A "New" Used Car

“a "new" used car and I have some questions. I've been looking at a Subaru Outback. My Dad knows the dealer at the lot it is on and seems to feel that the guy is really honest and straight forward about the cond. of the vehicles he's selling and what they are worth. So, my question . . . what do you think is too high a mileage for a used Subaru? It's in good cond. inside and out, but I can't test drive it until tomorrow. The price seems reasonable (I'm not sure what blue book is on it though) and I'm still waiting on a quote from my ins. co. (since the rise in my ins. costs is going to be more of an issue for me, than a car payment). I need to find something soon. My car is very near its end.”

“get yourself a sugar daddy and you won't have to worry about a car payment or insurance.”

“...and seems to feel that the guy is really honest and straight forward about the cond. of the vehicles he's selling and what they are worth.

lolololololololololololololololol”

“and think about a new new car instead of a new used one. i was gonna get a used one, but you can get a new car at pretty good prices with 0 interest nowadays.”

“We love our Subaru, great car, but I'm not sure what would be considered too high for mileage.

What year is it?”

“Have you consulted the Kelly Blue Book?”

“Take the car to a mechanic you can trust (if you don't have one, ask around) and for $25 they will check the car out for you and tell you if it is really in good condition or not. They look for metal shavings in the oil and transmission fluid, condition of belts, hoses, and the cooling system, and other indications of abuse and wear. If they say, for example, the car is in good shape except for $XXX in minor repairs, then you can use that to bargain the price down. That is about the only way you can protect yourself when buying a car that is out of warranty.

Since it is a Japanese car, most of them have timing belts that need to be changed at around 60,000 miles. If the timing belt breaks on you it can ruin the engine.

Frankly, we don't by old cars like that any more unless we personally knew the car was well maintained, etc. I have purchased three cars in the last 6 years from Enterprise Sales (one year old lease cars with 11,000 up to 33,000 miles). Then I added the extended warranty. I saved a lot of money and got good cars. I also bought one new car with rebates, good financing, etc.”

“I second Phil's advice. Right before I moved up to NY about six years ago, I hired a mechanic who offered a service where you told him what you wanted, and he'd go out and find something similiar and inspect it. He guaranteed his work and had great refereals. The car I ended up buying ended up lasting a very long time.

Also, check the car's maintenance records. Even the brands with great reputations will crap out early if never maintained properly.”

“Might want to check w/Aero, ng - he has an Outback. We have 2 subarus, too - can post more tomorrow....”

“As a general rule check the blue book value with napa or other guide - the book store sells them. Also look it up on the web to see what other dealers are asking.

As a cross check I also look at the original price of the vehicle (12k?) and estimated life in miles (100k) compared against the current mileage. if the vehicle has say 75k on it I figure it to be 3/4 used so the max price for perfect condition would be 3000.00. Then I subtract the cost of any repairs including body work (whether or not I intend to make them) and use the figure as the absolute maximum value of the vehicle. since I always bargian shop I never go more then half of the max value on any vehicle. (less then 1500?)

As a bargining tool the dealer usually runs a 50% mark up - meaning on a 3k car the (honest)dealer spent 2k putting it on the lot and will likely sell for 2200 or better. Immediate sale with cash right now will usually also get you a bit more leverage if you can do it.(require it pass inspection)

If your not sure its a good deal then walk - always. I have never regretted passing up a car. Subaru has a good reputation and leased cars are usually good canidates. Consumer reports is a good place to check the cars track record - if it comes up as anything but good then look elsewhere.”

“The last thing anyone said about my Subaru...

"Hey, did you know your car's on fire?".”

“hey newgirl...be sure to check out the Carfax on the car to make sure it's never been in any bad accidents!! also, if anyone wants to buy me a Subaru, feel free. ha!”

“Consumer Reports rated the overall reliability as very good but there were engine and electrical issues with the 95 - 98 models, particularly the 96.

