Distance Commuter Posted March 9, 2005 Share Posted March 9, 2005 Are there years or versions of the 2.5L that are truly reliable? What is the core problem with them, and what did they do to fix? If we're to buy a Subaru, I think it will have to be from 2000 or later as there were significant safety improvements, esp. in the Legacy line. So, likely no 2.2L engines for us. Background - Thinking about a Legacy and/or Forester for our next cars. Our mechanic likes Subarus! We've been driving Volvo 240's for 10 years. (owned 4, for 3 drivers) Want to find another car that is super reliable and very safe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattocs Posted March 9, 2005 Share Posted March 9, 2005 Starting with the model year 2000 2.5L engine (I am 99% sure it is 2000....maybe 2001?) the problem was pretty much corrected, so you'd be fine getting a newer one. It is the 1996 - 1999 ones you have to look out for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtsmiths Posted March 9, 2005 Share Posted March 9, 2005 Agreed, MY 2000. Our 2000 Legacy AT is at 160,000 with one bad wheel bearing being the entire repairs to date. There is some anecdotal evidence that many (if not all) HG problems originate with improper refilling after cooling system work, and resultant air bubbles causing heat stress. There's an analysis done concerning Subaru Aero engines to that effect somewhere in the sub-sub-sub-sub basement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Distance Commuter Posted March 9, 2005 Author Share Posted March 9, 2005 Agreed, MY 2000. Our 2000 Legacy AT is at 160,000 with one bad wheel bearing being the entire repairs to date. There is some anecdotal evidence that many (if not all) HG problems originate with improper refilling after cooling system work, and resultant air bubbles causing heat stress. There's an analysis done concerning Subaru Aero engines to that effect somewhere in the sub-sub-sub-sub basement. Thanks, this is all good to know. What is Subaru Aero?? Airplane engines?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtsmiths Posted March 9, 2005 Share Posted March 9, 2005 Thanks, this is all good to know.What is Subaru Aero?? Airplane engines?? Affirmative. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subarubrat Posted March 9, 2005 Share Posted March 9, 2005 The 1999 Phase II and the 2000 and up have been very reliable both stock and under boost. There are tons of 2.5 RS Imprezas out there that have been running turbo kits for years now. Mine was at 150k miles at just over 300Hp when I sold it last year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rweddy Posted March 9, 2005 Share Posted March 9, 2005 Are there years or versions of the 2.5L that are truly reliable?What is the core problem with them, and what did they do to fix? If we're to buy a Subaru, I think it will have to be from 2000 or later as there were significant safety improvements, esp. in the Legacy line. So, likely no 2.2L engines for us. Background - Thinking about a Legacy and/or Forester for our next cars. Our mechanic likes Subarus! We've been driving Volvo 240's for 10 years. (owned 4, for 3 drivers) Want to find another car that is super reliable and very safe. In late 99 they redesigned the 2.5 to the phase II motors. 96-99 phase I can have HQ issues but they are not as bad as you would be lead to believe from this forum. I know of several 97-99 2.5 that have over 150k with no issues. Just have it checked before you buy and build into the price that at some point you might have to do a HG job, but this is only about $1200 at a shop, less if you do it yourself. This will be cheap service if you are used to Volvo service prices!! You will love Subaru’s; they are very reliable, safe and great all together. I have owned 10 and they are great, cheap to fix, easy to work on, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Distance Commuter Posted March 9, 2005 Author Share Posted March 9, 2005 Thanks, guys (and ladies too). Keep the notes and comments coming - I'm learning more about these cars as you keep writing. Is the 2.5 L easy to work on like the 2.2? Re. Volvo repair costs, my local area has tons of old Volvos and multiple independent shops that know how to work on them. This helps keep pro repair costs down. Not to mention that they're easy to work on in a driveway, which I do plenty. Also a national-level web-based parts seller right near home, with great stock and prices. So it's been good. But they stopped making that line in '93, and nothing lasts forever, though apparently Subies and Volvos make a good attempt at it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rweddy Posted March 9, 2005 Share Posted March 9, 2005 Thanks, guys (and ladies too). Keep the notes and comments coming - I'm learning more about these cars as you keep writing. Is the 2.5 L easy to work on like the 2.2? Re. Volvo repair costs, my local area has tons of old Volvos and multiple independent shops that know how to work on them. This helps keep pro repair costs down. Not to mention that they're easy to work on in a driveway, which I do plenty. Also a national-level web-based parts seller right near home, with great stock and prices. So it's been good. But they stopped making that line in '93, and nothing lasts forever, though apparently Subies and Volvos make a good attempt at it. Yes the 2.5 is just as easy to work on as the 2.2, spark plug area is a bit tight but otherwise they are all good. My experience on Volvos is with newer 850/V70. They are great but tend to break more and cost a lot $$$$ to fix. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dresch Posted March 10, 2005 Share Posted March 10, 2005 Starting with the model year 2000 2.5L engine (I am 99% sure it is 2000....maybe 2001?) the problem was pretty much corrected, so you'd be fine getting a newer one. It is the 1996 - 1999 ones you have to look out for. Not so sure that this is accurate. I have an 02 OBW that had a BHG last month with only 33k on it. Mine is a 2.5L engine... It appears to still be a problem for some late model 2.5L engines. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Distance Commuter Posted March 10, 2005 Author Share Posted March 10, 2005 Not so sure that this is accurate. I have an 02 OBW that had a BHG last month with only 33k on it. Mine is a 2.5L engine... It appears to still be a problem for some late model 2.5L engines. Pardon my ignorance - OBW = Outback (what)? Sorry to hear it blew the gasket. Hope it was under warranty! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdw Posted March 10, 2005 Share Posted March 10, 2005 Pardon my ignorance - OBW = Outback (what)? Sorry to hear it blew the gasket. Hope it was under warranty! OBW = Outback Wagon P.S. - I'm in Connecticut too - Mystic! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Distance Commuter Posted March 10, 2005 Author Share Posted March 10, 2005 OBW = Outback Wagon P.S. - I'm in Connecticut too - Mystic! No kidding! I also live in Mystic, commute to Milford, Mass daily. Just over 1.5 hours each way. Rain, snow or shine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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