98 outback headgasket worries

[babyfacefitz]

I have bought five or so 90-94 legacys on ebay. Just committed this week to a 98 outback lmt 2.5 and have been reading about the gasket issues. Is this too risky of a gamble, should I back out of the ebay deal? Is replacing the gasket an option to avoid the damage? Are the unfortunate owners just blowing up the issue?

 

thanks for any response.

 

Michael

[idosubaru]

Are the unfortunate owners just blowing up the issue?l

 

no. but that's not to say it's garaunteed to happen either. one thing that sucks about this issue is that the headgaskets avoid normal detection techniques when they first start to fail making it hard to diagnose or think it's something minor.

 

yes you can replace as preventative maintenance, the newer headgaskets are upgraded to avoid this scenario.

 

as to whether to get the car or not, that's up to you. read up and be informed and make a decision. if you got it for 500 bucks and it's in great shape then sweet, if the head gasket goes put the new ones on and be done with it. i wouldn't pay top dollar for it, i'd include a substantial deduction for the possibility of head gasket issues on any pre-2000 2.5 liter soob.

[babyfacefitz]

I have bought five or so 90-94 legacys on ebay. Just committed this week to a 98 outback lmt 2.5 and have been reading about the gasket issues. Is this too risky of a gamble, should I back out of the ebay deal? Is replacing the gasket an option to avoid the damage? Are the unfortunate owners just blowing up the issue?

 

thanks for any response.

 

Michael

 

I got a "deal" I thought, bought it for $2700. Thanks for the response.