ettev Posted November 16, 2004 Share Posted November 16, 2004 I'm looking to pick up an Outback, something in the 1996 to 1999 models. Can someone tell me what year(s) to avoid? I understand that the 1999 model had automatic tranny problems. Anything else I should know when shopping for these models? Thanks in advance for any suggestions you have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzam Posted November 16, 2004 Share Posted November 16, 2004 Hmmm, not sure about those 1999 trannies, but the 1996 required premium fuel in the 2.5 for just that year. That could boost your gas money allowance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rweddy Posted November 16, 2004 Share Posted November 16, 2004 I'm looking to pick up an Outback, something in the 1996 to 1999 models. Can someone tell me what year(s) to avoid? I understand that the 1999 model had automatic tranny problems. Anything else I should know when shopping for these models?Thanks in advance for any suggestions you have. 96 last year of the 2.2 (5 spd only)96-99 all same auto tranny. Might find a 99 with a phaseII 2.5. Great vehicles, 2.5 has HQ issues so just be prepaired for the repair. I like the 96-99 better than the 00-03. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Commuter Posted November 16, 2004 Share Posted November 16, 2004 Generally speaking, the newer the better. As the years went along, they (tried) to address such things as piston slap, front end clunk, a weakness in the auto clutch pack area, etc. The head gaskets are an issue in all years, but maybe less in the newer ones. I've never heard of any tranny problems to speak of. Keyless entry became more common too. Some things like that. Be prepared to give up a few things with these models. No folding mirrors. Single speed intermittent wipers. No delay on rear wiper. Rear fog does not time out and shut off, stuff like that. The Limited model has some of these things. I would agree... I like the styling of the 96-99 OB's a bit more than the 00-04's. They got a bit too bloated looking. Commuter (97 OB) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ettev Posted November 16, 2004 Author Share Posted November 16, 2004 So can anyone talk me out of buying a one-owner 1999 Outback Limited, auto tranny, with 115,000 miles? Unfortunately it's from a dealer, so I doubt there's any chance of me talking to the original owner. How could I verify whether or not the head gaskets were replaced, or better yet may need to be in the near future? Also, is there any way to check whether the auto trans had warranty work done to it, or possibly even replaced? What to do?!?! I need to make a decision on this car tomorrow. What should I look for when I go to see this car? The first post above by rweddy indicates that a Phase II 2.5 is better. How can I tell if thats the engine thats in the car. Is there some character in the VIN that would tell me what engine is in it? Thanks again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NOMAD327 Posted November 16, 2004 Share Posted November 16, 2004 The 99 transmission is slightly different, it has an external spin on oil filter which is not normally serviced and has a more aggresive control program than earlier models. The rear tail has a steel running surface for it's bearings which is good. (I believe this was a mid 97 improvement) I believe all 99's have the phase II block, which is mostly supposed to be more resistant to the piston slap issue which is an annoying sound on startup at high miles with no real consequences otherwise. The Legacies and Outbacks in 99 are all the older style DOHC heads and susceptable to the head gasket issue that is much discussed here. Any work done by a Subaru dealer will be in the computer, and can be pulled up for review. A bigger issue on this car with no maintenance history is it is past the time for it's new timing belt at 105,000 miles. Unless there is a history or receipts for belt replacement, driving the car is risky based on the posibility of the belt breaking and having an internal engine collision. I have a 99 standard outback and agree with most of the previous posts here, I bought the car knowing it's weaknesses and really like it for it's size and the way it drives. Many of these engines do not develop the head gasket problem until very high mileage, and if it does, the latest head gaskets appear to solve the problem for most people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron917 Posted November 16, 2004 Share Posted November 16, 2004 My '99 has the Phase I block. I think the changeover to Phase II came toward the very end of the '99 production run. I haven't heard of any tranny problems. However, the "slope mode" tranny programming that is only in the '99 can be annoying. It changes the shift program when it thinks you're on a hill. Keyword is "thinks" - it doesn't know, so somethimes it is wrong. Only problem at 78K miles is a leaky front crank seal (slow oil drip, very common). No head gasket trouble (yet...) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ettev Posted November 16, 2004 Author Share Posted November 16, 2004 I think the changeover to Phase II came toward the very end of the '99 production run. Any idea what build month, or around what VIN that would have been? