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Subaru Baja Single Generation

20032006 · BT · truck

The Baja was a four-door car-based pickup built on the Legacy Outback platform with a short composite bed and a midgate (called Switchback) that folded into the cabin for longer cargo. Naturally aspirated EJ251/EJ253 2.5L flat-four was standard; a turbocharged EJ255 Baja Turbo joined for 2004 with around 210 hp. AWD across the lineup. Sales were modest and it was discontinued after 2006.

Watch out: Owner reports of EJ251/EJ253 head-gasket weeping (the Subaru naturally aspirated 2.5L gasket pattern), turbo seal wear on the 2004-2006 Baja Turbo, and Switchback midgate seal degradation causing water leaks into the cabin. Salt-belt rust is common on cars that lived outdoors.

Full clubhouse — owner Garage Lineage, common problems, year-by-year notes, and product picks — is on the build list.

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