Advice for used subaru outback buyer

[casey5]

I'm looking to buy a used Subaru Outback and can only afford to spend $4,000 to $6,000 or so on the car. This means I've been looking at the cars years 1995-2001 give or take a year or two. I've heard rumor of various problems with the cars from these years--especially those that have reached 100,000 miles. I haven't found a car with less than 100,000 miles and most have 130,000+. I'm going to be buying the car in Connecticut where icy roads are managed with salt in the winter but I will be driving the car in the inter-mountain west during the winter so I really want 4WD/AWD. I'm looking for advice on what to be cautious of and how to best avoid buying a fairly inexpensive used car and then facing high repair and maintenance costs in the next two years. Is this possible in a used subaru? I'd also take advice on what years and prices would be best to consider for a Subaru Outback even if they are out of my price range.

[mikec03]

Look for a 2.2 l engine. I personally would not buy a car with the early 2.5 l engines [years 97 to 02] unless it already had the head gaskets replaced. And even then, I would want to know which dealership replaced them.

 

I own two subarus with the 2.2l engine and I'm very happy with them. And one with the 2.5l engine which I worry about.

[wtdash]

I agree w/MikeC03 about the head gaskets - if they aren't done, start saving ($1500-2000) for the repair, as I'm now convinced they are a 'maintenance' item like changing the T-belt.

 

Once changed the car is good for another 150K+ miles...IF it's had/will have regular oil changes. I've seen and read about crank/rod bearing failures....not the car's fault - poor owner maintenance....but that's the same for any car.

 

Search on here for more info about other maintenance items.

 

The EJ22 was only avl. in '95 (not a real OB) and '96 but only w/the 5speed.

 

If you come across an OB w/the EJ22 swapped in (commonly done), it's not a bad way to go. But if you're spending a lot time @ 8-10,000 feet, you may miss that extra power.

 

 

GL,

Todd

aka powder pig :-)

[markjw]

You would be better off finding a low mile 90-94 legacy 5 speed wagon AWD.

 

Expect to pay 2-2.5K (at least in my area) for a really cherry one. Save the rest of your money for something else.

[bheinen74]

You would be better off finding a low mile 90-94 legacy 5 speed wagon AWD.

 

Expect to pay 2-2.5K (at least in my area) for a really cherry one. Save the rest of your money for something else.

 

agreed. the 90-94 is just a better car, in so many ways. The rumours you ahve heard about the 95-2002 are true. Dont hear about any rumours from the 90-94 for a reason. Make sure you dont get juked on a FWD only car tho.

 

Make sure to go West to find a rust free one, and have it shipped. Way better off that route

Edited April 13, 2010 by bheinen74

[idosubaru]

90-94's are harder to find though in the rust-belt and not cosmetically pleasing to everyone.

 

that being said personally for the price range you're looking for I'd just find one with blown headgaskets, buy it for $1,000 and spend $2,500 on new head gaskets, timing belt kit, reseal the engine, etc. Then you're in a very reliable vehicle for $3,500. I would be comfortable up to 150,000 miles if the car is in good condition.

 

One owner, well maintained vehicle would be kind to you. Keep checking autotrader and craigslist locally.

 

The 1996 manual trans Outback is a highly sought after vehicle because it's the only OBW with the EJ22 - which doesn't have the head gasket issues of the EJ25.

 

You can get later model Impreza Outbacks too which have the EJ22 instead of the EJ25. More reliable engine though it doesn't have all the comforts available - smaller, no leather, not as much room, not quite as nicely trimmed out, stereo's, heated cold weather packages, etc.

 

1997 and up are all interference engines, and all EJ25's are, so set aside $1,000 for a good timing belt job on any vehicle you get.

 

Done right you can get a nice, cheap, 4WD Subaru that can reliably and inexpensively give you 100,000 miles of service.

[idosubaru]

Some of the non-Outback wagons (like the L and brighton models) have the EJ22 as well - though again they aren't nearly as nicely trimmed out and stuff. Better cars though with the more reliable EJ22.

 

Not too hard to find an EJ25 with the headgaskets already replaced or blown, I see them all the time. Took me about 1 minute to find one in your state: Here's a 98 with the headgaskets already replaced:

http://hartford.craigslist.org/cto/1689073204.html

 

If it's not replaced with Subaru head gaskets though I wouldn't buy it.

 

The major engine maintenance is done, that's a good deal.

[MilesFox]

lower mile cars will be approaching service intervals, whereas higher mile cars have already seen major service.

 

if you are shopping for a later model, shop in the 150,000 mile range with a good maintenance record. the car will cost you less, and have less upcoming maintenance issues.

 

you can probably find a 96 with 200,000 miles for under 2,000 bucks. i picked one up for 540 dollars with a crooked bumper.

 

just be aware that anything under 100,000 miles is going to be due for timing belts and water pump, so make sure any car you look at has an extensive maintenance history.

 

avoid trade-ins that just expired the warranty period, unless the dealer took care of all the 100,000 mile maintenance before putting it on the lot.