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron917 Posted November 16, 2004 Share Posted November 16, 2004 Any idea what build month, or around what VIN that would have been? Sorry, I don't know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phillip Posted November 17, 2004 Share Posted November 17, 2004 My '99 Outback Wagon had the engine replaced at 91,000 miles (spun rod bearing) and the transmission rebuilt at 96,000. This is my first and last Subaru! Most parts are 'dealer-only' items, rarely in stock, and expensive. As a professional mechanic with 35-years in the business, I'd recommend either a Honda or Toyota. Just one mans opinion. I'm looking to pick up an Outback, something in the 1996 to 1999 models. Can someone tell me what year(s) to avoid? I understand that the 1999 model had automatic tranny problems. Anything else I should know when shopping for these models?Thanks in advance for any suggestions you have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rweddy Posted November 17, 2004 Share Posted November 17, 2004 Most parts are 'dealer-only' items, rarely in stock, and expensive. As a professional mechanic with 35-years in the business, I'd recommend either a Honda or Toyota. Just one mans opinion.Toyota and Honda parts are way more than subaru parts. My last Toyota the alternator was $600. I am not saying they are not good cars, but the parts for subaru are lots cheaper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bucket Posted November 17, 2004 Share Posted November 17, 2004 FWIW...i have a april 99 limited w/ a manual tranny. except for the clutch (which had to be replaced under warranty) i love the car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris scott Posted December 2, 2004 Share Posted December 2, 2004 My first legacy is in the shop right now. I was just going through looking for results on fuel pump issues. I just had to reply to the above post. From what I now know subaru parts are damn expensive. I used to think that about nissian and toyota but subaru definitly wins as the most expensive. toyota parts are not as expensive and and the best part of toyota parts is that the starter, alternator and other parts are rebuildable with factory parts. Cheaper and better than aftermarket. venting because fuel pump for my toyota - $357.00, fuel pump for my subaru - $690.00 from the dealer. substandard aftermarket carter from parts store $179.00. So now I go with the carter because $700.00 is just unacceptable. I know the carter will last about 1yr. Does anyone want a 92 legacy 2.2, 114,000 km, Super clean. look for me on the toyota board once I sell this car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rweddy Posted December 2, 2004 Share Posted December 2, 2004 My first legacy is in the shop right now. I was just going through looking for results on fuel pump issues. I just had to reply to the above post. From what I now know subaru parts are damn expensive. I used to think that about nissian and toyota but subaru definitly wins as the most expensive. toyota parts are not as expensive and and the best part of toyota parts is that the starter, alternator and other parts are rebuildable with factory parts. Cheaper and better than aftermarket. venting because fuel pump for my toyota - $357.00, fuel pump for my subaru - $690.00 from the dealer. substandard aftermarket carter from parts store $179.00. So now I go with the carter because $700.00 is just unacceptable. I know the carter will last about 1yr. Does anyone want a 92 legacy 2.2, 114,000 km, Super clean. look for me on the toyota board once I sell this car.Wow this is the exact opposite of my experience. I have owned several Toyotas landcruiser, 4runner, truck, etc. I have never owned vehicles that parts have been so expensive. Alternator for $600 fuel pumps $900 plug wires $130 etc. Maybe it is different here in the states but Subaru parts are way cheaper than the Toyota’s and Hondas I have/used to own. I rank them like this from most expensive to cheapest Toyota Honda Nissan Subaru Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huck369 Posted December 3, 2004 Share Posted December 3, 2004 I've got a 98 Outback 2.5 DOHC 4EAT, with 110k on it, no problems, other than a slight oil leak from the front crank seal, which I replaced when I did the T-Belt. No Head gasket problems, and no tranny problems....it's a great car, but wish Subaru had kept the non-interferance engines.....I love the EJ22, EG33, EJ27.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starkapopolis Posted December 4, 2004 Share Posted December 4, 2004 I'm looking at add my second Soobie today. It's a 97 outback wagon with 107k miles. The timing belt was replaced at 105 along with other major maintenance. It's a single owner and he had all work done at local dealer. It's got a new fuel filter, air, fact alternator recalled and replaced, 15k y.old tires, o-rings replaced for oil leak. Said he's getting 25 mpg city / 30 hwy. Brakes are good. vin: 4s3bg6851v7647917 Carfax free info lists it as a limited. Ad didn't say if it was or not. Seller is asking $6200 which sounds like a good price to me - below KBB even for "good" condition. Any concerns? Hopefully happily buying if wife can be convinced. