Great forum, wish I had found this place sooner. I have a 96 Legacy GT Auto with almost 90k miles. I'm the original owner and have taken good car of the car, have not had the HG problems common on this engine and have never had any overheating issues. Outside of the CEL light (first time) that recently came on for the knock sensor, which is how I found this board and I am going to use the info I found to see if I can remedy this issue, the car runs great and has been a pleasure to own for 8 and a half years.

 

Prior to finding this board and while helping my GF shop for a new car (she bought an 04 Forester), I was toying with the idea of trading in the GT for something new. Now after reading most of the posts about the AT problems and HG failures, I'm thinking no better time than right now. Would like to get some feedback/opinions.

 

Thanks in advance, John.

Great forum, wish I had found this place sooner. I have a 96 Legacy GT Auto with almost 90k miles. I'm the original owner and have taken good car of the car, have not had the HG problems common on this engine and have never had any overheating issues. Outside of the CEL light (first time) that recently came on for the knock sensor, which is how I found this board and I am going to use the info I found to see if I can remedy this issue, the car runs great and has been a pleasure to own for 8 and a half years.

 

Prior to finding this board and while helping my GF shop for a new car (she bought an 04 Forester), I was toying with the idea of trading in the GT for something new. Now after reading most of the posts about the AT problems and HG failures, I'm thinking no better time than right now. Would like to get some feedback/opinions.

 

Thanks in advance, John.

I have a '97 Legacy GT, Auto.

At 145,000, no issues with it aside from Piston Slap and some leaky seals.

Coolant is clean and the car never overheated.

I guess each car is different and you just never know when things may go.

 

Does any one have % figures on the HG failures compared to total cars owned? I feel that HG problem is blown out of proportion since only the people who do have problems with it post on the board. All others who never had a problem we never hear of.

Just my opinion.

Does any one have % figures on the HG failures compared to total cars owned? I feel that HG problem is blown out of proportion since only the people who do have problems with it post on the board. All others who never had a problem we never hear of.

From places like consumerreports.org and other places that are tracking problems, it seems to be about 20-25%.