Possible Purchase: '02 Outback Sport
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Possible Purchase: '02 Outback Sport
If you've taken the time to click my newbie posting.... much thanks !! 
I'm looking at an '02 OBS, 24k miles, one owner from PA, looks new, drives great, 36k & 60k warranties, cloth interior, cd, and power everything.
Looks and sounds great.
But I'm curious -- from the experts point of view -- is there anything I should be aware of before purchasing ??
We live and work in the Champlain Valley of Vermont, spend a lot of time in the mountains and on the lake. We also own a 2000 Isuzu Rodeo - for the big snows. Will this handle good in the winter, or is it too light ?
Any words of wisdom or issues I should be aware of ??
Thank you for your time !
Best.
JG
I'm looking at an '02 OBS, 24k miles, one owner from PA, looks new, drives great, 36k & 60k warranties, cloth interior, cd, and power everything.
Looks and sounds great.
But I'm curious -- from the experts point of view -- is there anything I should be aware of before purchasing ??
We live and work in the Champlain Valley of Vermont, spend a lot of time in the mountains and on the lake. We also own a 2000 Isuzu Rodeo - for the big snows. Will this handle good in the winter, or is it too light ?
Any words of wisdom or issues I should be aware of ??
Thank you for your time !
Best.
JG
Registered User
iTrader: (38)
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 7,783
From: rightBehindYou, HI
Car Info: 1973 Huevo Ranchero
generally subarus are better with mileage(IMO of course) as long as the car has been maintained. depending if its auto or 5 speed that plays a role in pricing also... are you buying from a private party or a dealer? are there salt or sand on your roads/bridges during the winter time? most automatics with 24,000 miles have a mild vibration on the shifter handle(which is normal) if it seems severe most likely the car was driven hard. being that they are all wheel drive be sure to check all the boots and make sure that they are not torn. of course you wanna make sure of basics(tires, fluids, alignment) also remember that because of the engine design the motor naturally "wobbles" at idle(which can be felt inside the car) as soon as you take off it smooths out. also keep in mind that a "wobble" should be smooth. if it seems "out of sync" stay away.
BTW - - - if the car is in good shape generally the cars can sell around 14k
hope that helps
aloha,
greg
BTW - - - if the car is in good shape generally the cars can sell around 14k
hope that helps
aloha,
greg
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Posts: n/a
Mahalo Greg !
Your info is greatly needed, and very appreciated.
As I am an un-informed Subaru consumer, I need to look at all options before purchasing.
In regards to your info and questions:
5 speed
Buying from a dealer www.snowfireauto.com (refered by friend / happy customer)
Sand / salt = yes
Boots = tires ? Looked to be in good condition.
Taking it to another mech. to check fluids / alignment / engine, etc.
No engine wobble noticed inside car
Book = 16.5k, down to 15.5k for sale
One more Q on my end: being the OBS's are manufactured in the US, should I be concerned about the head-gasket scenerio ?
Again, Mahalo. Much appreciated !
Aloha.
JG
**I'd rather be on Kauai, than cold a#% Vermont - any day.**
Your info is greatly needed, and very appreciated.
As I am an un-informed Subaru consumer, I need to look at all options before purchasing.
In regards to your info and questions:
5 speed
Buying from a dealer www.snowfireauto.com (refered by friend / happy customer)
Sand / salt = yes
Boots = tires ? Looked to be in good condition.
Taking it to another mech. to check fluids / alignment / engine, etc.
No engine wobble noticed inside car
Book = 16.5k, down to 15.5k for sale
One more Q on my end: being the OBS's are manufactured in the US, should I be concerned about the head-gasket scenerio ?
Again, Mahalo. Much appreciated !
Aloha.
