Subaru Repair: 1999 Legacy Outback, brake fluid flush, legacy outback

Question
Hi Zeke,
I'm looking at possibly buying a 99 Legacy Outback. Has 100,000 miles, auto trans, 2.5 liter 4 cyc. I have a few questions about the car in general.
--Can you tell me what the more important maintainance items that should have been performed up to this mileage are?
--What is the timing belt replacement time and approx. dealer cost?
--In your experience has this year and engine/transmission combo been reliable?
--Anything in particular I should be concerned with/

Thanks Zeke,
Larry  

Answer
Other than regular oil changes and tire rotations, every 30,000 miles this car should have had an air filter, fuel filter, transmission fluid drain and refill, cooling system drain and refill, and a brake fluid flush. At 60,000 miles add a front and rear diffential fluid drain and refill and a pcv valve and spark plugs. At 105,000 miles the timing belt should be replaced at a dealership cost of somewhere between 200 and 300 dollars depending on your market. When the timing belt is replaced, you may want the water pump replaced also. Also, the Subaru maintenance schedule recomends adjusting valves at 105,000 miles. Most dealerships do not push this one because it is very expensive, and often not deemed needed by most technicians if the motor is quiet.

Watch out for oil leaks - at the oil pump, cam seals, and at the rear of the motor. Most of these are not going to lead to a break down, but will almost always lead to a hot smell, some smoke, and drops of oil in the garage. When the timing belt is done, some of these leaks can be repaired at the same time - not cheap, but you will save some on overlapping labor.

Check the tires. If they are all the same brand with about the same tire wear, then ok. If they are mix and match or new tires on the front, old ones on the rear, you will want to get 4 new tires. You need all 4 tires to be the same speed rating, tread pattern, and within 1/4 of an inch in total circumfrance. This is critical to the operation of the Subaru all wheel drive.

Overall a very good car. But like any car, after 100,000 miles, anything can happen.