Legacy Questions

bigalpha · 05-08-2006, 06:14 PM

So, I'm in the market for a new(er) car, and decided that I don't want a hellacious (sp?) car payment. I was going to get a WRX wagon, but that is pretty expensive (esp. since I'm a college student). There is a Legacy Limited Sedan down the road at a small car lot.

I don't know anything about the Legacy's except that the sedans look cool. the Limited Legacy has a hoodscoop, but does it have a turbo? I know that it is designated "GT" but don't know more than that.

Do those year/model Legacy's have any inherent problems? i.e. my escort has a cooling problem, always has, just a flaw with the escorts.

So far, the only down side to this car is that it has ~143k miles. That's killer mileage for a 98.

Any other ideas, comments, suggestions, reminders, etc. would most definitely be appreciated.

thanks

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sha_zapple · 05-08-2006, 06:27 PM

It does not have a turbo.

143k miles isnt that bad at all, assuming the headgaskets have already been redone (HG are a common problem on the 2.5L engines)

bigalpha · 05-08-2006, 06:32 PM

The 2.5 engine puts out 165hp, right?

Would it be possible for me to check if the headgasket has been redone already? If it hasn't been redone, and I get the car and the HG goes out, how much would it cost to get that fixed?

legacydreamz · 05-08-2006, 06:37 PM

if it has that many miles, they may have been done, or they are ready to go. check the coolant overflow for oil and check for overheating.

the motors must be pulled for the 2.5's, so figure on around $1k for a shop to do it or around $200-500 to do it yourself

bigalpha · 05-08-2006, 08:45 PM

Well, this car was listed on the lot for 5k and the dealer was driving it around, so I figure that it can't be in too bad of shape...but then, what do I know? Funny, b/c KBB lists it at ~7k for retail in excellent condition, and this one didn't look too bad.

If the car doesn't overheat, and there is no oil in the overflow, can I assume that the HG is either new, or still in decent condition?

I probably won't be doing the HG myself. That's a little too involved, and I don't have the know-how or tools to accomplish that myself.

Plays_With_toys · 05-08-2006, 10:03 PM

Ask them for documentation of the HG being repaired, and if they won't but claim that it was done, ask for documentation saying if the HG goes bad in the next 12K miles that they will do all services needed to fix the car. If it hasn't been done, say that you want the price knocked down, or have them fix it and sell at that price.

Remember, $7k is for a dealer "perfect" car, which means paint is in good shape, repaired where it was needed, no dents, maybe a ding or two, perfect upholstery, and runs like perfect.

Wiscon_Mark · 05-08-2006, 10:19 PM

143k is nothing!

Absolutely nothing!

Just get the info on that headgasket

bigalpha · 05-08-2006, 11:23 PM

Well, I'd always been told that ~12k miles was average per year that you'd put on a car, and KBB said the average mileage for 98 year was 89,000; so it seemed like a lot. Not to mention my escort has 156,000 and my first (broke down POS) had 190,000, so it's a little worriesom. I don't want to go buy a new(er) car and have it crap out on me (again). How much would it be to replace the engine if something did happen? I live in TN and Subies are not in high demand.

Also, this car was sitting on a really small car lot (probably has 15-20 cars), so idk if they'd offer a "warranty" for the HG. Do you think I could get them replace it, even if they didn't think it needed it? The car was listed only at 5k, so I'm not sure how much leverage I have with that small of a price.

BTW: I have excellent credit (~720), will have at least 2k (make 4k) down payment and a co-signer if necessary. To me, I should be able to go in there and get what I want; within reason, anyhow.

Supafly · 05-09-2006, 08:20 PM

sounds like a nice deal , just check the hg, look for any leaking under the engine.

Wiscon_Mark · 05-09-2006, 09:04 PM

I put on 12k a year, and that's a very short commute for me, only 180 days out of the year.

We have an 02 civic with 100k on it

NiTRoN · 05-10-2006, 01:11 PM

in addition to HG i would check trainny fluids.. if its AT then should be nice and pink.. also front differential oils, make sure it aint black.. cause if tranny craps out on ya.. u will have to shell out some decent cash.. Also check CV Joints boots 2 on ech side of engine and rear differential, make sure they are in good condition (no tears or anything..) Test drive the car to make sure it doesn't pull to side and the steering feels firm without wobble...

Kraziken · 05-10-2006, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wiscon_Mark

143k is nothing!

Absolutely nothing!