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huck369 Posted December 4, 2004 Share Posted December 4, 2004 I'm looking at add my second Soobie today. It's a 97 outback wagon with 107k miles. The timing belt was replaced at 105 along with other major maintenance. It's a single owner and he had all work done at local dealer. It's got a new fuel filter, air, fact alternator recalled and replaced, 15k y.old tires, o-rings replaced for oil leak. Said he's getting 25 mpg city / 30 hwy. Brakes are good. vin: 4s3bg6851v7647917 Carfax free info lists it as a limited. Ad didn't say if it was or not. Seller is asking $6200 which sounds like a good price to me - below KBB even for "good" condition. Any concerns? Hopefully happily buying if wife can be convinced. Sounds pretty good to me... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rweddy Posted December 4, 2004 Share Posted December 4, 2004 I'm looking at add my second Soobie today. It's a 97 outback wagon with 107k miles. The timing belt was replaced at 105 along with other major maintenance. It's a single owner and he had all work done at local dealer. It's got a new fuel filter, air, fact alternator recalled and replaced, 15k y.old tires, o-rings replaced for oil leak. Said he's getting 25 mpg city / 30 hwy. Brakes are good. vin: 4s3bg6851v7647917 Carfax free info lists it as a limited. Ad didn't say if it was or not. Seller is asking $6200 which sounds like a good price to me - below KBB even for "good" condition. Any concerns? Hopefully happily buying if wife can be convinced. 2.5 have head gasket issues. So just keep $1200 in the bank for when they blow. Unfortunately with the 2.5 is it not a matter of if but more of a matter of when. But other than this issue, these are Awesome cars, you will love it. I like my 96 OWB best of any of the many Subaru’s I have owned. Plus I think the limited has the cold weather package, I love this option on mine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starkapopolis Posted December 5, 2004 Share Posted December 5, 2004 Test drove it today. It has been garaged all its life and paint is premo. Interior is excellent. Only two minor dings on body. Engine looks good and clean. It drove well but suprising that I felt less pickup with the 97 vs. my 91 Leg LS. Is 2.2 EJ22 supposed to be much faster over a 2.5? Once I talk it over with the mrs. tonight, I'll make my decision. Also comes with factory remote, a new bra and a cargo mat. Turns out it is not a limited ed, after all. I just love that tingly feeling when I'm excited about finding a good deal on a good car... until it turns out that the tingling is just my foot being asleep and can't make it to the brake on time. Brian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rweddy Posted December 5, 2004 Share Posted December 5, 2004 Test drove it today. It has been garaged all its life and paint is premo. Interior is excellent. Only two minor dings on body. Engine looks good and clean. It drove well but suprising that I felt less pickup with the 97 vs. my 91 Leg LS. Is 2.2 EJ22 supposed to be much faster over a 2.5? Brian 2.5 should have more pickup than the 2.2. All the 2.5 I have driven have more go than my 2.2s ???? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Novakaine Posted December 5, 2004 Share Posted December 5, 2004 Plus I think the limited has the cold weather package, I love this option on mine. What is in the cold weather package? Is it really worth it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger83 Posted December 5, 2004 Share Posted December 5, 2004 So can anyone talk me out of buying a one-owner 1999 Outback Limited, auto tranny, with 115,000 miles? Unfortunately it's from a dealer, so I doubt there's any chance of me talking to the original owner.Thanks again. He's required by law to give you the name of the previous owner. You're not dealing with artwork, here, cars with over 100K miles are hard to sell so if the dealer isn't cooperating, move on. I called the previous owner on a '97 I bought from a dealer. They didn't even know what she said and dropped the asking price $1,300. She said there wasn't a thing wrong with it, she just bought a new one every three years.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huck369 Posted December 5, 2004 Share Posted December 5, 2004 The early Legacy's are lighter, and I think my old one felt faster than the 98 Outback we have now...I love the EJ22...but our Outback runs pretty good too. The 96 OBS we used to have didn't seem to be as quick as the early Legacy's either...might all be in my head:-\ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rweddy Posted December 5, 2004 Share Posted December 5, 2004 What is in the cold weather package? Is it really worth it?Might not be in CA, but here in CO or states with cold it is. Heated seats, heated side mirrors, heated windsheild wiper area, and block heater. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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