1996 Subaru Legacy Outback Wagon 2.2 L 5-Speed

1996 Subaru Outback Description

I'm selling my '96 Subaru Outback Wagon (4 cyl. 2.2L, 5 speed). This car has some issues as it sits now, but it still runs and drives fine. If I had not recently purchased a newer car I might choose to fix this car rather than sell it.
First, this car has been sitting for a while, and when I tried driving it again I noticed the wheels were making a regular thumping noise. At first I thought this was because there were flat spots on the tires, but after driving it for a few miles the thumping noise went away. This could be because the tires returned to their original shape after driving on them, or it could be because there was rust built up on the surface of the rotors, and once that rust was worn off of the rotors from braking, the noise went away.
So it looks like the tires may still have some life left in them, and you can drive on them safely for now, but you'll probably want to invest in newer tires before the winter.
I'm concerned that there may be a stuck caliper on the front driver's side wheel. It has been almost 7 years since I last replaced this caliper. I did just replace the rotors and pads on all four wheels not even two years ago, but I only replaced the calipers on the right front and left rear wheels. I'm concerned that after sitting for several months the left front caliper has rusted up solid. I say this because I noticed the brakes on only that wheel feel warm after driving. I'm still waiting to see if this issue fixes itself, but if not, this will most likely require new pads and rotors on the front wheels and a new caliper on the left front wheel. I could fix this in about an hour for about $150 for the parts, or you could pay a professional mechanic a lot more to fix it.
There is an exhaust leak in front of the rearcatalyticconverter (this car has twocatalyticconverters). Most of the time it is fine, but it occasionally comes apartwhile driving and I bet it would not pass inspection like this. You could probably fix this with less than an hour of labor.
The only other issue with this car, similar to all cars in Maine, is rust. As you can see from the pictures, I have repaired some rust around the rear strut towers and wheel wells, which is a common issue with this car. As you can see, I did not remove all of the rust. The rust issue is likely to get worse over time. In my opinion the rust isn't bad enough to prevent the car from passing inspection now, but I also haven't had it inspected in over two years, and a professional mechanic may have a different opinion.
So, you can understand that even though this car still has plenty of life left in it, the reason it is priced so low is because it will probably need about $600 in parts and labor to make it roadworthy again.
I originally purchased this car used in October 2007, and I have full service records (in digital format) available from that point forward.
Please note: If you look at the AutoCheck Vehicle History Report for this car you will see that it has been in one accident. This "accident" was basically another car brushed against the front passenger's side bumper while it was parked in a USM parking lot, and a USM Police Officer happened to witness this. The only damage was minor scuffing on the bumper.
Service History:
Oil changed every 3,000 miles. Spark plugs, air, and fuel filter replaced every 2 years.
2015:Replaced rusted brake line rear passenger’s side.
2014:Replaced both front CV shaftsReplaced brake rotors and pads on all 4 wheelsReplaced brake calipers front passenger’s side & rear driver’s sideReplaced rear strutsReplaced clutch cableReplaced valve cover gaskets to fix oil leakInstalled new spark plug wiresInstalled new AC belt and recharged AC
2013:Replaced fuel filler neckReplaced rusted brake line on rear driver’s sideReplaced both oxygen sensorsReplaced exhaust center pipe
2012:Installed new battery
2010:Replaced starter and crank position sensor
2009:Replaced front ball joints on both sidesReplaced front passenger side CV shaftNew tires on all 4 wheelsNew spark plug wires
2008:Replaced alternator and beltReplaced tie-rod ends on both sidesReplaced front driver’s side CV shaftNew brake pads and rotors on all four wheelsReplaced caliper on front driver’s sideReplaced back-up light switch
2007:New ClutchNew Timing BeltMore information available on request
If you buy this car I will also throw in the workshop manual I have for it. Please contact me with any questions.
All cash offers will be considered.