1997 Subaru Outback Legacy review from North America
"She loved me for a while, then she betrayed me"
General comments?
I bought this car with 70,000 miles on it. For six years it ran like a champ, though I had to replace the brake pads with inordinate frequency.
Admittedly, the check engine light also gave me fits, but several different mechanics reassured me that the issue was merely an emissions sensor. Then, just two days ago, I was driving down the highway when the thing suddenly over-heated. Turns out, the water pump burned up, the timing belt went, the valves bent, and the pistons warped -- all with very little warning. I'm still baffled.
The salvage yard tells me it's a common problem with the 2.5 liter engine, and now they've only got two used ones left in PA, neither of which they'll warranty for more than 60 days. Tells you something. I'm cutting my losses...
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| Nice if I was ever able to afford the repairs to drive it |
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| Subaru Head Gasket |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Model year | 1997 |
| Year of manufacture | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.5 Liter Manual |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 3 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 70000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 125000 miles |
| Previous car | Nissan 200SX |
| Date of Entry | 28th April, 2008 |