Hello, everyone!

 

I've got a 1994 Legacy Wagon L in my possession to have inspected by a mechanic before I buy it. I've read a lot on here (THANKS!) and have a list of specific items to be checked. From what I've read, if the body's not rusting, this car should be a great buy. ($2200 asking with 103,000 miles. I intend to offer $2000 if nothing is majorly wrong.) I think it needs brake work because the travel seems very long on the pedal. The idle also seems funny, which leads me to think the IAC is involved after reading on here. Otherwise, except for scratches on the body, it seems like a great car. CERTAINLY better than the POS '96 Ford Contour I'll be selling after I finish fighting with the dealer over whether the wiring harness recall covers the battery cable that ate through my battery casing. (Yes, you read that correctly.) FYI--Don't buy a Contour and avoid Koons Ford in Falls Church, VA.

 

But I digress.

 

Here's my question: I parked it in my garage space tonight and when I got out was almost overwhelmed by the exhaust smell. Does this ring a bell with anyone? I have read on here a number of postings about grease getting on the exhaust and having a smell for a long time. I know the current owner had the front axle (axles?) replaced, but that was in December 2002. Since she parks it outside, I suppose she may never have noticed the smell.

 

Thanks for any replies, especially any that might come before I hand over the money. I really like this car and will be very upset if I have to decide against it, but after the Contour reliability is my primary need.

 

Geoffrey

 

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Washington, DC

Hello, everyone!

Here's my question: I parked it in my garage space tonight and when I got out was almost overwhelmed by the exhaust smell. Does this ring a bell with anyone? I have read on here a number of postings about grease getting on the exhaust and having a smell for a long time. I know the current owner had the front axle (axles?) replaced, but that was in December 2002. Since she parks it outside, I suppose she may never have noticed the smell.

 

Thanks for any replies, especially any that might come before I hand over the money. I really like this car and will be very upset if I have to decide against it, but after the Contour reliability is my primary need.

 

Geoffrey

 

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Washington, DC

The smell could also be cam seals or oil pump seal, they can leak and tend to go right onto the exhaust.

 

Is the car AWD?

 

Sounds like a nice vehicle, you will be sooooo happy going from a ford to a subaru!!!

It's FWD, which doesn't bother me because it is one less thing to go wrong right now. I noticed the smell very strong today when I was pulling up the driveway from my underground garage. It made me think that either the clutch or the hill holder thingy is the cause.

 

Speaking of the thingy, how is it supposed to work, i.e., what should I notice? I ask because 1) I've never driven a car with it, and 2) when pulling up the driveway I didn't notice it holding differently than any other car with manual transmission.

 

I also noticed today that it didn't take too much gas from stop to get a squeal if a turn or curve was involved. I didn't get a chance to check the tire pressure, but just dropped it off at the mechanic. The engine is quite peppy and the torque is definitely noticeable.

 

I hope this car checks out.

 

Geoffrey

Speaking of the thingy, how is it supposed to work, i.e., what should I notice? I ask because 1) I've never driven a car with it, and 2) when pulling up the driveway I didn't notice it holding differently than any other car with manual transmission.

 

I also noticed today that it didn't take too much gas from stop to get a squeal if a turn or curve was involved. I didn't get a chance to check the tire pressure, but just dropped it off at the mechanic. The engine is quite peppy and the torque is definitely noticeable.

 

I hope this car checks out.

 

Geoffrey

You might be able to talk them down in price also since it is FWD,

say things like I am also looking at a Honda or Toyota, etc.

The hill holder works this way.

• When you are on a hill, fully depress the clutch
  
• Then press the brake to the floor all they way and let go
  
• IF it is working properly is will hold the vehicle on the hill until the clutch is released
  

Thanks for the information about the hill holder. The blue book value for this car ranges from $1850 (fair) to $2200 (good). I will have to see what the mechanic says.

 

Geoffrey