late 90's model outback troubleshooting

[Sutter]

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.

[Flexon Phil]

96 sticks with the 2.2 are your best bet.

[Sphinx]

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....

[Sutter]

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.