Hi ALL!
Well, I have seen a 1997 Legacy 5 Spd GT in my local paper? It has 123K miles on it, dealer maintaned. It has a NEW motor as of 38K miles ago???
So my questions in general are: just what problems does this year GT Wgn have?
What about this replacement motor at 38K ago. I haven't called yet. I'de like to have my questions ready for the person. I'm going to ASSume that this replacement IS from the dealer. He does mention that it was maintained by the dealer! Let's say it was replaced 2 years ago, 2002. Would this 2002 2.5 have ALL the problems fixed that I'm hearing these 1997 2.5 motors have? Would it come with factory, transferable warrantee??
The only common reason I know of for replacing or rebuilding an engie would be the headgasket problem on the EJ25.
North America, 2.5L H4 engine. The DOHC Phase I was used in the late 90's Imprezas until 98 and in the Legacys until 99. (Why? The Imprezas come from Japan and they got the updated engine one year sooner. The Legacies are made in the States.) Therefore... 99 and newer Imprezas along with 2000 and newer Legacys will have the Phase II engine.
It's quite easy to tell by looking, if you have seen them both. Look at the timing belt covers. You will see the evidence of 1 or 2 camshafts per side.
The Phase II engine does have some headgasket issues in the form of external leaks. Subaru's response has been the anti-freeze conditioner or additive, whatever you want to call it. I don't really know if they have it under control now (say, 2004, 2005 models).
