W
westford62
Hey all, new to group. I'm hoping someone out there can answer a
question I have regarding the 1997 Outback 2.5L.
Here's the deal: 70K, no rust, decent shape, the price is right. We
are replacing our 96 Legacy (175K- not too too bad, I think) but I
have heard from several friends and mechanics( the "work at a garage
and fix 'em at home" type) that the 2.5L is a potentially expensive
engine. My wife works at a dealership and I've spoken to the service
manager and HE says that the engine is of the "timing belt snaps and
you're screwed" variety. I know, replace the belt and you're fine
but... I also have heard that the twin cam design is not very durable
in that it seems to develop expensive fix problems around 90-100K.
Yeah, it's all rumor. I've Googled around but haven't really found the
answer I'm looking for, perhaps I just really stink at framing the
right Google query - I don't know. Personally, I like the car. Our
Legacy is perfect for us out here in the sticks, I think it's
replaced the Saab as the "State Car of Vermont" and rightly so.
So let's assume the Outback has had fairly regular maintenance, needs
brakes and stuff but otherwise has been maintained pretty well as in
when things broke they got fixed and the oil was changed on time.
Hasn't been wrecked. Motor sounds okay, no leaks, no puffs, starts
right up... the whole shebang.
But that motor and the rumors of it being not very durable have got me
nervous, especially at 70K and the crucial miles still ahead. I really
don't want a coffee grinder under the hood at 90K, you know?
My thanks in advance for any insight you folks mighty be able to pass
along.
BTW, the 96 Legacy has finally succumbed to the nasty dirt roads and
just needs replacin'. It's kind of funny the way she has gone - it
just "Herbie'd Up" and sat in the driveway smoking and steaming away
one rainy afternoon. The service department did a gunk/leak check and
came back with the sorry news that it didn't look good and we should
pay our respects and not a mechanic. Great little car even if it was
woefully underpowered climbing those hills on I-89 on the way to MA.
Oh well. It was a demon in the snow....
question I have regarding the 1997 Outback 2.5L.
Here's the deal: 70K, no rust, decent shape, the price is right. We
are replacing our 96 Legacy (175K- not too too bad, I think) but I
have heard from several friends and mechanics( the "work at a garage
and fix 'em at home" type) that the 2.5L is a potentially expensive
engine. My wife works at a dealership and I've spoken to the service
manager and HE says that the engine is of the "timing belt snaps and
you're screwed" variety. I know, replace the belt and you're fine
but... I also have heard that the twin cam design is not very durable
in that it seems to develop expensive fix problems around 90-100K.
Yeah, it's all rumor. I've Googled around but haven't really found the
answer I'm looking for, perhaps I just really stink at framing the
right Google query - I don't know. Personally, I like the car. Our
Legacy is perfect for us out here in the sticks, I think it's
replaced the Saab as the "State Car of Vermont" and rightly so.
So let's assume the Outback has had fairly regular maintenance, needs
brakes and stuff but otherwise has been maintained pretty well as in
when things broke they got fixed and the oil was changed on time.
Hasn't been wrecked. Motor sounds okay, no leaks, no puffs, starts
right up... the whole shebang.
But that motor and the rumors of it being not very durable have got me
nervous, especially at 70K and the crucial miles still ahead. I really
don't want a coffee grinder under the hood at 90K, you know?
My thanks in advance for any insight you folks mighty be able to pass
along.
BTW, the 96 Legacy has finally succumbed to the nasty dirt roads and
just needs replacin'. It's kind of funny the way she has gone - it
just "Herbie'd Up" and sat in the driveway smoking and steaming away
one rainy afternoon. The service department did a gunk/leak check and
came back with the sorry news that it didn't look good and we should
pay our respects and not a mechanic. Great little car even if it was
woefully underpowered climbing those hills on I-89 on the way to MA.
Oh well. It was a demon in the snow....