What model outback?

GTFOZZY · Post by **GTFOZZY** » Sat Jan 19, 2013 12:58 pm

Hi guys,
So we are looking at getting a outback,roughly 8k to spend so prob 99-03 model range.After advice on what the best model is,any probs to look for etc.All advice appreciated.

indy · Post by **indy** » Sun Jan 20, 2013 10:36 am

Hi GTFOZZY, i recently purchased an 01 GEN3 Outback Manual.

i made a similar thread awhile before purchasing, it might be of help, some great posts from outback owners on what to look for when buying.

showthread.php?t=22303

From what i gathered these are common problems:

Clutch - Dual Mass Flywheels came in most of the GEN3 outbacks, apparently these had problems.
Rear tailgate garnish, common to be cracked, water can leak into the reverse lights.
Centre Diff
Drive Shafts/CV boots

Also when i took my GEN3 for a test drive, it went fine, however it wasn't till slow bumper to bumper driving, in drive-thrus and car parks where i really noticed a problem which seems to be possibly the clutch.
Make sure you really really, test the car out when test driving. I know it sounds so simple, but take your time with it and test it under a load of different scenarios.

Also most will be slightly under 200k, the 200k service is expensive if you can't do it yourself, however if you are mechanically minded or have a friend who is (which was my case luckily lol) then its not too bad. A timing Belt kit can be bought online for around 200-300(200 w/o water pump, or 300 with).
Repco quoted 570 for the timing belt kit when i went to do mine.

GTFOZZY · Post by **GTFOZZY** » Sun Jan 20, 2013 1:43 pm

Thanks,yeah I know all about the big service costs,have a 00 impreza and foz gt had both had there major ones done and big bucks so yeah looking at 140-170 K on clock have found quite a few and also going to be auto.Just waiting on the money factor now

.Quite interested in this one also has bullbar which we will want to get anyways
http://www.carpoint.com.au/all-cars/dea ... 27323&Cr=8

iwant1 · Post by **iwant1** » Mon Feb 11, 2013 12:27 pm

Hope you found what you were after GTFOZZY. I'm keen on the Gen 4 outback, years 2007-2009 but my girlfriend is keen on getting the newer Gen 5 outback. Im working on a budget of $25-$30k. The newer body shape hasn't really grown on me yet but the girlfriend likes them because it has got some of the newer features the old ones dont (bluetooth etc.). Just wondering if someone can tell me reasons why I should get the Gen 5 outback over the Gen 4? Some feedback from those that have owned both would be great? Particularly with the new constantly variable transmission. Thanks.

thunder039 · Post by **thunder039** » Mon Feb 11, 2013 1:01 pm

iwant1 wrote: Just wondering if someone can tell me reasons why I should get the Gen 5 outback over the Gen 4? Some feedback from those that have owned both would be great? Particularly with the new constantly variable transmission. Thanks.

um other then the CVT i cant think of any reason to get the gen 5

just because as you said its uggly!

but in the gen 5 i believe you can get the 3.5? flat 6. vs the 3.0l flat 6 in the gen 4 if you were looking for performance, in the gen 5 you also have the diesel option if you were after fuel economy.
i would say resale value in a few years time will be better in the gen5 just because its a newer model.

if it were me i would go a diesel gen5 would be the only gen5 i would buy other wise i would get a gen4

niterida · Post by **niterida** » Mon Feb 11, 2013 1:47 pm

You can have mine for $5k :

Scotty · Post by **Scotty** » Mon Feb 11, 2013 7:29 pm

I got a 5th gen outback and my old man had a 4th gen. I thought the 5th gen was ugly on the outside to begin with but I love the inside so much more then a 4th gen.

The 5th gen interior is so much more spacious and comfortable. The exterior has grown on me as well. Also like the little bit extra clearance. You spend more time inside your car then looking at the outside of your car. Go a 5th gen.

AlpineRaven · Post by **AlpineRaven** » Mon Feb 11, 2013 8:17 pm

You can find early Gen 4 Outback in that price range but high kms...
Cheers
AP

iwant1 · Post by **iwant1** » Mon Feb 11, 2013 9:37 pm

Thanks for all the feedback guys. Think its still riding on how much the girlfriend wants one of the new outbacks. Diesel would be great for us here in the country but I think its a bit out of our price range, especially if I would have to get this year's model to get it in auto as well.

RSR 555 · Post by **RSR 555** » Tue Feb 12, 2013 5:55 pm

niterida wrote:You can have mine for $5k

You can't sell this car before the end of April

GTFOZZY · Post by **GTFOZZY** » Tue Feb 12, 2013 6:05 pm

Hi i have just recently been told outbacks from 99=07 are notorious for doing head gaskets?So should I factor this in when I buy one?What have you guys found ?

AlpineRaven · Post by **AlpineRaven** » Tue Feb 12, 2013 7:56 pm

GTFOZZY wrote:Hi i have just recently been told outbacks from 99=07 are notorious for doing head gaskets?So should I factor this in when I buy one?What have you guys found ?

Yes/No and dont believe that.
These Gen2 (1994-1998) DOHC EJ25 are prone to blow head gaskets due the design.
Gen 3 Outback are SOHC same with Gen 4 Liberty & Outback are also SOHC.
Our Liberty with EJ25 hasn't done its heads yet and touch wood it wouldnt.

niterida · Post by **niterida** » Tue Feb 12, 2013 8:03 pm

RSR 555 wrote:You can't sell this car before the end of April

I was just fishin

GTFOZZY wrote:Hi i have just recently been told outbacks from 99=07 are notorious for doing head gaskets?So should I factor this in when I buy one?What have you guys found ?

My 99 did a head gasket - but possibly wasn't helped by overheating it badly due to total water loss when the radiator split - cost $500 to repair doing it myself (well RSR 555 did most of the work). So yes they do have head gasket failures - and a workshop will quote anywhere from $1500 up to fix it.

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What model outback?

What model outback?

Old body shape or new? Gen 4 vs Gen 5