I found two Outbacks that look good and I can afford. One is a standard 2.5 and the other an LL Bean edition with a 3.0, 6.

I've had a long history with head gasket problems in my 97 and I need input on these two engines. Both have 100,000 miles on them.

Thanks guys,

Dave

the 3.0 MAY be more reliable, as far as the potential for bad head gaskets, but the 2.5 would be less expensive to maintain, more common of an engine.

 

i have no experience with a 3.0 motor myself. others will chime in...

H6 for the win.

 

Since you don't have to replace timing belts......I actually think it could be less expensive to maintian in the future.

 

Gas milage is not quite so good as the 2.5, but it's not far off......if you stay outta the go pedal.

 

My only complaint about the H6 is the very tall gearing. Doesn't "feel" like it has a 6 cylinder in it. But when you realize you are doing 75 mph at 2400 rpm you understand the difference (a 2.5 outback with 4eat you'll be well over 3K at that speed)

The 3.0 takes premium fuel. they changed that with the 3.6 H6

What are the years for the cars?

The 3.0 is an 04, the 2.5 is an 03. The 3.0 has 146,000 and the 2.5 has 100,000.

 

I like the idea of the 3.0 due to the fact it's out of the road salt region.

 

Thanks for the help,

dave

The 3.0.....all the way...less problems. Rust is a Subaru killer.