I posted this in the tech forums as well but I wanted to hear from some locals. I have a 1997 Outback Sport with 104k miles on it. A short time ago it started grinding when going from 1-2 and from 3-2. I decided to change the tranny fluid since I bought the car used, hoping that would fix the problem. When I drained the fluid, some shaving and a few large chunks of metal came out. Since then second gear has become totally unusable. It sounds like its time for a new tranny. But now for my main question. Has anyone heard of these transmitions going out at only 104k? Or did I just get unlucky in the used car market. :confused:Also can anyone from Boulder vouch for Blue Spruce or Super Rupair for Tranny work?

sounds like your 2nd gear syncroes(sp?) went out...can you put it into 2nd gear if you rev. match?
to me it seems like you just got a car w/ the common Subaru tranny proble.

104k?? do you drive your car hard? i lost my tranny a few months back it had 204k and was boosted for 30k. when you get a new tranny make sure you put BG'S it in, that stuff will save your tranny:)

This car hasn't been abused since we bought it. And this is our 5th subaru between my wife and I. As for rev matching, sometimes it works but it has been getting worse. The new tranny is being installed tomorrow. I guess I forgot to mention that we purchased this car last August with 89k miles on it.
I was mainly wondering if anyone else has heard of this happening with this low of milage.

I have never had a tranny worked on by super repair, but, they have done some work with me and my friends. I really trust them, they are professional and do a solid job. Good luck.

Ouch. That's low mileage for sure, but AWD trannies are easier to break when abused than any 2wd ones. :(

at my college today subaru was having a teaching program for their techs. well i had a chance to talk to the teacher, who is incredible w/ scoobys. he said that subarus eat 2nd gear syncroes left and right...

Thanks for all the input guys. I went with Blue Spruce (where I bought the car). They installed a used trans with 91k and a new clutch and had it back to me the same day. It drives smooth and I am very pleased. The way the new clutch feels I'm staring to wonder if the old one wasn't on its way out as well.

Get some estimates and then call allstar imports in golden,they do great work at a real fair price.Definitely cheaper then boulder shops