Typical Mileage from a 2.5?

[Bostonian1976]

Just wondering what I can expect out of my 2000 Outback's 2.5L?

 

It's been well-maintained - just leaks a little at the oil pump, which I'll take care of when I do the timing belt.

 

So - assuming average maintenance prior to my purchase, what is typical high mileage from a 2.5L? 350?

 

I'm presently at 250k. I just changed the oil and it DRAMATICALLY quieted my piston slap in 25 degree weather - amazing difference. Car feels strong and runs well.

 

Next change will be plugs, air filter, diff fluid, trans fluid

[idosubaru]

odometer or gas mileage? there's so many variable that any feedback you get will mean almost nothing about your vehicle. i had a 55,000 mile Legacy GT that locked up the bottom end this summer. then others with gobs of miles. which would you like to hear about?

 

if you're interested in gas mileage then is yours auto/manual and what kind of driving?

[Bostonian1976]

sorry mileage mileage

 

I know the 97-99 2.5 is more prone to problems than the 2000-2002, then even more reliable most 2002, correct?

[idosubaru]

i'd consider 250,000 miles high mileage. it's market value is significantly diminished and would be considered high mileage but it's service value could be rather lengthy so keep driving it. it's worth another timing belt job, that's for sure, particularly if you can do the work yourself. get the ebay kits with new pulleys and keep going.

 

your year/model yes is more reliable in some terms. if the headgaskets ever started leaking you could probably drive another 50,000 miles on them - so that won't keep you from 300,000 probably unless you're unlucky.

 

i'd do a coolant drain and refill with Subaru's required coolant additive for this motor for good measure. or at least add a bottle of the required conditioner, that's probably what i'd do if the coolant seemed in good condition.

[Bostonian1976]

great thanks!

 

yeah I'm going to do timing belt soon on my own - do I need tensioner as well?

 

I bought the car for 975, so I'm not too concerned about value - I just was wondering what I can expect to get out of a fairly well-cared-for car...

[Rooster2]

great thanks!

 

yeah I'm going to do timing belt soon on my own - do I need tensioner as well?

 

Yes, I would recommend changing the tensioner. It is easily done at the same time the timing belt is replaced. It doesn't happen often, but sometimes the bearings in the tensioner wear out, then lock up and break the timing belt. The motor is an interference design, so breaking the belt, breaks the valves. Then repairs get expensive. A new tensioner is cheap insurance.

[davebugs]

Get the whole internet idler kit, OEM seals and WP while you're at it. Then if the Head Gaskets are good you likely won't need to do it again.