Where should I look for cheaper? I've checked Autotraders.com and Cars.com, as well as the local paper. I cannot find anything cheaper than the 97 Outback for $4900 with 155,808 miles. It's in great condition and all service records are on hand, so I can check to see if the head gaskets have been replaced. But if it's apparent that I can get it cheaper, where should I check? I'm needing wheels this before class Monday, preferably. My Volvo overheated to where smoke billows out from under the hood when I drive it, has an expensive oil leak, and the a/c unit is so old it would cost $2k to replace the entire system just to fix the a/c.

Look at ebay and Craig's list. I found a couple of small time dealers that only use Craig's list because the ads are free.

here are a few. http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showpost.php?p=646635&postcount=4

 

if you are using mozilla firefox you can look here: www.crazedlist.org it's a great search engine but it won't deliver you to the ads, just the city sites, if you use explorer.

 

or ebay.

Where should I look for cheaper? I've checked Autotraders.com and Cars.com, as well as the local paper. I cannot find anything cheaper than the 97 Outback for $4900 with 155,808 miles. It's in great condition and all service records are on hand, so I can check to see if the head gaskets have been replaced. But if it's apparent that I can get it cheaper, where should I check? I'm needing wheels this before class Monday, preferably. My Volvo overheated to where smoke billows out from under the hood when I drive it, has an expensive oil leak, and the a/c unit is so old it would cost $2k to replace the entire system just to fix the a/c.

 

You don't want to purchase "the only subaru in town." Buy some time to do your homweork and look for a good deal ($4900 is too high).

 

So, would it cost more or less than $4900 to fix the Volvo? And who needs A/C when the're in college? (mumble, mumble, mumble, spoiled college kids, mumble, mumble, mumble)

 

Steve

This looks to be in your neck of the woods and more the price range you should be targetting:

 

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=229125237

This looks to be in your neck of the woods and more the price range you should be targetting:

 

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=229125237

Also has the advantage of being a non-interference engine as opposed to your '97. Just check that it's an EJ22 for that price; some '96's still came with the EJ18. Nothing wrong with an EJ18 (better gas mileage and more shifting) but it would lower the price a bit over an EJ22.

I'm not sure where you are looking. I looked in the same area as you, bought 1 for $3,000 off of craigs list and saw many others well under $4,000. 96,97,98, and 99 Outbacks are pretty much the same. Saw plenty in ebay that were in this area too. Just missed on a 98 Legacy wagon that went for $3,200, only had 110,000 on it. And this was just this week and last week. So I'm not sure what the problem is. If you only buy from dealers you will pay a premium and those cars are as likely to be duds as any are. If you don't know cars, pay the extra $50-75 to have it looked at by a mechanic. Well worth the money and a great negotiating tool. The car I was looking at was listed at $4,100 originally, he was asking $3,600 when I looked at it, I offered $3,000 cash and that was that.

Also regular Legacy's are typically a little cheaper and if you get new Outback struts, I'll sell you the springs for cheap, so you'll have the same ground clearance as an Outback.http://charlotte.craigslist.org/car/394187167.html, http://charlotte.craigslist.org/car/380934957.html, http://columbia.craigslist.org/car/405259582.html, http://asheville.craigslist.org/car/396636777.html