akm

Thank you for the info. The true part is that there was the forum discussion about such a problem, and it was confirmed by a local Subaru shop, but like I said, it was years ago. Guess Ill just keep trying to find the data. Thanks again.

A few years ago we posted a question on a forum (cant remember which one (old Subaru forum links no longer work) about a 1996 Subaru Legacy wagon engine problem, and got an answer that the 1996 Legacy 4cyl engine, was a 'lemon' year for Subaru. Apparently, there was a 'valve' problem, just this particular year, that caused the 'check engine' light to come on and there was no fix, because any fix was to replace the parts with the same parts as new, and so the problem would still be there. The problem was such that it could run forever, with the engine light on, or the engine could die tomorrow. Does anyone have any info about such a problem ? Thanks much.

Did you figure out where the drains are located... and how to get to them for cleaning ? Have same problem and would appreciate any help you might be able to share. Thank you for your help.

Think ur reply is right on in more ways than one. In fact the 98 thing was mentioned in an earlier thread I had on this board and got some very good info, http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=66161 , including about the 98 problem, eg... Thanks much again !!

Thanks much for the replies ! Im amazed at the responsiveness of this board. BTW, Edmunds shows about $4000-5000 so sounds like all are in the ballpark. Also sounds like there is nothing inherently a problem with that year/model so if our mechanic says its ok then 5500 or so may not be too bad ? Thanks again for your help !

Sorry about the urgency, but visiting friend's car appears to have broken completely and need to replace ASAP in order to get them back home, about 300 miles away, to get to work. The tow service has a 1998 Legacy Outback with 112,000 miles that they will sell for $7500, and will give $500 - $1700 (unseen range) for the 1990 Toyota dual-cab pickup that the engine seems to have gone out on (were going to try to get that scoped out in the morning at the local repair garage). Quick thoughts ?

Thanks for the info. Will forward on to the son. Hes also talking about buying another Subaru (maybe a Forester, for Plattsburgh PA weather), any thoughts/suggestions ? Thanks again for the help !

Son (out of state) has asked question about his 1999 Outback (4 cyl) with about 112k miles. Seems that it is using oil and making some kind of noise that he has been told may be a piston (worn rings maybe ?) that clatters when the oil is low and/or when the engine is cold... which makes a certain amount of sense given heat = expansion and oil = lubrication/gap filler. Does that sound reasonable and/or symptomatic for that year/make of Subaru and is there any great risk in driving it as long as keep oil in it and perhaps try an oil additive for such a condition ? Thoughts/questions ? Thanks much for the help.