buying a 97 legacy sedan

[Pete]

Ok Subabru junkies, I'm considering buying a 97 Legacy sedan (L) wih 136k
miles from the original owner that has the service history. Anything
problems common for this car that I should look for at this age/mileage?

Thanks,
Pete

 

[Devils Advocate]

Ok Subabru junkies, I'm considering buying a 97 Legacy sedan (L) wih 136k
miles from the original owner that has the service history. Anything
problems common for this car that I should look for at this age/mileage?

I have a 95.
Problem I had was a significant noise in gearbox (which did not affect
changing gears, more annoying).
Seals in the driveshaft for the AWD systems was leaking.
Brake work was somewhat expensive.

Friggin deadly in the snow.

 

[Zeppo]

I have a 95.
Problem I had was a significant noise in gearbox (which did not affect
changing gears, more annoying).
Seals in the driveshaft for the AWD systems was leaking.
Brake work was somewhat expensive.

Friggin deadly in the snow. <===

As we are about to turn over my step-son's old '95 legacy sedan to my 16yo
son, and I live in the northeastern US, could you elaborate on that last
part?

Jon

 

[DK]

I have a 95.
Problem I had was a significant noise in gearbox (which did not affect
changing gears, more annoying).
Seals in the driveshaft for the AWD systems was leaking.
Brake work was somewhat expensive.

Friggin deadly in the snow.

Deadly in what sense? My experience with Subaru AWD
suggests that it is one of the safer options (bar dedicated
snow tires).

DK

 

[nobody >]

Deadly in what sense? My experience with Subaru AWD
suggests that it is one of the safer options (bar dedicated
snow tires).

DK

ITHM "deadly" as in deadly good.

 

[Devils Advocate]

yes

ITHM "deadly" as in deadly good.

 

[S]

Hi Pete!

You didn't mention if AT/MT; the subaru AT's of that vintage
chronically fail at 130-150K miles. I'm sure regular maintenance will
extend this on out, but something to be aware of never the less.

The "L" has the 2.2L motor? These last a long time if given reasonable
care. Has the 105K timing belt/idlers/water pump service been done?

Other than that, about the only thing that comes to mind is the front
half-shafts, particularly the right one. Check the boots for cracks
and weather-checking.

The MT Legacys with the 2.2 motor routinely drive right on past the
200K mark with only routine care.

ByeBye! S.

Ok Subabru junkies, I'm considering buying a 97 Legacy sedan (L) wih 136k
miles from the original owner that has the service history. Anything
problems common for this car that I should look for at this age/mileage?

Thanks,
Pete

Steve Jernigan KG0MB
Laboratory Manager
Microelectronics Research
University of Colorado
(719) 262-3101