Alright so im thinking about buying an outback anywhere from late 90's to mid 00's. Just wondering if anyone had some suggestions or "things to look for or want" in the legacy outback.

First off, wrong forum.

 

Then it's the usual Head Gaskets, torque bind, and depending on part of the country the "jap rust" at the rear wheel wells like Honda and Toyota.

buy a 1996 5spd. they used a different head gasket material and they held up better..

 

P.S. they did make the "outback" till 1996. and you are in the wrong forum. best of luck

Sorry bout the wrong forum.....

Thanks for the tips.

Does the different material only happen on that model year?

Edited May 5, 201213 yr by 91 subaru
wrong forum

sorry correction: the 1996 5spd has the 2.2l. they did use a different material in 96 on the 2.5 with much less problems but only in 1996.

I sent you a PM explaining why the '96 Outback is so sought after.

the 95 outback legacy is desirable as it has obd2 but being a 95 is not subject to emissions in some states. This year has regular suspension, though, and the "outback" is the trim level with projector fog lamps and 15" slotted wheels.

 

stick to 90-94 or 95-96 legacy, and just swap in the outback struts for lift, but not have to worry about head gasket failures if you stick to thee years.

 

Don't be afraid of higher mileage cars as higher miles reflect being driven regularly, and some sort of maintenance has been done to have that kind of miles.

 

Instead of miles, go for the least rusty example with the cleanest body/interior.

 

I have a 95 legacy outback that was had for 500 bucks with a bad water pump, and now it is worth book value with new outback struts, brakes, and tires and some bells and whistles. It has 225,000 miles.