tandt1

I have a 1997 Subaru Outback Legacy and an Automatic, and because of a propeller shaft issue and a front axle that is in need of replacement I parked it 6 months ago and would start it every week. Then the last month and a half when it got really cold I didn't. The battery died and so I replaced it, and it didn't start didn't even cough and try to start. Everything else electric worked as it should But I couldn't even push the button in on the handle to put it into neutral. That is a worry of mine as well. So its a long shot but any clue why I wouldn't be able to push the button in to put it into neutral? And any suggestions on what next if the battery didn't help it start? I would like to get it running so I can sell it as the engine is strong and was fine before I parked it. Thanks

agreed.....I didn't know it was based off of the Imprezza as it seems to have more in common with the Outback. Thanks

May I ask, are Forrester parts from 1996-1999 more or less interchangeable with the Outback Legacy as well?

thanks so much. Now I just have to find one close and affordable! lol.... I live in the sticks, I know it says Dallas but I am about 2 hours north east and its not a big Subaru area, and its impossible to make things work with just one car out here...... thanks again

Let me ask, if i get an manual, will that be really hurting any benefit that I may have from interchangeable parts? Or are the difference modest and the parts I may need to purchase wouldn't be too expensive?

thank you, I had hoped it would be up to 2002 or so, but that is the info I needed. Greatly appreciated.

I think I have to clarify. Everyone has been great and I love being able to have such great minds to ask, but I feel I should be clearer on what I am seeking. I have a 1997 Subaru Outback Legacy. It has multiple problems, but many good parts so I want to find another Outback Legacy that is running but then be able to part out my current car to it as needed. (or it becomes a project car) but due to cost and time I don't want to rebuild the car I own just yet. So of the Outback Legacys out there obviously the 1997 will have interchangeable parts, but what other years would be pretty interchangeable? Its an automatic and since I don't know the mechanics real well I didn't understand the discussion on manual versus automatic and the difference being on the front end of the shaft. Sorry. But I have to assume to make life easier its just better to go with an automatic unless there is only minor differences between the two. As you can tell as I am limited in knowledge so trying to make this easy on myself, lol. So what is the range of years that would be suitable for me to purchase so I can later part my current car to the not yet purchased one? This is assuming they use more or less the same parts, lengths, connections for several years running. Thanks again for all your insight, links, and ideas.

yikes....ok, I had a Subaru dealer look at it and my local guy and they both said, "The propeller shaft" it was because the U-joints are failing and they both said on that shaft the U-joints can't be replaced. Does that help? lol I am told they are only sold by Subaru, (costing roughly $850) and of course junk dealers, but the thing is being in the Dallas area, there aren't many Subarus around to be junked. If it was a Ford F series truck I would be in business! lol.... And what I am ideally going to do is buy a car that has enough identical parts that my current car, the 1997 Subaru Legacy Outback will become the parts car for the new one I buy. New as in new to me, obviously it will be a used/older car. I just want to make sure I get a car that can have the major systems used, such as the propeller shaft, etc. If I find a good parts car yes I would grab that and rebuild my current car, but I just don't know enough to make sure I look at the right years and models. I am assuming there has been changes to the drive/propeller shafts over the years, or whatever they hook into on either end of the shaft, and just am hoping that perhaps a 2000 or 2001 or so might be interchangeable enough. I do presume the huge things as this is an automatic, I shouldn't even consider manual transmissions. Thanks for the guidance so far, I will keep you all updated and any additional info you need to help I will do what I can to get it to you.... Thanks again...

Hello one and all, My wife and I are on our third Subaru Outback Legacy and have loved them all, but the current one is very sick. its a 1997 Subaru Outback Legacy and an Automatic. Its has headgasket issues, and should have a time belt change, but the bigger buggaboo is the propeller shaft needs to be replaced. Its one of those things that the part cost is so expensive, but not much on the labor. I am in the Dallas area and haven't been very good at finding Subarus in general. If I was on a coast it would be different, but so it goes. My idea is to buy a 1997 that is running and in good shape, and either slowly work on the other one or use it as a parts car. But of course Subarus aren't real common here, let along trying to find one particular year and model. And what I can't find is if say, 1998 or 1999 has the same propeller shafts, or if its a range, say from 1996 to 2001 its the same transmission and drive train etc. I am not very car savvy but have done a lot of tinkering through the years, but don't have the ability to find this information out, so I wanted to turn to the experts.........all you guys!!! And if I don't have all the info and you need more such as an engine type or such please let me know and I will get that to you, and of course any suggestions are greatly appreciated. All the best!