Need Help, Front end shimmys @60mph and above

[Lt2dogs]

New to the Forum, and to Subaru ownership. My problem is this. I just purchased a used Legacy 97 Sport Utility Wagon-L, and it seems to be quite sound, when test driving it I was unable to access any road which would allow me to do any higher than 55mph, car handled beautifully at those speeds. After purchasing the vehicle and on the ride home I detected a rather unnerving shimmy in the front wheels when I got to 60mph and above. Tires seem to be in good shape with even wear and there doesn't appear to be any wheel weights missing. I am wondering if this is a suspension issue or an issue with the CV joints-Should I return the car? anyone have any ideas? Thanks

[Airgne]

if you bought it from a dealership i would take it back to have them fix it. it mght be just a wheel weight problem. might not look like it, but that is the most common problem.

also if the car sat for along time without moving here will be flat spots in the tire. you would notice this on all 4 wheels.

[Lt2dogs]

Bought it from a private party, but they're willing to help deal with the issue once diagnosed. I'll be able to dig into it more tomorrow and will post anything I find. Thanks for the reply

[ouch1011]

Check the tire balance 1st, if for no other reason than to rule it out. A decent tire shop will also be able to determine if a wheel is bent or a tire is bad (broken belt, sidewall bulge, etc) at the same time.

[Huffer]

Does the shimmy go away PAST a certain speed? If so, then it's a wheel balance issue.