Buying used 97 Legacy, questions.

[Ray]

I've found a 97 Legacy sedan with 120,000mi that I'm thinking of buying and
I have a few questions.

There's nothing obvious wrong with it, it looks and drives like (nearly) new
and there arn't any leaks however:

1. The tires are new, 3 still have the little rubber "hairs" still on them
but these are worn from the left rear. Should I be worried already?

2. The owner seems to have kept up with oil changes but basically nothing
else. If I buy it I'm considering taking it into the local dealer and
having the timing belt and pullies replaced but I'm not sure what else I
should consider having them do. Any suggestions?

3. The owner claims that the transmission (an auto) was "replaced" last
year but I'm still awaiting the reciept so I can determine if he really
means "rebuilt" and if so by exactly who. It seems fine (shifts quickly and
smoothly) but is there anything in particular about the Subaru automatics
that I should be looking for? I'd have prefered a manual trans. but there
don't seem to be many used Subarus available around here for sale although
there are plenty driving around.

Thanks

 

[Jim L]

Is it a 2.2 liter or a 2.5?...important question. If a little more power is
very important to you....go with the 2.5 and its occasional issues. The 2.2
was a more reliable engine and still provided good power.

JIm L

 

[Ray]

Is it a 2.2 liter or a 2.5?...important question. If a little more power is
very important to you....go with the 2.5 and its occasional issues. The 2.2
was a more reliable engine and still provided good power.

It's the 2.2. It felt a bit sluggish at low rpms (ie pulling out into
traffic) but OK otherwise. I'm planning on taking it for longer drive
including some higher speeds this afternoon. We live in the mountains and
our Explorer struggles to maintain 75 on the hills. I'm hoping the Subaru
will do better.