Looking at a legacy tomorrow, need some advice.

[TGX4776]

I am going to be taking a look at a 1997 4door gt.

It's a manual. It has 145,000 miles and had the headers professionally rebuilt 7k miles/3 years ago. Has receipts for that.

66 out of 58 on the auto check. one owner. no rust.

Price is 3,500

What are some trouble spots that I should be looking for?

I couldn't find a thread for this question anywhere. I am surprised we don't have one in the 101 section.

he had the headers rebuilt? thats not a big deal...

check for leaks, the headgaskets! check if theyve been redone.. check for rust anyways, check carpets for mold or wetspots.....

[TGX4776]

sorry I ment heads.

Pulled straight from the add:

"updated Subaru gaskets used for this repair and the timing belt, radiator, water pump and all belts were replaced at the same time. The heads were pulled and completely rebuilt (that means all valves, guides, bushings, springs etc are new")

[1996Battlewagon]

Well, if the headgaskets have been done, than sweetness!!! That IS the biggest problem with these cars. Other than that, drive it to check for weeble-wobbles that could be due to bad CV axles/wheel bearings. Listen for noises and bad feelings from the clutch as sometimes these cars have snout/input shaft issues...and/or previous owners have no idea how to drive a manual.

Good luck brother.

[jey]

Price sounds high for a 13 year old car, even if it's well maintained.

[StatGSR]

^ you may think that but that actually looks like and extremly fair price to me if the the body is in good shape.

Some cars just hold their value great. Doesnt mean you have to like it, but its very true. plenty of places are still selling 98gts for with over 100k for close to 6-7 grand....

[TGX4776]

Yeah I was running to the problem where the only Legacies I could find in my price range have over 200k on the the clock or are being sold for 6k.

[jey]

Yeah and Subaru prices seem to vary a bit based on location too - where do you live?

[TGX4776]

Here are the pics he sent me. Thought you guys might want to see them.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/04/4498201124_fdfdd425f1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/04/4497565101_442179f7e4-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/04/4498201012_e9c0da843a-1.jpg

[TGX4776]

Chicago IL ........ until august then back to the rolling hills of WV

[Reason]

It sounds good, try to talk him down. Price sounds fair, but nothing wrong with getting it as low as you can.

[green97gt]

[quoteIt sounds good, try to talk him down. Price sounds fair, but nothing wrong with getting it as low as you can[/quote]

agreed.

no shame in haggling, at least for fun.

thats a decent price if it is RUST FREE(and knock/major issue.cel free) which i dont know about in chicago. i remember in MN even new cars looked crappy.

when i bought my 97 GT in a little town in FL(never buy cars directly from orlando...ever.) the dealership(i know, that sucks) wanted $4900, i was able to talk them down to $3500 out the door. but everything in fl seems inflated.

[TGX4776]

Just got back from looking at it and it was pretty much perfect. it needs a front alignment. Rust free. He had some rust a year or so ago and cut it out and replaced it with more metal. starting to reappear just a little bit in the back right corner. new headlights, all interior switches work, ro rattles, CV joints up front were replace about 1500 miles ago, back one about 40,000 but were checked when the front ones were replaced. The interior is in good shape as well. No rips, stains or smells on the seats. some normal discoloration in the front footwells. New headlights, ect. No real scratches. some pitting from stones. Mostly highway miles. New radiator ect as well.

I am going t try to talk him down for the front alignment and two new tires but I am going to buy it.

[98outbackpdx]

it will need a 4 wheel alignment. 4 tires all matching tread design and tread depth, or the tires will screw up your AWD system.

[TGX4776]

Thanks. Never knew that

[ouch1011]

Awd complicates the issue of tires because they all need to be the same size or you'll cause differences in rotation speed that can damage parts.

Subaru prices do seem to vary quite a bit depending on location. Around here prices are higher because there are a lot of ski resorts. And outdoor areas near by and people want awd cars to get to them. $3500 for that car in the nw would be a good deal.

[TGX4776]

Yeah I posted in the tires section yesterday to confirm. the tires are fairly new so I am going to see if I can just get away with replacing the fronts.