puddle cruiser

I am helping a friend of mine shop for a new car and she sent me a link to a 2000 outback with 75,xxx miles. The price tag looks to be higher than I would have thought. the Ad is asking for $6500. What should I make sure of before concidering shelling out that much on a 14 year old car? She has had some real lemons in the past and is very concerned about mechanical issues. It took some convincing to talk her out of a new car because the warranty could provide her some peace of mind. I know these cars have issues with head gaskets and thermostats.( I have a 2000 outback limited) So I guess the biggest question I have is what should I ask about to ensure the risk of mechanical issues is smaller. I want he to either spend the money on a mechanically sound car or leave her with enough money to fix it when it has troubles. thanks, PC

I didn't have to add much water. I didn't replace the hose. I am a bit skeptical that the system is running correctly and the hose is swelling just because its old. i have never had any issues with fan rubbing under normal driving conditions. I dont think its a stretch to say the hose is swelling 1/3 larger than it should be.

Hello everyone, I have a 2000 outback with 210,000 miles. I was driving the other day for about 15 minutes before i went to turn the heat on and noticed there was nothing but cold air coming out. I glanced at the temp gauge just as it pegged. I let it cool down and added some water before limping it home. After some fooling around with it i noticed that the top radiator hose was swelling as it would warm up. It would swell so much that when the fan turns on it rubs and makes an aweful sound. I checked the bottom radiator hose and it is cool to the touch when the top starts to swell, leading me to believe the thermostat needed swapped. I just swapped thermostats and i am now able to feel the bottom hose is getting warm as well. however, the top hose is still swelling. whenever I hit the throttle I can see the hose expand. Have any of you had this issue or some similar? I'm afraid The head gasket will need replaced due to the rough idle upon start-up.

Hello everyone, I have a 2000 outback with 210,000 miles. I was driving the other day for about 15 minutes before i went to turn the heat on and noticed there was nothing but cold air coming out. I glanced at the temp gauge just as it pegged. I let it cool down and added some water before limping it home. After some fooling around with it i noticed that the top radiator hose was swelling as it would warm up. It would swell so much that when the fan turns on it rubs and makes an aweful sound. I checked the bottom radiator hose and it is cool to the touch when the top starts to swell, leading me to believe the thermostat needed swapped. I just swapped thermostats and i am now able to feel the bottom hose is getting warm as well. however, the top hose is still swelling. whenever I hit the throttle I can see the hose expand. Have any of you had this issue or some similar? I'm afraid The head gasket will need replaced due to the rough idle upon start-up.