Rely18 Posted November 23, 2005 Share Posted November 23, 2005 My dad is interested in purchasing a 97 Legacy Outback from a friend and is looking for any advice he can get since we don't know much about older legacy performance, etc. Here are the details: Auto transmission 4 cyl. 121k miles oil changed regularly timing belt changed at 40k, 80k good body, only 1 spot of rust behind rear wheel new brakes/rotors Here are some things we have noticed, any advice on them would also be helpful: Small engine knock at low rpms terrible radio (stock) reception (antenna problem or radio problem?) The owner of the car is a trustworthy friend so we know she isn't trying to mislead us in any way about the condition of the car. She is selling for $2500 which seems to me to be a very good deal, especially for an AWD car in northeast PA in the beginning of winter! This Outback would be a replacement for a 97 Camry with similar miles, leaks oil, and isn't great in the snow. Anyway, I just want to get an idea of what you all think of this situation. Good deal? Any tips on issues to look for in this car? Advice on engine knock or any other problems this generation of Outback suffers? Any help would be great! Just on a side note, my 05 LGT got its first taste of snow today after returning to PA for the holidays! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MDW25gt Posted November 28, 2005 Share Posted November 28, 2005 Check coolent overflow tank for sludge/oil/exhaust smell. Also for bubbles coming from tube while running. Could indicate head gasket failure. Check for torque bind while doing several sharp slow speed turns in a parking lot. The bind feels as though the back tires want to turn opposite the front. Both of these would cost $1000-1500 each if needing to be fixed. I dont think the knock is a concern. Might help to have oil pump changed. Or try different oil. Good luck, price sounds good to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LGTLover Posted November 28, 2005 Share Posted November 28, 2005 cheap... even if you have to put a couple of grand into it, you are still coming out ahead. I would also say that the t-belt will be a concern in about 10-15k. Make sure that the tranny fluid gets changed soon! 1st to 2nd will most likely be pretty rough, but after the change it should smooth out.. a bit. offer 2 and realize that you got the deal of a lifetime. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rely18 Posted November 30, 2005 Author Share Posted November 30, 2005 thanks fellas... i believe he is going to go ahead and make the purchase! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kmin Posted December 6, 2005 Share Posted December 6, 2005 $2500? that's a steal. congrats! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stanjk3 Posted December 7, 2005 Share Posted December 7, 2005 $2500? that's a steal. congrats! Agreed. Paid $3000 for our '95 Legacy Wagon L in Jan, had 147K miles. Has been pretty good so far, now up to 153K miles. Friends don't let friends drink cheap beer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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