Ok I am wanting to buy a 94 to 96 subaru wagon. I do not know what the real difference is between a legacy and an outback and the forester just looks bigger to me. I want an automatic , I think with another 4cyl like I have in my 91 legacy(which I think is a 2.2?)I like that engine, plenty of pick up and good gas mileage.Presently getting 25 to 27 mpg with my full time 4wd, would like something comprable in gas mileage, do any of the 6cyl do that good? I need 4wd , does not have to be full time but that is ok. I want to put a lift kit on this thing, my only gripe about the subarus is not enough clearance. I need advice on which engines and trannys are available and which ones are most relaible. I do mostly highway driving with maybe 30% in town, every year I put between 30000 and 40000 miles on it. I am not stuck on any particular year or type , this is a work car I do not mind if it has a few dings or paint is not good, I want one that is mechanically sound, preferably with lower miles. I love my 91 legacy and want to make sure I get another one as good as this one. I do very little ice and snow driving mostly rough dirt roads, mud and driving through small rivers. and a lot of highway. Ok which car do you guys think will be the best for me? Does anyone have anything like this for sale in a 12 hour drive from me in Tucson, Az? Thanks, Courtney

GOOD PLACE TO START???

http://www.cars101.com <---search the archives

 

there was no forester until 1998 - so rule that out

 

the first true outback hit the roads in 1996....

 

and ALL subaru's went to AWD beginning in 1996....

up through that point, a good handful of the models were FWD

 

2.2 or 2.5 engine is your option

either one will do you fine and get you decent gas mileage...

 

 

check http://www.autotrader.com for a nice used Legacy or Impreza/Impreza Wagon maybe?

 

good luck to ya

jamie

The 2.2 is a great engine, some have problems with the 2.5, so if you're happy with the 2.2 you have now stick with it.

 

The auto tranny that matches up to 2.2 doesn't have quite as good of a reputation as the engine. However I have put 160K HARD miles on it and have done nothing to it. I will probably look for a 5-speed next, but just as a personal preference, not because I don't like the auto.

 

The six cylinders are getting good reviews so far, but you would have to jump up to a 2002(?).

 

How many miles do you have on your 91?

 

As far as the lift, you can enhance the struts/springs or their are a couple of lift kits floating around now. There is a recent post about it, should be on the 1st or 2nd page.

Courtney

 

IMHO, I think you've described a workload for an Outback. I am personally not too fond of them. Mostly because of Paul Hogan's "SpOrt Yutility" reference. (sentence fragment, you're my only friend ) SUV's suck and Scoob's have NOTHING in common with those gas hogs. Still, Outbacks are just Legacy's with some lift, bigger tires/wheels, and a 2.5 (I think?). If I were you, I would look for something with some decent (read:BIG) fog lights, and a roof rack too. Trust me, such things DO come in handy! Or you could just stick with your trusty 91. That's what I did Just my $.02 Peace out, yo.