plaidfro

It's sage advice like that that helps keep me from making a poor choice on my first Subaru purchase. That's why I joined up here... Thanks

I have been searching lots of threads about Subaru's as I am looking to pick up my first one. In almost every thread I have found a comment about "don't overheat it or run it low on oil", I can't help but think is this really a problem with Subaru owners? To me this should be commonsense like saying your tires will run much better if you have air in them, or the engine will start up nicely if you have gas in the gas tank. Anyways just an observation I have noted since joining up here.

Searching around for value it looks like a good winning combination on a 90's Subaru is to drop a '96 EJ22 into a 97-99 OBW/Legacy body. So the advice to find a blown motor and do the EJ22 Swap is intriguing. I will talk with my local independent Subaru mechanic about what is involved: cost and time. For my criteria the other side seems to be finding a 2001+ Forester or a 2000+ Legacy Outback with the 2.5 or 3.0, auto or manual. I have searched around looking for the gearing differences between the Outbacks and Forester, and haven't found any info yet. I like that there are options to lifitng the suspension on the Legacy Outback. I will keep researching and reading your replies. Thanks for helping me out, I would hope to be able to get something in the works within the next week.

I am 6'3" and 225lbs... so I don't think that I have sat in a Subaru that has felt roomy for my size. I have seen the model differences between the Legacy Outback, and the Impreza Outback Sport. I think I would be a little more comfortable the Legacy model

I work here in Orem so I will take a look at this one. I will have to ask around about the 6-cyl. I have a 2000 Passat VW with a 6-cyl and it has been a good motor which I have been pleased with its on-road performance. But that car overall has been quite costly to maintain. I honestly prefer a manual over an auto, just past experience with repair bills between the two... but I would easily get an auto if the car was a great car with a great engine.

I may have a good local Subaru Mechanic I will run this by him an see what his cost estimates would be. aside from the engine are there any significant advantages when looking at the newer body styles? Buying a Subaru in great shape and rebuilding the motor sounds like a good plan vs. buying a cheap subaru that the engine may be on its last leg. Good to know Right now I am driving a 1994 Jeep Wrangler that is lifted about 6.5" and has 35" tires. Axles are geared at 4.56 and has ARB lockers.... so its not an ideal commuter vehicle. I agree the MPG is not super sweet (i.e. 30 MPG+), but it certainly decent especially as you noted I get a vehicle with better ground clearance, 4WD, and is known for good snow driving (big plus in Utah winters) Thanks for the advice.

1. I know 'search' is going to be my best friend. Right now scouring through posts New Gen Subaru posts is looking a bit like learning chinese. I won't give up though, I hope to be speaking the same language soon. 2. My mom has owned a 99 Forester and an 05 Outback. Both have been solid cars. So I am quite sold on picking a Forester or an Outback up. Years I should be looking for? I am looking to spend no more than $6,000, but can afford to spend more than $3,000. 3. I have read about the EJ22 vs. the EJ25 motors... the EJ22 seems more like what I would prefer with a 5 Spd. Any thoughts for going the most hassle-free route? I want to be looking for the most ideal engine/tranny combo that I can find for the vehicle. I don't want to buy something that people say "well had you bought the XXXXXX engine, or the XXXXXX model, or the next year model you wouldnt have that problem". 4. This car would be used for 2 things: 1. my daily commute to work; 40 miles one way on the Interstate = 70mph. 2. I go into the backcountry in Utah quite often and would love a fuel friendly car, with good clearance, 4WD or AWD that can carry all my climbing/canyoneering gear to the trailheads. Many of the dirt roads I am talking about I have driven a Honda Civic on but have had to drive very slow and be very delicate in many areas due to the low clearance. So its not hardcore rockcrawling. So a Subaru would probably fit the bill perfectly. I have read about 2"-3" lift options in the springs which allows for adding slightly larger tire sizes which seems to be ideal for what I am looking for. 5. I live in Utah and checking the KSL.com classifieds for 98'-'05 Foresters & Outbacks has brought up about 25 options for 5 Spds under $9000 with the average prices around 5000-6000. I love a good deal so what could I expect the prices be for these cars? What maintenance/overhauls should I be looking for in cars with 100k+ miles. I know that things like a timing belt, and water pump, CV axles. How bout the Head Gaskets and any other critical items that I may not know about? 5. Giving me a few options that you would choose to look for that meets my criteria about would help. For example ( I would look for an 98 - 03 Foresters with 'this' engine, 'this' package, 5spd, with 'these' items replaced, expect it to be about 'this' price) I hope it doesnt sound like holding my hand through this I just know that car owners with experience and knowledge know which models, years, and package options are proven and would be the one that they would choose over another vehicle. Thank you for taking the time to read this and help me make the best decision on my first Subaru.

Thank you for the replies. I will certainly use the search button and learn what I can. I do think that the Foresters and Outbacks will probably be the most likely Subaru purchase. My mom drove a '99 Forester for awhile then got an '05 outback. I have thought that both of those were excellent vehicles. I really loved the high clearance, and would definitely look into raising the stock height 2" or 3" to be better suited for some minor offroad travel to accessing canyon trailheads. I drive a Jeep so I don't mind the boxy tall look of the Forester. What are the major pros/cons between those two models? Although no Subaru's are garbage apparantly are there any specifics that I should look out for with those models or years or packages? I will try searching as much as I can about those models and see what tweaks and upgrades are common. Thanks for the info about the headgaskets... its the little tidbits like that which make joining a forum well worth it. As for price I would be willing to pick up a good Subaru up to $10,000... but I would prefer to pick something in good condition at half that price. I don't think I would be able to manage an older 70's - 80's Subaru right now. Not enough time to give it the attention that it would need. I will check ksl.com and see what I can find... I wouldnt be against picking one up out of Arizona or Nevada as well. Any more info you can throw at me to help me refine my vehicle search would be appreciated

Hello all, I am hoping to rely on all of your expertise to help guide me into my first Subaru purchase. I will be getting a job where I will have to commute about 60-70 each day and my 94' Jeep Wrangler with 35" tires is not going to be happy making that run. I know that a Subaru is going to fit the bill nicely... question is which one? and where to look for a deal? Aside from the gas saving commute that a Subaru would bring... I really need the car to get me into the backcountry roads here in Utah. One that can carry all my gear when I am out backpacking or canyoneering. Higher Clearance and 4WD or AWD is going to be a must. I don't want to buy a new vehicle but would love to find a sweet Subaru that fits this bill. I don't know which models are garbage and which models are golden. I am open to your expertise.