Any '02 Subaru Outback owners here today?

[Hobarticus]

Looking at buying a used one, really clean with 93k (which is nothing to a Scooby).

I'm on the fence. I own a '98 Scooby with 162k that runs really well, so I don't need it, but this is a heckuva deal. It would totally just be an "ego upgrade". Plus it has better mileage, and it'll run cleaner.

Anyone have any horror stories/recommendations on their '02s?

[JanMichael]

1. Google headgasket failure, and 2002 Subaru

We have a '98 that has 120,000 with no real problems so far, but our understanding is that the 2000-2004's DOHC engine design has caused numerous problems.

[Hobarticus]

2. I've heard that...

That's one mark against it. Doesn't appear to be any leaks, but that doesn't mean anything.

[JanMichael]

3. Usually it's an internal failure

one person I know didn't see steam, puddles, anything---first indication was the car overheating. Then, for some real entertainment, they went again 35,000 miles later--after the warranty had run out. It's a 2000 dollar job too.

I personally wouldn't touch one of those years.

[Hobarticus]

4. Thanks....I'm glad I posted

When I bought the '98 from my garage I did some homework and this came up. I grilled my mechanic pretty hard on it, and he said that he had only seen one or two. I completely forgot about it until now.

Still, with my luck, I'll be that one or two.

Something to think about, now....

[JanMichael]

5. you are welcome

Stephanie and I are huge subie fans; and this one particular issue really makes us mad. Subaru is still riding on the reputation of the EJ22 engine---but, that reputation is beginning to take a real beating because of lousy gaskets.

How many oil leaks have you had in the '98? I bet we fix one a year--

[Hobarticus]

6. NONE, amazingly...

Even at 162k the engine is clean enough to eat off of. I gave up checking the oil at every fill, doesn't burn or leak a drop. That's why I'm having such a hard time making this decision. But how long can my luck hold out? Mrs. Hobarticus is scared the thing's going to blow up and take me with it, one of these days.

This seems to be the common experience with Scoobies: either it runs like a tank and is airtight, or it just falls apart in little $1000 increments.

[JanMichael]

7. you are so lucky!

When they do leak, it tends to drip onto the hot manifold...creating lovely wisps of scary as hell smoke coming from the hood. It's great to see; particularly on the highway, 800 miles from home.

Hate to say it, but we would have to see flames now before we got upset.

[Hobarticus]

8. LOL! Isn't that usually how it goes?

You get so used to "little" things, it really takes a LOT to get your attention to them, after awhile. Flames might mean trouble, but you never know.

I've had it all: several engine fires, broken timing chains/belts, transmissions seizing up, rods thrown....I've earned enough automotive karma to last me awhile, hopefully.