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Feb. 9, 2010 12:14 p.m. mistanfo Dork

Going to look at a Subaru in the next couple days for a friend. What do you all think?

Here is the details from the ad: 1998 Subaru Forester

Vehicle Highlights

Mileage: 198,200 Engine: 4-Cyl. 2.5 Liter Transmission: Automatic Drivetrain: AWD Color: Green/Silver

Air Conditioning Tilt Wheel Dual Front Air Bags Power Steering Cruise Control ABS (4-Wheel) Power Windows AM/FM Stereo /CD Roof Rack Power Door Locks Alloy Wheels Leather Interior Heated Seats Grille Guard

One owner- All Mfg. recommended service New Radiator Transmission has less than 100,000 miles Current Inspection Tires in good condition Runs Great

Needs Passenger side Head lamp $125 Needs Passenger side turn signal $46 Minor Cosmetic damage

Kelly Blue Book Good Condition: $3,865 Fair Condition: $3,340

Asking $3500 or best offer. Please Email me with specific questions or to make an appointment for a test drive. This is "THE" Car for the current weather conditions. You cannot beat AWD in the snow. Just purchased a 2008 Subaru Forester to replace this one.
Feb. 9, 2010 12:19 p.m. Tom Heath Marketing / Club Coordinator

That doesn't seem WAY off for a running, driving Subaru with no major mechanical issues, but it still seems high to me. It might be fair, but it's not a killer deal IMHO.

I'm guessing there's a temporary snow tax in the Mid-Atlantic states for a Subaru this week.
Feb. 9, 2010 12:32 p.m. Nashco SuperDork

Pretty high price considering the mileage, body damage, and having an automatic, IMO. They mention the trans has been replaced, but take note that the replacement has as many miles on it as the original trans lasted. Like Tom said, this seller is banking on somebody making an impulse purchase to deal with snow, otherwise it would be priced a lot lower than KBB, IMO.

Bryce
Feb. 9, 2010 12:42 p.m. minimac Dork

Heck, for that kind of money you can buy mine(and have some change)! No alloys or cruise, and you'll freeze your patuutie without heated seats, but a 5 speed and everything else. And no damage. New tires and clutch, ass'y, and 116k motor in 156k chassis. highjack ended
Feb. 9, 2010 1:01 p.m. mistanfo Dork

Hi.... This is Debs, Jason's wife and the go-between the friend who is looking to buy the Subaru. She is thinking of offering him $2500. What do you think? We haven't seen the car yet. Probably tomorrow.
Feb. 9, 2010 3:03 p.m. carzan Reader

I dunno. We have a Forester and love it, but:

a. This car has the Phase 1 heads if the engine is original and they are known for internal headgasket leaks.

b. They state that it has a new radiator. Is it because it was plugged-up or leaking, or was it because the engine was overheating and they were attempting to solve the issue by installing a new radiator and found out it is really a head gasket issue?

c. I don't like Subaru automatics, but that's just my personal preference.

Personally, I'd pass.
Feb. 9, 2010 3:19 p.m. Duke SuperDork

Yeah, having shopped for middle-age Foresters last fall, I could have bought several not-very-clean examples that were 2 years newer with half the mileage for $3500. From this corner of the internet, I'd probably pass on it.
Feb. 9, 2010 3:48 p.m. Tom Heath Marketing / Club Coordinator

Debs- I wouldn't pay a penny until I got to drive it around the block at least. 2500 is moving closer to the right range, but I'm stubborn until something triggers my "OMGBUYNOWWICKEDDEAL" sensor.

A 200k mile automatic Subaru needs to be under $2000 to make it go off.
Feb. 9, 2010 5:43 p.m. GregTivo HalfDork

Boils down to condition. A 200k highway mileage Subaru may be worth $2500, a dirt track driven rusty undercarriage 200k subaru is heading straight to $1000 or run away screaming. It'll probably last another 100k on the engine, but trust me, things are wearing out by 200k (just replaced front CV joints and struts on my rusty '97 Outback with 164k for $2000). Good luck.
Feb. 9, 2010 8:01 p.m. wbjones HalfDork

My 230k Impreza has an automatic , which I HATE ... why ? because it berkeley won't shift when it's cold... Subaru programs the trans to stay out of the higher gears until the fluid is warm... takes about (when it's ~20 out) 3 - 4 mi to shift into 4th and as much as 10 before torque converter lockup will occur .... grrrrrrrrrrrrr kills my gas milage, almost as badly as the crappy gas we get now, 10% ethanol costs me 3 - 5 mpg in each of my cars... grrrrrrrrrr
Feb. 9, 2010 9:02 p.m. speedblind Reader

I just bought a running 99 Leg. Outback with a burnt #4 valve and have been researching these years. $3,500 sounds like a lot, especially considering what you can get for that kind of money. Key problems with these cars tend to be head gasket, auto trans. Lots of little issues, and most cars have been driven by...let's say...not enthusiasts and sport the requisite Costco/Sam's Club battle scars. Some rust in the traditional Japanese car locations, but doesn't seem to be horrible.

I'd bet in a month or two you can find them all over for 2K.
Feb. 10, 2010 10:31 a.m. The_Jed Reader

For some reason Subarus seem to hold their value quite well, especially compared to Volvos of the same year and condition; I have no idea why Volvos depreciate so quickly. I would avoid that Forester unless they are flexible on the price and the head gaskets have been changed.

GregTivo, I assume that you performed the repairs yourself. What kind of struts did you buy DMS?
Feb. 10, 2010 4:19 p.m. GregTivo HalfDork

The_Jed wrote:

For some reason Subarus seem to hold their value quite well, especially compared to Volvos of the same year and condition; I have no idea why Volvos depreciate so quickly. I would avoid that Forester unless they are flexible on the price and the head gaskets have been changed.

GregTivo, I assume that you performed the repairs yourself. What kind of struts did you buy DMS?

I just got KYB's. And I might have done the work myself except that the rust is impressive and I have no garage. So I gave it to my mechanic to do and in trying to dislodge the CV joint in one side from the upright, he snapped the steering knuckle off!! It was a nightmare from the start, but its done now. I hate rust.