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I've been researching subie outbacks on a shoestring and most of the ones I'm finding all around 100K miles on them. I've been noticing that many for sale have had their :
timing belts
water pumps
seals and head gaskets
clutch
replaced and I wondering what else to look out for when considering whether the price of one is a good value considering other work that may need to go into it in the near future.
96 sticks with the 2.2 are your best bet.
Head gaskets are the biggie on the Phase 1 2.5L engines. Though by no means do all Phase 1 2.5s blow up, lots have gone to 150k+. It's an expensive repair, but the engines can keep going for ages after a HG replacement.
Clutchs on the non-turbo subies often die at around 100k - mine went at 97, and cost me a decent chunk of change.
If you're willing to consider the Impreza wagon, the 2.2l engine in those is near indestructible - just today I saw some photos of one at 270 grand and still running like a top (!).
And yes, the timing belt is due for replacement at 105k.
Watch out for the major issues and a decent Outback will take you at least another 50 thousand miles. They're good cars.
Paging Lemon Boy in 5,4,3....
Phil-- thanks for the tip, I'll keep my eye out. I absolutely prefer a manual.
Sphinx-- Good knowledge, just hearing that there are certain models are there up to 270K(!!!!) puts big smile n my face, albeit the exception to the rule.