I am going to look at what might be my first Subaru tonight. it is a '91 Loyale wagon 4wd and a 5spd. What should I look out for and what should I ask?

Welcome to the Board!

 

Rust, Rust and more Rust.

 

Short of that, it's a Subaru--nothing to worry about!

Ok, what I'd really look for are the expensive things to replace.

I'd look for warn or noisy CV joints, a corroded exhaust system

the same tires all the way around with tread, a motor that

sounds good and mileage under 300,000.

 

Good Luck,

Glenn,

82 SubaruHummer

84 GL Mad Max

01 Forester

Things I wished I would have checked out had I been on the board before I bought my car.

 

CV joints / axels

 

General front end and suspension components. Look for anything torn, cracked, or greasy. Bounce the corners and listen for shock noise.

 

Cooling hose condition. Belts too.

 

Brakes, pad condition, pedal feel.

 

Can you do a quick compression test?

 

The HTKYSA book has a great section on what to check. Read it over if you have a chance.

Thanks for the imput.

 

I am a complete Soob newbie. What is the HTKYSA book? Where can I get one?

 

And I do not have the tools to do a compression test.

 

Well, now I just wait for a call back from the owner for a time tonight. If I go I will have pics for all of you to see.

well, i didn't go tonight, he had other plans, but thursday, hopefully i will be driving it home.

HTKYSA is the book called "How To Keep Your Subaru Alive". One of the best books for newcombers into Subarus. Will help you step by step figure out basic problems and how to's with your new car. Check ebay or every now and again, someone on here sells one. Also, if you take it for a test drive, feel how well the tranny shifts, or in this case, might not shift. Are the synchros grinding between gears?

Comp. testers are about $9.99 at harbor frieght - invest in one if you are shopping for used cars.

 

GD

Thanks, I have the How to keep a volkswagen alive, when I was really into bugs (never bought one though).

 

I really need to hit a harbor frieght... I need to find the nearest one.

I pick it up Saturday!