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1996 outback wagon begging for advice ;)


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I am urgently begging for feedback here... Will trade a carfax check for good advice....:brow: hahaha

 

Im looking at a 1996 outback wagon with 158k on it. It is the cleanest and tightest outback I have driven so far. Its in Washington state obviously and has zero rust. Its an auto with pl, pm, pw, cc, ac, tilt, and cloth/velour interior. New pads and rotors, new toyo tires, and very clean in and out, without even detailing it. The only "notable" issue is noise from inside the timing cover and the sub specialist (hopkins automotive here in spokane) said it sounds like either a water pump or timing belt tensioner. Looking at 500 bucks worst case scenario with new timing belt, water pump, oil pump, and labor. The seller will not go less than $5100.00. nada says 5200 is high and 4400 is average. We all know that in the pnw we might as well throw that out the window as retail is ridicilous around here:banghead: . I have offered him 100 bucks to hold the car until monday when hopkins will tear the timing cover off and check it out ($60.00 bucks out of my own pocket). They did say they dont think its the main but it is a slight possibility.

 

What does everyone else think?? Would you buy it or keep looking?? If I would have found this car at a dealer im certain it would be 6700 or more. Please advise me on what you think...pllllleeeeeeaaase.

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I paid $5900 for my 96 OBW with 90,000 miles on it. It is a 2.2l manual.

 

 

Had the one you're looking at had the gaskets done yet? There is a 96 OBW auto with bad gaskets for sale up the road from me for $3500. It has 135k miles.

 

Tell them no, and in a few weeks if its still for sale, go offer $4500 or something.

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I am urgently begging for feedback here... Will trade a carfax check for good advice....:brow: hahaha

 

Im looking at a 1996 outback wagon with 158k on it. It is the cleanest and tightest outback I have driven so far. Its in Washington state obviously and has zero rust. Its an auto with pl, pm, pw, cc, ac, tilt, and cloth/velour interior. New pads and rotors, new toyo tires, and very clean in and out, without even detailing it. The only "notable" issue is noise from inside the timing cover and the sub specialist (hopkins automotive here in spokane) said it sounds like either a water pump or timing belt tensioner. Looking at 500 bucks worst case scenario with new timing belt, water pump, oil pump, and labor. The seller will not go less than $5100.00. nada says 5200 is high and 4400 is average. We all know that in the pnw we might as well throw that out the window as retail is ridicilous around here:banghead: . I have offered him 100 bucks to hold the car until monday when hopkins will tear the timing cover off and check it out ($60.00 bucks out of my own pocket). They did say they dont think its the main but it is a slight possibility.

 

What does everyone else think?? Would you buy it or keep looking?? If I would have found this car at a dealer im certain it would be 6700 or more. Please advise me on what you think...pllllleeeeeeaaase.

That is kind of high price for a car with that high of mileage.

I got my 96 3 months ago with 76k 5 spd 2.2 cold weather package for $6000.00 from a dealer.

Also remember that this car 2.5 so build into the cost the $1200 for the HG failure that may or may not happen.

 

Here is a car that is for sale in Denver, could offer him 5k pay the 500 for shipping and be good to go with a 2.2 no less.

 

http://denver.craigslist.org/car/46781712.html

http://www.1newgroove.com/car/

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thanks for the feedbacks. That one is colorado looks nice :brow: .... I am going to call him later today.

 

This particular one was listed at 5600. We are down to 5100 to compensate for the worst case scenario that hopkins automotive quoted me of $500.00. Plus I can do all the work myself so we are really only talking 250.00 - 300.00 bucks in parts. I know its the dreaded 2.5 but that doesnt scare me cause there are so many out there and if it does go, I will put a 2.2 in the care from ccrengines.

 

For the Pacific Northwest this is a good deal and the car itself is in the best condition I have seen a 96 in. im still gonna call Jon in Colorado but thats a tough one cause you cant tell anything about a car fro the pics alone ;)

 

Thanks again for the feedback....anyone else have an opinion...maybe someone from this area that has bought one or has looked around for one???

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thanks for the feedbacks. That one is colorado looks nice :brow: .... I am going to call him later today.

 

This particular one was listed at 5600. We are down to 5100 to compensate for the worst case scenario that hopkins automotive quoted me of $500.00. Plus I can do all the work myself so we are really only talking 250.00 - 300.00 bucks in parts. I know its the dreaded 2.5 but that doesnt scare me cause there are so many out there and if it does go, I will put a 2.2 in the care from ccrengines.

