Proud owner of a '98 Outback. 146k in the car, and due to an unfortunate event with a forgotten oil drain plug, 50k on the engine.

 

The tires on it are junk! What are some treads I should look @ for these tiny 15" wheels? Big and beefy w/out a lift?

I got Yokohama advan envigor tires and I love them.

They corner spectacularly! Great in the hot dry and in the wet.

They are not a winter tire at all!

I have been hearing good things about good year triple treads and I know the Nokian WR is highly rated should you desire a decent 4 season tire.

 

Cheers

I've been driving on Yokohama Avid TRZ on my Outback. Great tires.

Looking for more of a tough, on/off road tire. A/T's this small?

Recently, I replaced my tires with Yokohama Avid TRZ on my Outback. I went one size larger then stock, going to size 215X70X15. Love the tires, they ride smooth, and control is great. One size larger, puts a little more tire on the road, and lifts the Outback close to an inch taller. No issues with rubbing.

Forgotten oil plug??? Does that mean an engine replacement as well??

Yes. The motor has 50k on it. Little worried about the auto tranny. He said it was shifting hard, so he put some lucas oil in it, and it smoothed right out. I don't know what a new one shifts like, but the tranny does seem weaker on the shift than a TH-400!