I am considering buying a 2000 Outback LTD with 125K miles. It has lived in Vermont its whole life and has a fair amount of rust around the rear wheel areas, but no obvious rust elsewhere. Was this a weak area or should I be concerned about the rest of the car? I don't really care about appearance, but would like it to last at least 3 years.

 

Whaddya think?

 

Thanks.

Rust is bad. Unless it is selling really cheap walk away. On any car this is a weak area if the wheelwells arent washed out a few times in rust country

As a mechanic I say stay away from rusty cars. When subarus start showing rust in the wheel well areas its a good bet that lots of the components are rusted too.

To add to the problem subarus dont break down/ need stuff replaced so at 125K you or your mechanic might be the first to try and remove something like an axle. It will be rusted into the spindle and the spindle will be rusty and the ABS sensor will be rusted into the spindle... you get where I'm going.

You can come further south and pick them up for cheaper and rust free.

 

I have a cousin in Burlington who is going to be buying them from me in Ohio then driving them to VT to sell as rust free vehicles. I just sold one to friends in Brattleborough/Keene area....drove it up flew back.