Several actually. Decided to try and get one to go up to ND. Gotta be there by December 1st so kinda cutting it close. Looking at a early 2000's Forrester or Outback. Issues I need to know about? I see many of them with "fresh" head gaskets and timing belts. Are these issues on the damned things? I want a manual but which would survive better in possible -30 weather? And finally, yes, yes, I know I may be a lesbian. I have come to terms with this.

Head gasket issues are incredibly common. Make sure it was either done by a good shop or a smart Subie enthusiast. I don't know much about them apart from that.

If we were in the market for a car right now, a Forester XT would be at the top of my list.

Good cars, I've changed a lot of head gaskets and catalytic converters on them. That's really it, but the converters cost $$$$$$$.

Used to have a 98 Outback 5spd. Was a good car till my little sister decided to not change the oil. Good mileage and thing was surefooted in the snow.

Yeah make sure to keep an eye on the oil. As in any car but I've changed a number of engines on these due to consumption and just a lack of actually checking it once a month.

Posted by sleeperspirit Good cars, I've changed a lot of head gaskets and catalytic converters on them. That's really it, but the converters cost $$$$$$$.

when I worked for a parts store in Vermont, we'd smile when a Subaru owner would walk in looking for exhaust parts. They're expensive! Other than that, from what I know the head gaskets are sort of an issue, the timing belts have to be changed correctly or bad things happen (there are three Subaru-only shops in Vermont within 15 miles of each other. (AutoCreek in Vergennes, Junction Subie Center in New Haven and this place I can't remember their name in Ferrisburg). Also, the camshaft seals (correct me if I'm wrong) NEED to be replaced when they start seeping.
For reliability, the Forester is probably going to be beat on the least. Most cheaper/older Impreza's have probably been 'rallied' (hehehe). Also, make sure it is an AWD. Some Subies weren't, you know.
The Legacy Brighton edition was only FWD.

Posted by Samurai For reliability, the Forester is probably going to be beat on the least. Most cheaper/older Impreza's have probably been 'rallied' (hehehe). Also, make sure it is an AWD. Some Subies weren't, you know. The Legacy Brighton edition was only FWD.

Brightons were available with AWD as well. I drove a Legacy Brighton across the USA in '07 that was AWD. But it didn't have a passenger side mirror, tach or clock. And all Foresters are AWD.

They're a very tough car, and if properly maintained will last forever. And they're pretty nice to work on. Gotta love a car with a manual tranny that has a dipstick for the fluid level.

Posted by bandi Brightons were available with AWD as well. I drove a Legacy Brighton across the USA in '07 that was AWD. But it didn't have a passenger side mirror, tach or clock. And all Foresters are AWD.

its like every Brighton I see here is an FWD. Maybe it was a regional thing. LOL

They're a very tough car, and if properly maintained will last forever. And they're pretty nice to work on. Gotta love a car with a manual tranny that has a dipstick for the fluid level.

they are a MOTHERFUCKING tough car. I've seen some taking a beating that a rally driver would look at and go 'Damn!" (in Finn of course). Oh and as an aside, all my manual shift Cavaliers had a dipstick on their transaxle.

They are very easy to work on.

Looked at a 2000 Outback. 5 speed. 5 grand out the door. Has 192k on it but he just put on new head gaskets and timing belt. Seems to be fairly nice, runs and drives like my 2010 Corolla. Thoughts? I'm going to hear back this week to see how the finance goes. He said for $600 he can put on the cold weather pack from Subaru. He goes to the dealer and orders it. What all does that entail? Guys a Subaru nut and knows em pretty well. Seems trustworthy. Thoughts fellas? It has no rust or other issues I can see.

This is the ad for it. http://www.subarus...e_SC_167518217.veh

Another thing, not s huge deal but the axles go bad quite a bit too. So check for ripped boots/ clicking while turning

Posted by sleeperspirit Another thing, not s huge deal but the axles go bad quite a bit too. So check for ripped boots/ clicking while turning

I'll look for rips if I go back to get it. No clicks or anything I noticed. He had a 01 with 120k on it but honestly this one felt better and is 3 grand cheaper.

Posted by sleeperspirit Another thing, not s huge deal but the axles go bad quite a bit too. So check for ripped boots/ clicking while turning

I was gonna say that: the CV Joints go bad and are fairly expensive to replace ($500 a piece for a new half axle and nearly the same to pay someone to repack the boot, only a few hundred if you do it yourself).

Also make sure all four tires are the same brand/age and have even wear/tear. If they're not wearing evenly or the same make it's either a sign of alignment or they replaced one or more of the tires ... all tires should be replaced at the same time or it can do bad things to the car.

Wheel bearings are another thing it might be advisable to check.

I'd also recommend swapping out the plugs and wires and doing an oil change ASAP too.

Posted by Samurai its like every Brighton I see here is an FWD. Maybe it was a regional thing. LOL they are a MOTHERFUCKING tough car. I've seen some taking a beating that a rally driver would look at and go 'Damn!" (in Finn of course). Oh and as an aside, all my manual shift Cavaliers had a dipstick on their transaxle.

I dunno... cuz the one I drove across the states came from Maine!

Posted by \/adder I was gonna say that: the CV Joints go bad and are fairly expensive to replace ($500 a piece for a new half axle and nearly the same to pay someone to repack the boot, only a few hundred if you do it yourself).

You're buying your axles at the wrong place then. When we exclusively ran Subarus on the rally team, complete axles were about $120 a pop. And fairly pleasant to change compared to most stuff. Some models have the same axle at all four corners of the car.

Posted by bandi You're buying your axles at the wrong place then. When we exclusively ran Subarus on the rally team, complete axles were about $120 a pop. And fairly pleasant to change compared to most stuff. Some models have the same axle at all four corners of the car.

I meant to say the job rate is around $500.

IIRC I called around a few years ago ~$400-500 incl labor and taxes to replace one half axle. Don't ask how much the dealership wanted.

I think mine are around 65ish per axle. Some have a roll pin you need to punch out to get it out of the transfer case in the front that can be a bitch sometimes. Other than that there quite easy to replace.

Gonna wait on the subi, pay cash for one at the beginning of the year probably. Gonna drive the 2010 Corolla. Leaving at 4pm today. Hopefully it will do ok in the weather and cold. Wish me luck guys.

Posted by jeepdave Gonna wait on the subi, pay cash for one at the beginning of the year probably. Gonna drive the 2010 Corolla. Leaving at 4pm today. Hopefully it will do ok in the weather and cold. Wish me luck guys.

If the 2010 is anything like my 2005, it won't give a damn how cold it is outside except for the initial few minutes while it warms up (and even then, it just idles higher).

Just saying.