Boring Legacy Outback question........

They're talking about the first EJ25 (2.5L DOHC) engine that came with the automatic version. It didn't have enough reinforcement in the heads causing them to blow head gaskets all the time - which leads to overheating which leads to warping and cracked heads. Design was modified for 1997-1999, then they switched to a 2.5L SOHC for the EJ25 phase II.

According to

There, was that gentle :-)

Very nice, Dominic. Did some checking and yes, it has the AT with 2.5 DOHC...................tOm

Probably worth no more than 6k

Gary

Depending upon where you live the price sounds high.

Just looked at a 98 OB wagon yesterday very clean in and out, little signs of wear, 77k miles. Had cold weather package, premium sound. New tires last spring, new clutch last week, professionally detailed a month ago in prep for sale. Asking $9,9950.

Mickey

That's quite a price...

Rick

There were a lot of problems with the 96 OBW that were worked out by the 99 model (last of its generation). If your willing to spend about $9,000, you can get a higher mileage 99. If you must have the 96, it's way overpriced. I'd pay about $6500, at most.

Thnx for this and all other replies. I think I'm staying away from 96 after what I've seen here and some yahoo groups, etc.

L. are you saying to go all the way to a '99 before you start to avoid these problems?

tOm

Just with the 2.5L engine. Any year 2.2L model is okay.

There were a number of design problems, engine and otherwise, with the

In my opinion, I'd stick with the 98 or 99 model year OBW if you want to buy a 96-99 first generation Outback (there was actually an Outback in 95, but it was nothing more than a regular Legacy with a fancy paint job; the true Outback first came out in 96). In your price range, you should be able to choose from several 98s and 99s that will get you to 200,000 miles w/out anything more than regular maintenance. One word of caution, regular maintenance on the 2.5L at 105,000 miles includes timing belt replacement at minimum (about $400). It is advisable to also replace the belt tensioner, cam seal, and water pump when you do the timing belt because these components typically fail around 105K and require removal of the timing belt to replace. All told, this adds up to roughly $750 (including $400 belt replacement). This is not unusual maintenance in any engine w/ 105K. You might inquire about their status when you buy.

I think all 96-99 Legacy Outbacks were built with the 2.5L.

Oh, you're right. The only OBW to get an EJ22 was the 96 OBW MT.