[Update - Still looking for a Subie in PDX - thanks for the advice]

I would look at a L wgn with the 2.2L engine because it

has less problems. Does your friend ski/snowboard? If not

AWD is not needed for Portland weather. Subaru is very

popular here so there should be many cars to pick from.

Also check for oil leaks, Cam/crank seals etc and get a PPI!

[Please Help!! What should I do?]

I had the same problem with my 96 OBW (oil in the coolant)

I had every thing fixed while the engine was out.

Seals,valve guides,oil pump, water pump.

 

If you plan on keeping the car a long time fix it all, if not

now maybe a good time to dump it.

 

In 5+ years I will know if I did the wise thing.

[Whining about Outback]

My only complaint with my 96 OBW is doing the head

gaskets at 127K. I bought Subaru because it seemed

like it was a simpler car with less to go wrong.

 

Looked at a Audi 100 wagon. More money and did not drive

better then OBW.

 

If I got a VW it would be TDI for the mpg.

[Legacy OWB 2.2 vs 2.5 mpg]

My auto 96 OBW gets 22-24mpg. Might be better with

new HG's.

 

I wish I bought a legacy L wgn. They sell for less, I don't

need the ground clearance, and I think the 2.2 has less

head gasket problems than 2.5's.

[milage question?]

I go by the trip odometer not the gas gauge.

96 OBW 2.5 22-24mpg highway trips don't

seem to improve my mpg.

 

I should have bought a 2.2 legacy wagon. Better

MPG and head gaskets.

[Roof Racks WRX]

Yakima should have what you need. On my OBW their racks mount

to the stock subaru rack. Don't go too long on the bar or you will

hit your head on it.

 

Edit: I missed that you need the bars farther apart not wider. Sorry

I have no idea.

[96 OBW Head gasket+seals etc@127K.]

Oil on the ground and in my coolant. I had hoped that

Subaru would be more reliable and get better MPG. Is

great for getting to the mountain to snowboard and

plenty of room for the windsurfing gear.

 

Going to have a bunch done and hope to see 250K

Rebuilt heads,seals,T-belt,oil+water pump.

[burning oil NEED HELP #$@#%@ pissed off]

It could also be the valve guide seals. Were these replaced when

the head gaskets were done? When you down shift the engine

vacuum tries to pull oil past piston rings and valve guide seals.

Then when you get back on the throttle you see a puff of smoke.

Compression test would help to rule out rings.

[Oil leaks on timing belt/96 OBW]

Thanks for the picture. Mine looks worse. I will get it fixed

before summer.

 

Might also do the head gaskets since I don't know if they have

ever been done. Also there is a improved gasket. I plan on keeping

the car.

 

There goes my tax refund!

[Oil leaks on timing belt/96 OBW]

I took a look under the car. The front cover (not sure if that is what

it is called) looked damp on both sides. This could be from cam seals

and or crank seal.

 

Valve covers did not seem that bad. Could be oil blowing back from

from front cover?

 

I think the water pump is recomended because they will be there and

128K miles.

 

Thanks

[Oil leaks on timing belt/96 OBW]

I noticed a little oil on the driveway and asked the mechanic to

look. They say leaks from cam seals,oil pump O rings, and crankshaft

seal and that oil on the timing belt can cause the belt to

break. Is this true? They say it should be fixed in several months.

 

For $800 they will fix the seals,change timing belt,waterpump and valve

cover gaskets. for $1200-$1500 the Head gaskets could be done plus

all the other work.

 

I bought the car at 96K and now has 128K I don't know if the head

gaskets had been replaced before I bought.

 

What would you do?

 

Thanks