['97 Impreza: Interference engine?]

1200 is a great price for that car, here in washington that would be a $4K car easy.

 

but it, replace the timing belt and idles/tensioners, water pump, and do the oil change and enjoy the car.

 

if it was maintained 300K+ is no problem.

 

Cool - this is why I love Subarus! I am selling my Prelude today, so I am planning on taking a look at this car tomorrow or Monday. I'll keep you guys posted. I love a car with a good community around it!

['97 Impreza: Interference engine?]

yes $1,200 is a fair price. you can typically get one with that kind of mileage cheaper, but if the owner is honest, fair, and has lots of maintenance records the extra price is justified.

 

the fewer owner, detailed records vehicles are hands down the best.

 

you still want to replace all the timing belt components (ebay kits = $80). just look up the threads with bent valves or loosing a belt because one pulley fails if you're not sure what i'm talking about. it happens.

 

it's high miles, so i wouldn't expect 50,000 trouble free miles out of it. but it shouldn't be anything major if you keep it from overheating and running out of oil.

 

subaru's are really easy to work on - stuff like starters, alternators, a/c compressors, belts, are all very simple to replace. all of those are items that usually need replaced at some point.

 

I've always been a fan of Subarus, I have a 1990 Legacy motor in my '84 Vanagon. My friend had a '98 sedan I mentioned earlier with 280,000 miles and it hardly even needed regular maintenance - and he beat the hell out of it. This one should last me a long time if I actually take care of it! I have dealt with timing belt failure and know the horrors that ensue.

 

What eBay seller has this good $80 kit?

['97 Impreza: Interference engine?]

So, here is a picture of the car in question. The woman is very honest about the car, it seems. She had the timing belt replaced when she bought it, but said it might be about due. Replaced the clutch when she bought it, has snow tires. No major rust. Everything works - needs nothing major to run as it is. Is about due for an oil change and probably want to replace that timing belt at around 200,000 or so. Has 193,100 miles now.

 

 

Think $1,200 is fair for it?

['97 Impreza: Interference engine?]

Hey,

 

I suppose you are right. The woman who owns it knows she had the timing belt replaced, she's just looking through work orders to see when. I just want to make sure it's either not going to round out right away or to replace it right away (whether I do it in my class - mechanic in training or pay the local dealer to do it). I had a Hyundai Excel where I thought it was due for a repair - I was called a hypochondriac and told "it will be fine for now", by heeding that advice, the timing belt snapped and the car was worthless.

['97 Impreza: Interference engine?]

This is very confusing. All and I still don't understand any benefit of interference engines other than added revenue to dealerships to replace the damn belts!

 

I think my entire decision on buying this car will come down to this issue. I can get a lower mileage Legacy wagon for the same price with the bulletproof freewheeling EJ22. I've got a Vanagon with a '90 Legacy motor and it's never given me trouble.

['97 Impreza: Interference engine?]

Hey,

 

I did a search for timing belts for the '95-'97 EJ22 and so far this is what I have come up with:

 

"Dayco Timing Belt

App: 1995-1997 Subaru Impreza

Brand: Dayco

Part #: DY95172

Notes: "DAYCO TIMING BELT -- Camshaft, 66.5 in. Effective Length, 1.19 in. Top Width, 211 Teeth, No Interference Engine, Features Self-Lubricating Fabric That Provides Exceptional Resistance To Abrasion Resulting In Extended Pulley And Belt Life, The Molded COG Design Runs Quieter And Is More Economical Than Chain Drives,..."

 

Still don't have a definite answer. Will keep looking. A friend of mine had a '98 sedan with 283,000 miles. From when he bought it at 278,000 miles, until he totaled it at 283,000 miles, he beat the living crap out of it. Straight into curbs, catching air, powersliding everywhere. It still drove under it's own power onto the tow truck after the crash. I don't drive like a moron, so this car may very well last a long time.

['97 Impreza: Interference engine?]

I am considering buying a '97 Impreza Sportwagon with a five-speed, roughly 190,000 miles. Now, I know the 2.2 was switched to an interference engine at some point, but is the '97 2.2 still freewheeling? Thanks.