The 2000 Legacy GT with the EJ25 turbo is a capable AWD sport sedan undermined by catastrophic head gasket failure and oil starvation issues that can grenade the bottom end. When maintained obsessively they're rewarding, but most examples are ticking time bombs by now.
Head Gasket Failure (External Leaks Leading to Overheating)
Common · high severityTypical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Oil weeping from cylinder head seam onto exhaust manifold, visible smoke at startup, Coolant seepage creating white crusty deposits on block, Overheating under load if coolant loss goes unchecked, Sweet smell from exhaust area after driving
Fix: Both head gaskets require engine-out or very awkward in-chassis work. Machine shop resurface both heads, replace timing components while accessible, new head bolts. Budget 16-20 labor hours for proper job with engine removal.
Estimated cost: $2,800-4,200
Piston Ring Land Failure / Spun Rod Bearings
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 100,000-180,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption (quart every 500-800 miles), Blue smoke on deceleration or at cold start, Metallic knocking from bottom end, especially when warm, Loss of compression on cylinder 2 or 4 (common weak spots)
Fix: Ring lands crack from detonation or oil starvation on stock cast pistons. Rod bearings spin from low oil or aggressive driving. Short block replacement or full rebuild with forged pistons recommended. 24-30 labor hours engine-out, full teardown.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,500
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Failure
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi
Symptoms: ATF dripping from radiator area or passenger frame rail, Trans slipping or delayed engagement when fluid runs low, Pink fluid puddles under front of car, Transmission overheating warning if equipped
Fix: Steel hardlines rust through where they run along frame rail. Replace both cooler lines and fittings, flush system, refill. 3-4 labor hours if catching early before trans damage.
Estimated cost: $450-750
Transmission Mount Collapse
Common · low severityTypical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking on 1-2 upshift or reverse engagement, Excessive driveline shunt under throttle transitions, Visible sag of transmission tailhousing, Vibration at idle in gear
Fix: Rear trans crossmember mount deteriorates from heat and oil saturation. Replace mount and inspect crossmember bushings. 1.5-2 labor hours on a lift.
Estimated cost: $180-320
Turbocharger Oil Feed Line Cloking / Turbo Failure
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 130,000-200,000 mi
Symptoms: Whistling or screaming under boost, Blue smoke from exhaust under acceleration, Loss of boost pressure (car feels gutless), Shaft play evident if you grab compressor wheel
Fix: Factory banjo bolt oil feed screens clog with sludge, starving turbo bearings. Replace turbo, all oil feed/return lines, clean banjo fittings. 8-10 labor hours with manifold removal.
Estimated cost: $1,800-2,800
Crank Position Sensor Failure (No-Start)
Occasional · medium severitySymptoms: Intermittent no-crank, no-start when hot, Stalling at idle after heat soak, Check engine light with crank sensor code P0335, Dies and restarts after cooling 20-30 minutes
Fix: Sensor behind timing cover fails from heat cycling. Access requires removing accessory belts, crank pulley, timing covers. 3-4 labor hours.
Estimated cost: $350-550
Buy only if head gaskets are recently done with receipts and oil consumption is negligible—otherwise you're buying someone else's $4,000 problem with a timing belt wrapper.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.