Faults:

My left wheel bearing and right front axle blew at 115,000. First time I ran it up over 3,000 rpm it started throwing oil out of the left camshaft seal.

General Comments:

After reading about the 2.5 head gasket problems, I am worried. I can barely watch the road for checking the temperature gage. One of the entries indicated the problem might have to do with the lower radiator hose since it does not have the old fashioned spring to prevent it from collapsing and restricting coolant flow. (4 Feb 2007 Mr Chapman). Has anyone else installed a spring reinforced lower radiator hose on a 2.5 engine and did Mr Chapman's remedy work?

Croznest@comcast.net.

Faults:

100K Blew some gaskets and had the timing belt done and plugs done.

140K drive line went out of balance.

160K heated seats and mirrors stopped working.

200K belts broke.

General Comments:

This has been a great car that has a lot of room, great pickup, and has really run hard for a long time.

The car doesn't get as great of gas mileage as you would think because of the all wheel drive. It does drive very well in the snow and handles very well. I wish they had the option to turn off all wheel drive.

This car has had no major problems. Just add gas and oil and drive it! This is the first import car I have owned and the first car that has hit 200K miles without a major issue. I think it could make another 50-100K. My 2 brothers had the same luck with their subaru's too.

If you want to do any work on this car yourself, make sure you have tiny hands and great tools. It took me forever to change the plugs because of very tight gaps, spaces, and how things are packed together. Definately not like my 1970 Chevy pickup.

Faults:

Head gaskets are common on Subaru. Mechanic by trade, I know. AS far as the engine knock when cold it is a piston slap, all you need is a piston (#4) replace.#4 piston is very popular.

Enjoy your SUBURU

Faults:

-Both head gaskets at 115800 KM.

-Radiator was totally blocked off with crud. Mechanic were repaired asked if there was any coolant in the engine at all.

-Radiator blockage was cause of over heating which in turn blew head gaskets. This happened in a 5 minute period. Was flushed and refilled by dealer 10000KMs ago.

General Comments:

-Have had every service done on this car from new by the month as we do not drive it enough to put the kilometers on.

-Radiator was flushed at last major service in January 2004. Like a fool I never looked at the colour of the water in the overflow tank, instead trusted the dealer and observed level through side of tank. Though the car was serviced several times by the dealer and this was not checked by them either.

Faults:

Suspect now set of heads went before we bought car. Signs found that engine had been torn down.

My first head gaskets blew at 80,200 miles.

Rear bearing gone at 65,000 miles.

Rear hatch handle rusted out, as well as rear wiper stopped working at 50,000 miles.

My Second set of heads blew at 110,000 miles.

General Comments:

Now reading other comments I know why the dealer blew me off when the first set of heads went 200 miles past my expensive extended warranty. The car is wonderful off road and on, but sucked me dry with several grand worth of repairs. I would avoid these as they pop up at the used car lot looking like they are in great shape, but hiding a nasty surprise. I see them everywhere and it makes my stomach churn. This car has spent an even amount of time driving and sitting in the driveway dead. Owed too much to trade in, paid too much to afford to repair. Became a sculpture we looked longingly at to be able to drive, while driving our meager family budget to the brink. And I bought a Subaru for its reliability. I would like to meet the guy who spread that rumor. PS. I have one in the front yard $500 as is, heats up after 10 miles.