rweddy

This was true from 90-94, after this they no longer have this set up and do use the rear pads. FYI

I agree, a quality tire will make a world of difference in ride.

This is not true, you will always be able to overpower a LSD the only way to get a 50/50 split on an axle is with a true locking diff like a Detroit or an ARB.

Very good point, once again most people do not know the difference between an open diff, a LSD diff, and a locked Diff. My old CJ had Detroit lockers front and rear (locked) in is terrible in the snow and wet in on road driving conditions.

Check out this thread http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=22383

Yes the 2.5 is just as easy to work on as the 2.2, spark plug area is a bit tight but otherwise they are all good. My experience on Volvos is with newer 850/V70. They are great but tend to break more and cost a lot $$$$ to fix.

In late 99 they redesigned the 2.5 to the phase II motors. 96-99 phase I can have HQ issues but they are not as bad as you would be lead to believe from this forum. I know of several 97-99 2.5 that have over 150k with no issues. Just have it checked before you buy and build into the price that at some point you might have to do a HG job, but this is only about $1200 at a shop, less if you do it yourself. This will be cheap service if you are used to Volvo service prices!! You will love Subaru’s; they are very reliable, safe and great all together. I have owned 10 and they are great, cheap to fix, easy to work on, etc.

This is very true, most people do not understand how AWD works, nor do they understand the difference betwen a locked and open diff. The car in this thread is working as desinged.

I used mobil1 10w30 in all my subaru's year round. Gets me approx 2mpg more and then I change it every 5k. Also no noise at start up.

But are there any better sites? I agree there is a lot of neg on this site but this is true of most car sites.

Here in Colorado you would wreck because you would have to wave all the time and not be able to steer!

I have seen several 96-99 2.5 with over 200k and orginal HG.

That will be awsome car.

Yea the shape of the Forester is kind of like a tissue box with wheels. You will get better MPG with legacy or outback.

That is correct, I get the same on mine. The Outbacks are geared a bit lower than the non-outbacks. The low gearing comes in handy when off-road. Just let it roll, I try to keep mine under 4k most time.

This would be great!! Anyone know how to do this???

Actually EJ25 was standard in the Auto outbacks in 96. 5spd Outbacks got the 2.2 Auto outbacks got the 2.5

Depends on where you live. Here in Colorado big difference, but in AZ/FL/TX etc no difference. This is why you can get them for cheap on ebay from these areas.

You cannot go wrong with the Subaru. Volvo makes great cars also but you need a 2nd mortgage when they break or need maintenance. If you are comparing them you need to look at the cross country vs the outback. The v50 is the small volvo. You would need to compare it to the impreza. This being said the cross country is a nice vehicle but quite a bit more expense than the outback.

Congrats! You will love it! I think 96-99 OBW are the best until the new 05s

Is this auto? I think autos have power/econ switch on them?? Not possitive since I have never owned an auto.

Phase I I would, you can have a shop fix the HG for 1200 or do the work yourself for less and you have a car worth 7-9k range depending on market.

Audi's are great cars if you can afford to keep them running. I love the allroad, that is one awesome machine. The real threat to subaru will be if honda starts brining the accord over here with thier awd system (SH-AWD for Super Handling All-Wheel Drive). I was on a flight the other day that originated in Japan and one of the magazines had an add with the new accord on it. Over there you can get an accord with awd in sedan or wagon.

You can try but they usually discard the records for privacy reasons and they will never give you the phone number of the previous owner. FYI this plan will not help you with a HG issue unless "all seals and gaskets" covered. If not and you have a HG issue you are s.o.l. 2.5 You will love the car, I think the 96-99 Legacy outback is the best looking of all the outbacks until the 05 came out. Be careful of the HG issue, but other than this you will have a rock solid car that you will enjoy for years to come.

I feel your pain Greg!! I have been on 6 business trips in a row this year. These are the cars I have received as rentals. Chevy Malibu 6k (Speedo quit working and dash lights flashed on/off) Ford Escape 10k ( tranny died on me had to leave car at Hotel) Ford Tauras 25k ( Tranny sliiping very bad) Mazda 3 ( good car) And 2 weeks ago ................................ 05 Legacy Outback This make up for all the rest of the crap I have had to drive.