Any advice regarding whether I should stick with the 5sp tranny or be willing to consider an AT when looking for a newer legacy or outback? I've always liked the manual, but there are so few of them out there in this country. Am I likely to have troubles with the AT? Thanks for the help!

In my opinion subaru has come a long way with their auto. trannys and I think in a newer soob you have a better chance of it lasting but my personal preference is for the stick. Hold out for a stick and if you get desperate...settle for the auto. Sticks are usually cheaper too.

 

Matt

Any advice regarding whether I should stick with the 5sp tranny or be willing to consider an AT when looking for a newer legacy or outback? I've always liked the manual, but there are so few of them out there in this country. Am I likely to have troubles with the AT? Thanks for the help!

If you get a stick on the 96 you also get the 2.2, one of the best motors ever.

96 auto 2.5

96 manual 2.2

Agreed...96 outback 5mt is the only outback worth owning. Who would want a phase 1 2.5 anyway? I think there are plenty of subaru 5mts out there...we subaru drivers tend to prefer them...though they do sell quick. I was looking at a legacy on a used car lot and as soon as I see it's an auto I turn to get back in my car. The salesman asks if he can help. I say no it's a worthless auto. He says yep.

besides the very good points that the others have made about the 2.5 did you ever consider just a regular legacy wagon? They didn't put 2.5's in them untill way later on and I guarantee they are going to be a cheaper alternative to the OB yet it is still basically the same car.Matt

In my original post I said legacy OR outback. I agree that the legacy is basically the same car, though I wouldn't mind the 15inch tires--bit more clearance. I use my 93 legacy wagon for getting into some pretty tough places to cut firewood! And I also agree that there are lots of 5sp trannies out there, problem is they're not very close to me! Good advice on holding out for one till I get desperate. I think I can wait . . .

In my original post I said legacy OR outback. I agree that the legacy is basically the same car, though I wouldn't mind the 15inch tires--bit more clearance. I use my 93 legacy wagon for getting into some pretty tough places to cut firewood! And I also agree that there are lots of 5sp trannies out there, problem is they're not very close to me! Good advice on holding out for one till I get desperate. I think I can wait . . .

I would also hold out for the outback, after owning both I can tell you I like the outback way more than the regular legacy. They look better; ride better, feels better than the regular legacy imo.

 

And even if you do get a 2.5 just build into the cost the fact that you might need to do a head gasket. It is hard to find a 96 5spd these days, were 97-99 2.5 5spds are easier to find.

Rweddy--You think the outback rides better? No way...it's like driving a tank compared to legacys...way too much power steering assist, way too heavy, way too floaty.

 

Looks better? I don't know. I guess if you like the pontiac body cladding look.

 

Of course you are comparing a 96 OB with a 91 legacy and I'm comparing a 01 OB with a 98 legacy.

 

I think the 96 OB weren't so large feeling as the newer ones.

Rweddy--You think the outback rides better? No way...it's like driving a tank compared to legacys...way too much power steering assist, way too heavy, way too floaty.

 

Looks better? I don't know. I guess if you like the pontiac body cladding look.

 

Of course you are comparing a 96 OB with a 91 legacy and I'm comparing a 01 OB with a 98 legacy.

 

I think the 96 OB weren't so large feeling as the newer ones.

I guess it is a matter of choice. BTW both share the same pwr steering, and tires make a big difference.

 

I do like the fact it rides higher. Do not have to worry about hitting curbs with doors or while pulling in. I also MTN bike, hike, and snowboard and the extra ground clearance and gearing is very import on fire roads. My legacy was way too low and not geared for any mountain climbing on or off highway. Both have the 2.2 but my OBW has way more usable power and the 2.5 has even more.

And the body cladding is great protection.

 

I am not bashing regular legacies; just think outback’s are better looking.

That's a good point. I'm always hitting stuff with the front of my legacy...esp with the lower gt bumper cover.

 

I can't believe they have the same pwr steering. Going around corners at speed in the outback there is no weight whereas my legacy is perfectly weighted...they are two completely different cars in this situation. Maybe it's the different model years.

 

 

BTW, I do want a 96 OB 5mt.

That's a good point. I'm always hitting stuff with the front of my legacy...esp with the lower gt bumper cover.

 

I can't believe they have the same pwr steering. Going around corners at speed in the outback there is no weight whereas my legacy is perfectly weighted...they are two completely different cars in this situation. Maybe it's the different model years.

 

 

BTW, I do want a 96 OB 5mt.

At least we can agree on the 96 obw 2.2

What do you think of the 04s?

I almost broke my never buy new car rule!!

You mean the 05's? I think they look cool but I'm not fond of new subies...at least until they bring back the ej22, improve build quality, and learn the definition of customer service. My parent's 01 OBW is a real POS. They might be nice to lease for a couple years but once that warranty is up I would drop it like an anchor. A buddy of mine is looking to replace his 01 GT sedan so maybe we'll go drive the new GT.

You mean the 05's? I think they look cool but I'm not fond of new subies...at least until they bring back the ej22, improve build quality, and learn the definition of customer service. My parent's 01 OBW is a real POS. They might be nice to lease for a couple years but once that warranty is up I would drop it like an anchor. A buddy of mine is looking to replace his 01 GT sedan so maybe we'll go drive the new GT.

