auto2 Posted October 18, 2014 Share Posted October 18, 2014 So I work in a junkyard and there are 2 cars Here I can commute 100 miles a day with.a 96 legacy wag base model 2.0 its dependable but has a vibration at speed sometimes.maybe drive shaft.175,000. Or a 95 outback 2.5 176000 miles.it runs great and is loaded .doesnt seem to have any antifreeze issues except maybe a miss when it's first started for a few seconds.I don't know any history on either car.I put 3000 miles on the legacy and 100 miles on the outback.im leaning for the outback.better in the snow and power door locks etc.opinions please? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lmdew Posted October 18, 2014 Share Posted October 18, 2014 96 2.2 is the better engine. The 95 should also have the same 2.2 unless it's an early 96 with auto trans. The 2.5 DOHC Head Gaskets fail often. 2.2 is much better and easier to work on. Don't take my word, pull a spark plug out of each engine. By the time your done you'll have your answer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted October 19, 2014 Share Posted October 19, 2014 (edited) a 2.5 in a junk yard is a scary monster, i'd go for the other one if it is indeed a 2.5. but a base 2.2 also leaves a little to be desired in terms of seats, power gadgets, etc. will they let you swap the 1996 engine into the 1995!? lol 2.0 engine was never offered in the US - did you mean 2.2? 2.5 was not offered in 1995 - did you mean a 1995 Ej22 or a 1996 EJ25? Edited October 19, 2014 by grossgary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
auto2 Posted October 19, 2014 Author Share Posted October 19, 2014 (edited) yea i meant 2.2 .... i drove the outback home today. its a much nicer ride on the highway.the outback is def a 2.5 and i get ya with the spark plugs. i solved my problem! i took both home lol. ill drive the outback till something goes wrong and then move on to the legacy 2.2 i should put the outback struts on the legacy lol. im actually surprised cause the outback is loaded but it doesnt have power door locks. i want power door locks! :-) Edited October 19, 2014 by auto2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lmdew Posted October 19, 2014 Share Posted October 19, 2014 Drop the 2.2 into the Outback when the 2.5 goes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
auto2 Posted October 19, 2014 Author Share Posted October 19, 2014 (edited) Drop the 2.2 into the Outback when the 2.5 goes. oh that sounds like WORK! yuck lol i topped off the rad on the 2.5 (was a pint low) overflow was almost full ( not a good sign unless previous owner did it) and drove 50 miles. gonna check it out in a few . yea it was still full, got a few ounces in it before it was up to the overflow tube. Edited October 19, 2014 by auto2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lmdew Posted October 19, 2014 Share Posted October 19, 2014 hg is there black oily stuff in the overflow bottle? if so hg are leaking Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
auto2 Posted October 24, 2014 Author Share Posted October 24, 2014 Looks like the 2.5 has head gasket problem.I doubt I have the energy to do a engine swap.maybe Ill swap the struts for some more ground clearance. Is this the stuff subaru sells for this hg problem? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
auto2 Posted October 24, 2014 Author Share Posted October 24, 2014 Cooling system conditioner.little blue bottle cost a dollar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lmdew Posted October 24, 2014 Share Posted October 24, 2014 (edited) Won't fix this HG fault and makes a mess of the Rad and Heater core for the person that does fix it. 1 day to swap the eng and you can - Seal the rear Breather plate - Change the plugs and valve cover gasketd - Tbelt, cam&crank seals, Oil pump reseal. Done for the next 80K Edited October 24, 2014 by lmdew Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
auto2 Posted October 24, 2014 Author Share Posted October 24, 2014 And thats all without bending over lol .anyone need any parts off the outback? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.