I'm buying a 1995 Subaru Legacy L automatic on monday. it's my first Subaru and the only issue with it is when it first starts. You have to let it warm up for quite awhile before putting it in drive or reverse or it will stall out. but once the car is warm it drives good as new. What should I be prepared to replace when I get it?

Welcome to the board!

 

If it drives perfectly after warm up then, whatever the cause it is possibly a vacuum or sensor issue. In any event it shouldn't be cost prohibative for purchase.

 

Possiblilities include a Coolant Temp Sensor, Throttle Position Sensor a dirty MAF sensor or just a cracked or disconnected vacuum hose.

 

I would also try a computer reset by disconnecting the battery for half an hour before trying to diagnois anything else. A reset of the ECU may solve the problem in which case you'd luck out.

Edited October 18, 201312 yr by Suzam

Clean the idle air control valve out with carb cleaner. If it's sticky it can't give the engine more air to compensate for the extra load while idling in gear. You may need to take if off the side of the manifold to clean it thoroughly.