Looking to buy a subaru legacy for about 15k

[123man]

Hi Folks,

Bit of a newbie here - to NZ and to Subaru. I'm thinking a wagon with all wheels driving is a nice idea and looking for something as new as possible, with the least amount to go wrong, cruise control and an auxillary input for music.

Found this... http://crowesport.co.nz/show/1142805/2011-Subaru-Legacy/

or this... http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/subaru/auction-817928399.htm

Any advice is much appreciated.

Many thanks

Paul

Edited December 16, 2014 by 123man

[Joker]

gidday Paul welcome to clubSUB

couple of nice cars there! I've been 'out' of the market for so long now I dont know the new model but I always was going to look at a 3.0r in the gen before them, I am sure some others might chime in soon with better thoughts

2.5's also used to get a bad rep for Head gaskets, but they were the 1st edition / 10 years older I am sure that model 2.5 wont have same isuues

[SpeedySub]

Hi Paul

I have a 3rd gen legacy 2.5 (1998) and I love it. I brought my car through Crowesport and they have been really good with any issues that I had with the car during the warranty period and I would recommend them to anyone looking for a car. As for head gasket issues, you shouldn't have a problem with this model, as said before was an earlier gen issue. Better power than a non turbo 2 litre.

[Scoobydoo]

If you're going NA, then I'd suggest going to the 3.0. Chain driven, so not as much maintenance required, as they don't have to be replaced as often. And also I think quite a bit more torquey than the 2.0/2.5

[123man]

Thanks for the replies folks - it seems like they are ok options but I'll have a look for a 3.0 chain driven as that seems like a good idea. The 2011 2.5 seems hard to pass up. I'm off to have a look at it in the morning. I'll let you know how it goes.

[123man]

So... took it for a spin around town for a couple of hours yesterday. All seems good. Had a look around... tires about 50% tread left and evenly worn; the join in the exhaust before the last box has a bit of rust that is leading to tiny splits in the bits that are bolted together. Should I clean this up and protect it with a heat proof anti corrosion primer? It must have passed the NZ customs anti rust inspection ok.

Thinking of asking them to put a tow bar attachment on for bikes/occasional trailer use.. any recommendations?

I'm going to call them within the hour to say yes

[Marky]

Towbar makes sense to chuck on, yard is likely to do it $free to seal the sale, it'll cost you $500-ish to get one put on privately

Sounds like you've made up your mind pretty quick what you want anyway

[SpeedySub]

Where are you getting it from?

I would make sure that they fix the exhaust before you pick it up. You should get a new warrant on it if from a dealer, so that should be something they need to fix