October 15, 200520 yr I've been looking for an early Outback wagon, and I found a lower mileage 1997 with a 5-speed, however the thing has lots of rust . Should rust be a problem on these things, or is this one from a place where lots of road salts are used. The asking price is $7400, should I offer something like $4000 if the mechanicals check out?
October 15, 200520 yr My 97 is rust free, but it lives in Texas. It drives on the beach now and again but I wash it after. Ryan
October 15, 200520 yr I just got a 97 outback sport for $5000 with 56K mi on it, I think I got a really good deal though. No real rust, a couple very small chips in the paint that could start rust though, I am planning on comering those before problems start.
October 15, 200520 yr I would not go more than $1000 on the car with lots of rust. Mechanical items can be replaced easily; rust just can't be stopped and is not easily (that means cheaply) repaired. I would opt for the rust free car any time. Also, $7400 is way out of line for a '97 Outback. I paid $3995 for a '97 Impreza wagon (essentially the same as the Outback except for the two tone paint job) with 113K miles on it this past May here in western Washington. And I would have passed on it if it had any rust at all. Check craigslist or autotrader to see what's available in your price range. Take your time and keep looking; I'm sure you can find a clean, rust free, Outback in a reasonable price range ($5000 for an early model; $7500 for something that is "cherry" condition and low miles).
October 15, 200520 yr I've been looking for an early Outback wagon, and I found a lower mileage 1997 with a 5-speed, however the thing has lots of rust . Should rust be a problem on these things, or is this one from a place where lots of road salts are used. The asking price is $7400, should I offer something like $4000 if the mechanicals check out? Look under it carefully! The filler tube for the gas tank is typically gone on rusty models and needs replacement. My 95 had this issue and now there is a leak at the top of the tank somewhere. In the AWD vehicles its a pain in the rump roast to drop the tank for repair. The driveshaft, differential & axles, control arms all have to be removed. This would be the first thing I'd check. Even then, if it doesn't leak now it will sometime in the future. If you're really interested, pull up the rug behind the back seats and unscrew the two access panels, this will at least give you *some* idea of the rust nightmare that may be present. John
October 15, 200520 yr Author About a mile away from this car, there is another lower mileage outback for $6,000, but it also has a slush box tranny, which I hate
October 16, 200520 yr About a mile away from this car, there is another lower mileage outback for $6,000, but it also has a slush box tranny, which I hate Stick with the maual tranny; the extra control and increased gas mileage is worth it.
October 16, 200520 yr Let rust and the wrong flavor tranny be dealbreakers. There's plenty of Subarus to choose from, and you'll be living with your decision for a long time to come. Better to shop around, even if it means a road trip.
October 16, 200520 yr Author Stick with the maual tranny; the extra control and increased gas mileage is worth it. Yes, I hate the 4EAT's with a passion, the one in my '93 Legacy lost reverse, and the low mileage one that replaced it has problems, so this is making me hate them more and more every day. I'm sure I can go to the greater Seattle area and find exactly what I want in only a few hours time...
October 16, 200520 yr depends how bad the rust is. surface paint chip rust or underbody, stuff falling off? i'd consider depending how bad it is....but careful inspection is a must and i'd want a smoking price for it. also - price is way too high. hold out for a better deal.
October 16, 200520 yr If you see rust coming out from around the windshield moldings, turn and run the other direction, fast!
October 16, 200520 yr If you see rust coming out from around the windshield moldings, turn and run the other direction, fast! Well, I'm not sure about the 'run" part but do turn and walk away. Do not look back. Both of these cars are way overpriced. I work for a group that salvages the engines to be transplanted, and anything with significant rust is automaticly a donor car, as opposed to something we would repair and resell (or keep for ourselves).
October 16, 200520 yr Thats a high price for a rust bucket. there is no real excuse today for buying a rusted car, as there are so many clean subarus out there. OK dont run, maybe a quick saunter ... nipper
October 16, 200520 yr You're getting good advice here. Walk away and bide your time. There will be the perfect car for you in the near future. Just wait for it, it'll show up.
October 16, 200520 yr Now here's what I think you're looking for; with luck it's still available: http://seattle.craigslist.org/car/102842371.html
October 16, 200520 yr Author Now here's what I think you're looking for; with luck it's still available: http://seattle.craigslist.org/car/102842371.html Something like that would work for me
October 16, 200520 yr Is it still available? I'm sure someone on this side of the mountains would "screen" if for you to see if it's worth the two hour trip from Wenatchee to buy it. (I'd look at it for you if no one else volunteers). Something like that would work for me
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