 

For the Pacific Northwest this is a good deal and the car itself is in the best condition I have seen a 96 in. im still gonna call Jon in Colorado but thats a tough one cause you cant tell anything about a car fro the pics alone ;)

 

Thanks again for the feedback....anyone else have an opinion...maybe someone from this area that has bought one or has looked around for one???

I agree as long as you know what you are getting into with the 2.5 I do not think they are that bad. They have great power and if you build into the price a HG replacment or if you are handy and can put in a new ccr motor the do it!!

You will love the 1st gen outbacks. I have owned a LOT of subarus and I think the outbacks are the best of any I have owned.

 

If the 96 in colorado is something you are interested in let me know and I will see if I can go take a look for you.

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Well you want opinions so I guess I will give you my thoughts.

 

Looking at the plus side of the car, you have new brakes and tires which would cost you around $800 if you had to purchase these.

 

The engine has a fair amount of miles on it for the age, maybe a little over the average. If the engine has never been worked on you may have one that will not have the gasket problem as others have. They all don't have the problem. Even if it does happen, you have a car that is in good clean shape and that means a lot in my opinion. It will be worth repairing if it does need service later on. You will still have a nice vehicle at a reasonable price and if the engine is totally gone through you won't have to worry about it for some time though other things can happen.

The seller has obviously taken care of the vehicle and deserves some extra money for it so giving him $5,100 seems fair. I say go for the deal and you'll be down the road in your new car.

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hey patrick.....i say that if you really like it ,then do it.the mechanical aspects can be worked out through time.look at my brat....lol.what does your heart tell you.is this car yours and you just don't know that yet.or do you want one so bad that you are willing to settle.hopkins has a good rep for mechanics.brian over there is an excellent one.he would not steer you wrong i believe.the actual salesman is kinda sherky, but the mechanics are cool cats .

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Is this only true for the 96?? What happens if you use 89 octane??

Yes, as near as I can tell. After the first year of the 2.5 in 96, the engine was changed in 97, HP and torque were increased and the engine no longer required premium fuel . I own a 96 Legacy GT, have had it since new, have always used 92 or better. If you use fuel with a lower octane rating, you run the risk of engine knock or ping, in which the fuel in the combustion chamber ignites prematurely.

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If you use fuel with a lower octane rating, you run the risk of engine knock or ping, in which the fuel in the combustion chamber ignites prematurely.

The spark knock or pinging or engine knock, from what I understand, is not harmful to the motor, just annoying??? Am I correct in the assumption or does it actually cause harm??

 

What is your opinion on this particular car??

 

thanks

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The spark knock or pinging or engine knock, from what I understand, is not harmful to the motor, just annoying??? Am I correct in the assumption or does it actually cause harm??

 

What is your opinion on this particular car??

 

thanks

Read this about knock and ping: http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/Engine%20knock

 

I am not knowledgeable enough to give an opinion on the car you are looking at, just wanted you to know about the premium fuel before you made a decision.

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Well, here's the outcome. I got the car for 4850.00 but had to pay an additional 600.00 to have a new water pump, timing belt, oil pump seals, o-ring and sling, and all cam seals. So I paid 5450.00 for a car with new pads, rotors, tires, timing belt and all seals behind timing cover. Not too bad in my opinion, especially given the excellent condition that the car is in.

 

I may or may not have the HG issue down the road. If I do I will throw in a ccr 2.2 motor/intake and buy my wife a new car....that way I can have a better fishing rig :brow: and a 2.2 that will outlast every other part on the car. Now I need to sell the Honda.....anyone want to buy a 93 honda accord??:rolleyes:

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Well, here's the outcome. I got the car for 4850.00 but had to pay an additional 600.00 to have a new water pump, timing belt, oil pump seals, o-ring and sling, and all cam seals. So I paid 5450.00 for a car with new pads, rotors, tires, timing belt and all seals behind timing cover. Not too bad in my opinion, especially given the excellent condition that the car is in.

 

I may or may not have the HG issue down the road. If I do I will throw in a ccr 2.2 motor/intake and buy my wife a new car....that way I can have a better fishing rig :brow: and a 2.2 that will outlast every other part on the car. Now I need to sell the Honda.....anyone want to buy a 93 honda accord??:rolleyes:

Congrates!!! You will love it!! I like my 96 OBW best of any I have owned!!:drunk:
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