Alrighty... I'm seriously considering this as my first Subaru but I would like some feedback from you guys and any hints/tips/info on things to look at for. I HAVE TO have AWD for the winter. I'm looking at: 01 Subaru Legacy L Sedan 145K miles Looks very clean inside and out minus some basic front bumper wear/tear It's from a used car dealership and the agreed upon price so far is $4400. Should I be looking at: - Whether or not the HG was replaced? If not yet, should I reduce my offer do to it being a common problem? - Any major areas I should look for rust (Kinda like how Honda's have that common quater panel rust)? - Anything wierd sounds I should listen for during the test drive that would indicate bigger concerns? - Should I wait it out for a GT for any reason (I think they have just a standard motor so no HP difference)? - ANYTHING! ANY ADVICE WOULD BE APPRECIATED!
Lulz... I won't listen to YOU then This site has been very helpful so far in comparison to other forums I've been on that just likes to flame any new member. It seems like there's alot of friendly Subie owners out there and you guys are always answering questions even though I know you may get the same ones all the time.
Have a trustworthy mechanic take a look. I know a guy in Mahtomedi if you need an honest mechanic. What dealership? Rexarew is right. There are only a handful of people on this site from which I would listen to advice.
Very close to correct. This is much more accurate. Ask to bring it to a tech before you buy it. Happens all the time.
^^^Crap... now I have no idea who to listen to. Looking at two of them actually. Both are very similar. One dealership in Anoka, the other in Burnsville.
I'm kidding. Shibbsy seems to actually use his brain. (which is more than I can say about many on this site...) Take it to a trusted mechanic of your choice. If they (the dealerships) aren't willing to let you do that, walk away. *edit* Concerning dealerships: Few are to be trusted, and none completely. Caveat Emptor.
Watch out for headgasket issues on 2.5l non-turbo Subarus. That would be the first thing I would have checked. Another common thing on Subarus are wheel bearings.
So... no advice eh? I was hoping to get some hints/tips to the point where I wouldn't have to take it to a mechanic.
Well, you could collect a list of tips from people on this site, but if you're looking at higher mileage vehicles like you describe, you would be much better off taking it to someone that really knows what they are looking at. It is a lot more likely you will miss something versus a certified mechanic that fixed cars every day. It shouldn't cost much and is worth the extra effort.
Best tip I've received so far... :biggthumpup: Any recommendations on Subie Mechanics? Do you think the dealership would mind me driving the car to Mahtomedie?:laugh:
The guy in Mahtomedi works out of his home and is a certified mechanic. He's honest and he is good. He had two other older subies there when I dropped mine off (older phase 1s getting headgaskets done) and a host of other cars from a Mercedes to a Firebird to an early 60's something-or-other. If you are interested, PM me for his number. Otherwise, maybe take it to Morrie's in Minnetonka? A few members on this site work there. If the dealership minds you taking the car to a mechanic of your choosing, don't buy from that dealership. Period. Walk out the door.
My only advice since I see you have a modded Celica; if you plan on modding your new car Do Not buy a N/A Subaru unless you plan on spending a lot of money on a swap. Save yourself some tears and buy a turbo car. Don't be fooled by the "bolt on" turbo kits for N/A Subarus. There are a select few people on here who have successfully turboed their N/A cars after ALOT of work. Most people and up with a pile of shrapnel and an empty bank account. Just my $.02
Thanks for the advice. No I won't be modding the Subaru (That's why I'm going with an N/A model, I know if I get a WRX... I wouldn't be able to stop myself) It's going to be used strictly for DD'ing (Especially winters). Any Morrie's Subaru guys mind me bringing the car to them?
