1998 Subaru Outback Limited

[Canuk]

What should I be looking for? Is this the model with the engine problems? (DOHC version 1 &2 vs SOHC or something like that?). Anything else I should be aware of? I think that the deal is good - $8,000 CDN for a single owner car - but just wanted a bit of maggot imput. Fire away.

[mntlion]

http://www.scoobymods.com/

might have some instight too?

price looks right, nice ride

[flanker769]

Don't know anything about the engine but the price looks great!!!
Good family ride especially for those Friday evening drives down to the fish.

[Idris]

unless you are looking at Inter Stellar millage (300,000km+) I'd say thats a nice car for the price.

[Laps]

My wife just bought one about a month ago for $5000 USD, and now I try to steal it whenever I can. All we have had to do is change the oil and one wheel bearing so far...

[fridge]

Sorry I can't be of any help, but let me know if you find any info. I'm looking at buying something similar.

[Canuk]

unless you are looking at Inter Stellar millage (300,000km+) I'd say thats a nice car for the price.

I currently drive a '96 Soob Legacy Wagon with inter stellar millage (289K) and was thinking that a 2 year upgrade, a drop in miles, and a 5 speed rather than the automatic I have, might be worth a few grand.

Fridge - The major information I was looking for was regarding the coolant leak into the 2.5L engines, and it appears that the problem is with the phase two engines, which we started to see in mid 1999 models. If you are interested in my existing ride (it really does run like a champ) let me know...

[Idris]

Been looking around on the island (vancouver) to see what my subie is worth. The one you are looking at is going for $16-$22K here, that makes $8k a steal.
I agree a 5 speed would be nice, my 91' auto can be lacking (in fun at least) from time to time.
Your existing ride would probably fetch $5k-$15 here depending on how warn it looks.

[Buzzworthy]

What should I be looking for? Is this the model with the engine problems? (DOHC version 1 &2 vs SOHC or something like that?). Anything else I should be aware of? I think that the deal is good - $8,000 CDN for a single owner car - but just wanted a bit of maggot imput. Fire away.

I have the 2001 Outback Limited LL Bean Edition with the Dohc 3.0 liter, V6, go it with 39K miles one year ago for $17 K. Fiddler carfaxed it for me and it was CLEAN.

Been very happy and it has some guts too, unlike what most say here.

[assgasorgrass]

Cam seals, oil seals. Ask if they have been replaced recently. They go and often. Power steering pump can leak as well. Look underneath the housing, there is a aluminum plate where the fluid accumulates. This version does have reports of coolant leaks as well. My mechanic refers to the rig as a ticking time bomb, not a matter of if, but when. Quite frankly, the only thing that ticks in this car are the lifters telling me to add more oil. All this with only 66k on the odometer. Oil and cam seals went at 55K, $550 repair. Fried ignition coil and associated appurtenances, $450. I would definitely have the seals checked on. A leak down test might help with the coolant leaks, but from what I have researched, this doesn't necessarily pick up on the type of leak that occurs. I still like the rig, it is peppy, pulls up grades nicely fully loaded, 25 mpg is what it has been getting, 20 with bikes on it and some wind is the worse.

[Richard Simmons]

I've got a 97 with the 2.5 and 5 speed. 135k on it;miles that is, not those gay kilometers. Had some problems early on with the A/C pump which was fixed on warranty....there was actually a recall. Lost some kind of seal at about 90k, don't remember what, but that is about the extent of the problems. Burns a little oil, but not too bad. 25-28 mpg on freeway. Plows through snow like a mutha. Good car, plus the heated seats rock on pow days.

One thing my mechanic told me....replace the timing belt at 100k miles. Manual says 120k, but that is living on borrowed time.

[DaveTV]

I have a 95 2.2 with 143k on it, runs like new - the 98 has the 2.5 - good vehicle, but some have head gasket probs, check for that - not the end of the world, but get the price down if there is any sign of that --for more info on this. go here http://www.ultimatesubaru.net and search the forums - u may have to register first

[KarlHungus]

I have a 98 Outback Limited w/ 101k miles on it. Runs great, no trouble so far whatsoever. The 2.5 engine tends to have a knocking sound but that's the norm with that motor. I have heard complaints about the head gaskets before from various sources but mines seen no problems.

and Yeah, do change that timing belt at 100k, my mechanic (specializes in subarus) said the same thing.

Sounds like a good deal for that rig. Good luck!

[KarlHungus]

realized i wasn't all that helpful on the price...

Mines a 98 Outback Limited (leather interior, different trim, wheels, etc.), with the cold weather package (heated mirrors, heated seats, and engine block heater). It had about 85k miles on it, no dents, great condition and i got it for about $10,000 in Seattle. Good luck.

[Dromond]

I believe it's the 2.5L engines that had the head gasket problems. The 2.2L engines do not.

I just got a 5 speed 97 Legacy wagon with 102K miles and in eeeexcellent condition for $4,000. I love it!

[gravitylover]

We've had a '97 Outback Limited since new. Around 60k the oil pump went so we did the water pump and timing belt too (it was drenched in oil). Other than a few sets of tires and one brake job it's been great. I think it's about time for some suspension parts now though at 120k. And yeah, it kicks ass in the snow!

[Black Market]

As long as it doesnt sound like its struggling on hills or at highway speeds i wouldnt worry about the engine. when somethings wrong with that boxer engine you can usually hear it or feel it. make sure you test drive it thouroughly. sounds like a good deal......

[aspenskibum]

i have a 99 outback, which i love. Expeiriancing minor engine problems currently, i have yet to figure out what they are, but this car absoluty rallies, especially in the snow. and especially for a car that has enough space in the back to sleep in. Get the V6 if you can though.