need info on buying an outback/legacy

[subaru_styles]

so one of my good friends/co-worker/new roommate is in the market for a new car. he's want a 95-98 legacy or outback wagon. so what should we be on the look out for. i heard debates over the phaseI 2.5 having problems? any years to stay away from? anything in particular mechanical(aside from the obvious) to look for, problem wise? oh his budget is 5-6k

 

give me you input!

 

 

thanks

[rweddy]

  subaru_styles said:

so one of my good friends/co-worker/new roommate is in the market for a new car. he's want a 95-98 legacy or outback wagon. so what should we be on the look out for. i heard debates over the phaseI 2.5 having problems? any years to stay away from? anything in particular mechanical(aside from the obvious) to look for, problem wise? oh his budget is 5-6k

 

give me you input!

 

 

thanks

Just do a search on head gaskets.

The 96-99 2.5 phase I has a major head gasket issues. If you are lucky only the head gaskets will fail, if unlucky the bottom end of the engine will be toast. Buy a 00 or newer (The still have head gasket issues, but leak externally, not internally)

Or stick with the tried and true 2.2 in a 90-96 legacies. You can find 2.2 in a manual 96 outback, only year though.

Good luck

[Buddythedog]

I have a 98 Outback wagon I bought w/ 101,000 on it. I know that these engine are prone to headgasket failure, but mine was ok. The valves do need to be adjusted at 105k (dealer recommendation) I didn't do it because it was 900.00, so at 120K, I spent 2000 bucks to repair burnt exhaust valves, which these engines are prone to. In fairness, in that 2000.oo, I got a new factory clutch, clutch upgrade, and ALL new seals. I love the car, it's peppy w/ the 5spd mt, and I do offroad it, and have all over New Mexico (home) Utah and Colorado. I go a little slower than I did with my Cherokee, but on the gravelly roads, I can really have some fun, more than my Cherokee. My dogs love it (VERY IMPORTANT), as it's lower to the ground, and it's reliable. What more can you ask for from a car.