First of all I don't know anything about cars really.

 

IM basically in need of my first car and I want to get one thats not too bad but still won't break the bank. Ive found one in my area which I like. Its a 2006 Subaru Imprezza with 185,XXX miles. Has new breaks and rotors, everything else is stock. Coming from a mother in her 30's so I assume she didn't beat on it. Basically when I look at it, what should I look for since I'm basically a car noob?

 

Thanks Dylan,

 

Also is it true that the sound system is pretty terrible on these?

 

 

Headgaskets - they leak externally on the lower corners front and rear.  Check both sides.  If it's dry - awesome.

 

If it's wet it's not the end of the world, you can drive them 10's of thousands of miles by adding fluids, but it will slowly get worse over the years. That's a nearly $2,000 repair from Subaru though the parts are less than $200.

 

Torque bind - drive in tight circles on drive pavement, steering wheel fully turned.  If it hops/brakes then it's got torque bind.  If not, yo'ure golden.

 

***It'll need a complete timing belt job.  Timing belt is due at 105,000 miles but even with that the tensioner and pulleys should all be replaced.  It can be done in an hour and the Gates kits are only $115 on amazon - very good deal.  It's an inteference engine so if any of those fail yo'ull likely have bent valves and a huge repair bill.   These engines easily see 200,000+ miles but those components should be replaced for long term reliabilty.  They dont' fail often but when they do you've got the interference and huge expense thing to deal with. 

 

You generally don't get top shelf sound, trim, etc with Subaru's.

So for head gaskets I should be looking like externally outside the car like on the body? Or like inside the hood?

 

Noob here so i don't know much at all.

best bet is to pay for a pre-purchase inspection. The mechanic should make a list, and perhaps on the side have a conversation with you as to what needs to be done immediately (maybe a set of tires, or timing belt job) what you can live with ( a little leak here and there, burned out dash lights) and what you may want to save up for (struts or some bushings )

 

That might also give you some ammo to negotiate a better price.

 

Ask for a shop recommendation in a new thread. maybe someone here knows a place near Burlington.

Yeah I don't think this one will be able to spot a leaking head gasket.

 

Take the car to a mechanic to have it checked over. Someone who works on Subarus on a regular basis will be the biggest help.