Buying question

[urdrwho]

Since I am familiar with the people on this list I'll post here also and ask the question.

 

I have no idea about the previous maintenance done on this car. Is it an interference engine and if I wouldn't do a timing belt would a broken timing belt kill the darn car. Not replacing the water pump while in there is not prudent....correct?

 

So here is the story...........

 

Looked at a 2008 Legacy Pzev today. IT is at a Subbie small independent dealer that I've done business with before.

 

All his used cars will get a updated to many items on the engine, I can't remember all of them. I can remember it is timing belt, fairly certain tensioner's, water pump, head gaskets, etc. I'm not familiar with the 2008 but he mentioned on some / these models he sends the heads out....something about oil sending units????

 

The odometer has 230,000 on it. Drives very well, tire rubber is good, quiet on the road, body has no rust, no wind noise but a few marks on the paint. It has a sun roof. The only thing is I would like leather and wish it had a stereo with a USB port.

 

Anyhow the guys asking price is $8,000 and of course I can or will make my offer.

 

I've bought engines from the guy and a 95 Legacy that is still running well.

 

My wife is looking at it and wonders if it is worth the price or over priced?

[Jdubgt530]

Subarus have a very high resale value. That being said, it is definitely high mileage for the price. More possibilities of things going wrong with the higher mileage and not knowing what is wrong with it. See if he will drop lower and if he is okay with that then take it to a trusted shop to see what is wrong with it before you get yourself into it. I bought a 97 lgt and I have had a phantom misfire code since I have bought it. My mistake for not being it to a shop and have them check it out beforehand.

[johnegg]

price varys by location.

i could never sell my car here in VA for what it would bring in other areas.

 

since he is a used car dealer,

i am suspect of anything he says.

but as you say,

you have history and a good relationship.

 

in addition to ''is this car worth it?''

you should also ask, "what else could you buy for $8000 ?"

 

as much as i love suabrus,

my wife's 97 avalon was every bit as good a car, if not better.

fewer repairs, and more reliable.

hers did cost a good bit more.

(it cost more than 3 of mine combined, but i buy broken and repair.)

the point is,

her avalon was a better car than any of my subarus.

 

it didn't have AWD,

and it cost a little more per mile to own,

but it served her purpose,

was affordable in the long run,

and never let her down.

and that is about as much as you can ask of an automobile.

 

so just look at other cars in that price range, subarus, toyotas and hondas.

one thing i have learned about cars,

there will always be another bargain, or ''good deal'' out there.

you do not have to jump on this one right now,

unless you do not have a car and really need one.

 

good luck.