head gaskets, other issues in 3rd, 4th gen

[my96brighton]

I'm looking for a 3rd or 4th generation Legacy to replace my 1996 wagon that got totaled, so I've got some questions --

 

When did Subarus start having head gasket problems? My 1996 never did, so it must be after that.

 

I'm hoping to go look at a 2002 Legacy L with 85K miles (if it's still for sale). What repairs should the seller have done by now, and what should I expect to have come up in the next year or two?

 

Does anyone here have a 2002 Legacy L? What kind of mpg have you been getting? My 1996 Legacy got 28 combined, and I'm afraid with the 2.5L engine in the 2002, I'm not going to do as well.

[AZP Installs]

The head gasket problem was with the 98 era 2.5 DOHC motor. Subaru used a paper composite gasket and should have used a multi-layer steerl gasket (which they definitely did in 2002). The 2.5 got similar mileage to the 2.2 you had in your old 96 depending on the gearing for the trim you are looking at.

 

The previous owner should have maintained the car well. Every 30k major service etc. If they didn't the rings could have gotten worn and the engine will eat oil. At 105k the timing belt will need to be done and is not particularly cheap. Other than taking care of the car it should be a solid car.

 

-Jake

 

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[my96brighton]

Thanks for the reply -- good information!