Hey all. I'm just getting my 96 Legacy Outback up and running, love the car and between that and finding this site, Im like the new Subaru enthusiast in these parts. My best friend is looking for a replacement for his 18 year old daughter's Escort, which has P**Sed us off for the last time...the crusher is coming for it. Today, just down the street, I found a 96 Legacy wagon for sale. It was burried in the snow, and I have not got a good look at it yet. But just as a start, I thought I would see if anyone here has a opinion. I called the owner, it is a Legacy, but not a Outback. Its a stick shift. Has 140,000 mi. He swears it runs and drives perfectly, just had new rear brakes, and will pass NY inspection without a problem. It also is supposedly not rusty...I want to see it up close and personal before I believe that. Couple questions for you guys? I never asked, but did Subaru even sell a FWD in 96? If it is a Legacy but not a Outback, and standard shift, would that mean the 2.2 sohc engine? (the owner was not sure, but after what Ive been through with my 2.5, Im thinking that is a plus for a young girl who just wants a reliable car) I got the owner down to $1500 without even trying tonight, Im thinking we may buy it cheaper if we wave cash at him. If that sucker is 4WD and a 2.2, and not rusted, I think we have to wheel and deal, if you know what I mean..... any comments?

Yah if it's AWD and a 2.2 sounds good. I've a '96 2.2L Legacy and it's been great. You should be able to peak under the rear end and see if there's half shafts/rear diff there to see about AWD.

 

I'd check for torque bind. sohc/dohc should be notable by looking at the timing belt covers. Should be able to find the engine code or see the model # on the block, ie EJ22 something or EJ25 something.

subaru did sell FWD MT in 1996.

if it's a 2.2 and manual trans, that's a great combo. if it's FWD and snow is a concern, just get snow tires they are more bang for your buck in bad weather than AWD anyway.

at 140,000 it should get new timing belts, water pump and probably at least a new sprocketed pulley (they tend to get noisey first). cam and crank seal (also the oil pump seal) would be good to while you're in there. that would be an excellent vehicle and that's about as close of a garauntee as you can get to make 200,000.

Today, just down the street, I found a 96 Legacy wagon for sale. It was burried in the snow, and I have not got a good look at it yet. quote]

 

Did you get a chance to check this car out, Bserk? I think it would be excellent transportation for the young lady--provided it passes muster of course.