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Subaru Outback/Legacy Buying Advice

126 messages,  Last post on Jul 27, 2009 at 11:01 AM

You are in the Subaru Legacy & Outback Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback, Car Buying, Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 13 of 13

#119 of 126 Re: 08 or 09? [ateixeira] by leo2633

Apr 21, 2009 (6:41 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Apr 16, 2009 12:24 pm)
Hey, juice,
 
I wish I had those "slash" guards when I hit a curb hidden under the snow, when my Forester was new. It would have saved me a bunch of cash on new tires when I tore out the sidewall. (Sorry, couldn't resist!).
 
Len

#120 of 126 Re: 08 or 09? [leo2633] by ateixeira

Apr 21, 2009 (12:29 pm)

Replying to: leo2633 (Apr 21, 2009 6:41 am)
That's the Rally heritage at work for ya....

#121 of 126 evaluating a 2000 Outback by nervousbuyer

Jun 07, 2009 (6:30 pm)

We're looking at a one-owner car with 104,500 miles. I'm not sure if it's gotten a new timing belt . . . I'm aware of hg problems. If we send mobile mechanic to check it out, what certain things need double- or triple-checking? We also plan to have our own mechanic go over it (there's a 3-day period when it can be returned). It appears to have gotten about 24,000 miles put on it for each of first two years of ownership, and then dramatically slowed after that (perhaps a new car?). It drives well . . . and it could eventually be driven by our two teenagers. It's priced at $7K. Is that a fair price?

#122 of 126 Re: evaluating a 2000 Outback [nervousbuyer] by ateixeira

Jun 08, 2009 (7:46 am)

Replying to: nervousbuyer (Jun 07, 2009 6:30 pm)
That's about what I sold my 98 Forester for 2 years ago, so it sounds about right to me.
 
Check for signs of oil leaks - inspect the engine block at the head gaskets, the valve cover gaskets, and the front and rear main seal. Your mechanic can do a compression test, but that still won't reveal all gasket issues.
 
Turn off the radio and drive it and listen for a quiet/smooth drivetrain. The one advantage is that if something is off you are likely to hear and feel it, by that I mean differentials, AWD, wheel bearings, etc.

#123 of 126 advice buying 2000-2001 outback by hhmax

Jun 30, 2009 (3:34 pm)

New to the forum and subaru. Thinking of buying a 2000-2001 outback H6. Are there any major items/problems (like the 2.5 HG) that I should be watching for? In general what are the cost of ownership compared with the likes of accord/camry? I would expect to be higher but how much? Appreciate your feedback.

#124 of 126 Re: advice buying 2000-2001 outback [hhmax] by ateixeira

Jul 01, 2009 (11:07 am)

Replying to: hhmax (Jun 30, 2009 3:34 pm)
Nope, the H6 has been great. I would still inspect any car that age, compression test, check for signs of oil leaks, test drive with radio off and windows open and listen for drivetrain noise, etc.
 
It'll cost more to own than a FWD Camry V6, but probably less than an AWD Highlander V6. Fair enough, if you think about it.
 
Do what we did - get a Chase Subaru credit card. You earn 3% back and can pay for even service.
 
We own a Forester and a Sienna. I worry about what the Sienna will cost me to service, not the Subie. For the Forester I have $500 saved up in Subaru Bucks (the rebates come in $100 increments) so I'm pretty much good for the next few years - free service.
 
If you can do that I bet the operating costs are actually lower than for a Camry or Accord. I don't believe Toyota or Honda have such credit card programs (please correct me if I'm wrong, I'd probably get a Toyota card).

#125 of 126 Re: advice buying 2000-2001 outback [ateixeira] by cptplt

Jul 14, 2009 (8:02 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Jul 01, 2009 11:07 am)
> I worry about what the Sienna will cost me to service, not the Subie.
 
hey juice I just had my cat and 02 sensor replaced in my 06 sienna at 76K, good thing the emissions warranty is good till 80K cuz it cost them over a grand!
and then there was my new tranny I needed at 43K. can't wait till I have no factory warranty of any sort left!!
which is why I just got the better half a 09 OB so she can cut back on the mileage on the sienna (25K a year)

#126 of 126 Re: advice buying 2000-2001 outback [cptplt] by ateixeira

Jul 27, 2009 (11:01 am)

Replying to: cptplt (Jul 14, 2009 8:02 pm)
We had a chipmunk chew up the wiring harness on our 07 Sienna and that alone was $700 worth of damage. They didn't even replace the whole harness, that would have been over a grand.
 
I'm hoping it's reliable over the long-term 'cause if not we may ditch it after the powertrain warranty is up. I'm sure it will be (it was the chipmunk's fault, not the van!).

Messages Page 13 of 13

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