Buying a used Subaru

S

sleepyone

New member
I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask this but I'm in the market to buy a used Forester or Outback and my budget is no more than $7000 - $7500 so I'm looking at the smaller used car dealers such as Norm's in Wiscasset. My question is this: I haven't purchased a used car from a dealer before and I'm a bit worried after reading some websites about the engine problems that can occur on older model Outbacks and Foresters that are in my price range. One of the things I keep see reoccurring are problems with head gaskets. So I wanted to know what I need to look for when inspecting an older Subaru. Are there some problems that are pretty common and something I should be on the lookout for?

Also, if I do go to Norm's does anyone know of a reputable mechanic in that area that would inspect the car for me before I make a purchase? And the only reason I'm focussing on Norm's is that they appear to have the largest selection of Foresters and Outbacks in my price range.

Sorry to have so many questions. All I'm looking for is some advice of what to be aware of with an older model.

Thanks in advance for any tips.

 
One other thing: Most of the Subarus in my price range have over 100,000 miles and a lot are in the 125,000 range. Can I assume if the head gaskets were going to fail they would have done so already and therefore would have been replaced?

Also, can I ask a dealer if the head gaskets have ever been replaced? Would they even tell me the truth?

 
You need to get proof that the headgaskets have been done. Also, in that range of miles, it's almost a guarantee that they have been done, and if they weren't done correctly, they will need to be done again at some point. that's really the biggest issue with the vehicles you are looking at. Norms isn't bad, but try to get paperwork on the vehicles you look at!!

 
Assuming you're looking at Legacy based outbacks and foresters those are the ones with headgasket issues. (they will all have the SOHC 2.5 at that price point.) like jason said, you'll want specific paperwork that they've been done. at that mileage it should be a requirement. basically follow what jason said.

 
Thanks for the advice everyone.

Mark, when you say Legacy based, can you be more specific? I don't know what that means. Is that a certain type of Forester or Outback? Sorry to be so uninformed.

One other thing: Does anyone think the dealer's "certified" vehicles are any better than the ones that aren't? They can be up to $1000 more and "certified" at Norm's means something different than certified at Patriot or Pape, at least as I understand it.

 
sleepyone said:
Mark, when you say Legacy based, can you be more specific? I don't know what that means. Is that a certain type of Forester or Outback? Sorry to be so uninformed.
One other thing: Does anyone think the dealer's "certified" vehicles are any better than the ones that aren't? They can be up to $1000 more and "certified" at Norm's means something different than certified at Patriot or Pape, at least as I understand it.
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The Outback (until '09 or '08) was simply a trim level instead of an entirely different model. Even in '08+ its exactly the same as a Legacy, just not called a Legacy any more.

There is an Outback trim available for both the Impreza (the Impreza Outback or Outback Sport) and the Legacy.

 
I have one other question regarding purchasing a used Subaru. I noticed that at Evergreen Subaru they have an ad that says "Wholesale to the Public - Sold As Is No Warranty". This description makes me a bit cautious regarding this vehicle but everyone has such great things to say about Evergreen so I'm curious what this means. Any thoughts?

 
wholesale cars do not go thru normal dealership inspection/maintenance process. typically dealership used cars get new brake pads, rotors, and perhaps other key consumables in addition to a multipoint maintenance freshening, fluid changes yada yada

in other words, a 'wholesale to public' car may or may not need additional work. the upside is, prices are notably lower so you have a little headroom to cover maintenance n repairs. if you look carefully at a wholesale car, you can find some pretty good candidates that will be winners given a bit o love.

 
IBratmanI said:
You need to get proof that the headgaskets have been done. Also, in that range of miles, it's almost a guarantee that they have been done, and if they weren't done correctly, they will need to be done again at some point. that's really the biggest issue with the vehicles you are looking at. Norms isn't bad, but try to get paperwork on the vehicles you look at!!
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This. I bought my 99 Fozz with 105k on it and service records on hand that the head-gaskets were done and by a reputable mechanic. Of course i made sure all general maintenance was done to this vehicle and always on time. In the end i got a steal. If your going to norms, it may be worth taking the subaru your thinking of buying to Bath Subaru.

 
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