legacycentral bbs

hey there everyone,
i was referred to you all by someone at i-Club.com..
glad i found you guys - as i have a couple of questions..
have to say, my '90 Legacy LS wagon looks like hell - but is the most reliable car i've ever owned. It is stock with no modifications and is front wheel drive, only. Its my daily driver and use it so i can park on the street and not have to worry about dents and scratches. i live and work in downtown Washington, DC.

i've owned the car for 2 solid years and bought it from dear family friends who were the original owners. I have only had to replace one CV joint, an air filter and a new battery. Every 3,000 miles i change the oil and filter. The funny thing is - i don't even wash the car - i do however, keep the interior very clean. You see, i DON'T REALLY CARE about this car (it is my 2nd) and i'm pretty hard on it - but the car refuses to fail me!! It is my daily beater.

it has 145,000 miles.
it starts EVERY time on the 1st try.
the heater, AC, and window defrost work perfectly.
the 16 valve, 4 cylinder engine leaks almost no oil and zips me around town.

NOW, the timing chain is original.
how much longer do i have before it breaks???
i believe this is about a $500 repair.
ALSO, i soon need 4 new tires and brake pads.

is it worth putting in all this $$ - or should i just sell it and use the $$ toward a down payment on an Outback??

or should i look for a Turbo '90-94 Wagon?

during this last blizzard the car has been fantastic!!

Was this model known for being bulletproof - or am i just lucky??

your thoughts and any advice would be really appreciated.
glad i found this forum!!

best regards,
Maurice

(btw, is it just me - or does almost EVERY Legacy owner have a hub cap missing??? Every other Legacy i see is missing at least one!)

I'm missing 1!

These engines have timing belts rather than chains.

Subaru recommends replacing the timing belt at 60,000 miles, so you really ought to change yours considering you're past double that. :) It is a non-interference engine design, though, so a snapped timing belt usually just means the engine won't run; you usually don't actually damage anything.

The older legacies I've seen seem to be ALOT more reliable than the newer ones. But that's just my opinion . . . Check out my site for a story about the three subies I've owned. The link's in my signature.

Also, since you're in the DC area, you're only 15 minutes from me. I could always take you for a ride . . . you know, to try and persuade you to buy a turbo legacy

Maurice, you work quickly, I just referred you this afternoon !

Welcome to the forum, make yourself at home...

Maurice P wrote:You see, i DON'T REALLY CARE about this car

This, however has to change. If we have anything to do with it, we'll persuade you differently...

Welcome......

The car will most likely go much longer......I would recommend doing the timing belt and when in there do water pump, replace o-ring on oil pump & put lock tite on the backing screws.....and replace cam seals.

That may sound like a lot, but since everything is off with the timing belt....it shouldn't be much more to do that stuff. That is assuming want to keep the car.

On keeping the car issue. If you want a beater you don't have to worry about, I'd definitely keep it. If you want a very reliable car......I'd probably keep it as well.

If you want a new car......then you might want to trade up to something else....whether it be an outback or turbo.

I also suggest cam seals and such, too much a pain in the ass when they leak later and the car starts smelling.

thanks, all!
i agree, i really should take care of these looming mechanicals..
will probably address the t-belt, water pump, fresh fluids, new pads, and new front tires.

and thanks Subyluvr2212 - for referring me to this forum!
you guys seem much more engaged than i-club.

best,
Maurice