hi all, I'm thinking of replacing my '98 outback with a 07 or 08 model. Is there anything I should be looking out for; like the head gasket issue with the '98 I was not aware of. Thanks,

 

zzzasy

I purchased my latest 07 OBW LTD new in October of 06 and have wrung up 93 000 km or close to 60 000 miles since. It has run flawlessly since that first day with only one warranty issue ... a replacement of the tailgate Subaru insignia badge that somehow managed to partially dechrome its five stars. Other than brake cleanings, oil and filter changes and tire rotations, etc., there have been absolutely no issues.

 

I have owned a 97 OBW LTD and an 02 OBW LTD previously, and the 07 has proven to be the best of the three. I look forward to my next OBW LTD within the next 3 years, as I like what I see of the latest version for 2010.

Check the archives here for discussion on ghostwalking on ice... that seems to be a problem in the rear suspension design of the '05 and up outbacks. Other than that, they are pretty nice, if a bit sluggish (the 1 gen legacies feel faster, though that could also be because I've only driven the automatic '07, and mostly manual 90's).