The guys at the subaru outback forum suggested i post here. .. I'm in a pickle. Head gaskets blown on my 97 Outback (212k) and I don't have much money. I have a couple options: 1) Rebuild for $2600 (IF the heads aren't cracked); 2) Replace engine with one from swengines for $2600 total; or 3) Buy a 99-03 Outback, Legacy or Impreza for $3000-$3500. Is it a crap shoot either way? Is there a late 90s or early 2000s that is really good? Or should I go 04 Passat wagon? (I think I know the answer to that one!)

I replied to you on subaruoutback, I suggested you post here in the parts wanted forum if you wanted an engine.  

 

these heads don't crack.  headgasket job should cost $1,200 plus add ons for timing belt, etc.  $2,600 is a lot. 

 

I'd do an EJ22 swap - you can easily install one of the most reliable engines Subaru ever made.  buy a good one and run it 100,000 miles reliably and inexpensively.

 

 a used car is a used car.  a 99+ Subaru is interference and would need a complete timing belt kit to be reliable and protected from significant engine damage.  it's easy to get hosed buying a used car and it's also not that hard to get a decent deal on a used car - just depends on you and how well you buy used cars, know vehicles, know people, know the market.

 

VW is up to you - what are you wanting this new car for?  what your goals/expectations - which car meets those?  google 04 Passat reliability and maintenance - what i look for is big ticket items/repairs/maintenance...for example. 

I drive 70 miles round trip to work and often 125 miles round trip on the weekends when my daughter is in the hospital. I would like my next car to last me two years. I already feel like my car lacks umph... I would worry the 2.2 would disappoint. But if it gave me a couple more years abs i could actually find someone to put it in I'd be happy. The two mechanics I've asked to price it here both said 1300+. Grrrr...

IMHO.............my experience...

 

My wife drives a 98 OBW, and a couple of years bacck, her engine blew a head gasket. She drove on and totally cooked the motor. So transplanted in a 2.2 from 1995. Yes it is slightly down on power with 35 less hp. So, it lacks umph, but runs much smoother then it's original 2.5 motor. Cost wise, I bought a used 2.2 motor from a yard for $400. I had a shop swap in the motor for about $1400.

 

My 99 OBW, blew it head gasket about 180K miles. I caught the problem early, so was able to avoid problems from over heating. I had a moon light mechanic install new head gaskets, and a kit I bought from ebay, that included a new water pump, TB, front seals, and pulleys/tensioners. Total cost was about $1800.

 

The bottom line is that cost to replace the motor, vs rebuilding the motor is about the same. Consider your '97, is the body, and the rest of the car mechanically sound, and worth dropping $s into it.?

 

Back in the day of the 80's and 90's, I owned many VWs, and Audis (really just larger VWs back then.) All drove nice with great suspensions, and bullet proof motors. The problem with every one was reliability. VWs and Audis both had a lot of plastic parts that would break. Finally, I decided to drive Subies. Much more reliable.. VW reputation for quality control and reliability still remains questionable from what I have read and heard.

 

Please let us know how you proceed.

if it has 'severely' overheated (yes, I know that is not easy to quantify), get another engine.

 

people have rebuilt heads only to discover soon that rod bearings are going bad.

Edited December 29, 201411 yr by 1 Lucky Texan

Where are you guys finding people to do the swap for 500??? No one in college station is quoting less than 1300.

Yes a 2.2 swap.  Find a good Subaru Mechanic and get a low mileage engine - www.car-parts.com.

 

My wife's 98 5sp Outback has been working fine for years with the 2.2.  I haul other Subarus on a dolly with it.  24-28 mpg.