early model outbacks?

OGJON

Forum Member
Joined
May 21, 2009
Messages
154
Location
NSW
hey peeps
I really like the look of the outbacks
just after a bit of info on the early model outbacks(automatics)

1. What are they like to drive?
fast, slow, comfy?
2. which mods are easier to do/availability?
street car or off roader?
3. fuel usage?
4. towing?
5. cargo space?

& most important
6. how much $$ would I be looking @ to pick up a decent one with rego & rwc?
 
I had the first of the Outbacks MY'97 Auto - it was a very nice car and it also has the double overhead cams so it has the performance edge over the single overhead cams. They are very comfortable to drive - a great cruising vehicle. (Mine was written off after I T-boned a car that made a RH turn across the front of me).

I only had raised springs 'cause there was not much else around at the time.

Of Course....... this is a beautiful car https://www.offroadsubarus.com/showthread.php?t=1636
 
my-MY00
1. awsome car to drive. quite quick not very quick. very comfy with great on road manners and handling.
2. definatly street/speed for avalibility of parts. simply because you use the same as the legacy/liberty which has a large range of after market parts. although to get it offroad you only need a bash plate, tyres, raised springs and a radio which is easily avalible, and a lift which would be the tricky part.
3. not bad unladed. provided engine has been looked after of course.
4. i've towed my 6x4 box trailer full with heavy camping stuff and a 12' tinny on it, with the car loaded and family with no worries. of course it slowed up on the hills but all in all no troubles and no over heating. (i have a manual which probably helps keeping the revs up on the hills)
5.that depends on how much cargo you've got. for everyday driving its enough but camping ad holidays i really need more. i do have a roof basket which is a life a saver.
6. shop around. to get a rough idea look on fleabay. you could get a 2000 model like mine in very good condition for about 7K-10K. mileage plays a big factor on price with subies.
 
Not wrong Kevin,

If I was in NSW and wanting an Outback I would be grabbin' it! :)

Given that SubaXtreme are not making rear bars for the later models, and even rear bars for the 03 are fairly rare, I recon that getting it for what Caddyman is asking is a steal. :cool:

Also lots of lift options available.:lildevil:
 
basically I will be using it as a daily driver, it's only my wife & I so use of the back seat ain't really important, my main concern is whether the outback's boot with the rear seats down is big enough to put my mountain bike into?
what size tyres & rims do the out backs have? & what is the biggest size tyre you can put on to a stock outback? I'll most likely just put a decent set of A/T's on it
even if I could afford to buy caddy's outback it's not what I'm after I've got he GU to go off road in so only want a stock outback.
I'm not currently in a position of being able to buy one yet just doing my home work.
you guys mentioned legacy/liberty are very similar to the outbacks any info on them with the same Q's I asked b4 appreciated.
I'm hoping to be able to get one for myself for my birthday in January, prob only wanna spend no more than $4k.
 
Talking about Gen 2 Outback - 1996-1998 they had DOHC EJ25 in them, they're ok as long they're well serviced and they do have terrible have headgasket history - so you will need to CHECK that.... Fuel... depends how heavy your foot is, If well serviced & driven well - you could get more than 550kms a tank..
Comfortable - they are comfortable to drive specially for long distance.
Towing - You would be able to tow camper caravan (pop up type) easily.
Cargo Space is reasonable - same as Liberty. I find it spacious for 2 weeks camping trip without trailer.
Mods - Since its an NA there isnt much mods and will cost you a lot to modify to what you wanted, Best leave it as it is, or spend 2 grand for turbo or EZ30 to install.
gearbox - if you get manual - it'll have dual range but low range is really lucking in "low range" you can get it converted by using older subaru's 1.59 low range in outback's low range. Currently in Gen 2 outback has 1.19:1 low range which is useless.

Gen 3 - 1999-2004 Had EJ25, SOHC engines better engine than Gen 2 outback. Low range is same as above. Similar space and fuel as above.

Gen 3 2002 - 2004 had EZ30 3 litre H6 - only comes in automatic, but several people have converted them into manual.... good on fuel but sometimes it lucks at low end torque, unless you get ECU programmed.
Cheers
AP
 
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