Just get the info on that headgasket

I would agree a Subie that has been well taken care of, 143k is nothing.

But the problem is how different people maintain the car. I think you can find a similar Legacy in price and have one with significantly less mileage in my opinion.

It's a tough decision, because I'm sure in some cases a lower mileage car might have been abused more, but I would take my chances with lower miles.

If it is not a Subie dealership, I would probably take it to another mechanic and pay the $50 or so to have a diagnostic/compression check etc. done if there isn't pretty solid records of regular maintenance.

It's a rule I almost always follow for used cars.

I didn't do it recently and it cost me in the long run with a SUV I just bought.

vitai0 · 05-10-2006, 02:08 PM

I just bought my legacy outback limited from a used car dealer. I made sure to get it inspected down the street at a tire place before buying it. I had the coolant flushed and rear pads and rotors changed before i bought it. The dealer agreed. BUT not knowin much about the coolant at that time, i now see that my coolant is getting dark and oily. I chagned the coolant just last week and hope i have many miles on it before i need to replace the HG. ANYWHO . .i bought my wagon for 3995, with 123k on it, but i drove 2 hours to get it. It was in OH and i live in MI. . . ever consider traveling a bit farther to find a better Subaru?

just my $.02

GTWagon_Phreak · 05-10-2006, 02:25 PM

Get the thing checked out by a Subbie dealer or specific shop. If they can't provide proof of HG replacement, I would have them take the cost of it out of the price of the car and just have it done when you buy it.

I wouldn't trust a dealer to do any work on a car I'm buying to seal a deal.

05-08-2006, 06:14 PM	#1
bigalpha Scooby Newbie Member#: 110485 Join Date: Mar 2006 Chapter/Region: SWIC Location: AZ Vehicle: 2011 Impreza Outback Blue	Legacy Questions So, I'm in the market for a new(er) car, and decided that I don't want a hellacious (sp?) car payment. I was going to get a WRX wagon, but that is pretty expensive (esp. since I'm a college student). There is a Legacy Limited Sedan down the road at a small car lot. I don't know anything about the Legacy's except that the sedans look cool. the Limited Legacy has a hoodscoop, but does it have a turbo? I know that it is designated "GT" but don't know more than that. Do those year/model Legacy's have any inherent problems? i.e. my escort has a cooling problem, always has, just a flaw with the escorts. So far, the only down side to this car is that it has ~143k miles. That's killer mileage for a 98. Any other ideas, comments, suggestions, reminders, etc. would most definitely be appreciated. thanks * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

05-10-2006, 02:08 PM	#13
vitai0 Scooby Newbie Member#: 103245 Join Date: Dec 2005 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Berkeley, CA Vehicle: 1997 Legacy Outback Red 2 Tone	my legacy I just bought my legacy outback limited from a used car dealer. I made sure to get it inspected down the street at a tire place before buying it. I had the coolant flushed and rear pads and rotors changed before i bought it. The dealer agreed. BUT not knowin much about the coolant at that time, i now see that my coolant is getting dark and oily. I chagned the coolant just last week and hope i have many miles on it before i need to replace the HG. ANYWHO . .i bought my wagon for 3995, with 123k on it, but i drove 2 hours to get it. It was in OH and i live in MI. . . ever consider traveling a bit farther to find a better Subaru? just my $.02 Last edited by vitai0; 05-10-2006 at 02:38 PM.

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05-08-2006, 06:27 PM	#2
sha_zapple Scooby Specialist Member#: 41012 Join Date: Aug 2003 Chapter/Region: E. Canada Vehicle: 1998 Legacy L	It does not have a turbo. 143k miles isnt that bad at all, assuming the headgaskets have already been redone (HG are a common problem on the 2.5L engines)

05-08-2006, 06:32 PM	#3
bigalpha Scooby Newbie Member#: 110485 Join Date: Mar 2006 Chapter/Region: SWIC Location: AZ Vehicle: 2011 Impreza Outback Blue	The 2.5 engine puts out 165hp, right? Would it be possible for me to check if the headgasket has been redone already? If it hasn't been redone, and I get the car and the HG goes out, how much would it cost to get that fixed?

