97 Subaru Outback - anything to look for before I buy??

[Mike]

I am interested in a 97 Outback AWD 2.5 engine that is for sale from a
dealer locally - 120,000 mile so the mileage is high- asking 5000
Anything I should be aware of with that year and model? I havent had a
chance to drive out a look at it yet but it sounds like a decent deal.
Carfax shows a clean history on it.
THanks, Mike

 

[Victor Roberts]

I am interested in a 97 Outback AWD 2.5 engine that is for sale from a
dealer locally - 120,000 mile so the mileage is high- asking 5000
Anything I should be aware of with that year and model? I havent had a
chance to drive out a look at it yet but it sounds like a decent deal.
Carfax shows a clean history on it.
THanks, Mike

Well I have the same model and have had only a couple of problems. (I
know a sample of one is not very good.)

1) Listen for a "ticking" sound when the engine is running and the
transmission is in neutral with your foot OFF the clutch that goes
away if you depress the clutch pedal even a small amount. This is a
failing yoke for the throw out bearing. I had problems with this on
both y '95 Legacy and '97 Outback. Cost to fix was about $700.

2) Any noise that shows up when the clutch pedal is depressed all the
way and the engine is running is a bad throw out bearing. (My was
replaced when I had the throw out yoke repaired. Other than that it
has been fine.)

3) Ask if the timing belt has been replaced at the required service
interval.

4) Start the engine and listed for any unusual thumps at the end of
the starting cycle and/or watch the engine. My engine mounts wore out
at about 97K miles and had to be replaced. The mounts themselves are
over $100 each (there are two). The cost to have these replaced by a
good local garage was about $360.

The above items are all "wear items"

 

[Mike]

Thanks Vic
It turns out the dealer jerked me around on this particular Sub
(listed it at one price on the internet, I call about it, express
interest, then all of a sudden the price goes up 3000 on the web page
and he calls me back and tells me it sold - weird)
So I am still looking for a good older Leg or Loyale, its probably
going to be from the 1990-1993 vintages. I will keep your comments in
mind, maybe they apply towards the older models as well?
THanks for replying,
Mike

 

[EugeneT]

I have a 97 Legacy.
Well, with so many miles on it, find out if the timing belt was
changed, if not, that's an extra $700 for the belt and water pump.
Phase 1 2.5L engines are prone head gasket failure (which i don't have
so far) and piston slap/noisy lifter sympthom (which i do have).
Check for oil leaks as the separator plate tends to back out and burn
on on the exhaust piping. Dashboard lights tend to be dead.
Otherwise it handles great, i love my ride. A bit more power would
help but it's a 4 cyl.

Good luck

 

[L. Kreh]

If you expand your search to private sellers, you'll find plenty of
high-mileage 97 OBWs for sale in the $5,000 range, especially if you
live in the western states. If you can swing it, I'd buy a 99 OBW --
it was the best of the breed. In the long run, you'll save money by
spending a little more on a 99 than spending a little less on a 97.
Happy hunting.