JG
**I'd rather be on Kauai, than cold a#% Vermont - any day.**
Registered User
iTrader: (38)
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 7,783
From: rightBehindYou, HI
Car Info: 1973 Huevo Ranchero
checked out the site and they look pretty good. i'm not sure if they use kelley blue book there. but here in hawaii all the banks/irs people/charities use kbb.com. keep in mind that the books change several times a year. the fact the the mileage is low enough an extended warranty is recommended. bottom line always ask for free stuff(warranty etc.) but be sure that you do your research 1st so that the dealer doesn't take offense if you make a ridiculous offer.
i sell cars @ [kaneohe subaru and u can call me anytime if you need advice on buying. to help yourself also u can grab all the info off the car and try to get a loan on your own. versus using the dealers financing options(unless they can beat your interest rates)
in regards to the head gasket... i really don't know but you can always call a service dept. and ask them.
i sell cars @ [kaneohe subaru and u can call me anytime if you need advice on buying. to help yourself also u can grab all the info off the car and try to get a loan on your own. versus using the dealers financing options(unless they can beat your interest rates)
in regards to the head gasket... i really don't know but you can always call a service dept. and ask them.
Last edited by gdogg; Mar 3, 2004 at 12:54 PM.
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Thanks again G-Dogg !!
You're info is totally hitting the spot.
As far as warranties, 36k bump-to-bump, 60k powertrain, 60 month corrosion. They transfer, should I extend ?
I've looked into the 30k recommended service, and they do almost all of it upon selling a car. Here's the link to their Snofire Certificate... http://www.snowfireauto.com/snowfirecert.html. If you have time, check it out and let me know what you think.
Minus the transmission / differential and transmission lubricants, shaft joint portions, and Fuel system - all looks checked-out. I plan on asking him about this when we chat next. He just replaced the front brake pads as well.
We didi the loan through a local credit union... pretty low rate - 4.69.
Oh yeah, KBB says 16.5k... we got it for 15.5k. Is it weird that he'll go under book so easily ?
Carfax checks-out 100% also... good to go and carfax will buy back if something is falsified.
Might you have any other advice / words of wisdom / things we haven't looked into -- before the purchase ?
Mahalo, G-Dogg. You're truly helping me through the process. And, when I move to the islands - I'll come to you for the new ride.
Gotta go big, right ?
JG
You're info is totally hitting the spot.
As far as warranties, 36k bump-to-bump, 60k powertrain, 60 month corrosion. They transfer, should I extend ?
I've looked into the 30k recommended service, and they do almost all of it upon selling a car. Here's the link to their Snofire Certificate... http://www.snowfireauto.com/snowfirecert.html. If you have time, check it out and let me know what you think.
Minus the transmission / differential and transmission lubricants, shaft joint portions, and Fuel system - all looks checked-out. I plan on asking him about this when we chat next. He just replaced the front brake pads as well.
We didi the loan through a local credit union... pretty low rate - 4.69.
Oh yeah, KBB says 16.5k... we got it for 15.5k. Is it weird that he'll go under book so easily ?
Carfax checks-out 100% also... good to go and carfax will buy back if something is falsified.
Might you have any other advice / words of wisdom / things we haven't looked into -- before the purchase ?
Mahalo, G-Dogg. You're truly helping me through the process. And, when I move to the islands - I'll come to you for the new ride.
Gotta go big, right ?
JG
Guest
Posts: n/a
Green,
I agree, the car looks pretty good. My father has an Outback and he lives in northern New Jersey and has a cabin in rural (and I mean RURAL) PA and the Outback did beautifully in the particularly brutal winter. He said of it "it's one of the best handling cars I've ever owned" and he's had Supras and Alfa Romeos and stuff like that. He even had a blowout on the Interstate and didn't realize it until he stopped to get gas, it handled the road that well. I personally just purchased a 2002 RS from New Jersey and it's easily the best car I've ever owned. It just feels solid. I paid 15,000 for mine from a dealer and I opted for a 6 year, 72,000 mile warranty from Honda (I bought it from a Honda dealer). Good luck and I say "go for it."
I agree, the car looks pretty good. My father has an Outback and he lives in northern New Jersey and has a cabin in rural (and I mean RURAL) PA and the Outback did beautifully in the particularly brutal winter. He said of it "it's one of the best handling cars I've ever owned" and he's had Supras and Alfa Romeos and stuff like that. He even had a blowout on the Interstate and didn't realize it until he stopped to get gas, it handled the road that well. I personally just purchased a 2002 RS from New Jersey and it's easily the best car I've ever owned. It just feels solid. I paid 15,000 for mine from a dealer and I opted for a 6 year, 72,000 mile warranty from Honda (I bought it from a Honda dealer). Good luck and I say "go for it."
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