if you don't want a project i would avoid turbos or inspect very carefully. more heat, more parts, more maintenance, more catastrophic failures.

 

what they said - just keep waiting. like GD, those of us who are buying multiple subaru's every year - it's not hard, just wait and keep looking and you'll find a good deal. i've even gotten two late model legacy's with relatively low miles in your price range that didn't really need much of anything or minor work. that's rare but they're out there. both were just busy business people who were ready to move quickly, no hassle.

 

yeah - it's hit or miss, there is a wide range of pricing. you're looking for one that's cheap for the right reasons, not the wrong reasons. be ready to jump as soon as possible, when an honest seller comes up with a great deal they don't last. have cash ready to go and show up ready to move it. green stuff talks. talk to people and hear their stories...great deals come from retired couples not wanting to mess with it, doctors with no time, people needing to move...etc.

 

Thanks...great advice. I'll just keep looking. Something will pop up. Luckily I have a car so it's not an emergency. I did post a WTB in the forums here as well...I figure it can't hurt. Might as well cover all bases. You're right about needing to move. Last week I came across a guy going to Afghanistan to work as contractor and he wanted $850 for a pretty nice 5 speed Gen 1 (cosmetically a bit beat up but low miles and worked fine). I waited and the next guy in line grabbed it. Oh well...live and learn I suppose.

I waited

exactly, good call. that's not going to help. there are lots of people looking for good deals, make every effort to move on it when you see it, communicate non verbally to people that you're serious:

 

1. call right away

2. have cash and a truck ready to go (if towing)

3. when are you available?

4. tell them you're not really picky, familiar with subaru's, and not interested in tire kicking, let's make a deal

 

phone, calls, cash, and ready to move the car out of sight/out of mind is a great way to get people on your side. i've had folks delist and "hold" cars for me without any cash...i mean, i trust me , but i'm surprised they do sometimes! those are the rare and good sellers i like - trusting honest people that just want to get rid of a car, not deal with questions, tire kickers, emails, pictures, etc.