Subaru Legacy Outback

[Cheggers]

Hi All,I'm after a family workhorse, and have been offered a 1999 (T) Subaru Legacy Outback for reasonable money. Anything in particular I should be looking out for when viewing??Cheers.

[r.welfare]

Are these 2.5 4-cyl or 3.0 6-cyl? I can't remember. Either way, I seem to recall there is some kind of head gasket weakness; also if it's an autobox make sure that all works well and the fluid is a nice, red colour and doesn't smell burnt.

[KruJoe]

Generally bomb-proof. Usual head gasket checks, and make sure the clutch is good and strong. A long MOT for extra peace of mind. A good choice, if a bit thirsty. There are plenty about on LPG (FTW).

Edit: RW beat me to it on the HG!

[Cheggers]

Well, been to see it and I think I could be tempted. Mechanically it's absolutely peachy (it's the 2.5), just needs a good service. The interior is in great nick and really very comfortable.The only issue is the bodywork...nothing major, but I think it was once owned by someone with the spatial awareness of Mr Magoo. Every corner is scuffed and there's loads of little dings & scratches. Also, the alloys are really messy - Any idea how easy it is to "take them back" and re-lacquer them???Cheers.

[r.welfare]

I think the 2.5 is less susceptible to HGF than the 3.0 so that's good. Non-interference engines these, too, so if the cambelt does snap it's not Goodnight Vienna to all your valvery.On the wheels front, it might just be easier to find someone locally upgrading their Impreza standard alloys to WELL MASSIV RIMZ INNIT, perhaps? (Always felt the Outback in dark green or red would look good on the gold rims). Otherwise I think the going rate for refurbing is about 50 quid per wheel.I wouldn't be too worried about scrapes and dings, I had the same issue with my wife's Accord and 10 mins with an aerosol should give you something passable. That said, I dunno if Halfrauds have many colours in stock for Subs, you might need to get something made up.

[dollywobbler]

Funnily enough, my Legacy Estate is covered in dents and scratches too. Says something about the people who owned them when new perhaps? Does this one have a dog-type stain on the rear seat too?

[Cheggers]

Not yet

[dollywobbler]

Oh, don't expect great MPG. Mine is a two-litre and does 29mpg. That's an exact figure and it never changes. Whether commutting, blatting across France with a load of crap in the boot or trying to drive economically, it always seems to be 29. Great cruiser though. Nice and quiet.

[Cheggers]

I think I've settled on a later model 2.0 saloon. Nice condition, just needs a few minor jobs doing. First thing is to replace the battery in the remote locking thingy...hopefully it won't need a reprogramme