Hello , I was looking to buy a used Outback but all the Headgasket problems on the 2.5 engine made me not want one . I found a really nice Legacy 1995 LSi with 101,000 on the clock super clean . My question is do the 2.2 liter engines have the same headgasket problems as the 2.5 ? Are there any issues with the 2.2 I should look for ? Thanks .......Rich

Hi Rich,

 

No, the 2.2 engines do not have the head gasket problems of the 2.5 Phase 1 engines that were used on the early Outbacks. In fact, the 2.2 (EJ22) engines are considered to be probably the best engine Subaru has ever built. With proper maintenance, many 2.2 engines run 300k miles or more. Mine has 208k on it and still runs great. There aren't really any major issues with the 2.2 engines. They do tend to develop oil leaks but almost all engines do that if they're run long enough. The 2.2 is really an easy engine to work on, so fixing small things like oil leaks and other maintenance items is not really a big deal. Besides the head gasket issues, the really big advantage of the early 2.2 engines (including the '95 you're looking at) is that they are a 'non-interference' design, meaning that if the timing belt should break, it won't destroy any internal engine components. Just replace the broken timing belt and you're good to go. That's a huge advantage over the 'interference designs', which include the later 2.2's and all of the 2.5's.

In my opinion, an nice, clean, low-mileage '95 Legacy would be one of the best possible used cars that a person could buy. You've got a real winner there, so if you can make a deal on it, grab it!

Ron , thanks for the info ... The car is very clean and the fact that it is a Lsi with all the options is nice . I think I can get it for 3500 . How does that price sound ? Seems a little low (for my area anyway) Rich.....

$3,500 does seem pretty low for that car. Is it at a dealership or a private party? Have you driven it yet? If you're concerned that it's too good to be true, you can run a Carfax report and have a pre-purchase inspection done by a knowledgeable Subie mechanic. If it checks out okay, then buy it. These are not high-maintenance cars, so it's unlikely that you will experience any expensive surprises any time soon. Good luck!

One caveat : I'm not sure but I think LSIs had air (pneumatic) suspension. If it's the case and on a car of that age, take into account that it will probably fail soon and that you will have to replace with standard struts.

Ron , I ran the carfax report , the mileage is correct and its a one owner car. It was traded in at a dealership and the guy selling it is a private dealer . The car looks dealer maintained ,it even has a subaru battery ...

$3,500 does seem pretty low for that car. Is it at a dealership or a private party? Have you driven it yet? If you're concerned that it's too good to be true, you can run a Carfax report and have a pre-purchase inspection done by a knowledgeable Subie mechanic. If it checks out okay, then buy it. These are not high-maintenance cars, so it's unlikely that you will experience any expensive surprises any time soon. Good luck!

I'll sell you a 1996 OBW 5-speed with a 2.2l engine (109,000 miles) for $6,500

 

 

 

Nah, i'm kidding. I love my baby. But there are OBW from 95 (not really an Outback...just a two-tone painted Legacy wagon) and the manual trans. ones from 1996 with the 2.2l engines.

Rick,

 

This car is sounding better all the time! However, as Frag says, beware of the pneumatic suspensions. They are troublesome. The way I look at it, if you can get the car you want cheap enough, even if you do have to spend some money on repairs or catching up on maintenance, you're probably still ahead money-wise and then you know exactly what you have.

 

Another thought: if the guy selling the car can't show you proof that the timing belt has been changed, then you'd better plan on getting that done soon after you buy the car. If it hasn't been done yet, it's overdue. You can use that as a negotiating point. It's quite possible that the original owner put it off because of the high price the dealers charge and then traded it in rather than deal with it.

thanks , I dont think it has the pneumatic suspension . I check it out tomorrow though . How can I tell ? Did you see the pictures , I sent you a private message with pics and more info on the car ....Thanks ,Rich.....

I didn't see your PM until late this evening but I did send you a reply. I'm not familiar with the pneumatic suspensions. None of my cars have had it. There should be an up/down switch somewhere on the console or instrument panel. Take a look at the owner's manual if it's in the car and you should be able to tell from that. Good luck and let us know what happens.

ok , I saw and drove the car today . It seems to be mechanically sound . All fluids are very clean (Tranny , diff ,oil ,antifreeze,) there are no visible leaks ,all cv boots are good . The interior is clean , all widows and sunroof operate nice . There are 2 nice dings in pass. rear door and the wheels are pitted up real bad . The rest of the body is clean for 10 years old .It does not have the air suspension but it seems to need rear shocks . The engine runs real smooth and the tranny shifts smooth . It does not have the fog lights . Im going to offer him 3000.00 . What do you think ? Rich....

ok , I saw and drove the car today . It seems to be mechanically sound . All fluids are very clean (Tranny , diff ,oil ,antifreeze,) there are no visible leaks ,all cv boots are good . The interior is clean , all widows and sunroof operate nice . There are 2 nice dings in pass. rear door and the wheels are pitted up real bad . The rest of the body is clean for 10 years old .It does not have the air suspension but it seems to need rear shocks . The engine runs real smooth and the tranny shifts smooth . It does not have the fog lights . Im going to offer him 3000.00 . What do you think ? Rich....

If he gives you that price, grab it before he changes his mind. It is an excelent deal for the 3500. . .

Rich, I agree with Gnuman... grab it before someone else does. It's a great deal at $3,000 or even $3,500. Even if it does need a few things, I don't see how you can go wrong at that price.

I'll sell you a 1996 OBW 5-speed with a 2.2l engine (109,000 miles) for $6,500

 

 

 

Nah, i'm kidding. I love my baby. But there are OBW from 95 (not really an Outback...just a two-tone painted Legacy wagon) and the manual trans. ones from 1996 with the 2.2l engines.

If they are manual, the 96 outbacks with auto are 2.5.

I think the 96 2.2 outback is one of the best combo's you can get in the subaru line.

BTW the Air Height systems were only offered until 94.

If they are manual, the 96 outbacks with auto are 2.5.

I think the 96 2.2 outback is one of the best combo's you can get in the subaru line.

Yeah...when I was looking at cars I didn't even bother looking at the Outback because I assumed they were all EJ25s...but then I looked into it and found the manuals for the 96 year did have the 2.2l engine

Hi Rich,

 

I was in your same exact situation in May of 02. Nice 95 lsi wagon, 103k, very clean inside, a few small dents outside, ran like a charm and I bought it. Still going strong at 154k. Mine does not have pneumatic suspension, I had a 94 lsi that had it. I don't even know if that was an option for that year. Anyway, go for it, it is the most dependable sub I've owned. Now when I bought it, the used car dealer changed, timing belt, crank and oil seals and a few other maintenance (normal) items. All I did was put new tires on it last year. Good luck.

I just got my 95 LSi wagon this past year and I love it. Other than the thermostat going kaput, I've not had to do anything to it. It was from a one-owner before I acquired it. Almost to 160,000 miles right now and still going smooth and strong. The 2.2 is a mighty fine engine. $3500 does not sound like a bad price for that car. I really enjoy my leather interior and buttons...

I wish I have the LSI version, my car has nothing in it. My great addition to my car the other day, was the 12 volt output cigarette lighter. What else does the LSi come with over the brighton model?

What else does the LSi come with over the brighton model?

Everything.

 

 

The LSi is automatic only, right?

Everything.

 

 

The LSi is automatic only, right?

Yep auto only.

I had a 5 spd ls 91 that was a nice model with sunroof.