I have read a lot about head gasket and wrist pin problems on the 2.5L engine. How is the reliability of the 2.2? I am considering buying a 97 or 98 Legacy L with 80,000 to 100,000 mi. How long can I expect this car to last? Any other problems I should be aware of?

 

TR

The 2.2 in my opinion is the most reliable engine Soob has. With the same level of neglect/abuse is has far outlasted all of the EA82's I've had. I am close to 195K and it is still running almost as strong as it did when I bought it with 40K. I beat it daily on the roads (redline shifts into 3rd with the 4eat), change the oil avery 5K and have recently started autocrossing with it.

2.2l engines are wonderful.

 

Keep oil in it...don't beat it to bad...and 200,000 miles isn't uncommon without much work.

It is common for the '97 2.2 to have the infamous piston slap noise. The engine is noisey when cold, when it reaches operating temperatures it quiets down. This is a normal condition. The half shafts usually start to get noisey around 100K. Flush the AT every 30K. These cars are totally sensor driven. When one of them (sensor) acts up, it can be a pain to diagnose and expensive to repair. look through the postings you will get a flavor for common problems on the 97/98 legacy 2.2

 

-- Bill

 

 

 

 

I have read a lot about head gasket and wrist pin problems on the 2.5L engine. How is the reliability of the 2.2? I am considering buying a 97 or 98 Legacy L with 80,000 to 100,000 mi. How long can I expect this car to last? Any other problems I should be aware of?

 

TR