station wagon (subaru legacy replacment)

I thought only the DOHC 2.5s had the bad HG problems? Doesn't Legacy/Outbacks 2000+ have the SOHC 2.5?

If only there were a Miata wagon, that would be the answer.

I hate to say it, but if he is using it for delivery, seems to me that a (gasp!) minivan would be a better choice and provide more room/carrying capacity.

Does bread really weigh that much?

The problem with a minivan is that the service life for most minivan automatic transmissions its about 1/4 as long as he would want to keep it, so thats why he got the subaru. The bread isnt that heavy, but its enough that a base legacy would bottom out too much on the rough california roads. I think the car may just get fixed for now, it needs about $800 in parts (clutch, motor and tranny mounts, axles, etc) then it might last another 50k miles. By then the newer legacys may have gotten cheaper. lol

What about a Toyota Matrix? Too small? They're dead reliable and pretty useful with the hatchback.

Honda CR-V's came with a 5-sp transmission. At least the 97-01 models did. Pretty good pep with the stock 2.0L engine. Available in 4WD(AWD) if needed.

Here's one for you: Mazda5. Good handling/reliability like a 3 (especially with the 2.3L, has some decent power), but alot more interior room for hauling. Plus you can get it in a 5speed.

m4ff3w wrote: I thought only the DOHC 2.5s had the bad HG problems? Doesn't Legacy/Outbacks 2000+ have the SOHC 2.5?

Sadly, not true. Any 2.5 can suffer this malady, though after about 2002 the frequency is almost non-existent. It's the design of the original gaskets, not the engine itself that causes the problem. The sealing surface area that fails is very narrow, so a lot is asked of the HG and the original style simply couldn't cope.

ddavidv wrote:

m4ff3w wrote: I thought only the DOHC 2.5s had the bad HG problems? Doesn't Legacy/Outbacks 2000+ have the SOHC 2.5?

Sadly, not true. Any 2.5 can suffer this malady, though after about 2002 the frequency is almost non-existent. It's the design of the original gaskets, not the engine itself that causes the problem. The sealing surface area that fails is very narrow, so a lot is asked of the HG and the original style simply couldn't cope.

The gaskets in my wife's car (99 Outback - DOHC 2.5) were replaced by dealer at 155k, in 2006. So they should last?

^^^ Yes, but do the coolant exchange on time and use the Subaru green $33/gal coolant.