1998 Subaru Outback review from North America
"Good car, but overheats"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Overheating
General comments?
Car overheats, changed everything just like everyone else, but seems that everyone thinks it's the head gasket, but I checked and it's not the head gasket.
My conclusion is that it's the design of the water pump and timing belt.
All the cars I've had, have the water pump pulley with teeth in it, and the timing belt can grab it to turn it.
This Subaru has a smooth pulley, and the back of the belt turns it. When the belt rubber starts to harden, it can't turn it at full speed and causes the car to overheat.
New timing belt has better grip and helps a lot, but soon the rubber isn't as good, like after 3 months, and then you need to replace the belt again.
I've been doing this over and over and over, and the only way I can stop the overheating is to replace the belt. Then I am good for 3 months.
Also replaced the timing belt tensioner, but that wasn't the problem. It's the belt slipping that is the overheating problem, at least for me.
I've tried belt dressing, and it doesn't help, only a new belt every 3 months. At least it's not too hard to replace the belts on this car.
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| 1998 - Outback Limited Edition 4 cylinder We love the car, but not the cost of repairs! |
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| Stay away from Subaru |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Model year | 1998 |
| Year of manufacture | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 2006 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2009 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.5 Automatic |
| Performance marks | |
| Reliability marks | |
| Comfort marks | |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | |
| Distance when acquired | 116000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 140000 miles |
| Previous car | Toyota Celica |
| Date of Entry | 3rd June, 2009 |