'97 GT wagon, 130K, no HG replacement thus far

[sportsracer-5]

I've sourced a local (Seattle area) 1997 GT wagon. It's got 130,000 miles and looks to be in excellent condition inside and out. The carfax report is remarkably clean - no major repairs listed, no accidents, etc. The seller says the HG has never been replaced.

From what I've read, it sounds like the HG on virtually every 2.5 is a ticking time bomb. But that most seem to give it up long before 130,000 miles. Is that true? If I get this, should I absolutely be setting aside ~$1500 to have the job done? Or could the car have somehow escaped the problem? Mind you, I haven't actually seen it in person to inspect the engine. Just wanted to get some feedback before I get my hopes up.

If this car is really in as good of shape as it appears... aside from the HG issue, should it likely be a pretty reliable car? It's more miles than what I want right now as the car will serve as my family's main long distance driver. Would had to break down in the wilds of eastern Washington. But I love the 2nd gen Legacy wagon styling, and the AWD would be nice in the winter. Everyone I know who owns an older Subaru swears by them...

Thoughts?

-Matt

[99SUS SFD]

I think the life span of the head gaskets is due, in part, by how the car was driven. I think if those were a hard 130,000 miles it could be right around the corner. But if it was taken care of properly you may be ok. I believe there are some members here with high mileage on their original HGs.

[ccampbell2546]

I was wondering the same thing. I just bought my '97 GT three months ago with 136k on it and it hasn't had the HGs replaced and isn't showing any signs yet. It seems like most give up by 100k. Anyways, a local guy from across town with a '99 2.5RS told me that I don't need to worry about this because '97 is the phase 1 engine. He says the phase 1 is ok but the rest are the ones to worry about. I don't know if I should believe him or not but, I hope he's right.

[iampetro]

lol... he's wrong

got it backwards

phase 1 = head gasket leak one way
phase 2 = head gasket leak another

phase one is a self destructing leak however.

leggy's were phase 1 until 2000 when the came out with gen 3
impreza was phase 1 until 1999 from 99 up there phase2 SOHC

i have owned 2 2nd gen LGT's and i love them to death.
done the HG's on the first one and my current LGT is still ticking

i recomend to anyone, every car needs some love... these ones deserve it

[KAG]

Phase 1 leak internally.
Phase 2 leak externally.

:smt002

[decke48]

ive seen some phase I 2.5 go to 200,000 before the HG's went. most go around 100,000 mile mark. but its just a random thing. ive seen cars blow HG's with 20,000 miles on granny driven cars.

[sportsracer-5]

Thanks for your thoughts, everyone. I really hope this car is one of the Legacys that will go for 200,000 with no issues. I'll let you know what happens...

[Airgne]

drive it around for 30 min if you can. the only thing i hate about a 2nd gen is the dash a seats(seat hurts my back bad). after being a 3rd gen for so long it werid to sit in a 2nd again. also i ahve a 3rd gen sedan and ive got 2 kids, so you dont always need a wagon(unless you got more than that). oh dont forget a out the 4 scooby meets comeing up in the NW. 2 are specifily for made for the legacy(anyone is welcome). pm if you have questions.

[Airgne]

also heres a 2nd gen i would love to have.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/oly/cto/1184432006.html