Quote:
Originally Posted by rstl99
Thanks, I've been suggested to go Subaru by others too. I do like the style of the Outback/Forester. However, I've read that many specimens suffer from premature and costly drivetrain problems (the boxer engine is prone to head gasket problems?).
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That is mainly the Phase I 2.5L engine. The Phase II solved the blown head gaskets, but the head gaskets will develop an external weep. Subaru had a "coolant conditioner" (read: stop leak) that cures the weeping. Anything after '03 will be free of either problem. Or if the Phase Is have the updated head gaskets.
The real bulletproof Subaru engines are the 2.2L. About the newest vehicle with one is a manual transmission '96 Legacy/Outback. The '96 automatics got the 2.5L, and in '97 the 2.2L was gone. It did continue on in the Impreza. I had a '96 Outback that was absolutely trouble free the entire time I owned it. One of the best cars I've ever owned.