cato47

Just bought my first Subaru. It's a "95" Legacy 2.2 5spd manual wagon. I have several concerns and hope the experts on this site will help me out. 1.) The gas gauge doesn't work most of the time, it stays on empty. Occasionally it registers half way but then returns to empty. Would it be the sending unit in tank or the gauge??? 2.) The gear shifter has a real sloppy pattern like something is loose. I'm use to it now, but for awhile I was having trouble finding 3rd gear. Are there bushings or springs in the shifting linkage??? 3.) The clutch works fine, with no chatter or slipping, but it doesn't start to grab until the pedal is almost all the way out. There is no play at all when you start to depress the clutch. Should I try to adjust it so it's grabbing when the pedal is closer to the floor? 4.) Lastly, do the heater push button light up at night so you can see what to select or do you have to memorize them or turn on the dome light to see?? Many thanks Rick

Thanks Tiny

Grossgary, thanks for the quick reply!

I'm getting ready to buy one of these cars for my wife. In your opinion which of these (2) models is the better bet taking the following into consideration? 1.) Great gas mileage 2.) Will go 250.000 miles 3.) Minimal engine repair 4.) Maximum reliability overall 5.) 5spd or Automatic which is more reliable? I already know about the 2.5 and it's being prone to head gasket failure so I'm definitely out on the 2.5 engine. Please tell me why you stand behind the pick you are suggesting. I can't be talked into a 2.5 so please don't even try. Lastly, up to what year was the 2.2 available in the Outback? Thanks, Rick I'm gratefull for this site, it saved me from buying an Outback with a blown head gasket that I( was going to fix myself. After reading 100 posts about the situation and the frequency of it happening, I changed my mind. Now you know why the 2.5 is out of the question.

This site saved my but on buying a 1997 Outback with the renoun 2.5 headgasket problem that has screwed thousands of people if the truth be known. My question is: Did Subaru correct the problem in the later model 2.5 and if so, what year did it start? Thanks in advance for chiming in! Rick