By outbackschmoop on 06/03/05 20:10 PM (PDT)
Vehicle
1997 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
Review
Bottom line, this just isn't a reliable car. Bought the car with 100K thinking that Subarus run forever. I was wrong. Brakes wear down quickly and it seems to always be leaking oil. At 130K the head gasket blew and the cylinder heads cracked. Repair bill ran over $2,500K. Next time I go Japanese it'll be Toyota or Honda.
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By Troy on 05/31/05 14:05 PM (PDT)
Vehicle
1997 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
Review
This car is shiny and nice looking at first, and there is a lot to be said about the AWD and room inside, but overall since I bought it, I have not felt really confident in it. in the 5 months I have owned it, I have had a bad water pump, (then another bad water pump Subaru sent to replace that one), blown head gaskets (like most other 2.5L engines), bad thermostat, and a bad knock sensor. In that time, the car has been in the shop for a total of over 2 weeks, and a total of over fifteen hundred dollars. The engine cylinders are not welded to the block very well, which is the reason for the gaskets going out all the time, and I have lost a lot of faith in Subaru.
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By Craig Martinson on 02/24/05 23:50 PM (PST)
Vehicle
1997 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
Review
Main disappointment with the vehicle is a blown head gasket at 135,000 miles, but my 2002 F150 blew the head gasket at 57,000 miles, go figure. Car is the greatest in snow, is our vehicle of choice in the winter over the four wheel drive F150.
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By MattF on 01/31/05 00:21 AM (PST)
Vehicle
1997 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
Review
I've got to say the Outback has had her problems, but I still love her. I bought the car in Feb. 2002 with 54,000 miles on the clock. She had 4 month old Michelins on her then. The engine developed a ticking sound (like the valves needed adjusting), when cold, after about 6 months. The ticking would disappear after she warmed up. Finally in March 2003, I needed new brakes. I had a tune-up done, had the brakes re-done all around, had the transmission flushed, and had the tensioner replaced (tensioner replaced under warranty), for a grand total of $615. The only other problems I've had are the dash lights ($80 @ Subaru - $6 and 30 miniutes diy), a battery blow up, and the dome (entry) light not working.
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By AdeleA on 10/07/04 00:00 AM (PDT)
Vehicle
1997 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
Review
I have owned it for four years, and
drive it everywhere (across country,
vacations, work everyday). I feel safe
in it, and trust putting my family in
it everyday. Was in a car accident (not
my fault!) that pushed me across the
road and up on the sidewalk. Even
though caused alot of damage, I walked
out of the car with no injuries. Thank
god for a well built car.
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By JustinP on 09/29/04 00:00 AM (PDT)
Vehicle
1997 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
Review
I bought this car for my mother in
2000 with 30K on it. In the last 4
years, she has used it as a delivery
car and it has 300K all city miles on
it. We have replaced brakes a dozen
times because of stop and go traffic,
but other than that we have only done
an alternator, a fuel pump, and some
suspension. The car has 300k all city
miles and does not rattle or shake. I
only change the oil every 5k and it ru
ns great. We could easily put another
300 k on it. This is a rugged car
that can handle constant city driving
and get good gas mileage. This is
easily the best car in its class.
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By doc2 on 06/10/04 00:00 AM (PDT)
Vehicle
1997 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
Review
great all wheel drive, needs more pep.
at 105,000 miles developed minor noise.
took it in and were told a rod or
bearing is lose or broken. $4000 for
new engine. what happened to japanese
reliability? test drove an '05 and it
seems they have addressed the pep issue!
wonder if it will last? seems like
hondas go on forever, hoped the subaru
would too.
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By Wilsons on 09/23/03 00:00 AM (PDT)
Vehicle
1997 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
Review
Bought a used 97 outback only 5 months
ago. The car was great at 1st & I was
such an advocat of Subaru that I
bought another one for my wife. I
opted for this car & thought (wrongly)
that it was reputed for reliability. I
drive many Hwy miles & expect more
from Subaru. I had problems around
100k: crankshaft seals, burning oil
smell, alternator recall & faulty dash
lights! Also had the mass air flow &
TPS sensors replaced at $600. At last
oil change was informed cam & rear
engine seals need replaced for $700.
Motor failed 108K. Subaru advised on a
new engine at $5700. This car should
last longer than this & problems are
more than coincidence!
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By lmac on 09/15/03 00:00 AM (PDT)
Vehicle
1997 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
Review
Initially we were in the honeymoon
stage...Then constantly needing brakes
or making brake sounds..replace the AT
clutch cylinder ($1200) various smoking
dripping oils even after replacing
different seals, gaskets, etc. Now
strange suspension sounds and like many
where is the heater light?? I Never
even knew there was one!!
It has been handy in the snow & I love
not having to stop & chain up though it
is not infallible. Never buy dark blue
if you live on a dirt road. Noisey
inside, sounds cheap & always head an
engine ticking sound.
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By RevDusty on 07/26/03 00:00 AM (PDT)
Vehicle
1997 Subaru Legacy Outback 4dr Wagon AWD
Review
145000 miles with only the oft-
experienced alterntor problem for which
I was promptly reimbursed. Only other
complaints are the need for new brakes
and/or resurfaced rotors every 30000
miles or so (but maybe that's my
fault?), and the dashboard lights going
out one by one. The AWD inspires
deserved confidence. Handles great!
Plenty of room. Comfortable enough!
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