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High Mileage Outback-Concerns

41 messages,  Last post on Apr 25, 2012 at 11:36 AM

You are in the Subaru Legacy & Outback Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback, Car Buying, Wagon

Messages Page 2 of 5

#4 of 41 Thanks! by losthearts

Sep 04, 2007 (5:46 pm)

I will certainly be sure to check for those issues. Any vehicle we are considering gets a very thorough check by a mechanic. I will tell him the concerns mentioned above and we'll take it from there.
 
There is a 1999 Legacy L Outback at a dealers with under 70,000 miles. Of course it costs more but would still be affordable, but at the upper limit of our budget. I'm going to have someone check it out first before we even go to look at it.
 
After surviving a 1999 Ford Minivan with (unknown to me) HUGE problems (didn't do my research; that model was junk to begin with and seems to have come off the line with cheap transmissions) I'm going back to Subarus. My little 80 something GL kept going until it literally fell apart around the engine. On the other hand, my minivan developed a sudden transmission failure at 92,000 miles and got so hot the parts literally melted. I later learned that the trans we put in afterward was the 3rd one.
 
Many thanks for the excellent advice!
 
Sharon

#5 of 41 Re: Thanks! [losthearts] by ateixeira

Sep 05, 2007 (8:58 am)

Replying to: losthearts (Sep 04, 2007 5:46 pm)
You'll be happy to know Subaru now uses galvanized steel, so the body will last as long as the engine if you take care of both.
 
1999 Legacy L Outback
 
That's incorrect, it's either a Legacy L or a Legacy Outback.
 
The Outback will be obvious: hood scoop, two tone, etc. It will have a 2.5l engine and alloy wheels, too.
 
The Legacy L had a 2.2l back then, I believe they only standardized on the 2.5l for MY2000.
 
If it's a 2.2l that could be a nice find - the EJ22 had far fewer head gasket issues, and was a very realible engine overall. Go check it out!

#6 of 41 Legacy L by losthearts

Sep 05, 2007 (1:01 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Sep 05, 2007 8:58 am)
I get confused. This is definitely a Legacy L Wagon with the 2.2 engine. Going to have it checked out first because it's quite a drive away from me. With the mileage under 70,000, I'm hoping for the best!
Sharon

#7 of 41 Re: Legacy L [losthearts] by ateixeira

Sep 05, 2007 (1:05 pm)

Replying to: losthearts (Sep 05, 2007 1:01 pm)
Good luck, keep us posted!

#8 of 41 Re: Legacy L [ateixeira] by losthearts

Sep 05, 2007 (2:54 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Sep 05, 2007 1:05 pm)
I have just ordered an independent inspection (yes, it costs $100, but if the vehicle of interest is a long drive away it can save me in time, gas, frustration, and sanity, I consider the inspection fee as an investment).
 
We are looking to move to the Roanoke VA area and I've no doubt a Subaru is one of the best choices for those hilly curves.
 
So glad I found this thread!

#9 of 41 Re: Legacy L [losthearts] by ateixeira

Sep 06, 2007 (8:40 am)

Replying to: losthearts (Sep 05, 2007 2:54 pm)
Cool, keep us posted.
 
And stick around, too, if you do have problems that are folks here that are pretty good about narrowing it down, often guessing the exact problem.

#10 of 41 Re: Buying A High Mileage Outback-Concerns [losthearts] by debls

Sep 15, 2007 (6:05 am)

Replying to: losthearts (Sep 01, 2007 12:20 pm)
Along this same line, I currently drive a 1995 cavalier with 127,000 miles on it and it's time to go!
I've been offered a 1998 Subaru Legacy Outback Limited. One Owner. Well maintained. 77,000 miles which I guess is considered low for the age. The price is 7395.00 from a small 2nd had dealer who is a friend. Says he would have put the car on the lot for 8500.00 and has already had calls on it. I ran a carfax to confirm what is stated above. Car looks brand new inside and out. I am just wondering about reliability. Last Subaru I owned was an 88 GL Sedan which I loved except for the Y pipe and the rust! Otherwise car was good. I had 96,000 on that when I traded it in. I've just never bought a car with this many miles on it but it seems like such a good deal and I don't have a lot of money right now.
So, what say you? Deal or No Deal?

#11 of 41 Re: Buying A High Mileage Outback-Concerns [debls] by ateixeira

Sep 17, 2007 (10:55 am)

Replying to: debls (Sep 15, 2007 6:05 am)
The 98 models had galvanized steel panels, so it should be a lot better about rust. Do inspect the undercarriage to see if it was exposed to a lot of salt (beach, NE snow treatement, etc).
 
Also check the gaskets, front main seal (o-ring) and heads for oil leaks. If the block is dry after a decade it will probably never leak.

#12 of 41 1991 subaru legacy driving through mexico for 3 months, reliable carparts? by bajasos

Jul 30, 2007 (9:41 am)

#13 of 41 1991 subaru legacy driving through mexico for 3 months, reliable carparts? by bajasos

Jun 28, 2007 (9:55 am)

hola everyone ,
  i'm driving my new to me 1991 subaru legacy wagon fwd LS 145,000 miles on her to mexico and everywhere inbetween .my questions are what spare parts should i carry with me ? sensors, starters ,alt, injectors? i love this car it drives awesome but a bit worried about reliability ? preveious owners did a lot of work . any tips or helpful tid bits i should know about 1991 subaru legacy cars in general? thanx ......Shauna

Messages Page 2 of 5

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