sooberJay

I want to replace my '88 gl wagon with a newer (2000 on up) AWD OB. Looking at options regarding the 2.5l engine, as a lot of the rides (2000, 2001 OB's) I see on Craigslist are 100K + miles, and there are the headgasket issues that affect these cars, plus the unknown to deal with when buying high miler used cars. I want to find a manual tranny to boot. Options I'm considering: working with the local subie mechanic and rebuilding the engine after I buy the car, assuming the motor isn't completely hashed, as discovered as it gets taken apart...or....looking for a remanufactured/rebuilt block somewhere? I got my eye on a fairly low priced model b/c of an engine knock problem. Other options? Engine swap sources in the Columbia Gorge/Portalnd OR area? Appreciate any input or ideas. Looking for best bang for the buck.

Eyes wide open here....thanks for the replies.

I will have to read up on those issues. What was the engine they put into the limited OBWs? Is it the EJ25 mentioned in the replies?

I am looking to upgrade from my '88 GL 4WD wagon, awesome car for where I live, but getting up there in miles. I'm lookin at a 98 OB Limited wagon, good looking car, but I want to hear from drivers of this model if there are issues to watch out for (heating/overheating, cooling issues, ?). Late nineties models look good to me b/c of affordability. What sayeth anybody?