Greetings. I am new to the board and have enjoyed the great info. I have a 1997 Outback (2.5) and I am changing the spark plugs. The dealer quoted me $13.60 each for OEM (I am assuming they are NGK) and the local parts store quoted me around $3.00 for NGK. Are there different types of NGK plugs? I have also seen on-line parts retailers quote around $13.00 for the Subaru plugs that they show to be OEM and, again, around $3.00 for non OEM.. Where should I go? Thanks!!!

just get the $10 cheaper NGK plugs...... always worked fine for everybody else

get the $3.00 versions, that's what i got for my 1997 outback. dealers are inherently expensive. if you need dealer parts, order them online from 1stsubaruparts.com or liberty subaru in NJ, they typically offer MUCH better prices than local dealer will. air struts locally are $399 but only $250 through one of the online subaru OEM parts suppliers. that's a HUGE difference. i would guess the $3 and $13 plugs are the same part anyway. ask them for the NGK part number and compare them. if the NGK part numbers match then it's the same plug.

 

for spark plugs not a big deal, but for 1997 Outback specific questions the Newer Generation Forum will get you more responses. (this is the Older Generation Forum).

Theres a Platinum plug and a standard plug (copper I think). If the dealer ones are Platinum, and you have an ej25 engine, get them. The PITA factor on replacing them is worth the longer life plugs.