'95 L Wagon - Vulnerabilities?

[subiedoobiedoo]

I have an option to purchase a '95 Legacy "L" wagon with alloys, dual airbags and factory CD changer under the passenger seat. It's got 85k miles which is roughly half the mileage of the current '92 L wagon I'm driving. The new car is exceptionally clean and ding-free.

 

I took it for a test drive and the only thing I noticed was that the (95's)driver's seat was noticeably softer than the 92's.

 

Are there any particular areas of vulnerability that I need to be aware of?

 

Thanks! Mark

[Legacy777]

I don't really know of any one particular thing that could be a deal breaker.

 

Anyone else with the 95-99 MY's have any other comments?

[Olnick]

Yeah. Best vehicle Subaru ever built. (Okay, I'm prejudiced!)

 

Seriously, about the only "bad" I can think of is the few spots of rust that have bubbled up. Give a '95 a bit of TLC and some regular maintenance and it'll serve you well. The 2.2L is smooth and virtually bulletproof (it's a non-interference design). Mine's a 5MT so I can't speak for the auto trannies.

 

The wagon you're looking at should be barely broken in at 85k. If the price is right--and you trust the seller--I'd say it's a wise purchase.

 

Now for the disclaimer! Any piece of machinery can have hidden problems so check out the mechanicals carefully. Or it may be wise to have an independent mechanic inspect it for a fee.

 

Good luck.

[elmwood22]

I have owned two 95 legacy wagons- bought the first one from a mail carrier with 111k, sold it with 210K- it still ran like a champ. Drove it all over and never once did I worry about it breaking down. I did replace a few sensors (knock & o2), front right ball joint, a front left wheel bearing and brakes, all of which is common for a mail carrier car that saw nothing but gravel for sometime- I changed all fluids when recommended and not one problem. Bought my second one last feb. with 99k, I haven't had to replace any sensors, brakes, or ball joints, but the water pump did go- replaced it myself and haven't had a problem sense with it. This year car and a few others leak/seep oil from the oil separator plate (search this on the board, plenty of info) the car I have does seep, but I haven't had to add oil before changing it every 3000 miles. I don't really see this a problem yet. Check for oil on the y-exhaust pipe under the car, this will tell a little. Also, look at the rear diff for seepage. You will be due for a few items, such as, timing belt, water pump, replacement at 105k, but this is normal. Get the car!!!!!!!