lookin2buy

So, say I eventually (or prematurely) had this HG issue. Is there a newer/better HG to replace it with, or would I still be susceptible to this even after the repair? Granted, I know all HG's will eventually fail, but I am talking about low mileage failures. As for production date, I do have the VIN for the car. Is it possible to decode the production date from it? Otherwise I will just get it once I physically see the car. Is the production date stamped on the drivers side door pillar or in another location?

Thanks for all of the feedback so far. On the HG issue, does it at least start with a noticeable leak before it goes? Or is this a quick, catastrophic type of failure? I will definitely ask the dealer about my warranty options. Other than HG, does auto tranny or sportshift have any potential issues I need to be on the lookout for? Can anybody recommend a maintenance/service book for this car? For instance (as Cookie probably knows) the popular publisher for BMW maintenance books is Bentley. Are there any good DIY sites or forums for maintenance as well? Sorry for the 20 q's. I do a lot of my own work on the e36, and I'm just trying to find the analogous resources for Subarus.

Hello all, First off, I am new to the forum as the wife and I are looking around at Outbacks and Legacy Wagons. We'd love to get a brand new Outback, but even with the current rebates, after all of the options we'd want, the car falls out of our price range. The car will be for my wife, and she has finally found one that fits her eye. I am seeking information about the 2003 Legacy GT Wagon. My local Subaru dealer has one on the lot with 40,000 miles and is asking $15,900. It has an automatic transmission with sportshift and has all the bells and whistles the wife is looking for. It is also "certified pre-owned" and the carfax looks clean. There is a recall item noted as: "Recall #WWK941 A/T parking rod recall" and I will check with them to make sure it was handled. I've done the usual edmunds.com and kbb.com research, and have looked at cars101.com as well. We will be taking a look at the car tomorrow night (Thursday) and I just wanted to see what you guys thought. Does the price/mileage sound right? Is this a year/model to avoid? Is it worth missing the first football game of the season to go and look at the car? I still can't believe I agreed to that one! I have searched the forum and have found posts about head gasket leaks on the 2.5L and was wondering if this car was a prime candidate for that? In addition, are there any other problems I should look for when we test drive the car? As for me, I have a '94 BMW 325is (e36). I mention that because anyone familiar with the e36 knows that the cooling system (radiator, waterpump, t-stat, fan clutch) contains many plastic components that can and will fail at 80k miles. This is a common problem with the e36, and I am looking for similar types of issues that the '03 Legacy might have. Being new to Subuaru, and AWD and Sportshift, I do not have the common knowledge of such problems, and I'm sure you regular members will be able to point me in the right direction. Any help and suggestions are much appreciated. Thanks for your time. We look forward to being regulars on the forum. However I will have to change my user id --Will