Stinky fingerz Posted November 15, 2005 Share Posted November 15, 2005 I just bought a 99 OBW. I was wondering if there were recomendations on things check, watch out for, general opinions, etc. Also a good shop in Portland, OR only a little mechanically inclined First Post, on a good board, thanks for allowing me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rweddy Posted November 15, 2005 Share Posted November 15, 2005 I just bought a 99 OBW. I was wondering if there were recomendations on things check, watch out for, general opinions, etc. Also a good shop in Portland, OR only a little mechanically inclined First Post, on a good board, thanks for allowing me. Welcome, only real issue is possible Head Gasket issues with the 2.5 motors. Just watch for overheating, and if necessary take it to a Subaru specialty shop and have them put in updated gaskets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
later, Peter Posted November 16, 2005 Share Posted November 16, 2005 There used to be a shop in Tualatin: Dan's Subaru... not cheap but they knew their Subarus. Don't think it's the same owner if it is still there. & watch the fluids... coolant level in the overflow tank AND if you choose to do your own coolant drain & fill BE CAREFUL about the air captured in the cooling system. IF you don't get it all out you WILL create the necessary scenario for HG failure. later, Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gbhrps Posted November 17, 2005 Share Posted November 17, 2005 Stinky, I've moved on to an 02 OBW but my previous 97 OBW was a great and dependable ride. Things to watch for: the headgasket and coolant cautions given by the other 2 respondents. As well, mine developed a rust-through area in the very leading edge of the hood, right at the grill. I stopped it by shooting oil from the underside of the hood into the leading edge openings, and with the hood down and latched the oil spread and stayed in between the sheets of metal, and stopped any further growth. Do it now and forget about it. Lubricate that power antenna now, if so equipped, and save some grief later. That particular year had a rust problem with the mounting bar that holds the two licence plate lights and the latch handle. The factory paint just didn't do the job. Lift the tailgate and look at yours. If its rusty, its not a big deal to pull the inside tailgate trim, disconnect the outside latching handle, remove the bar, sandblast, prime and paint it with a rattle can, or get a new one ready to bolt on from the dealer ($11.00 USD last time I saw a thread on this issue about 3 years ago). There was a recall for certain cars that year (mine was one) to replace the lower front control arms. Apparently they would develope cracks?Mine were replaced free of charge, I believe it was even after the warranty was over. Take your VIN number to a dealer and see if the recall affects your car, and see if the repairs was needed on your car, and if it was ever done. Other than that, if the previous owner didn't beat the daylights out of it, you should have a car you can be proud of and depend on. Best of Luck, and welcome to the club! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cougar Posted November 17, 2005 Share Posted November 17, 2005 Welcome to the forum. Lots of good friendly advice and help here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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