So I'm currently in the market to find an ultra cheap commuter car. I'm on a budget ($2K), don't care if it has bad interior/exterior, I just want the engine to run ok and the transmission to run ok too.

So my friend's dad has this 96 Legacy wagon that he's selling. He said that it has over 200K on the chasis and the engine was changed at some point, just doesn't know when. And it makes about 30 MPG (highly unlikely). He said the car was in a small accident and that they fixed the panel, but no frame damage. He also said that the engine was running really strong and didn't notice anything unusual.

I have yet to take a look at the car, but I just wanted to get some feedback if there's any known problems with that MY or if there's anything I should look for. I won't say how much he's selling it for but it's well below $2000

Is this worth it you think?

 

I have a 99 legacy GT wagon. If it has a sunroof it's going to leak. Just make sure the drains are not clogged because it will skeet skeet on your head.
Also I get roughly 18-21mpg's (this is on a 2.5GT) Just to give you an idea.
If it's under 2k take a look at it. Check wheel bearings and find out when the motor was replaced.

 

I think this is a regular Legacy so maybe the MPG will be a little bit better.

 

my 2.2 would get between 24 and 26mpg.

I prefer the Impreza, and you can find those on CL for under $2k

 

I loved my 2.2 wagon, it was awesome

 

And that is with regular unleaded?

My STI is really hurting me at the pump... 45 dollars/week on gas

 

What color/kind of STi do you drive? I'm always in the hercules/pinole/hilltop areas.
I just got a truck to save on miles/gas lmao.

 

yeah, 87 octane.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/scz/cto/1326630844.html

bring a windshield and drive it away.

 

Better hope that's got an ej22 because the ej18 gets even crappier gas mileage...

I used to get 20-22mpg mostly freeway in my 94 ej18 automatic. When I bought my 98 ej22 5mt Impreza I was getting 25-27mpg...well, until I changed my wheels, lol.