Wiring quality on subarus

A

Adam Aulick

Main question:

I'm looking at buying a 2001 Outback 5-speed with 125,000 miles and
power everything, after a long line of Fords where "power everything"
means "lots of electrical problems"

I've heard lots about the almost mystical reliability of Subarus -- does
that extend to the wiring harnesses as well? Can I expect trouble-free
operation with power seats, mirrors, windows, etc. at high mileage?

Other questions:

Can I tell how much clutch pad is left without having a mechanic look at it?

I've looked at a number of older legacies and outbacks which all have
rust under the hood -- especially on the radiator bracket, the power
steering pump, some metal hoses (A/C lines?) on the right and some kind
of bracket on the left. (This is in Pittsburgh, we get a lot of salt.)
Is a more-rusty under-hood car going to be having more trouble with
its radiator and engine accessories than a less-rusty under-hood car, or
is this mostly a surface issue that doesn't matter?

What are the problem areas I should be looking for with 95 - 2001
Outbacks and Legacies?

Thanks muchly,
~Adam Aulick
 
Adam Aulick said:
Main question:

I'm looking at buying a 2001 Outback 5-speed with 125,000 miles and
power everything, after a long line of Fords where "power everything"
means "lots of electrical problems"

I've heard lots about the almost mystical reliability of Subarus --
does that extend to the wiring harnesses as well? Can I expect
trouble-free operation with power seats, mirrors, windows, etc. at
high mileage?

I haven't had any problems with my 01 in the electrical department,
fwiw. We use as much salt here as y'all do. No rust under the hood
either.

Note that there was a big design change in 2000. 2000 was the first
year of a major production change, and conventional wisdom says to
avoid that. I don't know if it's been an issue with the 2000 Outback
or not though.
What are the problem areas I should be looking for with 95 - 2001
Outbacks and Legacies?

00 and 01 have head gasket issues rather frequently, and timing belt
tensioners are a frequent trouble spot. There was a recall to use
coolant conditioner on many of these and you may wish to enquire if
that'd been done. I wonder if there's a way to check by VIN if you
know someone at a dealer. Hrmmm...
 
No problems with the totalled 95 while it lasted, nor with the 2003
which replaced the 95
 
Todd H. said:
I haven't had any problems with my 01 in the electrical department,
fwiw. We use as much salt here as y'all do. No rust under the hood
either.

Note that there was a big design change in 2000. 2000 was the first
year of a major production change, and conventional wisdom says to
avoid that. I don't know if it's been an issue with the 2000 Outback
or not though.


00 and 01 have head gasket issues rather frequently, and timing belt
tensioners are a frequent trouble spot. There was a recall to use
coolant conditioner on many of these and you may wish to enquire if
that'd been done. I wonder if there's a way to check by VIN if you
know someone at a dealer. Hrmmm...


I typically have warranty scans done on the VIN by dealers of (any) brand
before I buy, and they're usually very cooperative and do it w/o charge.
Of course, that probably wouldn't show up as warranty service unless they
handle TSBs that way. It'd be a good idea for the OP to have the
dealer/warranty history in any event if he can obtain it.

Stew
 

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