Repair 1999 2.2L Subaru with 200K miles?

I bought my 1999 2.2L Outback Sport new from the dealer. It’s been on the road in New England for 200K miles and 12 years. It’s hurting for a new clutch (3rd in it’s lifetime) and struts all around. Those repairs and, what the heck, a new timing belt (never been replaced) and water pump would cost over $2K USD. There’s some wheel well and rocker panel rust (New England) but it will pass upcoming inspection in a few months.



I am somewhat inclined to put the money into the car. Might even add in some new gaskets and seals to put an end to that slow oil leak. Ok, let’s include a couple of other fixes and say about $3K USD. I replaced the catalytic convertor and O2 sensors last year to meet state requirements.



I turn the key and the engine starts and runs smoothly. The car has gotten 26 MPG since the day I bought it.



If I replaced the car, I’d have to buy used. Can’t afford a new car, not likely to be able to in the next few years.



Am I being crazy or overly sentimental? Would you put $3K into this car? I’ve read about folks going well past the 200K mark with their Subarus. A friend thinks I should buy his 2003 Accord, with less than 100K miles, for $6K. Nice car, leather seats and sunroof… but no AWD.



I’d be happy to hear any thoughts.

If you can’t afford to replace the car with something reliable, IMMEDIATELY change the timing belt (long overdue), and the water pump if it is driven off the timing belt, as well as the tensioner.

You should also replace the clutch and flush the cooling system if that has not been done for the last 40,000 miles.

A $6000 Acord is also un unknown quamtity, and you may be putting lots of money into that one very soon as well. In any case your present car is very difficult to sell with the existing clutch.

I would keep the car, do the recommended repairs, and basically drive it till something very major breaks that is not worth repairing. That may be another 100,000 miles.

A $6000 used car will not end your repair troubles!!

I agree with Docnick. I’d put $3k into it for a chance at another 100k miles. Even if you only get another 3 years out of it, that’s $1000 per year, which is not bad.

Luck must be on your side, if you’ve got 200k on the original timing belt. Get that replaced, like, yesterday!

Luckily for you the 2.2 is not an interference engine, so even if the timing belt breaks the worst that will happen is you’ll be stuck somewhere. In the cold, at night, in a snow storm. Still, 200K on the original belt is pretty amazing.

I’m glad to hear your car is still running well at 200K because my '97 Legacy wagon has the same engine and only 141K miles. With luck it should be good for many more miles/years.

The only thing I’d worry about is the rust. I’d want someone to inspect things like the shock towers and make sure the car is still structurally sound before you put any more money into it. Otherwise, $2 or 3K is not that much, really.

Yes, I was aware that the 2.2, unlike the 2.5, was not and interference design. Like my previous care an '89 Ford Escort (pre-Mazda). The timing belt snapped and the car simply rolled to a stop. It was a gamble on the Subaru, but not too risky. I commute only 15 miles at an average of 40 mph, never far from a cell tower connection.

I had my mechanic put the car up on a lift and specifically asked about rust. Typically, the wheel wells and rocker panels show signs of life in New England, but no structural issues.

Thanks for the input!