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Old 12-23-2003, 12:12 AM   #1
pj_cab
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Join Date: Feb 2003
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2k4 STi <gone..>
96 XJ 4wd

Smile buying used Impreza L advice

hey all

am considering buying a used Impreza L (5spd, awd, and pref. a wagon) in the 1994-1998 year models.

i just saw one this afternoon at CARR Subaru (1994 sedan, white) and they're selling it for $4k+ - if it was a wagon, i might have gotten it...

any tips you gurus can share on buying a used Impreza L (usual problems to look out, year models to avoid, other issues)?

i plan it to be my daily driver and TSD/rallycross car...if the budget holds

thanks all!
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Old 12-23-2003, 08:08 AM   #2
Boxologist
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a 94 for $4k at a dealer should be a low mile (~70k) witha a decent warranty. and the engine should be excellent, otherwise, i think thats a bout 800 bucks to high froma dealer. unless it has leather and a DVD navigation sysyem
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Old 12-23-2003, 10:19 AM   #3
linsavy
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Check:
CV boots
Oil leaks from cam and crank
The wire harness to the hatch can get pinched on the right side where it enters the hatch causing shorts. It's fixable.
tranny synchros can be weak so make sure is shifts smoothly.

That's about it. The 2.2l is very reliable. The 1997+ makes a bit more power, but the cars weigh more. Stay away from the 1.8l it's pretty slow with AWD.

Struts don't matter as you will be changing them anyway.
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Old 12-23-2003, 12:48 PM   #4
pj_cab
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96 XJ 4wd

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thanks much guys! the tips are very appreciated

linsavy,

thanks for the warning on the 1.8L - the one i saw at the dealer was actually a 1.8L... so i'll be fixed on looking for a 2.2L from now on.
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Old 12-25-2003, 05:04 PM   #5
scobaru
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oh you people the 1.8 isn't as bad as everyone makes it out to be. some people turbo the 1.8 because they see potential. if your going to do an engine swap anyways who cares. I have a 1.8 granted its slow but it isn't as bad as most people make it out to be. subiegal's old rally car was a 1.8 when I did my awd converison there wasn't that much difference in speed with FWD vs AWD except I got off the line a lot nicer
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Old 12-26-2003, 09:22 AM   #6
jac
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As a point of reference, I just picked up a 97 OBS with 88K for $6,000, private sale.

I also wanted a daily driver AWD wagon. Car runs great....not crazy on the power, but a good drive. The wagon part of it is cool...i also have a miata & being able to toss everything in is killer!

For me, looking for the OBS pretty much guaranteed i was getting what wanted: AWD, wagon, ABS, air, etc. Maybe not some of the stuff you want on a weekend rally car, but who knows!

good luck!
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Old 12-26-2003, 12:05 PM   #7
pj_cab
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again, thanks for all the responses, keep 'em coming!

jac,

i'm definitely after a wagon. the OBS is also a choice of mine, but a little down the rank. my target is an Impreza L wagon.
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