Improve build quality?? :-\

The only issue that Subaru has had over the last few years that is major is headgasket and I would say that it is a bit over rated here on the forum. Compare Subaru to any other AWD vehicle on the market and they are hands down the most reliable out there by far.

I would say that is has gone up since the mid 90's. (90-94 best imo)

I have had a few issues with my 96, nothing major. My father's 02 has not had a single glitch. And the build quality is even better in the 05s.

Actually everyone in the salt belt got a recall warning that the rear subframe could rust through resulting in catastrophic failure. I assume CO was not included they use sand and gravel? like MT. Needless to say not exactly confidence inspiring especially when taken with all the other problems. Our 01 OBW has had three injectors replaced...one of them on two seperate occasions...terminal clutch judder...heated seats now come on whenever they want...coolant issues...I could go on.

My 97 OB is a ROCK! 150,000 miles on the original clutch - that includes hauling my motorocycles to/from many tracks, & 2500lbs from MD to AZ and back!. I replaced the cam & crank seals - normal. Coolant drain, flush, & fill every other year at most. Brake fluid drain & fill on same schedule. I'm changing to KYB GR-2's & Scorpion springs this weekend. Failures? NONE. ZERO. But I do my maintenance religiously. My buddies 99 GT sedan is the same (but only has 45,000 miles). Both are 5-speeds. In winter especially, I am the first person friends call when they MUST get somewhere. I love my 97 OB 5speed, and you can't ever have it!!!

My 97 OB is a ROCK! 150,000 miles on the original clutch - that includes hauling my motorocycles to/from many tracks, & 2500lbs from MD to AZ and back!. I replaced the cam & crank seals - normal. Coolant drain, flush, & fill every other year at most. Brake fluid drain & fill on same schedule. I'm changing to KYB GR-2's & Scorpion springs this weekend. Failures? NONE. ZERO. But I do my maintenance religiously. My buddies 99 GT sedan is the same (but only has 45,000 miles). Both are 5-speeds. In winter especially, I am the first person friends call when they MUST get somewhere. I love my 97 OB 5speed, and you can't ever have it!!!

What no HG issues on a 2.5!! This cannot be, they all blow at 90k!!!

 

Glad to hear this!! I have had many subarus over 200k and plan to take my 96 to that also!!

I honestly think the 96-99 OB is the best choice over a newer car. I had an 02 that I loved to death but the clutch judder was just too much for me to take anymore. I always thought the 96-99 was a tougher looking car....not so mom and pop looking.

 

As for the 2.2 96's.....I found one on a lot close to me...might go look at it this weekend... and it is 5 speed.

 

Don't give up on a 96 there out there.....

 

Matt

I honestly think the 96-99 OB is the best choice over a newer car. I had an 02 that I loved to death but the clutch judder was just too much for me to take anymore. I always thought the 96-99 was a tougher looking car....not so mom and pop looking.

 

As for the 2.2 96's.....I found one on a lot close to me...might go look at it this weekend... and it is 5 speed.

 

Don't give up on a 96 there out there.....

 

Matt

I agree!! 96-99 best looking.

96 5 spd is the holy grail of OBW!!

They just need the hood scoop!! Which I am working on getting for my 96!

I am so glad they brought it back on the 05 models.

 

BTW There is a 96 5 spd OWB in CO for sale 133k asking 4970.00 but beat you could talk them down.

 

As far as clutch, did you put in the updated clutch? My buddy had same issue, but put in clutch fix and has been fine since.

Hey rweddy -

 

what clutch update are you talking about? very curious since i'm guessing it won't be too long before i need a new clutch - suggestions?

Hey rweddy -

 

what clutch update are you talking about? very curious since i'm guessing it won't be too long before i need a new clutch - suggestions?

Subaru re-styled the clutch because of chatter. The parts department should have the new one available. Check TSB for you year.

Who would want a Phase I 2.5l engine? About 600,000 people.....

 

The resale on manuals is substantially less, because they cost less new and because the market is limited to those who want a standard.

 

The Outback is a big step up over the Legacy if you are driving heavily loaded on dirt or other rough roads.

 

Be patient, we are entering prime car buying/selling season as the new models come out and you only need one!

When my clutch went bad in my 02 it was at 20k. i told the dealer I wasn't paying for it because I do know how to drive stick... They said they wanted to pull it apart but if they found it to be my fault then I was going to have to pay for the new clutch. I told them I wasn't going to pay to tear it down and then have to pay big money for their junk parts. So Subaru paid the whole thing 100% but about 8k later this clutch got violently shakey so I traded the car and a forester we had on the 04 forester. So far so good with that....

 

Also, since I traded the car it is still sitting on the lot for sale. I traded it 12-23-03 and yesterday it was still sitting there....

 

Matt

I'm curious. What is the weight of the '96-'99 Outbacks?

Per my 1997 OB product brochure: (which should be close for 96-99)

 

5speed: 3155

auto: 3220

Limited adds 15 and 10 respectfully

 

ground clearance if anyone cares: 7.3 (at curb weight)

regular legacy: 6.1 (at curb weight)

 

Matt