fj40 Posted October 12, 2004 Share Posted October 12, 2004 I've been thinking about getting rid of my Discovery and have been looking at Subarus, either a forester or outback. Are there any significant items/issues that I should be looking at before I buy? I will probably go pre-owned, but would like to have some security in the warranty as well. Obviously there looks like a great bunch of people very passionate about their soobs on that supply the guts to this website. It's been a difficult decision to say I'm going to give up the Disco, but the current costs of fuel is killing me. Does anyone have any suggestions for finding more info? I'm hoping to go drive some later this week. Thanks in advance. Greg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coloradosubarules Posted October 13, 2004 Share Posted October 13, 2004 I'll trade you my 90 legacy and my 88 XJ 4X4 for an FJ40 anyday! I know you are loking to get rid of a disco (why is beyond me) but if you ever want to unload an FJ....I'm here for ya. Greg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flowmastered87GL Posted October 13, 2004 Share Posted October 13, 2004 Some early 2.5 liter engines (98 and afew years on later) outbacks and foresters tended to have some head gasket issues. Generally once they get new gaskets they are supposed to be ok from what I hear so if you find one thats already blown the gaskets and had em fixed then its pretty safe. Later years are pretty safe too (like the last 2-3 years) Also early (98-2000??) foresters had rear wheel bearing issues... something along the lines of they used impreza rear bearings. The fix is to use legacy bearings instead. Dont let those scare you they are wonderful vehicles and should last a long time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coloradosubarules Posted October 13, 2004 Share Posted October 13, 2004 Heck yeah! I have 234K (going on 235 tommorow) on my legacy and she runs like a champ. Only thing ever replaced was the water pump and timing belt. Simple stuff like ALT, axles. fluids, filters too but those don't count. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boobaru Posted October 13, 2004 Share Posted October 13, 2004 To: coloradosubarurules if you like fj40's, my family has one that has been completely redone and extremely packed with sh** and still has a little classic FJ feel to it. they have finally realized that they will never recoup the costs of all of the stuff on it so they are taking reasonably low offers on it but not advertising it. if you want to know more pm me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coloradosubarules Posted October 13, 2004 Share Posted October 13, 2004 Maybe if it was closer to me in FL or I had time to come get it. It seems latley I do not have time to breathe. Throw a figure at me and we will see if I could squeeze some time off. Does it run/drive or will it have to be trailered? My cousin in CO loves FJ's..maybe he would want it..or get it for me and bring it to me. Let me know... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rweddy Posted October 13, 2004 Share Posted October 13, 2004 I've been thinking about getting rid of my Discovery and have been looking at Subarus, either a forester or outback. Are there any significant items/issues that I should be looking at before I buy? I will probably go pre-owned, but would like to have some security in the warranty as well. Obviously there looks like a great bunch of people very passionate about their soobs on that supply the guts to this website. It's been a difficult decision to say I'm going to give up the Disco, but the current costs of fuel is killing me. Does anyone have any suggestions for finding more info? I'm hoping to go drive some later this week. Thanks in advance. Greg Hello Greg. I understand the gas prices, got rid of my FJ-80 last year because of the same issue. Great site for info is- http://www.cars101.com/subaru_links.html Also for outbacks http://www.toad.net/~rrubel/outback.html Ok here is the lowdown on the vehicles. A forester is based on the Subaru impreza, the outback on the legacy. The legacy is bigger than the impreza. They both share the same driveline components depending on what years you are talking about. I am not too familiar with impreza so I will speak to the outback. 1st generation was 96-99 (95 was 1st year but really just a legacy with badges) 2.5 Motor Phase I has some HG issues, this is a fairly common problem but as long as you know that it could be an issue it is a cheap fix $1200 or less and otherwise the cars are good for 200k plus. 00-03 2nd generation Phase II 2.5 motor, Subaru fixed issue on HG. Check out the links I sent you, you will be very happy with a Subaru, not as off-road capable as the rover but better on gas and parts are WAY cheaper! I help my friend fix his disco from time to time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fj40 Posted October 14, 2004 Author Share Posted October 14, 2004 Thanks everyone for the insight. I really appreciate all the help. I'll be checking out the couple of links shortly. I'm hoping to go drive a couple of vehicles tonight if i can get out of the office at a decent time. fyi: The cruiser is my baby and won't be leaving the fleet any time soon. Glad to know that there are some other cruiser fans here as well. As much as I hate to get rid of Disco, if anyone has interest in it, we can talk. It's just too hard to justify the milage when the girlfriend lives 3+ hours away. Maybe I just need to get an older Subaru that still has some life in it. thanks again. greg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coloradosubarules Posted October 14, 2004 Share Posted October 14, 2004 Instead of getting an old Subaru maybe you should get a new girlfriend...J/K. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s'ko Posted October 14, 2004 Share Posted October 14, 2004 A soob should be great as daily driver. If you don't plan to drive it off-road, an older legacy or impreza should serve you well. I have an Outback Sport, Impreza wagon w/higher clearance and a BRAT. Love them both. wagon is more comfortable and better for highway driving. BRAT is for wrenching. They will last you a long time that's for sure. BRAT is hitting 215k and OBS is hitting 92K, (he's still a baby) Good luck searching. BW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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