HELP! I NEED BUYING ADVICE!!!

[soobrdad02]

Hey everybody! I came across a 1998 Legacy GT wagon with 221K miles today, it's got a great body and interior and the asking price is $3,000. The blue book value is around $4,500. I own a '91 Legacy now and the big reason for my considering the '98 is the fact that I've got a newborn son and I'm hoping that the '98 would be safer. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[hawk61760]

It is a good price, the subarus hold up well for high miles, I bought my '00 legacy for $2600 with 232k, but with any used vehicle, expect to do at least a tune up, if not some major repair work.

[soobrdad02]

Tune-ups I can handle. Looks like the cam seals and front-engine gasket work all got taken care of when the timing belt got swapped here recently. Brakes got done too. We'll have to see how it goes...

[1996Battlewagon]

With those kind of miles, I'd hope the headgaskets are done as well. Ask about those; sometimes OEM headgaskets can last for that long (Huffer has proof). Check for rust, CV noise and wheelbearing noise. If it's an auto, drive it and make sure it's not slipping, making funny noises, and not 'binding' when going around corners.

Of course the 98 will be safer than a 91, but your 91 is no death trap to begin with... is it?

[Huffer]

Too many miles for $3000. $2500 TOPS.

I can get a 98 GT around here with 130k for $3000.

[soobrdad02]

The 1991's no deathtrap, she just looks her age. Even has ABS and disc brakes all the way around. I'm thinking the only real difference is that the '98 will have airbags, more legroom(I'm 6'4") and more speed!!!

[jey]

Make sure they did the water pump when they did the timing belt!

If you already have ABS on your 91 that's pretty safe too. I don't think airbags do anything for safety - especially children and small people. I've sat in the 1st gen Legacy and didn't feel like it was any smaller than the 2nd gen. It's the 3rd gen that has more room.