Subaru vs Civic
Asked by Jaime Jul 14, 2017 at 06:33 PM about the 2000 Subaru Outback Sport Wagon
Question type: General
Hi everyone, I'm right now planing moving to Western Massachusetts in 5
month and I'm planing to drive up there. As right now I have a 2001 Honda
Civic LX 5 speed manual, I have made some repairs on the engine (new gasket
mask and new clutch) as well a new starter. On the other hand I have a
proposition from a mechanic for a 2000 Subaru Outback Sport, automatic
transmission with 160k miles for $2000 it seems in good shape, but I'm afraid
of surprises after reading so much issues regarding old Subarus. There is a
third option, a 2003 Subaru Legacy L Wagon, with 148K miles, 5 speed
manual at $2700.....same fears. Any wisdom here? Thanks
7 Answers
The newer Subaru is a better car than the 2000 but the Honda may be more reliable than either one. If you pick the 2003 Subaru have the head gaskets inspected. These cars can last a lot of miles when taken care of.
TheSubaruGuruBoston answered 7 years ago
The Leg chassis is a lot more "car" than the Imp (think Accord vs Civic). All things equal (and they never are) the Leg is better value...esp given the 3 yr bump. But EITHER of them can suffer from significant body corrosion AND bleeding head gaskets at these ages. Do NOT think the Imp will have better fuel eco, as they're the same. 17 years is a long time for the 4EAT auto if its fluid is dirty, too; but the 2.5i easily eats clutches if driven improperly (gingerly). Either Subie will be MUCH safer in a crash, and of course usable in any snowstorm up here. Bottom-fishing Subies is VERY treacherous, so have each option carefully vetted by a wrench experienced with Subies' foibles. The very great majority of Subies (and Civics) over 12 years old have been donated to charity because of corrosion, so you should be extremely careful...as well add about $10k to your budget and get a much newer one. RSVP for more specifics if you change tracks....
That's assuming that the imp has a great SVC to be sure, check out the "pp" by cranking the h4 2-3 times after a hard start, no start condition eval. Like he said the misconception of the two over the third could be catastrophic in the event of an Obd malfunction during a gear swap. Corrosion is always a concern, although the Honda probably is suffering from the crime already. Either way, in those builds I'd go with the stick over the auto.
Thank you guys, I really appreciate it. I would stay with what I have, my Civic, I would just prepared it for winter, and give it a nice maintenance. The point here is what Mark mention, these are 17 year old cars, at this point little from what makes different this cars can be really be compare of appreciate. So the best route is to prepare what I have, and hope it last few more month without trouble, once in Massachusetts, I'll try to get a new one. And Mark, I think so too, stick over auto makes a huge difference. Thank you all.
Hhahahahaha sorry guys my bad. I asumed everyones name was Mark (helpful), I just realized my mistake. I was pointing out TheSubaruGuruBoston and Apgurus answers. Something I forgot to mention wis that my 2001 Civic (manual) has 142K miles, the 2000 Subaru Outback Sport (auto) has 161K miles and the 2003 Subaru Legacy L Wagon (manual) has 148K miles.
