What do you guys think of this, the 96 Outback still has the good 2.2l engine right? I'm somewhat of a Subaru noob and I'm looking to get one for the upcoming Massachusetts winter. Alot of the ones I've looked at so far have been kind of crappy. I'm willing to spend about 2800 for the right one. I haven't looked at this one yet, I will be on Monday.

 

 

http://providence.craigslist.org/cto/1300673109.html

Yeah, this could be a good car. '96 with manual tranny still has the "bulletproof" non-interference EJ22 engine. 167k wouldn't bother me if it's had regular care and maintenance--see if he can document that, especially timing belt changes.

 

Check it over, drive it and see how it feels to you.

 

Again, offer him less because of age/mileage/rust and the fact that it's close to due for another front-end job--timing belt, pulleys, seals, waterpump, etc.

 

Good luck!

Oh, forgot--"Cars101" is a good site to look for info on past models:

 

http://www.cars101.com/outback_archive95-97.html

The guy sent me an email and said the only possible issue with it is that "when some people drive it the synchros grind between first and second" but he said it doesn't happen when he drives so it might just be driving style. Are these grinding synchros common and how sever a problem is it? I mean would I be able to drive it for a while, it would only be a second car for the winter anyways.

Yes, the "second gear crunch" can happen in older transmissions. Guess it depends on how severe it is in this particular car whether it's a problem or not. Only thing I can suggest is go drive it and see how it feels to you personally.

 

If you get the car you could try Red Line 75W90ns in the tranny. Many of us swear by it, smooths things out quite a bit. Here's a bit of discussion about it:

 

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=96331&highlight=redline+75w90ns

 

Again, use the "crunch" as a bargaining chip. Good luck with your decision and do let us know your reaction to the car.