My GF is getting a used car (her current one is totaled). She has a low budget ~$3,000 and this is the first time either one of us has bought a used car. That being said, she found a 97 impreza wagon on Autotrader and is very interested in it. We want to go take a look at it; what should we look for as indicators of the car's mechanical condition? Are there things particular to older subaru's in particular that we need to be aware of? Any advice would be helpful!
What is the mileage? 90k miles is the most expensive factory service done by Subaru. If it is close to that mileage, make sure they did that service... it costs ~$1200 from what I am told.
What were the years that the Subarus had headgasket problems? That would be something to look for / consider.
Wanted to post an update! I'm the GF that was looking for a car =) We picked up the '97 Subaru Impreza wagon this morning, got the title updated, and got a new license plate. It is bright red...with a few paint chips here and there. It needs a little love. The plan is to replace most of the fluids this weekend (oil, brake, etc.) and eventually upgrade to better wheels and tires (for autox).
Technically everything unless its an EJ205/EJ257/EJ255/EZ30/EZ36. In order from worst to best engines in terms of headgasket issues: 1. All EJ25# N/A SOHC Phase 2 engines. Q: Why? A: They all develop external coolant and oil leaks. Fix: Installation of the 11044AA642 gasket solves this issue. ETA of issue: I've seen some leak externally as soon as 10,000 miles. They will all ALWAYS leak horribly from 80,000 miles to 120,000 miles. You are damn lucky if its not leaking then. SOA has a warranty program that covers you up to 100,000 miles. 2. EJ25D, N/A DOHC Phase 1 engine. Q: Why? A: ALL of them will develop an internal combustion pressure to cooling system leak. It will never milkshake, but always leak combustion gases/pressure into the cooling system. ALL OF THEM. 1996~1999. Fix: Since the introduction of the 11044AA610 gasket, the problem has been solved. ETA of issue: Very random. Some go only 40,000 miles. Some make it to 300,000 miles, but they will ALWAYS fail. Best bet is: if it has the original or old style gaskets, replace them ASAP with the 610's. 3. Everything else EJ18#/EJ22#/EG33D. Q: Why? A: Very uncommon to see these engines blow headgaskets unless they are overheated at some point in their life. Fix: Replace with stock ones at the FIRST sign of an issue. ETA of issue: Technically never. 4. USDM EJ205/EJ255/EJ257/EZ30/EZ36 Q: Why? A: There is no why. Fix: Put the stock gaskets back in if you happen to be a complete idiot and toast a gasket. ETA of issue: NEVER unless you overheat the engine you idiot. Yup.
Thanks for the info! I have the EJ22 - what types of signs should I look for re: a head gasket leak? It has 141,000 miles on it, so I imagine I should check into this.
I got mine with 175k of non-stop abuse, and I still don't have any headgasket problems. Do you have reason to believe that you have a headgasket leaking?
There are two types of headgasket issues on those. 1. External oil leak. This is more of an annoyance than anything else. You can leave it be until it starts puring oil. 2. Internal combustion leak. This will cause overheating and coolant to be pushed out of the system thru the overflow tank. Replace the gaskets ASAP. Only a well experienced subaru tech can diagnose these kinds of failures. Otherwise, you will likely see the common valve cover gasket leaks. There are also orings on the back of each head that will leak. Also the front cam and crank seals are known to leak. Check to see if the timing belt was replaced, it was supposed to be done at 90k~105k miles. While doing the belt its a good idea to replace the seals, water pump and timing belt tensioner.