Is this a good deal?

[bAbYbEcKy]

I was browsing Craigslist and came across an ad. Anyways, it was for a 97 Outback Limited. I called the lady and she said that it needs a new timing belt and it has some front end damage. We went out and looked at it and it needs a hood, radiator support and bumper cover. The headlights are in PERFECT condition (thank goodness, those are not cheap to replace!). The rest of the car is in GREAT shape, nice and clean on the inside. Has 180k on it. She is the original owner.

Here's a (small) picture of it:
http://home.comcast.net/~babybecky/pictures/subie.jpg

Anyways, she wants $500 for it. I already have a hood (but it's red from my other Outback that I'm parting out). I'd have to get a bumper cover for it. My husband's a mechanic, so we aren't worried about doing the timing belt, etc.

I'm thinking it's worth it. Even for parts. What do you think?

[Huffer]

$500 is a steal, providing it starts up and runs right. If it snapped the timing belt you could be looking into some internal damage.

[bAbYbEcKy]

They said it skipped a tooth. could this cause internal damage? I didn't think that it would on these engines, but I could be wrong (wouldn't be the first time). It starts, but runs kinds funky. Kinda like the timing is off (the belt is NOT broke).

[impreza_GC8]

I suppose if it truly skipped a tooth you're fine, otherwise you would have some bent valves and junk. $500 is a great price. I'm needing a Legacy hood scoop so if you buy that car, shoot me a PM regarding the hood scoop insert piece (not the blockoff plate, the actual hood scoop itself).

[peugoby]

I saw this on Portland's Craigslist as well. $500 is a good deal. I get worried when people say "make an offer"

I was considering buying it and parting it out; I still am especially @ $500.

[StatGSR]

I say its a good deal even if you do have to go through the whole motor again. personally i wouldnt bother just trying to replace the belt and get away with it. i vote pull the engine take off the heads, get the heads looked over make sure the valves are strait and what not. put in some new head gaskets and take care of any other seals that may be leaking. then put it back together. Doing all of that should still be well shy of 1000 bux.

[bAbYbEcKy]

so, we picked up the car today. turns out a pully is bad, no broken timing belt or anything. she said that the car was 'whining' and thats why they thought it was the water pump. they replaced the water pump and it still made the noise. so they assumed it was the timing belt and decided that was too much work for them.

so -- could having a bad pully STILL mess up the timing?

Oh, and I have to say, I'm going to LOVE the heated seats. I can't wait to get it fixed and on the road :)

[Grafton]

so, we picked up the car today. turns out a pully is bad, no broken timing belt or anything. she said that the car was 'whining' and thats why they thought it was the water pump. they replaced the water pump and it still made the noise. so they assumed it was the timing belt and decided that was too much work for them.

so -- could having a bad pully STILL mess up the timing?

Oh, and I have to say, I'm going to LOVE the heated seats. I can't wait to get it fixed and on the road :)

what pulley was it?
any of the alt/ps/cranshaft should be replaced with their light weight counterparts its only a small bit more than a stock replacement

the crankshaft sprocket (timeing belt) is ~25 at the stealership
the cam shaft and idler pulleys idk about

[bAbYbEcKy]

It was the idler pulley.

We replaced it, put a new timing belt on it and started it up. Runs GREAT. No funky noises, no warning lights, nothing.

We plan on running it through emissions here this week. When the weather gets better. It's snowing out right now here.

[henryq89]

looks like a clean outback ! good job on the fix too ! got any bigger pics of it? :smt006

[bAbYbEcKy]

I'll have to take some more of it once the snow melts off of it. Man, I can't believe it's snowing here again!

[bAbYbEcKy]

I just wanted to update. We fixed up the timing system (the bearings were non existent), but a new belt on it, threw in some block seal (just in case), and ran it through emissons with no probs. Still runs months later. Probably the best $500 I spent on a car. :)

and it's a beauty. Loving the leather.

[anothernord]

My goodness, just seats in that car are worth at least half of what you paid for it! Seriously, the Outback Limiteds are nice!

[bAbYbEcKy]

I know, and I do have to say, I have no idea how I lived without heated seats before owning this car!