They post the following as a very rough guide only:

Estimated retail prices

1994 $6,000-$8,000

1995 $8,000-$10,000

1996 $10,000-$12,000

1997 $12,000-$14,000

1998 $14,000-$16,000

1999 $16,000-$18,000

2000 $16,000-$18,000

2001 $18,000-$20,000”

“I promised a few additional comments on Subarus, in general. We have a '95 Legacy wagon and an '01 Forester. The Legacy has 95k on it and the Forester 40k. All we've ever had to do on either car are simple maintenance items. The only things that have had to be replaced are things that are recommended to be replaced at certain intervals. Of course, I have no way of knowing the specifics of the one you're looking at, but my info may help you decide. Good luck!

Oh, here's a photo of the Forester.”

“Newgirl I bought a new Subaru 6 years ago in that time I have put 245,000 miles on it and it is still going strong. The only problem I ever had was a front axle that had to be replaced, other than that nothing but regular maintenance. As far as the timing belt is concerned yes it has to be replaced about every 60,000 thousand miles and as far as the engine being ruined if it breaks I asked the head of the service department at my dealer about this and he told me that if my timing belt breaks I will just coast to a stop and nothing will happen to my engine.”

“Nowadays most engines that use a timing belt are a non-interference design so that the people driving them aren't out an engine when the timing belt breaks.

I had a timing belt break on my '82 Chevy Chevette while I was driving it, and it reacted exactly as described in must hike's post. No engine damage was done.

It's important to find out about your specific car though, and not by asking the dealer. Find a mechanic who has worked on the vehicle you're considering, and ask them.”

“Am driving a 94 legacy wgon with 154,000. Have replaced the timing belt 2 times. Regular maintenance.

As per someone elses note: I jst thad the left ront axle replaced on Friday last.

$281 (in CT) to have it done.


We like the car, but it is getting small for 2 adults, 2 children, kayaks on top and gear inside.

The real problem is when both boys have a friend in the car.

1 adult and 4 kids . . .one kid has to sit in front, which is not ideal.



I drive a subarua impreza sedan 50 miles round trip to work each day . . .I like it.”

“BAH, ductape! New cars are ALWAYS more expensive than used (assuming you do your homework and don't buy a lemon). New cars' 0% financing doesn't stop the initial plummet of resale value due. Newgirl is right to buy used... That said, going through a dealership is not so good.

Newgirl, see if you can find a wholesaler who will bid on a car at auction for you for a fee. It's the best way to find a good used car for cheap.”

“........a Buick LeSabre? We bought one used with 68,000 miles on it from a dealership for 6,200. It's the best car I have ever own I have dumped approx 500.00 in two years on it to do the front struts and new tires. The thing drives like a brand new car. My uncle is a test driver for GM. When I asked for his opinion, he told me the the V6 version of the car was the best one, change the oil and regular check ups and it should last you until 160,000 miles easy.

Just me $.03”

“If I were looking at used cars with high mileage I would avoid anything made in America.

my $.02”

“Bought an 88 Camry this past friday as a third vehicle...I commute 90 miles round trip each day and when a vehicle is in the shop the arrangements were just to much hassle to deal with getting the wife and I to different jobs in differing locales...

my primary is a 89 Chrysler LeBaron Gt..paid $500.00 (No, not a typo...Five Hundred...and it had 64,000 original miles by the one owner....runs like a top...and the real cost was the search for the vehicle, in man hours and number of trips to look at vehicles...

BEST ADVICE...take your time and spend it looking...not making repairs....this vehicle was used by a retired couple, who traveled little but to store and grocery...(Little old lady in pasadena who only drove it to church on Sunday...:-)...)

yeah right...but seriously, don't buy a car at the last minute...take the time to select a car from an individual.”

“My brother has a Subaru Forester with probably at least 150K miles on it with no trouble whatsoever (other than replacing wear items).

I liked my WRX. I love my turbo Forester. I plan on putting at least 200K on it.”

“We have 2 Subarus; a 1991 Loyale Wagon and a 2002 Outback. The 91 has 120,000 miles on it and runs great. I've never had any major probelms, just had to have the timing belt replaced, but that's normal every 60K or so. They run forever.”

“Laqtis, that is so funny you suggested that car. My Dad's top pick for a vehicle is always a Buick. He took me to the Buick lot in town and tried like crazy to get me into one. He would kiss your feet for suggesting it. I'll keep thinking about it.