05-08-2006, 06:37 PM	#4
legacydreamz Scooby Specialist Member#: 92423 Join Date: Jul 2005 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: locked in the freezer Vehicle: 2002 WRX still locked in freezer	if it has that many miles, they may have been done, or they are ready to go. check the coolant overflow for oil and check for overheating. the motors must be pulled for the 2.5's, so figure on around $1k for a shop to do it or around $200-500 to do it yourself

05-08-2006, 08:45 PM	#5
bigalpha Scooby Newbie Member#: 110485 Join Date: Mar 2006 Chapter/Region: SWIC Location: AZ Vehicle: 2011 Impreza Outback Blue	Well, this car was listed on the lot for 5k and the dealer was driving it around, so I figure that it can't be in too bad of shape...but then, what do I know? Funny, b/c KBB lists it at ~7k for retail in excellent condition, and this one didn't look too bad. If the car doesn't overheat, and there is no oil in the overflow, can I assume that the HG is either new, or still in decent condition? I probably won't be doing the HG myself. That's a little too involved, and I don't have the know-how or tools to accomplish that myself.

05-08-2006, 10:03 PM	#6
Plays_With_toys Scooby Specialist Member#: 82556 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Parker, Colorado Vehicle: 1996 Legacy L wagon	Ask them for documentation of the HG being repaired, and if they won't but claim that it was done, ask for documentation saying if the HG goes bad in the next 12K miles that they will do all services needed to fix the car. If it hasn't been done, say that you want the price knocked down, or have them fix it and sell at that price. Remember, $7k is for a dealer "perfect" car, which means paint is in good shape, repaired where it was needed, no dents, maybe a ding or two, perfect upholstery, and runs like perfect.

05-08-2006, 10:19 PM	#7
Wiscon_Mark Scooby Guru Member#: 94945 Join Date: Aug 2005 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Stevens Point, WI Vehicle: 1995 Legacy OB 5MT 2003 Forester X 5MT	143k is nothing! Absolutely nothing! Just get the info on that headgasket

05-08-2006, 11:23 PM	#8
bigalpha Scooby Newbie Member#: 110485 Join Date: Mar 2006 Chapter/Region: SWIC Location: AZ Vehicle: 2011 Impreza Outback Blue	Well, I'd always been told that ~12k miles was average per year that you'd put on a car, and KBB said the average mileage for 98 year was 89,000; so it seemed like a lot. Not to mention my escort has 156,000 and my first (broke down POS) had 190,000, so it's a little worriesom. I don't want to go buy a new(er) car and have it crap out on me (again). How much would it be to replace the engine if something did happen? I live in TN and Subies are not in high demand. Also, this car was sitting on a really small car lot (probably has 15-20 cars), so idk if they'd offer a "warranty" for the HG. Do you think I could get them replace it, even if they didn't think it needed it? The car was listed only at 5k, so I'm not sure how much leverage I have with that small of a price. BTW: I have excellent credit (~720), will have at least 2k (make 4k) down payment and a co-signer if necessary. To me, I should be able to go in there and get what I want; within reason, anyhow.

05-09-2006, 08:20 PM	#9
Supafly Scooby Newbie Member#: 109046 Join Date: Mar 2006	sounds like a nice deal , just check the hg, look for any leaking under the engine.

05-09-2006, 09:04 PM	#10
Wiscon_Mark Scooby Guru Member#: 94945 Join Date: Aug 2005 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Stevens Point, WI Vehicle: 1995 Legacy OB 5MT 2003 Forester X 5MT	I put on 12k a year, and that's a very short commute for me, only 180 days out of the year. We have an 02 civic with 100k on it

05-10-2006, 01:11 PM	#11
NiTRoN Scooby Specialist Member#: 30556 Join Date: Nov 2002 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Cleveland, Ohio Vehicle: 2000 Legacy GT (BE) over 250,000 Miles	in addition to HG i would check trainny fluids.. if its AT then should be nice and pink.. also front differential oils, make sure it aint black.. cause if tranny craps out on ya.. u will have to shell out some decent cash.. Also check CV Joints boots 2 on ech side of engine and rear differential, make sure they are in good condition (no tears or anything..) Test drive the car to make sure it doesn't pull to side and the steering feels firm without wobble...

05-10-2006, 02:25 PM	#14
GTWagon_Phreak Scooby Specialist Member#: 95645 Join Date: Sep 2005 Chapter/Region: South East Location: South FL Vehicle: 2006 LGT Stg2 5MT 97 LegacyGT Wagon 4EAT	Get the thing checked out by a Subbie dealer or specific shop. If they can't provide proof of HG replacement, I would have them take the cost of it out of the price of the car and just have it done when you buy it. I wouldn't trust a dealer to do any work on a car I'm buying to seal a deal.