Spotting a PhaseII EJ25 Headgasket leak

[Wiscon_Mark]

So I'm probably going to be looking at a new (to me) 03 Forester 5MT with a good body and fairly high (Highway driving) miles.

Is there any way to externally spot the PhaseII engine's HG leak? I know that the HGs tend to leak differently than the PhaseI EJ25 (oil in the coolant).

Any other tips? I know most of the aging Subaru problems and what they sound/look/feel like having driven a 95 for the last 7 years but with an EJ22 I've never really worried about the engine or headgaskets.

I will of course ask for service records and probably get a carfax if I'm really serious, but it's a killer deal despite the high miles (240,000 miles, but clean in and out and only 3500 bucks which is great for a Subaru around here).

[Dead91silvia]

Phase II motors have external leaks... Just get under the car and look to see if it's seeping. Thats basically it. Also, those motors are EASY to do HG's on comparing to the Twin cams.

Also, for $3500 I would just budget having someone go through the motor! Thats cheap for over here! Toss $1500 at it and get the motor done up and you wont have any worry's for a long time.

[Wiscon_Mark]

That's what I'm thinking. As long as it doesn't need new brakes, suspension, clutch, etc all at once it should be a good car for a long time.

[Dead91silvia]

Even if it needs some of that, it shouldnt be too bad. Brakes are cheap, relatively speaking. And the others arnt bad.

Go check it out!