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Old 07-20-2007, 09:40 PM   #76
bashedsaab
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Old 08-01-2007, 10:38 PM   #77
scott*impreza
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This is a great thread, I'm glad I came across it. Not more than an hour ago I got home from the dealer. I was looking at an '04 Impreza, with more kilometres than I would like, is there any advice towards subies with over 100kms on them? I took the car out (alone) for a little rip, and everything seemed ok, it ran really well, I'm just concerned about the higher mileage on it. What engine-wise things should be more of a concern?
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Old 08-01-2007, 11:11 PM   #78
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^^ 100K is not really a lot of miles. Just follow my advice and get it checked out unless you can talk the dealer into an extended warranty program.

My wifes car just hit 110K miles on it, it has never had any problems and my 04 has a lot of modded miles, if it had not been for some of the modding I could say the same for my wagon.

Good luck and glad you enjoyed the thread.
How much is the dealer asking and what type of car?

Jay-R
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Old 08-01-2007, 11:17 PM   #79
scott*impreza
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Well, keep in mind I'm up in Canadia land lol

The car has over 150k on it, but is in very good shape, very clean, minor rock chips here and there, but no rust (which was nice to see) and they are asking 16$k for it, not a bad deal considering '02s around here are going for around the same price.
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Old 08-03-2007, 08:32 PM   #80
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How bad is 148,000 miles on a 2000 subaru impreza 2.5rs sedan? I'm in the market for a car but I dont want to break the bank on getting one.
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Old 08-04-2007, 10:29 PM   #81
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I've had my best luck buying japanese cars from original owner, 75k miles or less. Lots of people choose to sell before performing the 60k service.

If you're buying a car with a transferable extended warranty, find out exactly what paperwork you need to xfer the warranty, and make sure you get all of it. I've bought 2 that had extended warranty. For one of them, while I got service records, I didn't get a complete enough set to transfer the warranty.
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Old 08-05-2007, 11:59 AM   #82
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I bought my 'daily' driver as a certified preowned Baja. I love it. And, I paid a little to upgrade the coverage. So far, it handled an AC repair, a wheel bearing and an axle boot. I don't have the time or the ability to do much in the way of repairs myself, so it has served me well. Plus, I get a rental when it's in, even though it's a 'used' car. The rental's have been newer model Suby's, so I get a prolonged test drive. The 08 Impreza sedan is a pretty tempting car. Hoping for a breakdown when the dealers have them available for loaners for my test drive/decision. Dibble - great sticky/1st post.
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Old 08-08-2007, 02:15 PM   #83
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Check the rear dif bolts, I went to go test drive a subie that had its rear dif unscrewed...


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Old 08-09-2007, 04:10 AM   #84
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Awesome thread. Very helpful. Could someone maybe possibly post some common mechanical flaws of certain model year subarus? I am going to be shopping for a cheap Impreza in the next couple months. I want to get ahead of the game and know all about the car I buy...before I even see it.

Any big manufacture defects with these things? Something go wrong at a certain mileage milestone? If I find out what parts malfunction and when...I can find out if the car I am buying is about to fall apart....or already did and was put back together. Thanks guys!
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Old 08-09-2007, 09:26 AM   #85
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Our cars typically do not have a common malfunction. One thing you could do is run the VIN through a Suby Dealership to check on any recalls and if any warranty work was performed.

Good luck.

Jay-R

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Originally Posted by Lindenmooch View Post
Awesome thread. Very helpful. Could someone maybe possibly post some common mechanical flaws of certain model year subarus? I am going to be shopping for a cheap Impreza in the next couple months. I want to get ahead of the game and know all about the car I buy...before I even see it.

Any big manufacture defects with these things? Something go wrong at a certain mileage milestone? If I find out what parts malfunction and when...I can find out if the car I am buying is about to fall apart....or already did and was put back together. Thanks guys!
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Old 08-09-2007, 04:15 PM   #86
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I just read here somewhere about a faulty head gasket on a 98 Impreza. That's the kind of info I am looking for. So I can go replace the infamous parts before the car lets me down.
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Old 08-09-2007, 04:46 PM   #87
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^^ Head gaskets are not that common on the non turbo cars. If you think they are cheap to replace, thank again.

You need to look for your answers in the various forums here. Engine Mechanical, older imprezas, modded cars.

This writeup is not a catch all for all the faults, searching will net you more results.