My top picks would be Subaru Outback, Honda Accord, or Oldsmobile Alero. Subaru and Honda have good reputations, but I do realize it depends on individual cars and proper maintenance. Everyone who suggested having a mechanic look at it, that is something I plan to do on any vehicle. I won't be rushing in for the "prettiest" car I see. I obviously have to be very careful, as money is always an issue.

Phaedrus, your suggestion was good. I used to work in a body shop and I know the two guys who run the auto auction here, maybe I'll call my old boss.

Anyway, thanks everyone. All good advice and I'd welcome more.”

“A(l)ero, eh?”

“yeah, she's obviously obsessed! ;-D

i thought you had to be over the age of 120 to buy an Oldsmobile?”

“So, Aero, do you think a Subaru w/ high miles (say 90,000) could be expected (if it has been properly maintained) to get another 100,000?

I guess I need to find something before winter really hits. My car has just nickel and dimed me for 2 yrs. now. (Don't get me wrong. I've had it pd off for 2 yrs. too and it has taken me all over the country side, but it is done.) This summer it has had all kinds of overheating probs (which were supposedly fixed). The front end sounds like it will just totally come apart any minute, etc. I need reliable, esp. w/ Newergirl in the car.”

“You have to be short enough to look under the steering wheel too!”

“Lyra, Oldsmobiles are sweet rides!”

“I think a Subaru with less than 100K will last you another 75-100K, but you'll have to do a few things like breaks and that timing belt along the way. they're pretty reliable cars. I would have it checked by a mechanic real quick just to see if there's anything major tho. The last thing I had done on the '91 was the timing belt and the alternator- I think it was about a $400 hit, but i haven't had much else done over the years. Breaks were replaced about 2-3 years ago.”

“K, that's what I'm thinking too. My Dad seems to think that nowadays, if you can't get almost 200,000 out of any car, it isn't worth the trouble, so he's off the mind that as long as properly maintained, mileage doesn't matter too much.”

“my husband's family has been driving Subarus since they started importing them to the US. they've never had a major problem with any of their cars. they sold us a 93 Impreza, which i later sold to my brother. it's got over 150k miles on it (probably much more) and still running strong. we just bought a new Outback this year and love it so far, but of course can't comment on it's durability. i do see a LOT of old Subaru wagons still driving around.”

“Aero's Outback with the Snows' backpacks showing through the rear window!”

“Hey Newgirl I say go for it!!!!


8)”

“Aero, we have the same car! nice color, eh?”

“aleros are great...i rented one and it got about 35mpg @ 75mph in cruise control.The ride was great and was about the best yankee car ive driven.However the seats felt like a log being jammed in yer back and American cars just suck when it comes to reliability and maintenance.Jap cars are the way to go if you you wanna save money.I would go for the subaru or honda or a toyota...”

“Newgirl,

Subarus are awesome. I'm on my sixth (ok, between me, my first wife, and my current wife), currently on the third outback.

When I got my first (an '85, in '89), they figured if you can't get at least 250k miles out of the engine (properly maintained), there was something wrong with it.

When my current wife and I got married, she had a '96 outback that had a few problems (leaking seals and later the alternator failed), aside from that no major problems with any of the subarus. The '96 we traded with my pickup for a 2003 Outback

For mileage, my insurance policy states the national average use is 12,000 miles per year. So consider anything above that as high mileage, and adjust accordingly.

As has been mentioned, get it checked out mechanically first. Factor every cost you can see in the near future as far as major maint (not oil changes, but timing belts if they're near due, tires if really worn, broken/cracked glass, etc) into your negotiaations.”

“Welllllll . . . the insurance quote was pretty high. Bumma! Soooo, my agent suggested that I try to wait another couple months, until after I turn 25. Also, I had a minor fender-bender in 2000. They never put that on my record, but she told me that if they start a new policy that might show up. However, it will also be completely off my record in a few months. I'm going to wait.

Everyone pray that my car can bust around for a bit longer! LOL!”

“Dang it, newgirl! I should have saved the Galaxie for you! That thing was a tank. People would jump out of the way when I drove by! At least you're close to school and don't have to drive that highway of death every day!”