Possibly buying a 2.5GT

Scoobyriffic · 06-05-2002, 11:13 PM

My mom is looking for a new car and I'm trying to steer her towards a '97-'99 2.5GT. What are some things that we should lookout for, and what are some of the points that I can use to get her to buy the car. I know full time AWD is a plus because we live in an area where we get snow (Canada), but what other perks are there??

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

nitrohuffer · 06-05-2002, 11:31 PM

You'll get to borrow your moms car for one!

Oquipah · 06-06-2002, 07:57 AM

Well,

As far as model years and problems go...I've read, and I'm sure you can find plenty on the early GT's on the board, concerning problems with head gaskets, and the design of the DOHC engine. I have a 98 GT with 67K Miles and have had only factory recalls and a fluke seized brake caliper to deal with.

If keeping the paint in great condition (ie-on the car) is important, be aware that the factory paint job is less than perfect and prone to chipping.

That's what I know regarding reliability.

As far as comfort and performance goes, they are comfortable, not quite as rigid as an Outback, however the newer Legacies definitely are more cushy than the years you listed. The older models also have that great cup holder placement that is designed to make adjusting all controls (radio/HVAC) a nice challenge.

Performance- The 2.5 has a nice stock power that isn't too sports car, but can get you moving along in a hurry.

So, would I reccomend a GT for your mom? Of course, It's a Subaru! But I would steer her towards either a 98 or a 99.

Peace,
Oqui

Scoobyriffic · 06-06-2002, 09:51 AM

I've already heard about the DOHC problems. Which years have that engine??

Radio Flyer · 06-06-2002, 11:25 AM

All BD/BG GT and Outback models w/ the 2.5l engine. The SOHC engine didn't go into the Legacy line until the 2K model year.

  - Eric
    Lil' Red '98 2.5 GT Wagon - Pics

linsavy · 06-06-2002, 01:20 PM

Buy one. I just did in Ottawa a month ago.
Other perks: looks good, handles better than just about anything else in its class. The wagon has a roomy cargo area. The GT had lots of goodies that the L doesn't.
It's unique compared to accords and camrys. The prices are pretty good as few people consider them.
No big problem areas other than the headgasket issue. Its unknown what % of cars will fail, but I would guess that most will eventually. You may want to consider an extended warrantee if less than $800 or so.
Standards are more fun that the auto, but have a weak clutch and 2nd gear. I would have bought std. but the wife vetoed that.
I would buy one again.

Legacy GTR · 06-07-2002, 12:58 PM

my 97 GT had a alternater re-call. I could tell it was going out when I got the notice in the mail.
Mike

06-05-2002, 11:13 PM	#1
Scoobyriffic Scooby Newbie Member#: 14499 Join Date: Jan 2002 Chapter/Region: E. Canada Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Vehicle: 2000 Kona Caldera 1998 Specialized Allez	Possibly buying a 2.5GT My mom is looking for a new car and I'm trying to steer her towards a '97-'99 2.5GT. What are some things that we should lookout for, and what are some of the points that I can use to get her to buy the car. I know full time AWD is a plus because we live in an area where we get snow (Canada), but what other perks are there?? * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Looking to buy a 2.5GT	jessen	Newbies & FAQs	6	09-11-2006 09:05 PM
STi owners: possible 05 2.5GT ltd trade	SubyWRXer	Private Vehicle 'For Sale' Classifieds	0	10-10-2004 07:17 PM
Want to buy a stop tech kit for my 1998 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT AWD	GotTurbo	Brakes, Steering & Suspension	0	08-17-2004 04:43 PM
Possibly buying a 2.5GT	Scoobyriffic	Legacy Forum	0	06-05-2002 11:13 PM

06-05-2002, 11:31 PM	#2
nitrohuffer Scooby Specialist Member#: 6982 Join Date: May 2001 Location: . Vehicle: 2001 Legover 04 forester xt	You'll get to borrow your moms car for one!

06-06-2002, 07:57 AM	#3
Oquipah Scooby Newbie Member#: 9689 Join Date: Aug 2001 Chapter/Region: MAIC Vehicle: 1998 Legacy GT Silver	Well, As far as model years and problems go...I've read, and I'm sure you can find plenty on the early GT's on the board, concerning problems with head gaskets, and the design of the DOHC engine. I have a 98 GT with 67K Miles and have had only factory recalls and a fluke seized brake caliper to deal with. If keeping the paint in great condition (ie-on the car) is important, be aware that the factory paint job is less than perfect and prone to chipping. That's what I know regarding reliability. As far as comfort and performance goes, they are comfortable, not quite as rigid as an Outback, however the newer Legacies definitely are more cushy than the years you listed. The older models also have that great cup holder placement that is designed to make adjusting all controls (radio/HVAC) a nice challenge. Performance- The 2.5 has a nice stock power that isn't too sports car, but can get you moving along in a hurry. So, would I reccomend a GT for your mom? Of course, It's a Subaru! But I would steer her towards either a 98 or a 99. Peace, Oqui

06-06-2002, 09:51 AM	#4
Scoobyriffic Scooby Newbie Member#: 14499 Join Date: Jan 2002 Chapter/Region: E. Canada Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Vehicle: 2000 Kona Caldera 1998 Specialized Allez	I've already heard about the DOHC problems. Which years have that engine??

06-06-2002, 11:25 AM	#5
Radio Flyer Scooby Specialist Member#: 374 Join Date: Oct 1999 Chapter/Region: SWIC Location: Albuquerque, NM Vehicle: '98 2.5 GT Wagon Rio Red	All BD/BG GT and Outback models w/ the 2.5l engine. The SOHC engine didn't go into the Legacy line until the 2K model year.   - Eric     Lil' Red '98 2.5 GT Wagon - Pics

06-06-2002, 01:20 PM	#6
linsavy Scooby Specialist Member#: 11620 Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Ontario Vehicle: 1997 GF4-STiV3 clone	Buy one. I just did in Ottawa a month ago. Other perks: looks good, handles better than just about anything else in its class. The wagon has a roomy cargo area. The GT had lots of goodies that the L doesn't. It's unique compared to accords and camrys. The prices are pretty good as few people consider them. No big problem areas other than the headgasket issue. Its unknown what % of cars will fail, but I would guess that most will eventually. You may want to consider an extended warrantee if less than $800 or so. Standards are more fun that the auto, but have a weak clutch and 2nd gear. I would have bought std. but the wife vetoed that. I would buy one again.

06-07-2002, 12:58 PM	#7
Legacy GTR Scooby Specialist Member#: 9316 Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Litchfield Park, AZ Vehicle: 1997 Legacy GT [email protected]	my 97 GT had a alternater re-call. I could tell it was going out when I got the notice in the mail. Mike