9 replies to this topic

[vinder1]

I have a chance to buy a 2005 legacy wagon with 30 K miles. It is fairly basic with automatic transmission, but the price is right. Are there specific things I need to test or look out for? What is the easiest way to check the AWD system is functioning properly. Thanks for the replies.

Al

[The Dude]

Take some slow, sharp 90 degree turns. Drive just as you were pulling into a parking space at a mall. This will test for center differential binding.
Visually inspect the fuse box, make certain that the FWD fuse has NOT been installed. In AWD it should be almost impossible to "chirp" the tires when making a "jack rabbit" start. Install the FWD fuse, it should be easy to "chirp" the tires. The difference should be fairly obvious.

That may the best you can do. Snow and ice are probably in short supply in Texas right now.

[ionic]

A 2005 Legacy with 30,000 miles is practically a brand new car. It's still under Subaru's bumper-to-bumper warranty until 36,000 miles or 3 years and powertrain warranty until 60,000 miles or 5 years. The powertrain warranty covers the AWD, transmission, and engine if you're concerned about any problems. If the price is right, and the car is in good cosmetic/physical condition, buy it. It's probably still worthwhile to do a Carfax on it, though, but you should not expect *any* mechanical problems with a Subaru that new. The only items that might possibly need to be replaced at that mileage are the brakes and tires, which are easy to check. Good luck with the purchase.

[Andyjo]

PM me the VIN, and your email address, and i can shoot over a carfax thing for you.

[The Dude]

A 2005 Legacy with 30,000 miles is practically a brand new car. It's still under Subaru's bumper-to-bumper warranty until 36,000 miles or 3 years and powertrain warranty until 60,000 miles or 5 years. The powertrain warranty covers the AWD, transmission, and engine if you're concerned about any problems. If the price is right, and the car is in good cosmetic/physical condition, buy it. It's probably still worthwhile to do a Carfax on it, though, but you should not expect *any* mechanical problems with a Subaru that new. The only items that might possibly need to be replaced at that mileage are the brakes and tires, which are easy to check. Good luck with the purchase.

Most of what you wrote is true. However, if the AWD fails, and the dealer suspects driver abuse (mismatching tires, for example) the dealership will not cover it under warranty. Also, the car could have been towed improperly, again no warranty coverage. Or the car could have some damaged components from off road use, again no warranty coverage. Your idea of counting the warranty to take care of any post purchase problems is not a particulary good one. There are plenty of honest people selling their cars out there. But there are also a fair number of people looking to unload a problem, and consider the unwary fair game.
You can never be too careful when buying a used car.

[ionic]

Most of what you wrote is true. However, if the AWD fails, and the dealer suspects driver abuse (mismatching tires, for example) the dealership will not cover it under warranty. Also, the car could have been towed improperly, again no warranty coverage. Or the car could have some damaged components from off road use, again no warranty coverage. Your idea of counting the warranty to take care of any post purchase problems is not a particulary good one. There are plenty of honest people selling their cars out there. But there are also a fair number of people looking to unload a problem, and consider the unwary fair game.
You can never be too careful when buying a used car.

Your suggestions for checking the AWD are all good. It's also always good to have a mechanic you trust check over the car before you buy. However, if Carfax checks out and the car's physical condition looks good, a 1-2 year old Subaru with 30,000 miles is a very safe buy, especially since it does still have a warranty. A 5-10 year old car would be more of a risk. Few people will buy a brand new grocery-getter base-model Legacy L wagon and take it off road. Outbacks would be more likely to have owners take them off-roading, but not a lot of people in general want to risk damage to their brand new $20-25,000 car. There's also a pretty low chance the car has ever been towed or had tires replaced. It's just too new. So, it's always good to be cautious, but in all likelihood any potential problems the buyer might have would be warranty issues. The car is also probably still eligable for Subaru's extended warranty if the buyer wants extra protection. Now, if the price is just too good to be true, the car's physical condition looks questionable, and the seller seems shady, more caution is warranted.

[vinder1]

Ok I went to see the car and it is a base model with automatic as its only option. It is in good condition with only a few scratches and a small ding. Tires are bridgestone potenzas and well worn but even. Needs an oil change but runs good. No torque bind or anything. Please check the car fax for me the vin is 4S3BP616257375333. If this checks out I will probably buy this car. In addition I may want to buy the bars for the roof rack and a cargo bed liner anybody know a good source?

Thanks for all of the members help and wisdom

regards
Al

[vinder1]

PM me the VIN, and your email address, and i can shoot over a carfax thing for you.

Thanks for the offer the vin is 4S3BP616257375333.

Thanks
Al

[Soutthpaw]

keep in mind that many people who can afford it often replace there cars every couple of years. 30,000 is usually around the time of the first major service, so they sell it instead of dropping several hundred dollars into a major dealer service. So expect to have to do the normal service items due at that time. If you wrench yourself you probably can do the service fairly cheaply

[vinder1]

PM me the VIN, and your email address, and i can shoot over a carfax thing for you.

Thanks for the offer on getting me the car fax for the 2005 wagon. The vin number is 4S3BP616257375333 the best way to reach me is at work al.ekelmans@airliquide.com
Thanks for the help
regards
Al