When searching for a timing belt for a Loyale, should I stick with Subaru OE, or is there an aftermarket brand that is better than others? I have had my share of crap aftermarket parts, so I know brand does make a difference.

I prefer Gates Belts myself. Kind of a family thing. They have been around a long time. That is all my father has ever used on his cars since I was a little kid. I put Gates timing belts on my 89 GL10 about 3 months ago. No problems and the quality of the belts is great too. Just my Two cents.

goodyear gatorback belts are good too, i have had good reults withthem, found at auto zone.

another vote for gates I've seen oem sub belts made by gates..subie part # and all..

The Gates brand was to recommended to me by a Chevy dealership once. They are supposed to be pretty good and are made in the USA. Napa brand timing belts are made by Gates.

my rule of thumb (as I have broken 2 timing belts in my car (with covers so they died of natural causes))

 

Japanese made (OEM) WOnderful

American made (good year or something) PRetty darn good, should get you 60K at least

MExican made (awful, broke in like 50K)

 

So make sure they are made in the USA or better

Stick with Gates and OEM.

 

Steer clear of bosch. A broken belt isn't terminal though.

I just changed the belts on my '92 Loyale wagon this weekend. The box said Dayco, but the belts had Dayco/Gates on them and had the same part number as the Gates that I replaced.

 

I replaced them because I didn't know how old they were. I bought the car last fall and it had no maintenance records. Figured it was better safe than sorry and was some fun time to spend with my son. So, now I've got a set of emergency spares, too.