Hello,
I am considering buying a 1994 Legacy Wagon. Has 160,000 miles. I'm about to enter graduate school and really just need a car for local and regional driving, something inexpensive that can be driven into the ground. I would appreciate your impressions of some of the damage I observed when I looked at it (if I decide to purchase a subaru, I would love to become a member of this community. So this isn't necessarily just a one off visit!)
The engine sounded "normal" on the test drive. The car accelerated nicely. Upon breaking there was a very slight pulsation. The owner (who I don't know personally, but is very well known to be a good guy in our town, fwiw) says it doesn't burn oil and that it has never had major mechanical work. The cruise control does not work, and I would assume it needs to be replaced. The interior was worn but not in terrible condition.
The main concern with the car was the rust around the wheel wells and along the bottom of the doors. The car was also involved in a low speed collision and there is significant "cosmetic" damage on the front left fender area (cosmetic according to the shop that hammered back the fender).
The owner was asking $2100, but since we're friends of friends, already said he'd give us a deal. I'm guessing he would have no problem in the $1800 range.
So, my two main questions are: how much does the rust and crash damage scare you?
And, could the slight shaking upon breaking have been caused by the crash?
I would like to get the car looked at by a mechanic, although the owner already switched out his plates to his new car and lives a little ways out of town, so I'm not sure how I would get it to a mechanic. But in any case, I thought a larger number of eyes from you all could give valuable feedback
Thank you so much for any insight!
Sorry for the image size. I kept trying but it wouldn't post the photos then.