Jay-R
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Old 08-09-2007, 04:48 PM   #88
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Thanks!
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Old 08-09-2007, 10:15 PM   #89
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lindenmooch View Post
I just read here somewhere about a faulty head gasket on a 98 Impreza. That's the kind of info I am looking for. So I can go replace the infamous parts before the car lets me down.
Blown head gaskets on the '98 and '99 2.5 liter engines happen between 75,000 and 110,000 miles almost like clockwork. I have had two and both blew in that time frame. I remember a few years ago, there were a lot of threads about that.
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Old 08-14-2007, 10:07 AM   #90
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2 things - 1- do a carfax: 2- check with dealer Run a VIN: see what's been done - may be better than carfax if the car had damage and was paid for by owner and not reported to insurance..they should do this gratis at the dealer...
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Old 08-14-2007, 10:09 AM   #91
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Also - forgot - how a car was treated and maintained is more important than mileage. Subies will run forever if taken care of, but if neglected will break you....just my 2 cents..
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Old 08-15-2007, 01:01 AM   #92
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Default symtem of a fukt motor

Drive the car when it's cold. Start it up and listen for any strange noises before it heats up. Then hit the gas and look out the back for smoke. Smoke = Bad News Bears
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Old 08-21-2007, 10:04 PM   #93
djz05
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great guide now i have an idea on where to start.

I'm a fresh grad starting on my new job and in the market for a car. I've Never been really much of a gearhead so i dont know half the things you guys are talking about, but i do know how to feel a car when im driving it.
Im in health care and I cant afford not to have a working car. I have a 226k 94' Altima btw which is still in good condition, but i just thought id be safe to have an extra one (and also one that i can enjoy driving too).

Right now I'm looking at a 2000 Impreza RS with a 115k on it for $7000. Being a post grad, budgets pretty tight, and since I really dont mind the mileage and the 2000 Impreza has been my dream car when i was a kid. I also figure I'd be a nice project car to learn and play around with until I get a newer model.

Just a few quick questions:
1: Someone mentioned taking the car for an inspection to a trusted mechanic. Did you mean after buying the car or before buying?
2: whats the difference between the STi/WRX/RS? Being a noob id always tought the more abbreviations the better the car :P
3: heres a link to the car. Id really appreciate any comments you can give me.
http://www.malloyautomall.com/Preown...oryId=20635309
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Old 08-21-2007, 10:50 PM   #94
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1) In my opening post I say. "Ask the dealer if they will let you take the car to an indeoendent inspector-before the sale". If they say "No" walk away, any reputable dealer would welcome the thought. Also if something is found that gives you a chance to bargain down or walk away. The $ you will spend for the inspection can save you major $'s down the road.

2) Lots of differences between all three. Day and night. Too long to break it down here. You can read up on them throughout this board.

3) Remember just because the car looks good inside and out dont mean it is good. Dealers are slick and will try to disquise problems using paint, stereo, tires, wheels to take your mind off obvious problems.

When you drive the car turn the radio off. Use the AC, use the heater, watch the engine temp in all conditions. Test Drive the Car, do not baby it.
Try the brakes, listen for noises.

Just way too much to continue on, just read and re-read my original post here until you got it down.

Good luck
Jay-R
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Old 08-28-2007, 02:20 AM   #95
bentonusa
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great guide! thanks!

currently looking for a used wrx and it is exactly what i want to know
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Old 09-03-2007, 08:15 PM   #96
cmac23
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you should take your mechanic
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Old 09-03-2007, 08:15 PM   #97
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also check it with your own eyes
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Old 09-03-2007, 08:30 PM   #98
dibblejr
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You added absolutely the equivellant to Nothing in this thread.

Go somewhere else if you are looking to bump your thread count.

Jay-R

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you should take your mechanic
Quote:
Originally Posted by cmac23 View Post
also check it with your own eyes
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Old 09-04-2007, 03:55 AM   #99
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This is great! I just got mine, and did most of them. Still wished I would of done the rest before buying it, but everything checks out. Def. a keeper. Will save this and e-mail to a few friends. Thanks guys!
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Old 09-06-2007, 01:36 PM   #100
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Well best thing to do it compare to what people are selling it online then go look at dealerships... and they ask your mechanic to check it out so yoiu know the previous owner didnt drive the crap out of it... but i know they are selling an 05 sti right now cheap at Irvine Subaru... silver thing looks in perfect condition... haha i have been looking at it randomly cuz im getting my tranny rebuilt haha... but ya if you talk to Desi shes the owner of Irvine and you just tell her other prices you see and stuff she will go out of her way to make the best deal... so i would try that.. .
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