http://joplin.craigslist.org/ctd/3003724895.html http://joplin.craigslist.org/cto/3011666832.html I am thinking about buyin a new to me subaru and wanted to get some opinions from you guys on here. I found two im gonna post on here. Let me know what you think.

91 subaru,

 

I'd steer towards the 06 Forester. The head gasket issue is pretty much a non issue by 06 for the 2.5 engines. If it drives as good as it looks in the pictures, and you can verify that the seller and the car are on the up and up, then it gets my vote. Good Luck!

Yeah, the old quad cam 2.5s in the old Outbacks tend to become very troublesome with age/miles.

Forester sold. What do you guys think of this one?

http://tulsa.craigslist.org/cto/3020007445.html

If you can drive stick I'd hold out for one with a 5 speed. AWD is more reliable, but again I try to stay away from the quad cam 2.5s.

you want comments:

 

1. There is no mileage in the ad. Always a negative

2. The late 90's head gaskets always leak. So, when was the HG done and who did it.

3. When was the timing belt done. If not known assume immediate replacement required. [$500]

4. If you go and look at it, wear old clothes. Get down under the engine. Check if any of the 4 axel boots are broken [$450/side], either rack and pinon boots broken [$200], oil leaking from the HG [$2500], and try and check out the brakes [$500-1000].

 

That's for openers. Test drive over bumps to see if the struts are completely shot or if there is any bearing or steering problems.

2. The late 90's head gaskets always leak. So, when was the HG done and who did it..

 

on the EJ25. Picking up a car with a 2.2 in it won't have the HG issue.

My '99 OBS is at 160k and still rolling strong. Well, the engine is. Wheel bearings go bad like college girls on crack...

Duely noted! Also great info.

you want comments:

 

1. There is no mileage in the ad. Always a negative

2. The late 90's head gaskets always leak. So, when was the HG done and who did it.

3. When was the timing belt done. If not known assume immediate replacement required. [$500]

4. If you go and look at it, wear old clothes. Get down under the engine. Check if any of the 4 axel boots are broken [$450/side], either rack and pinon boots broken [$200], oil leaking from the HG [$2500], and try and check out the brakes [$500-1000].

 

That's for openers. Test drive over bumps to see if the struts are completely shot or if there is any bearing or steering problems.

Wheel bearings go bad like college girls on crack...

 

LOL

you want comments:

 

1. There is no mileage in the ad. Always a negative

2. The late 90's head gaskets always leak. So, when was the HG done and who did it.

Not on the 2.2L (5spd early outbacks)

3. When was the timing belt done. If not known assume immediate replacement required. [$500]

$200-250 if done yourself

4. If you go and look at it, wear old clothes. Get down under the engine. Check if any of the 4 axel boots are broken [$450/side] $75 each for axles if you do it yourself, either rack and pinon boots broken [$200]($20 each from rockauto), oil leaking from the HG [$2500], and try and check out the brakes [$500-1000]One can do all 4 wheels with rock auto parts for less than $200.

 

That's for openers. Test drive over bumps to see if the struts are completely shot or if there is any bearing or steering problems.

 

I am not trying to be mean or critique and it's a good heads up but I see that you have owned a loyale so I am sure you aren't afraid by now to get your hands dirty. Most of these jobs can be done with a simple set of tools and a afternoon/weekend

 

Avoid anything with a 2.5 up to 05 generally, but if they had subaru or a reputable shop do the head gaskets with dealer parts with recipts, it should be able to be trusted. BUT, don't go any lower than 99, the DOHC got bigger rod journal's and bearings in 99 and are tougher than the 98 and down.

 

If it has a 2.2l it's pretty bulletproof, just if it's a 97+ do the timing belt, it's interference.

06's still leak from the HG, its not worth fretting over, find a good subaru mechanic to have them replaced and your good to go. They all leak at some point even the ej22 will as well, less prevolant but they will. Id bet even the new FB engines will suffer as well, hopefully they got smart and used the turbo gaskets.

One caveat of the generally good comments:

 

One can do all 4 wheels with rock auto parts for less than $200.

 

On these old subaru's, the calipers are very often rusted like they have been on the bottom of the ocean for 5 years. You might even have problems getting them off. So unless they look OK or the owner claims that they have been reconditioned, then it's better to figure on pads, rotors and calipers, which are about $180/wheel, even from Rock Auto, and much more from the dealership. Just a warning based on experience.