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2001 Impreza Outback Sport looking to buy, your thoughts


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I am considering a 2001 Impreza Outback. The reason 2001 is on my radar is I want a 2.2. The 2.2 changed after 99 anything I should be aware of? Does the Outback Jr have ABS? I wasn't able to see it as an option or as a standard feature when doing research but Edmunds.com doesn't know everything. Another thing, is the hill holder on a 2001? I want a 5 speed and this one is a 5 speed. 88K miles. $6000 is the asking price. I have yet to see it but I want to get an idea of how much energy to put into the search.

 

For you hardcore 2.2 people, should I back up and try to find a lower mile 99? or find a 99 Legacy wagon? There is a 97 Outback Jr with 81K 5 speed asking $4900. Your thoughts would be appreciated.

Edited by Subarunation 713
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http://www.cars101.com for options

 

a nice 01 obs is just that, nice. as with any car, you're looking for signs of regular maintenance or evidence of poor maintenance. soobies can go this mileage with little or no maintenance. has the cam belt etc. been replaced? same tires and even wear all around?

check the coolant overflow tank for condition of coolant etc., leaking struts?,

when you pick up a sooby with this mileage you may be changes fluids, replacing sensors, struts might be getting tired.

 

bottom line, if I saw that car for 6000 I would probably buy it, minus $300 if the timing belt hadn't been changed yet, barring any obvious problems like a fried clutch or overheating

 

it would be nice to have the cruise control and alloy wheels for that price

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I'd bet it has ABS (my 97 does). But subaru did do strange brake changes.

 

80,000 miles is nothing, that's low mileage. i prefer one owner vehicles with a known maintenance history - meaning i'll pay more for those than something unknown (like from a dealer or multiple owners).

 

At that mileage you're really close to a timing belt change interval. Considering most newer subaru's are 100k timing belt change interval you really need to replace all the pulleys, tensioner, and water pump.

 

Otherwise you're expecting all of that stuff to make it to 200,000 miles, that's not a good gamble, particularly on an interference engine. You can find threads on this forum of people who have damaged engines do to this.

 

At a dealer or shop you're looking at $500-$1,000 for a proper timing belt job on this motor (all the items referenced above). Do not let some mechanic talk you into just replacing the belt, bad idea...unless you plan on going in to inspect in 30k-60k, but few people do that and it's expensive.

 

Ebay sells complete kits for reasonable amounts. The older EJ22's are only $80 for the entire kit - belt, all pulleys, and brand new tensioner. can't beat that. Not sure what your 01 EJ22 kit would run though.

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The 01 Outback is 2.5, the Outback Jr is 2.2 and the last year for the 2.2 btw. 11 year run for that engine. 1990 to 2001. I wish they still had it, if they did I may be looking at a newer car.

 

On my 99 Legacy and my wifes 96 OBW (both with 2.2) I did the timing belt, cam seals, main seal, oil pump, water pump and pulleys a little after 100K. I went whole hog and used Subaru parts. Figured it might be a few more bucks but do it and then forget it until 200K. FWIW the 99 now has about 180K and still no drama from the front of the engine. The 96 OB is still fine too at 150K.

 

Back to the 01 OBS in question, the hill holder, while not a deal breaker, would be nice to have.

 

98obster, the cars I am looking at are in VA. I will be there for work so somebody else is paying for the flight. I cruise the Denver CraigsList every now and again. There is a nice 85K Impreza wagon out there I have toyed about calling on. Green, 2.2, 5 speed currient on maint and $5500ish. Not an OBS but I don't have to have the hood scoop (that is why I like our 96 OB, no scoop).

 

Thanks for the cars101.com link:

2001 Outback Sport Wagon adds over L Sport wagonRaised Ground Clearance to 6.5"

Anti-Lock Brakes (4 wheel, 4 channel, front disk, rear drum)

Cruise control

Durable-weave textured cloth

Rear bumper scuff protector

Cargo area protective floor liner

Special Outback ground effects

Cargo area accessory outlet

Hood-scoop

Rear spoiler and fin

Body colored door handles and moldings

Two-Tone paint with lower grey accent

Edited by Subarunation 713
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