Update - Still looking for a Subie in PDX - thanks for the advice

[outback_97]

Update: He passed on this one, but is going to keep looking. Thanks for everyone's advice!

 

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=179633284&dealer_id=49578644&car_year=1997&make=SUB&distance=50&lang=en&max_price=&model=SUBOUTBK&end_year=1997&min_price=&certified=&address=97062&search_type=used&advanced=&start_year=1997&isp=y&cardist=8

 

My good friend has wanted a Subaru wagon for a while, he's been keeping his eye out for one and found one he likes. I talked to him this morning... here's some details:

 

Headgaskets were replaced (don't know much detail, or if heads were machined).

 

Radiator has been replaced, mechanic said it looked like some stop leak had been used in the past. * My speculation: Overheating problem, tried to fix via other means (stop leak, radiator replacement), eventually had to replace HG... sound reasonable?

 

The Carfax the dealer provided looked ok to him... although at one point it failed emissions in NY, then three days later passed after repairs. Don't know what repairs. Most of mileage was put on at the beginning of the car's life... it seems like it sat around a lot in the recent past.

 

Car is very clean, low miles (60K)... he said they'd sell it for just under $8000, with a 45 day warranty on engine and tranny. I told him to check the wording of the warranty to see if it covers "gaskets and seals" on the engine. He noticed the tires aren't very new.... when I looked at the autotrader ad it looks like the front tire differs from the rear, on the passenger side at least. I suggested he check into that, mentioned Subaru's fussiness over tires.

 

No oil leaks he can see, he likes the car, seems really solid and smooth. Anything else he should check out? Advice? Thanks in advance.

 

Steve

[mtsmiths]

I would have concerns about the tire sizes. Be SURE they are within tolerance (+/- 1/4", I believe). Price seems a bit high, given the known past HG, and possible future AWD issues. I think I'd tell the dealer OK in the high sevens, but work with me on a full set of new matching tires.

 

Also, while not normally a proponent of warranty policies, I might want one on this car. But NOT from the dealer, find an aftermarket source. And yes, make sure it covers gaskets/ seals and FULL drivetrain. Read the warranty offering c-a-r-e-f-u-l-l-y.

[frag]

I would have concerns about the tire sizes. Be SURE they are within tolerance (+/- 1/4", I believe).

 

If you want to assess if the viscous coupling (man trans) or clutch pack (AT) has been abused, there's an easy way if you can bring the car on an empty or partly empty parking lot or on a small stretch of calm street : put a chalk mark on the side of a front anr rear tire where they contact the ground. Drive the car forward in a straight line for approx 40 revolutions of the wheels. If the tires circumferences are close to 1/4 of an inch apart, the two marks will be 10 inches apart, very easy to see.

[outback_97]

Mtsmiths:

 

Thanks for your reply, I agree the price seems a bit high... but if it has new HG's then one could see that as an advantage too, vs. other ones out there where it's an unknown element.

 

Anyway, compared to the other '97's for sale in that area (on autotrader at least) it's actually on the lower end of pricing. There's one for $10K with 66K miles... $8K with 96K miles... $8K with 115K miles... the others either omit mileage or price so I guess there's only the three other ones to compare it with. There's a '96 on craigslist for under $6000, but with more miles IIRC.

 

Oh, and I haven't been able to email him, the email bounced back, so he doesn't know about the tire thing or other info I sent him from this board Gonna try to contact him tonight though, he sounded like he was pretty sure he wanted to get it.

 

Steve

 

EDIT: Good advice on the chalked tires test. Would also be an opportunity to do some tight circles and check for torque bind. It's a 4EAT (automatic).

[frag]

Mtsmiths:

 

EDIT: Good advice on the chalked tires test. Would also be an opportunity to do some tight circles and check for torque bind. It's a 4EAT (automatic).

 

Moreover, the beauty of this test is that it's a real world test: it takes into account the weight of the car, and the relative pressures of front and rear tires. It tells you what really happens when you car is moving.

