvey flood salvage). It was submerged in no more than 15 in. of water for about 10 days, where there was no apparent standing water that made it with in the cabin, but can't speak for the engine. I'm assuming (for now) that the car was never on during its bath. The weather would've been hot then.

6 Answers

3,770

Well the first problem is going to be the tranny the clutches in it don't like water second is the engine , Did water get into the cylinders and rust or seize the engine ?? third being the electronics being submerged in water , Forth is the interior will deed to be replaced ,It's going to smell musty Fifth the rule of thumb I use for the value is ( 20 percent of low NADA value example ( 10,000 x 20 = 2000 ) you see a salvage yard will part it out and make 5,000 on a 2,000 investment and you would have 5,000 in repairs

Thanks, and I understand the tranny particularly. However, this car has already been rebuilt and I intend to take a long look at it soon. It's currently listed at just under 17k @22k miles. If I find any signs of standing water with in the cabin... it's an auto-deal breaker. Otherwise, do you think a certified Subaru dealership would be able to inspect the tranny, without breaking the bank? I'm fixing to ask them to look in at least a door if I even get that far, to look for sediment, any signs or smells of mold, corrosion or water lines.

865

Dont buy it, I made a mistake back in the late 80's with the same situation...was going to be nothing but expensive repairs.....water gets every where...it's salvage at best

38,755

any bearings , any gears or mechanical guts , anything electrical are all shot , the body steel , knobs and glass are about all that's any good

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