No oil leak issues. sorry, i didn't mean to confuse you. i wanted to say "it's bullet proof". but even the best engine needs proper oil changes and maintenance...or it won't last. basic maintenance stuff.

 

so yeah...the 2.2 liter is an awesome motor that is quite capable of a few hundred thousand miles no problem (assuming proper maintenance required by any engine).

No oil leak issues. sorry, i didn't mean to confuse you. i wanted to say "it's bullet proof". but even the best engine needs proper oil changes and maintenance...or it won't last. basic maintenance stuff.

 

so yeah...the 2.2 liter is an awesome motor that is quite capable of a few hundred thousand miles no problem (assuming proper maintenance required by any engine).

 

Trouble is, buying used, you never know what kind of maintenance was done. I just can't buy new right now. I may be selling my wagon soon, if the other one goes through.

 

For future reference, does anyone know of a good Subaru specialist in southern California? I am about 60 miles north of San Diego.

No oil leak issues. sorry, i didn't mean to confuse you. i wanted to say "it's bullet proof". but even the best engine needs proper oil changes and maintenance...or it won't last. basic maintenance stuff.

 

so yeah...the 2.2 liter is an awesome motor that is quite capable of a few hundred thousand miles no problem (assuming proper maintenance required by any engine).

 

Hey grossgary,

I got a price on the car and can have it for $3900 plus tax, and fees etc. Out the door for about $4400. Does this sound like a good deal? The guy says it runs great and has no problems. Also have 75% tire tread left.

that's a good car, if you need one now then go for it. a little higher mileage than i'd like for someone not doing their own work, but these things typically soar past 200,000. you will want to know when the timing belts were done last unless you don't mind them breaking and leaving you stranded somewhere. they are 60,000 mile belts on this engine...so who knows how old they are if there's no record.

 

check KBB and comparable prices. i would not pay that much for it, but you can't take oppinions like that on the internet. my area subaru's are a dime a dozen. you can score awesome deals around here. if time isn't in your favor then you're forced to make a quick buy as well (another reason i always have more than one vehicle at my disposal). i picked up my current daily driver for $450 this summer. 110,000 miles, i installed new timing belts, water pump, oil pump and 200,000+ here i come. i like buying cars from someone that knows something about it rather than a salesman.

 

did you search craigslist at all in your area? i've bought awesome soobs for dirt cheap and flown to pick them up before, then drive back. another way to get a great deal....just depends how flexible you are and how willing you are to pay top dollar for something. it's partly a game to me....

that's a good car, if you need one now then go for it. a little higher mileage than i'd like for someone not doing their own work, but these things typically soar past 200,000. you will want to know when the timing belts were done last unless you don't mind them breaking and leaving you stranded somewhere. they are 60,000 mile belts on this engine...so who knows how old they are if there's no record.

 

check KBB and comparable prices. i would not pay that much for it, but you can't take oppinions like that on the internet. my area subaru's are a dime a dozen. you can score awesome deals around here. if time isn't in your favor then you're forced to make a quick buy as well (another reason i always have more than one vehicle at my disposal). i picked up my current daily driver for $450 this summer. 110,000 miles, i installed new timing belts, water pump, oil pump and 200,000+ here i come. i like buying cars from someone that knows something about it rather than a salesman.

 

did you search craigslist at all in your area? i've bought awesome soobs for dirt cheap and flown to pick them up before, then drive back. another way to get a great deal....just depends how flexible you are and how willing you are to pay top dollar for something. it's partly a game to me....

 

According to KBB this car would be between 4700 and 5800 on a private party. I'm not sure about the timing belt. If it breaks, what kind of damage might ensue?

not sure about the timing belt. If it breaks, what kind of damage might ensue?

already answered earlier, one big positive about this motor:

the 96 is the last year the 2.2 was a non-interference motor.

no damage will occur, that's the beauty of pre-1997 2.2's, there's no damage when the timing belt breaks. if they don't know, maybe you can talk them into replacing it and the water pump if you buy it? timing belt should have been replaced twice by this mileage, if you have no idea when it was replaced i would do it and the water pump right after buying it. about $150 in parts. $400 - $600 to pay a shop to do it.

 

if you're happy with the price then get it.

already answered earlier, one big positive about this motor:

 

no damage will occur, that's the beauty of pre-1997 2.2's, there's no damage when the timing belt breaks. if they don't know, maybe you can talk them into replacing it and the water pump if you buy it? timing belt should have been replaced twice by this mileage, if you have no idea when it was replaced i would do it and the water pump right after buying it. about $150 in parts. $400 - $600 to pay a shop to do it.

 

if you're happy with the price then get it.

 

So what should I look for when I look at the car?

check out the other thread just started titled something like "impreza $4,000...." he's going to look at it tomorrow and people are posting what to look for. read through that thread, they covered the basics well.