1997 Subaru Outback Legacy review from North America
"Nice if I was ever able to afford the repairs to drive it"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Suspect now set of heads went before we bought car. Signs found that engine had been torn down.
My first head gaskets blew at 80,200 miles.
Rear bearing gone at 65,000 miles.
Rear hatch handle rusted out, as well as rear wiper stopped working at 50,000 miles.
My Second set of heads blew at 110,000 miles.
General comments?
Now reading other comments I know why the dealer blew me off when the first set of heads went 200 miles past my expensive extended warranty. The car is wonderful off road and on, but sucked me dry with several grand worth of repairs. I would avoid these as they pop up at the used car lot looking like they are in great shape, but hiding a nasty surprise. I see them everywhere and it makes my stomach churn. This car has spent an even amount of time driving and sitting in the driveway dead. Owed too much to trade in, paid too much to afford to repair. Became a sculpture we looked longingly at to be able to drive, while driving our meager family budget to the brink. And I bought a Subaru for its reliability. I would like to meet the guy who spread that rumor. PS. I have one in the front yard $500 as is, heats up after 10 miles.
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| Subaru Head Gasket |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model year | 1997 |
| Year of manufacture | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 1999 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 1 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 2 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 1 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 40000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 126000 miles |
| Previous car | Subaru Outback |
| Date of Entry | 30th October, 2004 |