I just purchased a 1997 Subaru Outback off ebay... I know it maybe sound risky but when it arrives what are some things i should check out? The dealer said its pretty much good to go, everything works , runs great, nothing wrong what so ever at all just put gas in and go. But for my own piece of mind I was thinking oil change, tranny flush, new filters, wires, plugs, ect. the basics but if anyone here has any input i would love to hear it! Also this is more a stupid question but what does the stock radio setup sound like, i think its 6 speakers? either way i ordered an aftermarket kenwood excelon cd/mp3 player, do you think that would improve the sound quality and or the volume of the sound? Also with 117k on the car what do you think the longevity of the engine and tranny would be(under normal driving conditions NO RALLY RACING ), i heard subarus run up into the 200k no problem thanks a lot

 

 

 

 

 

Nice looking car. Welcome to the board.

 

You're approaching 120K. Check the owner's manual for recommended items.

On the 1st. Generation 2.2's, it was time (120K) for a timing belt with recommended water pump, oil pump re-seal, cam and crank shaft seals.

Not sure about the schedule for later models like yours.

Check the brake pad and rotor condition. Change the brake fluid too.

See if the dealer has maintenance records they can share with you. Maybe some of this work was done recently.

Otherwise your list is a good start.

Look at head gaskets, this could be why someone sold it or traded it in.

 

The 96-99 2.5 are notorious for blowing them. They will start by occasionally overheating here and there, and then they go.

 

 

Otherwise you have mentioned all you need to change out.

heh very nice outback looks sharp 120k service coming up i would do all fluids, filters,plugs and wires and maybe even check on timing belt at that year timing belt should have been replaced at 105k don't let the headgasket problem scare you any car could have that problem new or used but hey good luck enjoy it. i have a 99 outback and love it!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nice looking car. You seem to have gotten good advice about what service should be done, the only thing I'd add is check the service manual to make sure that you've left nothing out. It also looks like a nice head unit you've chosen. Kenwood is certainly a good name in this area. I just replaced the head unit in my '04 Forrester (see 04 Forrester idling roughly) with an Alpine (I specifically chose alpine for the ipod connectivity it has comming out.)

Once again, congrats on your new car.

I will finally be able to check out the colorado rockies, grand canyon, ect and really explore the usa! my old 1995 f350 got about 6 mpg ! how large is the gas tank? 14 gallons or so?

How much did you pay for it? If you don't mind me asking of course, thanks!

5 grand plus 880 to have it shipped from manhatten to bay area:rolleyes: