I'm looking at buying this 2000 Outback out of Florida for $4500, my sister-in-law, who is in Fl, is going today to take a look at it for me before I make the trip down to see it for myself. The car has 125K, but looks to be like new from the photos. This car was on ebay and the seller had no neg rating and a 350 positive rating.

 

What are things to look out for in this Model year car? Its a 5 speed. Am I right that the HG issue on this car is similar to the ones on my 97 OBW, with the exception that its an external water leak, as opposed to an internal exhaust gas leak? TIA

 

Brad

Edited February 16, 200917 yr by skibumm

See if you can determine if this is one of those many "hurricane" cars.

Am I right that the HG issue on this car is similar to the ones on my 97 OBW, with the exception that its an external water leak, as opposed to an internal exhaust gas leak?

the other difference is these EJ25's don't overheat, or at least until they run low on coolant. they just seep externally and it's usually easily visible on the rear side of the heads. be sure to inspect the rear head/engine mating surface closely for any signs there.

 

these phase II's are much nicer for that, they won't leave you stranded like the older ones, that's why i dislike those so much.

 

you can also run a car-fax. sometimes they show where the car was maintained, what services were done. and you can call those places and find out if the head gaskets were ever replaced.

 

florida car, awesome!

the other difference is these EJ25's don't overheat, or at least until they run low on coolant. they just seep externally and it's usually easily visible on the rear side of the heads. be sure to inspect the rear head/engine mating surface closely for any signs there.

 

these phase II's are much nicer for that, they won't leave you stranded like the older ones, that's why i dislike those so much.

 

you can also run a car-fax. sometimes they show where the car was maintained, what services were done. and you can call those places and find out if the head gaskets were ever replaced.

 

florida car, awesome!

 

I ran a Carfax on it, states 2 owners, and only title registrations and emissions testings. Does not show any maintenance work or recall work by Subaru or dealers. My sister-in-law called and said everything looked clean underneath the engine bay. Started right up and no engine slap, only thing she commented on was you had to have the clutch to the floor before it would start. I suspect that would be normal? NO Rust and only a few scratches were found on the outside.

I ran a Carfax on it, states 2 owners, and only title registrations and emissions testings. Does not show any maintenance work or recall work by Subaru or dealers. My sister-in-law called and said everything looked clean underneath the engine bay. Started right up and no engine slap, only thing she commented on was you had to have the clutch to the floor before it would start. I suspect that would be normal? NO Rust and only a few scratches were found on the outside.

 

As far as the clutch goes, my 1998 Imp OBS does the same thing too, so I think it's normal:)

as far as the clutch goes, my 1998 imp obs does the same thing too, so i think it's normal:)

 

+1

Going by pictures it looks like you have a very nice car at a good price.

There is a clutch safety switch, the clutch has to be pressed before the engine will start, it is a safety feature.

Going by pictures it looks like you have a very nice car at a good price.

 

Thats what I am hoping, flying down Monday 2/23 to pick it up and bring back to OH.