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03-23-2004, 08:49 PM | #1 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 3979
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Palo Alto, CA
Vehicle:2006 Evo IX MR Graphite Grey |
Considering a 1995 or 1996 Legacy wagon
As a former (and very happy) owner of three subarus I'm looking at one as a daily driver since I have a 60 mile commute and the Evo is racking up the miles. I'm not looking to spend a lot of cash ($5K max, preferably less) so I'm targeting the Legacy awd wagons from 1995 and 96.. lots of reasons for it, the dual airbags, standard abs (on awd models) and attractive styling being at the top. Since these cars have around 100K miles on them, I was wondering if anyone could point me to any faqs or data on their reliability and problem areas. I want to know what to look for when test driving these cars. Also, I know the 97 GT's had 155 hp, what about the 96's? Any other differences between the GT and LS models?
Thanks in advance, -n.
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03-24-2004, 01:37 PM | #2 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 45549
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Northern Virginia
Vehicle:2008 Impreza 2.5i Silver |
I own a 1996 Legacy GT. It has the 2.5 liter 155 horse engine (which was standard for the GT that year). The 1996 Legacy's only had one reacall that I know of, and that was for the alternator. In 1996 the LS models had the 2.2 liter engine standard, while the GT and LSi had the 2.5 liter engine standard. The 1996 GT was also the only year an automatic was standard on the GT. A lot of Subaru's are used up north in the snow, so you always want to look for rust. If it sat around for quite a while like mine, make sure all the seals are good (I had a fairly major oil leak because of a bad seal on the oil pan). Also, 1996 was the firt year for the 2.5 liter engine, so all you will see on 1995 models are the 1.8 and 2.2 liter engines.
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03-24-2004, 02:26 PM | #3 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 1964
Join Date: Jul 2000
Chapter/Region:
RMIC
Location: 84XXX
Vehicle:2012 Fit Sport 5MT Orange Burst |
I'd avoid the 2.5 Phase I. Some people don't have any problems with them, but others have a lot. Premium gas was also recommended for them, which won't help on those 60 mile commutes. The 2.2 should get decent mileage.
I'd also get a 5MT and skip the automatics. Pre-97 autos got a bit flaky at 100k miles or so. 5MTs should also help the mileage. If you do drive any 4EAT models, try some low-speed turns and feel for a rumbling. That's a sure sign of torque bind, and can be costly to repair. Otherwise, the models are as reliable as any Subaru. |
03-24-2004, 05:55 PM | #4 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 3979
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Palo Alto, CA
Vehicle:2006 Evo IX MR Graphite Grey |
Also, I hear that the 2.2L is a non interference engine (as opposed to the P1 2.5's) which is an issue with cars that may have been poorly maintained. I'm looking at private sellers, since I think they're more likely to have nicer cars.
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03-24-2004, 06:05 PM | #5 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 1964
Join Date: Jul 2000
Chapter/Region:
RMIC
Location: 84XXX
Vehicle:2012 Fit Sport 5MT Orange Burst |
You're correct, the P1 2.5s were valve-mashers.
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03-24-2004, 07:35 PM | #6 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 41012
Join Date: Aug 2003
Chapter/Region:
E. Canada
Vehicle:1998 Legacy L |
I have a 98 L. Its pretty good on gas. I get about 500km each tank (with a mix between city and highway)
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03-24-2004, 11:44 PM | #7 |
RIP 1/19/64 - 7/23/11
Scooby Guru Member#: 24654
Join Date: Sep 2002
Chapter/Region:
NESIC
Location: saraseager.com
Vehicle:1957 Taggart Comet atlasshruggedpart1.com |
I have 95 L 5-spd with 170,000 miles on it. No major problems so far--worst thing was probably a rear wheel bearing. Still has the original clutch, radiator, and shocks. The original battery only died this year and the exhaust only spung its first leak this year.
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03-25-2004, 12:21 AM | #8 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 12535
Join Date: Nov 2001
Chapter/Region:
NWIC
Location: Idaho slash Washington
Vehicle:Low 06 5MT OBXT 92 EG33 Legacy Rally Car |
yeah 155k and i have had a alternator( im sure the stereo didnt help) and a water pump(died at autoX and the same as on a 2.2) and those were both only 2000 miles ago. BTW its a 96 GT
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03-25-2004, 02:57 AM | #9 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 38400
Join Date: Jun 2003
Chapter/Region:
MWSOC
Location: Cleveland
Vehicle:2004 WRX Wagon DRZ400SM |
so did the 2.5l become 165/166 in '98?
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03-25-2004, 06:31 AM | #10 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 48761
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: scotland
Vehicle:1994 Legacy TS typeR Silver |
I have a 1995 (i think)! 2.0 litre N/A Wagon. I was very lucky, as this car has only done about 30,000 miles. My girlfriends son imports Subarus from Japan, and he found me this one when over there on business. I agree with you about the looks etc., but I dont think they would be all that brill in the snow. They are slung pretty low, at least by comparison to my old DL 1.8 dual range, which would take you anywhere. I am also lucky to have the 2.0l engine, as I hear that it is the most reliable of them all, but it lacks a bit in oomph. Its a real comfy car, with loads of space. I have only had one problem, and that is not yet fixed, ----its driver side electric window has taken a bad turn, makin a huge bang now when it shuts. You might be lucky and get one with less than 100K, then you will be laughin.
Good luck |
03-25-2004, 11:28 AM | #11 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 32503
Join Date: Feb 2003
Chapter/Region:
TXIC
Location: Johnson City, TX
Vehicle:2011 Tribeca 1995 Legacy Wagon |
Check out cars101.com: http://www.cars101.com/subaru_legacy_archive95_97.html for comparisons between trim levels.
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03-25-2004, 11:51 AM | #12 | |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 374
Join Date: Oct 1999
Chapter/Region:
SWIC
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Vehicle:'98 2.5 GT Wagon Rio Red |
Quote:
When the Legacy got the SOHC engine in MY00, the output increased to the current 165/166. The '96 2.5l engine made 155hp on premium fuel. I don't believe there was a 2.5l for '95. - Eric Lil' Red '98 2.5 GT Wagon - Pics |
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03-25-2004, 03:44 PM | #13 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 3979
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Palo Alto, CA
Vehicle:2006 Evo IX MR Graphite Grey |
Nice car. I've always liked the look of the GT wagons, especially 98 and later.. driving a Lancer Evolution, fuel economy is not of paramount concern to me right now..
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06-03-2014, 06:49 AM | #14 | |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 303878
Join Date: Dec 2011
Chapter/Region:
Tri-State
Location: Syracuse, New York
Vehicle:2006 Subieless atm clear coat |
Quote:
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06-07-2014, 07:14 PM | #15 | |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 353064
Join Date: Apr 2013
Chapter/Region:
TXIC
Location: Southbelt
Vehicle:1995 Legacy LSi white |
2.2
Quote:
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06-27-2014, 02:05 PM | #16 | |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 347193
Join Date: Feb 2013
Chapter/Region:
W. Canada
Location: East Van
Vehicle:1996 Legacy Wagon Green |
Quote:
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