TeamPanic

If someone here could be so kind and run this VIN for me: 4S3BG6851X7659309 It is a 1999 OBW, and I'm seriously considering buying it ASAP. I don't think it will last long. Thanks a lot for the help, I really do appreciate it. Here is my email: ace1905@hotmail.com

Thanks for the help everyone. How can you tell if it has a blown HG?

I found this 1998 Subaru OBW for sale at a used car lot. He said they got it at a car auction. It has 72k miles on it, 5 speed, 2.5, good shape, and he's asking $8000 for it. So, my question is, since this car was at an auction does that mean that it probably has something wrong with it? I mean, why else would a dealership send a car to an auction. Is it risky buying an OBW that comes from an auction? He said it hasn't had the 60,000 mile service, so maybe I could get him to take off for that. Thanks for the help!

How much did you pay for it? If you don't mind me asking of course, thanks!

UPDATE: I just got back from the inspection session with the mechanic. NOT good. My mechanic told me that it would be easier to go ahead and replace the whole engine than for him to try and patch it and work on it. This mechanic is a real good friend of mine and I know he's not screwing me. He said I could get an engine at a salvage yard for around $1000, then we've got labor on top of that. So, basically, I'm back to square one (don't know what the f to do) Is it a bad idea to buy a Subaru 2.5 engine at a salvage yard? Or should I probably know the answer already. Thanks for the help guys!

I live in a rather small town in KS and I found it at a used car lot. I personally know the guy who has it, he got it at an auction and he told me this is the first Subaru he's ever had, so he knows nothing about it/them. Like I said, there is this ticking noise so he thinks there is something major wrong with it so he told me he'll sell it to me at what he bought it for. Personally, I don't think there is anything wrong it, he was talking about putting a new engine in it and then selling it. I told him I'd take it for $3100 if it checks out with my mechanic. Around here, there is no demand for outbacks at all, so you can get them pretty cheap My next question, can the mechanic check to see if the HG's are good?

The timing belt has already been replaced at about 55k miles. I figure, even if there is $1000 worth of work, it's still a pretty good deal. If I do buy it, what is the very first thing I should do to make sure it's safe and running smooth? Would you buy this baby for $3100? Thanks for your time!

I test drove this automatic wagon, i'm pretty sure it's the 2.5 (damn), it has 78k miles, interior is excellent, as is the body, tires are new. However, while driving it I noticed a few things/problems and they are as follows: 1. A ticking noise when it is running and parked, nothing to major, but you can hear this noise for sure. 2. When I accelerated from a stopped position, there was this hesitation, kind of like a lag before it took off. It kind of felt like it was going to die. 3. When I slowed down to stop, the RPM's got real low and acted like it was going to die. 4. The check engine light was on? With all of this said and done,the guy is asking $3100. Now, I'm having a local mechanic (not a Subaru dealership, but he does work on Subarus) look at it on Wed. before I buy it. What should I specifically have this mechanic look for? Would it be best to have him test drive also. Also, could he tell me if the headgaskets look good? Thank you so much for the imput and your time! I report back with the info.

Anybody out there have a membership or something? Please, please, please run this VIN for me, because I'm going to buy it tomorrow if it checks out. Thanks a lot for your time!

I'd really appreciate it if you could run this VIN for me: 4S3BG6858T7985554 Thanks a lot!

If someone could run this VIN: 4S3BG6858T7985554 Thanks a lot!

thanks guys, the ticking sound is not real bad at all, I mean unless you were listening for it you wouldn't notice. So, is there any way this could turn into something major down the road? Does $3100 sound like a good deal?

I just found a 96 Outback with 78k miles. It's in great shape, the only problem is that there is this ticking/knocking noise in the engine. It's not real bad, but you can hear it. They are asking $3,100 for it as is. Does anyone know what this could be, and do you think it is something major? If I drive on it could it cause more damage down the road? That is the year that has both the 2.2 and 2.5, correct? Thanks for your time!

I'm getting ready to buy a 2000 outback limited or a 2002 outback. When I go to check these out, what should I look for? I need a checklist from you guys so I can make the best possible decision. If you don't mind, of course. I'm mainly concerned with a headgasket leak, and where to look for this problem. Thanks for your time!

Thanks a lot for the help everyone. The 2002 that I'm looking at came out in Aug. of 01, but it's classified as an 02, so actually it's like 3 years old, fwiw. So are these engines the exact same or what?

Thanks chadwick, could you tell me exactly where to look for a headgasket leak. Will there be oil and or antifreeze visible on the engine (like if I run my finger over it, it will come off?) or will there be a leak on the ground. Also, how much would a headgasket run me with labor? Also, while i'm here, how much would a 60,000 mile service run me? I called a dealer and they told me $800, that sounds a bit high to me, but? Once again, thanks for your time.

Ok, here's the deal, I'm trying to decide between these two cars and can't seem to pull the trigger. So, I thought if there was ever a place to help me it would be here because I trust your opinions and I like feedback with experienced folks. With that said, I found a 2000 Outback Limited wagon with 55,000 miles on it for $12,500. I also found a 2002 Outback wagon, not limited with 59,000 miles on it for $13,000. Both of the cars are in good condition with good tires. So, which car do you think would be the better deal? What are the benifits of getting a 2002 over a 2000 model? Do the 2002's have less engine problems compared to the 2000 models? At first, I thought that 59k miles on a 2002 was a lot, but that price is attractive. Also, the 2002 comes with a 1000 mile warranty while the 2000 does not have any warranty. I need to make a decision real quick, but I would really appreciate your advice first. Thanks a lot for your time!

Thanks for all of the help everyone, keep it coming. Do you guys think that $12,500 sounds like a good price? Also, I don't think I'm going to be able to have it checked out by a mechanic before buying it, so I'm going to have to do the detailed inspection myself. Is is tough to get the spark plug cable off? It is quite a ways away to get there. Thanks again

I found a 2000 limited outback wagon with 55,000 miles on it. They are asking $12,500 for it. Auto. trans. nice wagon. It is at a used car dealership. What are some things that I should look for, listen for and anything else that would be helpful to tell is this is a good buy? They don't have a mechanic that works there, so do you think I should take it to a trained mechanic to inspect it before I buy it? Also, is there anything that needs to be replaced soon with a 55,000 mile outback. Thanks a lot for your time!