1996 Subaru Outback Legacy review from North America
"Goes through engines like water. A shame"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Bought car with probably 137,00 miles.
After less than 6 months, we started having problems with it stalling out and acting up. At approx. 139,000 the head gasket blew.
Spent $3500 on used engine with 75,000 miles on it from a 1998 Outback because we liked the car so much. A week later the car died again because the head gasket had blown on that engine too.
At the same time, the instrument panel stopped functioning completely and needed to be replaced ($200).
Two days after getting it back from that, the car again started acting funny so we took it in to find out the alternator had died ($300).
Since we bought the car, it has spent almost 2 months in the shop and repairs have cost more than the car is worth. This isn't counting small routine things like belts and tires.
General comments?
Too bad. We really liked the way this car handles and it's the perfect size... not too big and not too small. Not clunky like most wagons. Great grip on road. Fun.
Falls apart constantly and flimsy on inside though. Runs loud.
When we were in shop for our 2nd head gasket, there was another Outback in for its head gasket too. Don't bother.
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| A thinking persons do everything car! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model year | 1996 |
| Year of manufacture | 1996 |
| First year of ownership | 2007 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 1 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 5 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 136000 miles |
| Previous car | Toyota Corolla |
| Date of Entry | 2nd January, 2008 |