13 replies to this topic

[McRae1995]

hi guys,

 

i'm looking to get a cheap daily driver with a bit of offroad ability.

 

I've don't wont to spend over $2500 and been have seen a few liberty's and outbacks on Gumtree, but just thought i'd throw a few questions out there into the suby world (i'm new to the brand). i'm reasonably competent at fixing things, but i don't wont a lemon 

 

(check it out for yourself)

http://www.gumtree.c...300.00__4000.00

 

 

is there anything i should avoid (like a particular mileage, engine/transmission combination, etc etc)

 

also how do the three first generations stack up in offroad ability? also manuals vs autos?

 

thanks in advance

[Robert]

Gen 1&2 auto

Gen 2 outback would be alright as it already has bigger tyres and a body lift from the factory.

Watch out for the 2.5's in the gen 2's as they blow head gaskets around 100,000 Kms

[McRae1995]

cheers guys.

 

i was originally keen on a gen 3, but i think there is enough haters out there to make me suspicious.

 

regarding manual/auto, i deep down prefer manual, but is auto that much better?

 

are all gen 2 fitted with EJ22? or are there some with EJ25? same question with gen 1, are they all EJ20?

 

 

edit: sorry re-read first comment. at what point did subaru change from 2.2 to 2.5?

[Jimbo]

all gen2 bar gen2 RX has an EJ22. Same with Gen1, all EJ22 apart from RS which is EJ20 turbo.

[simon]

Cheap gen 3 outback on here.
http://www.subyclub....k-25-auto-2000/

[McRae1995]

thanks again guys.

 

SubyDr, what do you mean the "6th charcter of 9 in it"? do you mean the VIN, engine number?

[McRae1995]

thanks SubyDr, and everyone for that matter. really appreciated!

 

is there any further comment on the manual/auto debate?

 

i genuinely prefer manual, due to simplicity and i like the idea of a solid link between engine-wheels.

 

is auto really much better than manual??

 

i read the low range in gen3 is hopeless, is it the same story in gen 1&2

[Jimbo]

Yup my Vin is much easier. BH5003429

[aekOne]

all gen2 bar gen2 RX

 

and Heritage

[Bumpty]

If you're looking at doing some light (or heavy) off-roading, Id suggest an auto. Why, because there is no clutch to wear out and autos allow much better throttle control in sticky situations.
I too prefer manual, but not for off-road. However, if you find a manual gen2 with low range and then replace with an L series low range - Win!

[McRae1995]

Thanks everyone, I think this will be enough good info to get me into a fun amount of trouble (hopefully no more)

Well post happy snaps of the chariot when I find it....

[McRae1995]

just taken delivery of the Suby, and i've already taken her through the mud  now i just have to come up with a name for her......

 

1994 Liberty GX Rallye, AWD, auto, 239kms

 

the good:

november rego and rwc

towbar

the price, $1300

power everything (and works)

pretty good condition overall

 

the bad:

drivers door had key snapped off in it <fixed>

ding on passenger side rear quarter

tyres dont have much life left <maybe upgrade to wrx wheels for extra clearance>

drive shaft CV boot has small split

 

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 20140628_164222.jpg   166.44KB   6 downloads

[weaslebee88]

Cant go wrong with gen1's

[McRae1995]

ok so... in the one week that i've had the car, i already want to take it off road more, haha

 

from what i've seen, the first mods everybody seems to do is:

 

outback struts and control arms (do these fit in gen1 sedan)

body lift

tyres and wheels

 

i want to do this on the cheap, can you guys suggest anywhere i can get these wallet friendly?