General Advice on Old Subarus; Cali Emissions

[bigted]

Hello everyone,

I am a first-time car buyer looking for something cheap and reliable. My dad has owned Subarus for many years, so I decided to get one (also wanted a wagon). I found a 1997 Subaru Legacy Brighton with almost 150k miles on it, and the guy is a trusted dealer. He's asking $3900, including a tune-up, new O2 pump, tuning belt, water pump, power steering, alignment, tires. Is it worth it? The car seems to run very well. Will this model last me another 60,000 miles? That's all I'm really asking for.

Also, does anyone know if this car will pass California emissions standards?

Thanks,

Ted

[httrdd]

Emissions should not be a problem since you said it is stock. I would think that you could get it chaper with that mileage. Although we are talking about Cali prices.

[Bhatman]

Since its AWD, CA smog standards for AWD vehicles means connecting it to the tester without the vehicle on the dyno. I would try haggling around 3500, since it has had all that service done(may want to check Head gaskets and valve cover gaskets)

[Bookem]

Since when is 97 old??? J/k buying cars is always hit or miss. Try talking him down a bit but $3900 isn't bad either if it's as good as you are saying, have your dad or another shop look it over for you.

[ouch1011]

Make sure that the check engine light comes on when you turn the key on, and turns off when you start the engine. If it does that, then it should pass emissions just fine. There is more to it than that, but that is the easiest way to explain it.

[Airgne]

i dont think that the car has a smog pump.

[jey]

Price is way too high for a 97 Brighton, but it sounds like it has all the maintenance for another 60k miles.