[northguy]

I'd contact Richierich and pay him a "look-over" fee to assess the vehicle and see if it's worth the money. He's "The Man" for Subaru repairs in Portland and is a very honest guy to boot.

[outback_97]

northguy:

 

Thanks for the heads up, I PM'd richierich to see if he's interested in that.

 

Steve

[JT95]

You might want your friend to see if he can find out who did the HG job and how many miles ago it was. Personally, I'd be shy at plunking down $8,000 for a car that's almost 9 years old (depending what month it was assembled) and has already had the engine torn apart before it got to 70k miles.

 

 

If it's a real recent repair job, I'd be cautious about the purchase for that price. If it was 10,000 miles ago, I'd feel a bit safer.

[nixon]

Avoid like the plague! HG at 70k and been standing around a while? Good subies are hard to find anywhere-why sell?-but they do turn up eventually.Check out SIPHON's new ride,on thi page. Just about the same price,same state. Has this beauty been sitting around a while,or had new HG's? I should coco.This dog sounds like the one TUXCAT will be selling to some unsuspecting mug in a few weeks time!Wait for a good one.

[sregor13]

I wonder why a car with 60,000 Miles would need new head gasket? Stop leak? I wouldn't spend 8500.00.

 

I cant remember all the recalls on the 97 Outback Wagon. Was there an issue with engine?

[outback_97]

Don't hold back sregor13... tell us how you really feel

 

I couldn't disagree with you more. But you're certainly entitled to your opinions and I did ask for opinions... it seems you have several non running Subarus in your stable, have you had any positive experiences with Subarus at all?

 

90 Loyale Auto w/ Turbo FT 4WD Barely Runs

90 Legacy L Auto AWD Not running

87 GL Turbo Manual Not running

85 GL 4WD Runs poorly

86 GL 3DR Coupe FWD- Not running

 

Steve (owner of a '97 Outback running great )

 

EDIT: Curious why you posted this in a thread about someone's GT... do you really think it's that different from an Outback? Some different trim, paint, and suspension makes that much difference?

 

That car is awesome, almost the car of my dreams. I would take a 97 just like that one. Congratulations on your acquisition. Let me know if you ever want to get rid of it.

[732002]

I would look at a L wgn with the 2.2L engine because it

has less problems. Does your friend ski/snowboard? If not

AWD is not needed for Portland weather. Subaru is very

popular here so there should be many cars to pick from.

Also check for oil leaks, Cam/crank seals etc and get a PPI!

[outback_97]

First, thanks for the info everyone. John was very impressed with the USMB.

 

Well, I talked to him last night and he passed on the car. He drove it with a more critical eye (or ear) and it made some noises in tight turns (CV possibly) and most importantly had a bad case of ticking or tapping that didn't go away when the car had been driven for a while (piston slap or valves?). He did take it to Richie who advised him that the noise was above acceptable levels. He appreciated Richie's advice and I think he will be going back there again in the future when he does get a car. John also mentioned that he had learned a lot in the last couple of days, and being an informed buyer is a good thing.

 

I hope he'll keep looking, I suggested considering first gen Legacies or second gen Outbacks as well, and Richie also mentioned the improvements made with the Phase II 2.5, on 2000's and higher. I think he's hesitant to pick up a first gen Legacy due to the higher miles that are on almost all of them... he wants a lower mileage car and reliability and is willing to pay more for something newer I think.

 

He was an avid skier when he lived here in SLC, hasn't gone as much in Portland (spoiled by Utah snow perhaps), but he is very into outdoor activities like mountain biking and camping. I personally would miss the higher ground clearance of the OB model when taking it on rough roads and through deeper snow, but I agree that for day to day driving the regular Legacy is just fine. I think he's pretty set on an AWD model.

 

Thanks again, good luck in your search John if you're reading this.

 

Steve