rweddy

I think it is personal taste. I think the Outback rides way better than the Legacy. I own both and prefer the lower gears, height, etc. I think the outback has a more solid feel. But I loved the ride of the early 80’s GL wagons over the later GL wagons.

This is not a 91 vs 99.Don't the 97 legacy and 99 outback share the same parts. Expect for engine, the tranny, brakes, etc are the same.

That is a hard call. I love the outback looks, ride, gearing etc. But the 2.2 is a more reliable motor. But the 2.5 has more power and if you get over the HG issue they are good motors. :-\

The 2.5 HG does not leak externally, it leaks internally. They allow exhaust to enter the cooling causing sporadic overheating. Do a search on 2.5 head gaskets and you will get all the info you need on this topic.

How many miles?Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but….. Sounds like the early stages of the infamous 2.5 Head Gasket failure.

I like this one better! http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7926981619&category=50449&sspagename=WDVW

Nice write up!! Thanks, I wish I could keep the factory lights and just get new glass.

Yes they are easy to work on for sure. And parts are cheap compaired to many imports. Only 24 highway? My 96 gets 30-32 highway.

Both are only going to pick up total loss accidents. Or major accidents, I think they only show damage 10k and up. Good point on checking it yourself or someone who knows cars. I can easily spot wrecked-then-fixed cars when I go over them for friends and family.

I need to replace my fog lamps on my 96 OBW. They work fine but both have cracked lenses. What are my options for replacements? I called the dealership, they want $130 each. Does anyone sell replacement lenses? What about getting some Hella or other aftermarket lights? Anyone done this before? Thanks

Do you have any pics? Could you get this in the us? I have heard of them overseas but not here.

AWD only 90 up.

I have heard good about both.

Is the car still under factory warranty? The reason I ask this is because dealerships are terrible at troubleshooting issues. They are parts swappers and are horrible at finding issues. They will just keep throwing parts at it until it is fixed. Now if it is under warranty then let them!! If you have a local Subaru specialty shop that is such a better way to go than the dealership. my .02

I did not know it had a diff lock. Has there been any other US models with a diff. lock since the RX's of the 80's.

I will take a stab at 1 and 2. Why do you care? As long as the front rear diffs are the same the tranny is not important.

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/differential9.htm The switch on new sti will allow the vehicle to front or rear wheel biased for handling proposes.

The dealership is required to keep parts for your vehilce for 10 years btw. My local stealership has them in stock. I am trying to find an aftermarket fit, anyone try hella or others for their 96-99 outbacks?

Did you check this site? The interface with factory decks, treat the ipod like a cd changer. http://www.dension.com

Nice a 2.2 swap in!! I still think the 2.5 is a great motor, just crappy HG. If you fix it soon enough your 2.5 will be fine.

It is a Dension. http://www.dension.com/main.php?pageid=50&topid=42 Very cool set up. It treats the mp3 like it is a cd changer.

My friend at work has one that tricks the factory desk into thinking it has a cd changer (which is your mp3 player) I will get the name of the adapter from him for you.

This is another example of why dealerships are crap. They are part swappers only!! The external leak is on 00-03 and the bottle only fixes them not 96-99 internal leak issues. Find a good Subaru specialty shop, have them look at it. $3000 is very high! You can get them done for $1200 at most Subaru shops.

Another Great book is the "How to keep your subaru alive for the complete idiot". Really good step by step stuff. BTW anyone know what happened to this site? http://bugfuel.tripod.com/pics.html Anyone have the pdf for the book?

My bad, I though he was posting about a 90 Legacy.