dixeyk Posted September 3, 2011 Share Posted September 3, 2011 I've been out of Subaru ownership for a few years so I need some advice. I'm looking at a nice, clean, rust free Loyale with 2 issues. It has a small head gasket leak and a broken hood release cable. Body wise and interior I'd give it a 9/10 and it looks to have been very well taken care of. It's a 5 speed 4D AND has 195k on it. As I recall on my old GL I had a head gasket leak that I kept at bay buy adding oi every 2 weeks (for about 2 years). Their mechanic is saying a grand to fix the head gasket problem. I think can get the car for around $900 (they're asking $1100). Is it worth it.?I am also considering just looking for a beater Legacy but I have a thing for these old wagons. I think the fact that it is in such nice shape is making it even worse. The car would spend it's time going into the mountains and snow duty (I often have to haul video and camera gear into remote areas so an older wagin has some real advantages over a newer car...most thieves don't give an old EA82 wagon second look). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6 Star Posted September 3, 2011 Share Posted September 3, 2011 Well, it may be a grand for the mechanic to fix it, but with your time and effort it would only cost you under 100$. The head gaskets need to be replaced which cost about 50$ for a set of fel-pros. And then considering new fluids/ oils... Be very skeptical... The engine may have been overheated. Look under the oil cap. If it looks like a bunch of superheated crap is all over the cap and in the hose, or if it just smells like burnt oil in there, its probably a toasted engine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
man on the moon Posted September 3, 2011 Share Posted September 3, 2011 The head gaskets are not too expensive, but remember you'll also have to pick up intake manifold gaskets, exhaust gaskets, I'd recommend changing all your hoses and o-rings while you're in there...you can buy a full gasket kit for $200-$250, shop around online or ask at your local Napa/AutoZone. If you don't mind doing the work yourself, this (and getting the heads milled) will be the limit of your expenses. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted September 3, 2011 Share Posted September 3, 2011 i'd shoot for a legacy that needs work. maximize your efforts. i've gotten really sweet legacy's for the same price before that didn't need extensive engine work....move on. i mean it's not a terrible car but if you've got the skill set and tools to do a headgasket you can get into something much nicer with the same amount of work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dixeyk Posted September 4, 2011 Author Share Posted September 4, 2011 I decided to look for a 1st Gen Legacy instead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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