Hey Subie enthusiasts

[Sutter]

I was looking at this model today:

1997 Outback Limited Edition
145,000 miles
1 owner
all scheduled oil changes made
new timing belt in 2002
heavy duty tune up in 2004
oil seals replaced in 2005
new clutch in 2005
$4650

Is this a good deal for a car that will last another 100,000 or a money pit that will result in frequent aggravation? Shouldn't the breaks have been done by now, too?

[BLOOD SWEAT STEEL]

Brakes are cheap, don't sweat those. You're going to need them on any car sooner or later anyways. Timing belt job will run you around $300, provided you don't need any new idlers. Year 2002 doesn't tell us much - it needs to be replaced every 65k miles or so. 75k is safe, anything more is stretching it. Subaru's TSBs first said 60k, then 52k, then 50k, so who knows. Sounds like a "good" deal if it's otherwise as clean as a one-owner should be.

By "good" deal, I mean it's not a *kick-down-the-door* type price, but if that particular car is exactly the one you've been looking for, then yeah - I'd say dooooo it.

[wolfy]

check out i-club.com, a lot of hard core subie freaks there and a good source for info on specific models. some late 90's models had probs at higher miles due to a skirtless piston they tried for a short period of time. piston knock is the usual giveaway. there are a lot of indie mechanics that specialize in subies in most mtn burgs..... good luck

[BS720]

I'm guessing you are fully aware of the head gasket ordeal you are coming up on around 165k? I don't know a single person that hasn't dealt with it. Not saying people don't have it, I just don't know of anyone. Main reason I haven't gone back to a Subaru since my 90 Legacy (Love you, RIP). My little brother has a '97 outback and it cost him almost $2,000 at 168k. He bought the car from my dad, so that car practically got a massage every day. It was CLEAN. If someone thinks I am wrong on this, please let me know. I love Subaru's, and will get one when I can afford one with less than 80k, so I can sell before head gasket time.

[72Twenty]

What part of the country do you live in?

[uglymoney]

I was looking at this model today:

1997 Outback Limited Edition
145,000 miles
1 owner
all scheduled oil changes made
new timing belt in 2002
heavy duty tune up in 2004
oil seals replaced in 2005
new clutch in 2005
$4650

Is this a good deal for a car that will last another 100,000 or a money pit that will result in frequent aggravation? Shouldn't the breaks have been done by now, too?

I'd pass on it and search for a 2000+ model with high miles and a low price. The SOHC 2.5 liter is considered more reliable than the 2.5 liter DOHC in the 96-99 Outbacks.

The DOHC were prone to oil leaks and catastrophic head gasket failure among other problems. The SOHC version also has had some head gasket problems, but its more of a seepage issue, generally not catastropic, and generally they failed under warranty and were properly repaired.

[BLOOD SWEAT STEEL]

^^No, you're right. The factory EJ25 DOHC headgaskets were crap, and prone to failure. Trying to guess at what mileage they will fail, though - is total speculation. Sooner or later though, they're going to need to be replaced with the thicker metal 4 layer gaskets. I wouldn't let it deter me from buying the car, just something to be aware of.

Unless you can find an Outback Sport instead (if that meets your needs.) The 1997/8 EJ22 engine has about 30 less hp, but is a WAY more solid performer in the long term.

[Sutter]

car is located in Bay Area, 72.

I will definitely heed the advice of trying to find a SOHC 2.5L model from 2000 or since. I'm not quite at the point of buying right now, but I've been doing tons of research on different models and years and the best beta I've received has been from people who have owned in the past. Thanks again.

D

[Blatant]

try to stretch that to a 2001, many 2000's had the head gastket issue as well. I've been told, like the collective here agrees, that it's not a question of "if" but "when" will it go, and it'll run ya if it goes. Definitely after 2001 they had it ironed out and it was pretty much a thing of the past.

Now your other option is to go pre 2.5 sohc/dohc and go with an older 2.2L motor. Those things are relatively bombproof, and should something go weird, it's cheaply and almost easily fixable. The older subie's are certainly not as "good" looking as the new but i'd take total reliability over looks in that price range.

If you can find one that has had the head gasket done already, buy it. Once it's done you'll be fine. Ofcourse you can roll the dice, some will never experience the HG failure. This HG issue has been beat to death on may forums......and you'll go mad reading about it.
Try to find a 5mt as well. If you find one that had all the necessary recalls/tsb's done i believe it stretches out the headgasket warranty, but it's got to be the right kind of hg leak. internal / external leakage.

[frorider]

try to stretch that to a 2001, many 2000's had the head gastket issue as well. I've been told, like the collective here agrees, that it's not a question of "if" but "when" will it go, and it'll run ya if it goes. Definitely after 2001 they had it ironed out and it was pretty much a thing of the past.

Now your other option is to go pre 2.5 sohc/dohc and go with an older 2.2L motor. Those things are relatively bombproof, and should something go weird, it's cheaply and almost easily fixable. The older subie's are certainly not as "good" looking as the new but i'd take total reliability over looks in that price range.

If you can find one that has had the head gasket done already, buy it. Once it's done you'll be fine. Ofcourse you can roll the dice, some will never experience the HG failure. This HG issue has been beat to death on may forums......and you'll go mad reading about it.
Try to find a 5mt as well. If you find one that had all the necessary recalls/tsb's done i believe it stretches out the headgasket warranty, but it's got to be the right kind of hg leak. internal / external leakage.

i agree. if your budget doesn't allow getting a more recent (say, 2002 2.5) outback, consider looking for a late 90s 2.2 liter. one of the best suby engines made in terms of durability. we have a '97 impreza with around 120k, runs perfectly.