Grammy

Thanks you guys. I negotiated the price down $1200 and spent $1000 on new brakes, tie rod end, anti sway bar, two front rotors turned, new mirror and a tail light...as well as 4 new tires balanced and mounted. Had it for a week and things seem to be going well. I will be proactive with the timing belt and have heard that the head gasket may be covered by subaru if the fix is within 8 years or 100K, whichever comes first. 84K on the clock so I am under there...butI am right on the cusp of the 8 year mark. I am not sure if there was a class action suit or what, but I have heard rumblings that the work may be covered? I would have the timing belt taken care of while the head is off.

I have been reading some good things on these '02's as well. Confusing as hell. And some owners are at 120K with no head gasket problems, but most have replaced the timing belt. So maybe this car isn't dead yet! :-\

Wow...this bums me out! I will keep looking I guess. Thanks for all the help you guys! Chris

OUCH!!! So the head gasket is bound to fail? Once fixed...will it come back at another 80K? Or do the new head gaskets solve the problem?

I imagine that the head gasket work will run somewhere between $600 and $700.00 or would it be more? Then the timing belt would need to be replaced fairly soon...when does subaru recommend the change (100K or sooner?). I have also heard of a conditioner that one can add to the coolant to retard the bad effects that might cause the head gaskets to go in the first place. Has anyone had any experience with that as well? Thanks again Chris

Maybe I should see if I can get another couple of years out of the Honda? I just wish it was better in the snow. Living in NH, one really needs to have 4 wheel or AWD. I may pass on this one as I did smell a bit of that sweet glycol scent after I test drove the car. We will see... Thanks for the info guys! Chris

Hey thanks so much! It was taken to a local Subaru shop for the $200 check-up from a prospective buyer (2 weeks ago). The list was generated there with the new tires, brakes, rotors, etc... but the head gasket checked out ok, everything else seemed ok. There is a ticking sound and I have heard that the subarus make that sound (I am hearing 2 sounds...one is like a sewing machine and the other is a little louder). I am hoping that it is not the pistons or valves??? Don't know much about the 2.5L's so I have not clue...but the report didn't mention any engine problems that were diagnosed. Any idea what that sound is? Is that normal or typical of these models, or should I be concerned about that? There is also a whistling at the drivers side...near the side mirror. I have heard that the windows whistle a bit, but didn't know if there was a fix for that? Thanks again Chris

Hi guys, New to the forum and am considering a 2002 Legacy L, automatic trans with roughly 84K on the ticker. I have heard both good and bad about this particular model particularly with the head gaskets, knock sensors, air fuel ration sensor, and ECM's. Is this common in all models, or just the unlucky few? The car needs new tires, new tie rod end, sway bar, brakes and rotors turned and cosmetically needs work, but if I can get another 100K out of it I would be a happy man. Is this car a good bet, or an unnecessary risk? I have over 200K on my Honda Civic and will be needing to find another car soon for my commute north through the notch. Thanks for any and all suggestions. I appreciate the advice and expertise. Chris