Thinking about this 05 legacy need advice

[Drmac22]

Hello all,

Just joined and was hoping for some advice on a Legacy I am considering purchasing for my 15yr daughter to drive. Its on Craigs list and I went and checked the car out. seems ok, runs fine, needs brakes cause it sounds like crap but stops fine. Here is the details in the sale They are asking 5995 its an 05 Legacy Turbo GT limited, he has changed out the motor because the previous ones Turbo ate it.

 

"Gt turbo with a 40 K JDM 2.0 STI motor installed. Larger turbo, exhaust, and new tires and brake pads included. runs great drives well. leather interior cd cold air really fast."

 

When the cars running and the hood was open there was some smoke coming out from what appeared exhaust but could not tell. he said there was an exhaust leak and it was something that could be fixed. motor looked clean but did catch a faint smell of hot anti freeze. The cruise control light was blinking in the car and he said it was because the sensor was loose and that was a fault the car gives when it is not tight to the exhaust. Car has brand new tires like less then 200 miles on them. It did get up and go pretty good but was a little seemed a bit sluggish I guess until the turbo kicked in. My question I guess is this a car I should look into buying. Or am I looking at a money pit. I am not sure about the replacement 2.0 JDM motor. I am not to great of a mechanic but the car seemed decent. Not for the 5995 but just trying to get a feel for this investment. I am in Iowa City Iowa. Please let me know opinions and thoughts on what I should do. Maybe the offering price you would make. The Odometer says 157690. http://cedarrapids.craigslist.org/cto/4958158450.html

[boxkita]

Anti-freeze smell now means the engine already has issues. If you felt the brakes need work and the car is listed as having new brakes, it really calls into question everything else he has said.

 

A turbo sports sedan for your 15yr old daughter is a good way to skyrocket your insurance premiums. Also with the existing issues, you asking for a lot of shop bills. Especially if the oil levels and other maintenance items are not kept up, the engine will fail again. Find a cheap honda and be happier.

[Drmac22]

Brakes pads were in the box in the back seat. They need to be installed. Sounded like it needed new rotors too. Yeah I wondered about the insurance premiums. its only a 4cylinder so thought it would be ok. if you were buying it what would you offer? 4500?

[boxkita]

Brakes pads were in the box in the back seat. They need to be installed. Sounded like it needed new rotors too. Yeah I wondered about the insurance premiums. its only a 4cylinder so thought it would be ok. if you were buying it what would you offer? 4500?

 

For your situation, I'd not offer. There's too many red flags on this one. However, if you require this particular car, take it to an independent subaru shop (not just "a" shop, but a subaru specialist. A dealer works too) and get a pre-purchase inspection including leakdown & compression test. the anti-freeze smell is usually a sign of more serious problems.

 

New rotors will be $200-400. If you are not mechanically inclined expect a shop rate of $100/hr, so $600-1000 for the brake job.

 

Honestly this has money pit written all over it. However, if you got it for $4k and bot your daughter a tool kit plus an account on this forum, she could learn everything she needs to know to maintain it. Parts are expensive, however, we have a thriving used market.

 

If I was you, I'd walk away. If it was me, IDK. There could be alot of work with the antifreeze smell & the exhaust leak, or it could be a couple of simple leaks and you'd have a decent car. Regardless, the 2.0L motor swap is strange, as the car normally has a 2.5L.

[Dispatch20]

I agree with Boxkita. That car will be terrible for a young girl to drive. Total money pit. I have a lot of tools and am mechanically inclined, and I can barely keep my Legacy GT running in good shape.

[Drmac22]

Thank you for the good advice. I am probley gonna back away from this car. Good resource and info here. Thanks Again!

[Dujo]

We love these cars, but a turbo Subaru is not a great car for a teenager. Get a nice naturally aspirated Outback or Forester or Impreza and call it a day. You get the advantage of all wheel drive and the safety aspect of Subarus without all the headaches and repair bills. Good luck!

[ttnio]

If she was my fifteen year old boy or girl. I'd look for for a 2nd Generation Forester (non-turbo). Both of you will love the purchase.

 

Welcome ...

[gimpydingo]

Red flags all over. This guy just put this back together and got it running, nothing more. You will spend 3 to 4x the amount to get it fixed up and more to keep it running. Cheap non turbo forester/outback, some sort of honda or a toyota is what you should be looking at.

[SSpeed]

250hp+ for a first time driver? Are you nuts?

 

2.5 to 2.0 STI swap? That itself would make me run for the hills.

 

Cruise control light blinking is a loose sensor? BS, that's what happens when the check engine light comes on and the car is not happy.

 

Smoking exhaust "could be an easy fix". Ask yourself, if the fix is so easy why not do it before a prospective buyer comes along.

 

I wouldn't offer a cent for this. Buying a teenage first-time driver a 250hp+ 13 sec car from the factory is asking for high insurance and the possibility of her hurting herself, or someone else badly. Couple that with the fact that this car has major issues and sounds like a piece of sh*t even though it looks nice, you are silly for even considering it. Get your daughter a non-turbo Impreza or Outback and everyone will be much happier.

[rob_m]

+1 to all of you. I did have the chance to keep my 05 LGT for my 19 yo son who just got his license. No way! Too much temptation. Now looking for a good used Impreza or Forester for his first car.