First Subaru test drive

[weffy]

I've been lurking this site for a couple months and am very interested in getting a cheap Subaru. I test drove a 96 L today and thought it drove very well. First time in a Subaru. Couldn't notice any problems. Seemed fairly quick, responsive, a decent ride and had good brakes. It's a 2.2 with 4eat. The only thing that struck me as different was what I would describe as a general drivetrain noise. Nothing clanky, just kind of a hum or groaning type. Is this normal? Just the extra mechanics of the AWD? It has only 89,000 miles and has had a fair amount of engine work done ie - new timing belt, water pump, oil pump. Overall I liked it.

[evolutionmovement]

It's tough to say. These cars ren't the quietest cars on the road - Subaru spent their money on engineering and driveability more than sound isolation, but it shouldn't be obtrusive. I'm not sure what you're used to for noise, but it may be a problem as it shouldn't be too loud.

Steve

[dzx]

My car had that hum before it was switched to a manual. It also slipped after being driven for a few mins. I think it might be normal tho because a guy here had a 4eat turbo legacy that was running 13's with no drivetrain slippage and his hummed the exact same way mine did.

[professor]

I have a 92 wagon and my dad has a 99 Outback. As a driver typically of older BMW and Honda cars, the first thing I noticed about the Subarus was a high vibration level in the drivetrain, particularly noticeable if you hold onto the shift lever. Both cars run perfectly so it appears that is just the way it is. One of the reasons I don't buy into the "perfectly balanced engine" crap.

I am somewhat surprised that an engine that vibrates this much can go the long haul, 200,000 plus miles with no problems, but the facts are indisputable on that point. It does seem to take the motor mounts out eventually though.

Seems like a "like it or leave it" scenario.

[weffy]

Thanks for all of your replies. Sounds like it could be normal. Probably the best thing I could do is find another similar Subaru and drive it for comparison. I might have chance to do that with a 96 Leg LS and/or a 97 obs.

[scottzg]

Mine hums like a SOB. I am somewhat anal retentive about maintenance (except things that cant damage the car when they break, heh) Fresh trans fluid, diff fluid, whatnot. I wouldn't worry about it.