rweddy

It is because they sell parts to shops. Most shops will not risk using low end parts from checker/auto zone, etc. So the bulk of their business is shops or pro shadetree types.

Do you have Napa parts store?The big chains Autozone, Checker, etc tend to not have very trained people and some parts tend to be junk. Napa is kind of in-between chain stores and dealer.

Where are you getting these parts? Is it a chain store? You have to be very careful where you buy parts from, you can end up with issues like this.

I switched my LS wagon at 110k, no leaks, no noise at cold start ups, runs better and gets 2 mpg more.

Get the wagon. The forester is just the impreza with a raised roof, like the outback is a legacy with a raised roof. The impreza is a smaller vehicle but not a true SUV. Unless you need to tow something or need to go hard core off-road you will not be disappointed with the outback wagon. I have owned many subarus and many suv, 4runners,pathfinders, landcrusier, etc. The Subaru is far superior to them in every way expect for towing, hard core off-road. And they will more than make up for them in the gas mileage, maintenance costs, comfort, etc.

That is telltale of HG but that does not mean the engine is bad, they should be able to salvage it and just do HG unless you have badly overheated it and done damage to it. The 2.2 has less power but has a better reputation than the 2.5, no HG issues with them. I think you best best it to fix the 2.5, they should not charge you over $1200 to do the fix.

Yes putting in a different motor like a WRX or other 2.0 would be lot of work. You could do a 2.2 instead of a 2.5. Are you sure the motor is smoked? You can change HG for $1200 dollars and be good to go. If the motor is bad I hear very good things about motors from http://www.ccrengines.com/

I have seen these but I would be scared of knocking it off where I drive. Not sure if it is worth the risk.

Is that a full synthetic? I have read a lot of info stating that blended is a waste of $$.

It pays for itself in mpg gains, extended oil change intervals, & cold start ups.

And make sure they use OEM Subaru parts, not aftermarket.

You sure can. The "cannot use it in old cars" is an urban legend. I have put it in several cars with nearly 200k. I run it in my 91 with 124k and got 2 mpg better after doing so.

Then just replace the HG and go. If the car is nice then $1200 is not that bad of a repair imo. Or get a engine from http://www.ccrengines.com/

Very nice, looks just like my 96!

The phase I 2.5 has an internal HG leak, you won't see coolant out the tail pipe. The internal leak allows exhaust and oil to enter the system.

Cookie you are so negative, the 2.5 never blow HG! Kidding aside, I agree with Cookie, fix this before it warps the heads.

Wow why so far? Could you not find one locally?

Yea looks like 95 is first year they have documents on the Legacy. Might try ebay? I found the FSM there for my 91.

Welcome to the world of outbacks! You will love it, I think the outbacks are one of the best subarus ever made. IMO. Just have all your paper work. I have been pulled over without plates and title, bill of sales, etc.

The prize is $10,000 Scholarship to the school of your choice -OR- $5,000 cash and a $5,000 Apple Store gift certificate

Yea that was my dilemma also. I was going to get a 2nd set of Dedicated snow but after reading this http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/hl/nokian.htm I am ordering these since it is the only non-snow tire with severe service emblem (a snowflake on a mountain) on the sidewall. And has a 50k warrantee.

Good call Jamie!!

I am getting these Nokian WR, sound like great 50k tire. Read this http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=8166&page=5&highlight=snow+tires

1 It is the 96-99 Phase I that have HG issues. 2000 Phase II they fixed the issue, now they only have a possible external leak. 2.a No 2.b HG are generally $1200 to replace, but see 1 3. Seems like a good price to me, at least for CO standards 4. Possible Brake issues, they made larger brakes for 2002 models because of warping. Auto - could have some issues. Manual some clutch shutter, get the revised clutch and flywheel. Welcome to the club!!

96 outback 5spd 2.2! The 2.5 is not that bad of an engine, you can get them for a good price and just plan for the $1200 head gasket fix. Then if if they go you are ready for it. They have great power and you can even fix them before it is an issue and be ahead of the game.