CaptainNemo

Thanks for the replies so far. I wouldn't put my current engine in it, it's got almost 250K on it and that hardly seems worth the work. My main question about the engine swap is what engine will match up with the trans, or does it not really matter? If I do this and have to swap engines I think I'd go for a 2.2 for sure. I like the out of gas idea, that would be an easy fix. That's not really my luck though. If it turns out to be a project, so be it. I'm pretty sure my current Subie will get me thru the summer. My friends (some car people, none Subaru people) all tell me go for it, your car is falling apart! So, we'll see. I'll keep you posted on what happens, but if I do this I will do it assuming I will need a new motor, and hope it is just out of gas. Thanks, and any more insight is appreciated!

So, my current Subie is rusting to pieces and as much as it pains me I think it is getting to be time to retire it. I really don't want any other kind of car, but I also don't have much cash to work with. So, I have found a '97 Outback that is cosmetically in good shape, but doesn't run. The car is cheap, less that $1000. I was all fired up to buy the thing and fix it, and then I started reading here.... First off, I am no mechanic. I fix all my own cars and I'm a pretty handy guy, but most of my fixing has been "this part is broken, take it off and put on the new part" kind of fixes. So, would be diagnosing what is wrong with this car be beyond me? Unfortunately I'd be buying it from a 3rd party, so I can't talk to the original owner. All the people know is that it was running, then it stopped running. Turn the key and it cranks, but doesn't even try to start. That's all I've got. My current Subie is a 2.2, has run great for me. After reading all these (ok, not ALL of them but plenty) threads about head gaskets in 1st gen 2.5's that makes me wonder if I should even consider this. The car has 211K on it, and I have no way of knowing if they've ever been done. I'm not sure that's a project or expense I want. A timing belt would be a given without knowing how many miles are on it, I'm up for that have done that on a 2.2 before. IF I did decide to go ahead and get the car, and couldn't get it to run, or it needed too much, would it be possible to swap the engine out for a 2.2? It sounds like they're a lot more reliable, and I like that the older 2.2's are not interference. The car has a manual trans if it matters. Pretty sure I'd be up for that job, I had to replace the 350 Chevy in the first car I owned. I'm not going to say it was the most fun I've ever had but I got it done. So the basic question is: Is it crazy to consider buying a first gen 2.5 without it even being in running condition, and without having limitless funds, time, or knowledge to fix it? Thanks in advance for advice/opinions, even to those who do say it's crazy!

I've read this board and gotten quite a bit of info, now it's time for me to join and ask some questions! My wife has been a member here for a while and usually asks them for me! I've had a '94 Legacy Wagon that I "rescued" from a used car lot in deplorable condition, got it back on the road, and have had it for 3 years now. Just shy of 250K, should be there in a week or 2. This has been the best car I've owned by far, I just love the car and it runs great but it is rusting to pieces! So, it is time for me to "rescue" another one, and that's where the questions come in...