audiciter

What's wrong with a Brighton? Sure it is a base model, and lacks a few features, but it's got power windows, A/C and a cassette/cd player. It's Good enough for me and it's got 234,000 miles with ZERO major problems...proving this Brighton is as good and better than most other legacy's.

Actually, neither. The thing still runs beatifully. Doesn't leak, smoke, make weird noises etc. I have been looking around for the past few months for an engine/tranny though. With 230,000 + miles on the ticker, I'd like to have a back-up plan in case one goes out. And it so happens that the engine/tranny I'm looking at are really good deals. Good enough deals to let them collect dust in the garage until my current setup goes out. Gnuman - Thanks for the info. I knew that the 2000-2004 legacy's were similar in engine/bodystyle, but I wasn't positive on the transmission. I thought I had read once that they had a different transmission build starting in 02', but I'm still not positive. And by the way....I'm sticking with the automatic. I've tried the following to get the information: Subaru dealership - nothing Autoparts stores that can order rebuilt transmissions - nothing (still waiting on one). My local junkyard doesn't know for sure either...

From the things I'm reading on the internet, it looks like the GT model has a different gear ratio and a limited slip. The brighton and L models are the same I take it?

Sorry, I should have stated it more clearly. I have: 2000 Legacy Wagon (brighton) automatic transmission (234,000 miles) The donor cars are: 2002 Impreza 2.5 RS (for the engine) 2002 Legacy Wagon (for the transmission) Does the sticker on the door jam tell you what diff you have? If so, what are the different options for the 2000-2004 models?

I have a 2000 Legacy Wagon with the 2.5. As far as engine/transmissions go, what other year/model subarus are a direct replacement? Would a 2002 2.5 Impreza RS be the same as my Legacy...and would a 2002 Legacy use the same transmission as the 2000 Legacy? I looked for a comprehensive list of Subaru models, but couldn't find anything. :-\

So in theory you could go up a size in wheels and everything would be the same? What about the engine?

Tell me the differences regarding 00 - 04 Legacy wagons and the Outbacks. Mainly, do they use the same engine/transmission. Were any changes made during those years? The reason is, I found a 2002 Outback Automatic that is hit on the side/rear. I'm thinking about picking it up and grabbing the engine/transmission out of it for my 00' L Wagon. I thought there was a difference in the Transmissions starting in 02', but I could be wrong.

My 00' Legacy Wagon does the same exact thing. I noticed it a couple of weeks ago while underneath the car. There was never a puddle; only a droplet formed on the lower radiator hose. No other coolant leaking anywhere. I don't know if it happens only when cold though. I'm just going to replace the lower radiator hose/clamp and thermostat while I'm at it. I'll see if that takes care of it.

First a brief history... 2000 Legacy Wagon AT I bought the car 5 months ago, and the guy selling it said the transmission wouldn't go into drive sometimes (this included all forward gears D, 1-2and3...reverse works fine). He also said sometimes it works flawlessly. The transmission felt as if it was slipping, and after tapping the gas a couple times, it would slide into drive. There was no *SLAMMING* into gear, no nasty sounds....always nice and smooth once it did. Once the car was IN drive, it never had a problem shifting from any of the gears....until it was taken out of drive, then you had to repeat the process. Since I got the car for dirt cheap, I figured I would swap in a new tranny if necessary, but I had other plans. I get the car home, drain the transmission fluid, change the spin on filter, refill with new fluid and a little lucas no-slip. The problem was gone. It shifted great for about 3 months. On very rare occasion it would take 3-4 seconds to finally go into gear, but this was a far cry better than the shifting to drive and NOTHING happening until you tapped the gas. Everything was good in the world. Here I am now, and the problem is back. It will work great for 3-5 days in a row with no issues. Then 1 day it will act up all day. Then back to fine. I'm not a transmission guru by any means, but it almost seems like there is a valve sticking or something? Maybe an electronic sensor going bad? I hate to get a new transmission, because honestly when I didn't have any problems with it for months, and even when I did have problems, it shifted so smooth once it was finally in drive. Is there a strainer filter somewhere in the tranny? I'm lost... :-\

2000 Legacy Wagon 240,000 miles and running strong.

2000 Legacy Automatic Transmission with 233,000 miles. Still shifts perfectly. Most transmissions are fine as long as you don't drive like a moron, and do the proper matinence.

I have a 2000 Legacy wagon, but I don't like how low it sits. I know the Outback version is essentially the same car with improved ground clearance. What are the clearance numbers for each? So what would it take to give my legacy the stance of an Outback? What exact parts would I need?

Thanks for the information! Any idea what the coolant conditioner is or where to get it? I don't have a Subaru dealer very near, but I am right down the road from Advanced/auto-zone. Thanks in advance.

What is the difference between Phase I and Phase II? I have a 2000 Subaru Legacy Wagon with the 2.5 SOHC and have been told it is a Phase II. It's got 230,000+ miles on it and hasn't had the dreaded HG issue. Was this issue primarily with the DOHC engines?

No the problem seems to be corrected. I've been driving it for the past couple of months and it hasn't happened at all. I've just repaired the basics: Plugs/wires, fuel filter, air filter, changed/flushed all fluids, and replaced belts/hoses (getting ready to do the timing belt soon as I don't know when it was changed last). I can't believe how smooth it rides at 232,000 miles. My main vehicle is an F-Series truck, and I picked this up as a work car. Gas was killing me! I like this car so much I've been looking at newer Soob's when this one finally gives out. As good as it runs now, it might be a while before it decides to quit.

Hey new Subaru owner checking in... I just picked up a 2000 Legacy Wagon (2.5 SOHC automatic) with 232,000 miles on it. I got it for $1,000 as the owner feared it had transmission problems. He got it for cheap too as he got it from a fleet company (that explains all the miles). Anyway, when you shifted it into drive from park it would just sit there and you had to give it a little gas for it to engage. I took it home and changed the tranny fluid/filter and added some lucas transmission lube to it and it hasn't done it since. This thing runs like a top! I love it! ...and yes, from what I've been told the engine/tranny are still original. Here's a few pics of it. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v256/audiciter/DSCF0440.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v256/audiciter/DSCF0439.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v256/audiciter/DSCF0443.jpg