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.
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.
I am curious as to what the engine was.. 2.2L or 2.5?
I would guess a 2.5L? Owner fitted a 1998 Outback engine to it and if I recall correctly the 1998 Outbacks had 2.5L engines across the board.
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