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Need <$5K car for my daughter, should I avoid all 2.5 models?


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Well, the time has come, and I need to add a car to the fleet so my wonderful teenage daughter has something to drive. I'd like to go with Subaru, since they're made so well, and I have had great luck with a 95 Outback I bought with 170K on it, several years ago.

 

Here's the scoop. I need to spend less than <$5K. I would like something newer and more powerful than my '95 Outback (which has the 2.2). It seems like the models with the 2.5 engines are to be avoided. Is that correct, should I avoid all 2.5 models?

 

Thanks for your advice!

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the 2.5 isn't a bad motor and is not to be avoided. you just want to proceed carefully with that knowledge in hand.

 

a board member is selling a newer legacy outback right now that's been swapped with the more reliable EJ22. i realize you want more power but the EJ22 is more reliable and cheaper to maintain.

 

you can also try to find one that's already been repaired.

 

the 2000 (and some 99) models are less prone to issues and when it does happen they are far less catastrophic as they don't overheat and leave you stranded, you just drip coolant and have no symptoms until it runs low on coolant and then starts to overheat. they can be driven for a long time like this...but anyway - the 2000 and up models are more preferable for that and other reasons. you should be able to find one in your price range.

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What Dave means is. If you put a REAL location in your profile, a member near you might have info about a car that is readily available and in your price range.

 

I quite frequently see late 90's Outbacks on craigslist with head gaskets done, full timing belt job, complete engine reseal and lot of other new parts for under $5k.

Do some digging around here and educate yourself on what signs to look for that may indicate trouble. If you can avoid the major stuff, you'll be able to get several years of trouble free service for a fair price.

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My personal preference is to find an EJ25 with about 100K on the car. This is about the time that a timing belt needs to be done and the owner is likely looking at a $2000 bill if he's having the dealer do it. I would offer to buy the car "as is" for a reduced price and have my own mechanic do the timing belt (and head gasket if necessary). That way I'm sure to have both jobs done with someone I trust in the event there are future issues with the car.

 

On another note, unless you're looking at the heavier models, I've never found the EJ22 to be underpowered.

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Why do you want your daughter to have a more powerfull car. If memory serves me correctly my first car was a 89 Ford Crown Victoria. I had two people crash into me, i put that car into a ditch on a slick road. I used to do doughnuts and fishtail on gravel roads. Id pile my friends into it and blast the stereo. Power is not something i think your daughter would need to get to school and work. If i were you a nice 2.2 legacy or even a 1.8 impreza would be a good fit. Or give her your old one and you get the STI impreza for the power for you. I have 3 daughters and am planning on buying suburbans for all of them.

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So, summarizing what I am reading here, if I get a 2.5, I should expect it to have HG problems eventually, and I should adjust my price accordingly.

 

Also, an option is to look for one that has already had the HGs done. That raises a couple new questions:

- How often is the HG a one-time fix?

- If not a one-time fix, how long until it has to be done again?

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So, summarizing what I am reading here, if I get a 2.5, I should expect it to have HG problems eventually, and I should adjust my price accordingly.

 

Also, an option is to look for one that has already had the HGs done. That raises a couple new questions:

- How often is the HG a one-time fix?

- If not a one-time fix, how long until it has to be done again?

 

this is conditional:

96 - 99 are sure fire head gasket issues. plan on it, if you miss it, more power to you.

00 - 02/03 are maybe HG issues, much less likely but not for sure.

03 and beyond the likelihood seems to be the same as any other aluminum block/ head combination.

 

just so you approach the problem from the correct perspective.

 

first time sellers may not be aware of this but repeat sellers probably already know.

 

good luck.

 

ps: i have an ej22 / ej25 swap for sale, outback or GT, your choice.

Edited by johnceggleston
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