Newbie needs purchasing info

[Bradsbb]

Hi

Looking to purchase a used wagon/suv. Need information on differences between the Legacy, Outback and Forester. Also what issues I should look for or be aware of on vehicles with 150000 - 200000 plus miles. Been searching, but not sure about what would be the best option for my family. We live off grid and need a vehicle with a bit of ground clearance.

 

Any info and advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks Brad

[pontoontodd]

The Outback is a lifted Legacy, more likely to have various power options and leather seats than the Legacy and cost more but the same car.  A little more room inside than a Forester.

The Forester in my opinion rides better off road stock vs stock.  My guess is that they have basically the same struts and springs but the Forester is lighter.

It would help to know what your budget is.

Avoid the EJ25 (2.5L four cylinder) if possible, but it's probably the most common engine in used Subarus these days.  Make sure it's fully warmed up and open the overflow bottle and look for bubbles coming up, even if they're tiny, it has bad head gaskets.  Not terribly hard to fix but probably the most common expensive problem in a Subaru.

[idosubaru]

Test drive both but get an outback. Larger, usually better trimmed, optioned, and more available making it easier just based on statistics alone - more supply and also better online support.

 

Forester is simply a cheaper car and it shows in those ways. in my view if you need a wagon and are practical (as many people on here are) and are at all likely to need space - get the bigger outback. If you can live fine with a sedan but a little extra space sounds nice to toss your hipster dog in the back into then consider them too.

 

There's a few differences but Subaru is small and generally keeps things very similar. Regardless of external appearances much of the engine, trans, brakes, suspension...lots of stuff is the same between forester and legacy and outback. So mechanically and practically there's no difference.

 

Most people try to decide which engine they want:

H4 simplicity with maybe headgasket issues.

 

H6 for more power and if you avoid or work around their rare headgasket episodes they make 300,000 miles really inexpensive and reliably. They basically have nearly zero issues and can easily make 300,000 miles with one spark plug, VCG, oil cooler gasket change and checking serpentine belts and bearings (cheap and easy) every 60k. They are my preference due to that mechanical and practical simplicity. But I like the H4's as well, they're easy to address a few of their high mileage weak points.

 

Turbos - fun but less practical.

 

At those mileages most vehicles will need:

1. Brake caliper slide pin grease and brake clips. Simple and cheap but most shops I see don't do them. Very bad idea particularly in the rust belt.

 

2. Exhaust if you live in the rust belt.

 

3. Struts. 200,000 mile struts are outliers not the norm.

 

4. Timing. 1997 and newer 4 cylinder EJ engines are interference engines and have a timing belt. The tensioner and all the pulleys need replaced. Many times only the belt has been replaced. If it's breaks they usually bend multiple valves. Proper timing belt and tune up and another easy reliable 100k on oil changes here you come.

[idosubaru]

Duplicate.

Edited April 19, 2017 by grossgary

[Bradsbb]

Thanks for the great info. I have had Volvo,Toyota, Mazda as well as domestic makes over the years, but never a Subaru.

What years had the H engines? Any car before 97? Are the H6 hard to find? Is it better to go with a lower miles E engine car then a higher miles H? How hard are interior parts, switches etc to find? I currently have an 86 Mazda b2000 with 396000 miles. Parts are getting hard to find for it. No real wrecking yards here. When replacing head gasket, do you normally just replace it or do you usually have to have a valve job done too? Any other problem areas to look at?

 

Thanks again

Brad

[pontoontodd]

Thanks for the great info. I have had Volvo,Toyota, Mazda as well as domestic makes over the years, but never a Subaru.

What years had the H engines? Any car before 97? Are the H6 hard to find? Is it better to go with a lower miles E engine car then a higher miles H? How hard are interior parts, switches etc to find? I currently have an 86 Mazda b2000 with 396000 miles. Parts are getting hard to find for it. No real wrecking yards here. When replacing head gasket, do you normally just replace it or do you usually have to have a valve job done too? Any other problem areas to look at?

 

Thanks again

Brad

 

Any Subaru made in the last 25 years or so will have an H engine, that just means a flat (four or six).

The EJ engines will be most common, those are the flat fours.

The EZ engines are the six cylinders you will most likely find.

I often go on car-part.com for used parts, there are always a lot of options.  Our local pick your part always has a few late 90s Subarus, and as grossgary pointed out, many of the parts are the same across years and models.  The engines are usually gone quickly though.  If you're really worried about that buy something made in the last 15 years, I think the 90s Subarus will get rare in junkyards in a few years.

I've only done a few head gaskets, been lucky that the blocks and heads have been flat and didn't require machining, never did a valve job.

Check over everything like any used car, in Arizona you won't have to worry much about rust.  Test everything to see if it works, power seats, windows, locks, HVAC controls, etc.  If nothing else gives you reasons to talk the seller down.  If you're going to get thorough, check the wheel bearings for slop (have to jack up car or put on a lift), caliper pins, ball joints, tie rods, rack slop, CV boots, etc.  If it's an auto, drive in tight figure eights and see if the tires drag or chirp.

[1 Lucky Texan]

cars101.com may have some info for you.

 

while not common, a Baja might be a good choice for you.

 

looks like you're near Horne Subaru so, there may be some vehicles there to test drive - or head into Phoenix?

Edited April 19, 2017 by 1 Lucky Texan

[Bradsbb]

Thanks again. Going to do a bit of shopping. See what's out there. The good information you folks have provided will help me a lot. A Baja would be cool, but have only seen one. As far as the transmissions, how are the autos? Are the manuals a better option?

 

Brad

[1 Lucky Texan]

personal preference, the autos are JATCO but have front diffs and rear wet clutch packs added. If well cared for they are robust.

 

seems to me, soobs that have been thru several owners are more likely to have had one their 2-3 oddball features screwed-up by some owner that didn't care for them well. They must have matching tires, they must have a thermostat with a large wax capsule, it's seems easy for folks to drain and fill the wrong fluids at times, etc. If they have ever overheated or been operated with mismatched tires - their lifespan can be compromised.

 

buying a one owner from an individual can work out well. Or, if you want a project, making a good one from a coupla wrecks/part-outs might get you a nice ride.

 

you might check the classifieds here and over at subaruoutback.org