Hi foks - all of your input is much appreciated. We haven't heard back from the owners yet...not sure what's going on, but that's okey, as we have needed this time to commiserate with this group. We will need to call them this morning, to see "what's up". But we will likely let it go, anyway.
To answer a few questions that came up -
No - we are not at all set on the Forester....this one came up in the paper, and any Subaru's coming up for sale around here is rare (although we see them being driven all over town.) So we thought we should go look at it and maybe consider it if the price was right. That was before we knew about the problems that the 98's can have.
Our focus on buying a vehicle, is one that has a good crash test rating, has dual air bags, and a good mechanicl repair record. And we would like a wagon. (I know that the Forester is sort of a cross breed). We like the AWD idea, but not essential. So, basically, we are wanting a vehicle that is safe and practical - don't need, or necessarily want anything with a lot of bells and whistles - just safe and practical. Our budget is probably about $5000-$5500 for whatever vehicle we buy.
One of the posters asked what the blue book said on this car....we were shocked to see that it was rated at $5000-$6000, for good to excellent condition. But, I guess Kelly blue book doesn't know about some of the problems this vehicle can have...
JT95 - yes! - we most certainly would consider a LEgacy outback. Does anyone know how they rate on crash tests? If anyone would care to comment further on recommendations for a Subaru - we are all ears.
....and are so appreciative of any and all feedback! Thanks again! Del