Thanks everyone! You guys rock. I went to look at the Impreza. Looked good to me (the untrained eye). . . I did do the Magnet test and Matt, I did ask about the timing belt. It had been replaced last year....he had receipts. But, I AM still taking it to a pro mechanic tomorrow and he's only charging me $25-$50 depending on how long it takes and how much he finds. Hopefully, nothing!
I was able to get him down already on the price because to me (again, the untrained eye ) the muffler looked like it was starting to rust.........that's right this little girl got right under that car.
Wish me luck...I love the car but, I won't buy it if the mechanic finds siginificant problems.
A friend told me that Subaru engines have to be rebuilt around 100K. Is that true? I haven't read anything to that affect thus far.
Thanks again,
TerriMD