JT95 Posted January 5, 2008 Share Posted January 5, 2008 I'm going to look at a '99 Outback Sport. I wasn't really looking to buy a car, and I hadn't really seriously considered an Impreza before. My '95 LSi wagon has hit the 230,000 mark and I figure it's only a matter of time before I have to sink some dough into it...probably the tranny before anything else. Anyway, I ran across a maybe really good deal on this little Impreza wagon, which is smaller than what I'm used to. Anyway, I don't know much about the Imprezas. I have loved my 95 Legacy and the 2.2 is one amazing engine. How does the drivetrain in this '99 Impreza compare to the '95 2.2? Did the Imprezas ever have the head gasket issue, or was that just some of the Legacys and Foresters? Are there any known quirks/issues with this model? The car has 71,000 miles on it. I figure I could get another 100,000 out of it easy. It is a sporty looking car, but I am looking at it mainly because of the low mileage. I was consideing a plan to replace the engine and tranny in my LSi in the future as my mileage hit 300,000 or when something happened because it is such a fun car to drive. But, I could buy this little Impreza wagon cheaper than replacing the drivetrain, so it might make more sense. This Outback Sport is an automatic, which I would prefer it to be a 5 speed, but oh well... Anyway, I'd appreciate any comments/insight on this specific model of Sube. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fnlyfnd Posted January 5, 2008 Share Posted January 5, 2008 Should be a 2.2L Check for torque bind, and matching tires Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
98obster Posted January 5, 2008 Share Posted January 5, 2008 I'm going to look at a '99 Outback Sport. I wasn't really looking to buy a car, and I hadn't really seriously considered an Impreza before. My '95 LSi wagon has hit the 230,000 mark and I figure it's only a matter of time before I have to sink some dough into it...probably the tranny before anything else. Anyway, I ran across a maybe really good deal on this little Impreza wagon, which is smaller than what I'm used to. Anyway, I don't know much about the Imprezas. I have loved my 95 Legacy and the 2.2 is one amazing engine. How does the drivetrain in this '99 Impreza compare to the '95 2.2? Did the Imprezas ever have the head gasket issue, or was that just some of the Legacys and Foresters? Are there any known quirks/issues with this model? still bombproof 2.2 sohc. Hg probs were the 2.5 phase1 dohc iirc The car has 71,000 miles on it. I figure I could get another 100,000 out of it easy. It is a sporty looking car, but I am looking at it mainly because of the low mileage. I was consideing a plan to replace the engine and tranny in my LSi in the future as my mileage hit 300,000 or when something happened because it is such a fun car to drive. But, I could buy this little Impreza wagon cheaper than replacing the drivetrain, so it might make more sense. This Outback Sport is an automatic, which I would prefer it to be a 5 speed, but oh well... Anyway, I'd appreciate any comments/insight on this specific model of Sube. Thanks! if the engine is tight (no oil leaks) and the hopefully the timing belt has just been replaced, this is a good one. cars101.com describes changes including improve auto tranny (i hope it's auto-very robust and dependable). the 99 also had the improved roller legacy wheel bearings which are less pron to failure and one less expense on your new purchase. 71K? this car easily has 150k left or more. buy it unless they're asking 10,000 good luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted January 5, 2008 Share Posted January 5, 2008 Did the Imprezas ever have the head gasket issue, or was that just some of the Legacys and Foresters?No this impreza won't have that problem. The head gasket issue is a MOTOR specific problem, not a MODEL specific problem. Stick with the 2.2 liter EJ22 engine and you won't have to worry about it, it's the EJ25 2.5 liter engines that have issues. The Impreza's (except RS) didn't get them until 2001+. Are there any known quirks/issues with this model? very solid car. there is one significant difference between this EJ22 and your EJ22 in your Legacy LSi. The 1999 EJ22 is an interference engine. If the timing belt breaks then extensive engine damage will result - $$$$ if you're paying someone else to fix it and could require engine replacement. On an interference engine it is important to be up to date on your maintenance and to thoroughly check or replace all the timing components - because a bad pulley, tensioner or water pump will easily break a brand new belt. the earlier EJ22's had a 60,000 mile timing belt interval, double check this 1999 though - i replace the belt at 60,000 miles and then the belt and all the tensioners/water pump at 120,000 miles...then just the belt at 180,000 (unless something doesn't feel right of course). at 71,000 it is likely in need of a belt soon. at 8+ years old i would plan on replacing the belt and inspecting all the pulleys, my guess is the lower sprocketed pulley should be replaced and will be the loudest of them all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JT95 Posted January 5, 2008 Author Share Posted January 5, 2008 Thanks for the feedback. Yeah, the 2.2 in my LSi has been bulletproof--230,000 and still purrs and humms and runs amazing. (I think my auto tranny's days are numbered though.) I'm driving 3 hrs to go see the car today. It's got some light body damage, but I do body and paint work, so ths might be a good deal for me. Owning a high milegae Subie the past 4 years has really built a lot of faith in me for the brand...hard to pass up a cheap 71,000 car. I'll report what I find... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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