Question on this used car.

[serialkiller]

click for spec and price

So I have been looking for a newer car and stumbled across this. Although the description is vague the pictures look fantastic. I dropped by the seller's place yesterday to check out the car. The car is in very good clean condition and runs like a champ. If I decide to purchase the car both me and the seller agreed to bring it to a shop to get a full inspection on it. So the question is how much would you pay for this car if the car itself checks out good from inspection? Thanks in advance for any participants.

Jorge

 

[Soccerman06]

First and formost, go to the seller, turn the car on, fully rev it many times and listen to when it shifts gears (listen for any abnormalities). For a reference, go to a dealer and test drive the identical car. Basically this is what we (work at car dealer) do when we go to the huge car sales that are around, if something doesnt sound right, we have a full inspection of it.

At first glance it looks like it has a decent amount of miles on it. Because of the aftermarket stuff, definitly have it get a FULL inspection. And if he is saying something about warrent still being there, its not, because once aftermarket turbo is installed, the warrenty is void.

 

[Reckoner]

WRXs respond well to mods. But still, people drive these cars into the ground. In addition to an inspection, run a carfax on the vehicle. And like the other poster said, the warranty is pretty much voided due to the mods.

 

[serialkiller]

Originally posted by: Soccerman06
First and formost, go to the seller, turn the car on, fully rev it many times and listen to when it shifts gears (listen for any abnormalities). For a reference, go to a dealer and test drive the identical car. Basically this is what we (work at car dealer) do when we go to the huge car sales that are around, if something doesnt sound right, we have a full inspection of it.

At first glance it looks like it has a decent amount of miles on it. Because of the aftermarket stuff, definitly have it get a FULL inspection. And if he is saying something about warrent still being there, its not, because once aftermarket turbo is installed, the warrenty is void.

The turbo itself is still the factory turbo. Alot of the aftermarket parts added are simple stuff like turbo back exhaust, blow off valve, springs, ecu re flash etc. Nothing major has been done to the car. We took the car up and down near his area through steep turns and straight aways hitting maybe around 1k less from redline and it performed quite well. How much does a full inspection usually cost? Should I go to a subaru dealer? or a local mechanic?

Thanks for your input!

Jorge

 

[serialkiller]

Originally posted by: PaulNEPats
WRXs respond well to mods. But still, people drive these cars into the ground. In addition to an inspection, run a carfax on the vehicle. And like the other poster said, the warranty is pretty much voided due to the mods.

Will do. I dont think this car has a warranty, did you guys read it somewhere?

 

[Metron]

Take it to a Subaru dealer. Generally speaking, any dealer will do an extensive check of the vehicle for about $100, and it's worth every penny. The dealer will give you a detailed report of every item they find with the car. Use that to negotiate on price, if anything is found. Any major problems... walk away from the deal.

Kelly Blue Book shows $16,335 for a car with 37,000 miles in Excellent condition and Private Party Sale (which is also highest price category), but check for yourself... Kelly Blue Book He seems high on his price, unless you're willing to pay for the aftermarket add-ons. Unless those are things you're willing to pay for... thats something you should consider.

 

[serialkiller]

Originally posted by: Metron
Take it to a Subaru dealer. Generally speaking, any dealer will do an extensive check of the vehicle for about $100, and it's worth every penny. The dealer will give you a detailed report of every item they find with the car. Use that to negotiate on price, if anything is found. Any major problems... walk away from the deal.

Kelly Blue Book shows $16,335 for a car with 37,000 in Excellent condition. He seems high on his price, unless you're willing to pay for the aftermarket add-ons. Unless those are things you're willing to pay for... thats something you should consider.

I just talked to the local subaru dealer and they do a used car inspection for $89, but from what they explained to me.. it seemed like a pretty simple check up. For an additional $180 they said they can do compression and leakdown tests etc. I have compared prices on both kbb and nada. Should I be shooting for that price range? The seller did mention knocking off maybe $500 if I was serious.... but I feel that if I shoot him an offer of 16000 he will let the car go. Oh yea, just talked to the subaru dealer and they did say the turboback exhaust system can or will avoid the powertrain warranty.. =(.. so much to think about.... Thanks for the input though!

 

[Vich]

Originally posted by: serialkiller

Originally posted by: Metron
Take it to a Subaru dealer. Generally speaking, any dealer will do an extensive check of the vehicle for about $100, and it's worth every penny. The dealer will give you a detailed report of every item they find with the car. Use that to negotiate on price, if anything is found. Any major problems... walk away from the deal.

Kelly Blue Book shows $16,335 for a car with 37,000 in Excellent condition. He seems high on his price, unless you're willing to pay for the aftermarket add-ons. Unless those are things you're willing to pay for... thats something you should consider.

I just talked to the local subaru dealer and they do a used car inspection for $89, but from what they explained to me.. it seemed like a pretty simple check up. For an additional $180 they said they can do compression and leakdown tests etc. I have compared prices on both kbb and nada. Should I be shooting for that price range? The seller did mention knocking off maybe $500 if I was serious.... but I feel that if I shoot him an offer of 16000 he will let the car go. Oh yea, just talked to the subaru dealer and they did say the turboback exhaust system can or will avoid the powertrain warranty.. =(.. so much to think about.... Thanks for the input though!

I would definetely pay for the compression and leakdown tests, because you never know what is with the engine.

Also about the turboback exhaust... ask if the seller has the original items, and if he can put them back on?

 

[mercanucaribe]

Consider how much $$$ a warranty would save you.

 

[DivideBYZero]

Ask him what sort of ECU work he had done. Was it a generic high boost map or was it remapped propperly? Ask him what sort of boost it has now and check that with the stock value. I only have the 2.0 values which are usually 14 max peak and 12 sustained or so (these are UK spec numbers and in PSI). Be wary of anything to wild on a stock turbo and be aware that if the map does not have extra fueling detonation can occur. This can lead to (invariably) piston 3 melting due to det.

I wouldn't worry about the exhaust. I have a turbo back on my Scoob and it won't affect anything, just liberate the bassy flat four growl. One caveat is if this has also removed all cats. The bug eye scoobs have three cats. Up-pipe, down pipe and center section. I expect if you ever want to pass emissions you'll need at least one in place, but removing them all can liberate good gains over just a center and rear box swap.

The dump Valve does nothing for perfomance and when I tried one took it off after 3 weeks as it drove me mad. The stock recirculating dump valve is more than good enough for a remapped WRX. Over 320Hp you might want to get an upgrade but I would still stick to a recirc, as the VTA's mean the airflow meter is reporting incorrectly as metered air is vented on throttle lift, causing mild overfuel, but this can be fun too(pop! bang!).

Please don't rev the thing cold whe nyou see it next like Soccerman said. The stock turbo's are oil bearing and you should let it warm up for at least 10 minutes before giving it full beans. Also, for the same reason, if you have been giving it some stick (and these cars can take it) let it run at idle for at LEAST a minute before you shut it off. This cools the turbo. A hot turbo will burn off it's oil bearing and this will carbonise over time and significantly reduce life of the unit. Ask the guy if he warms it up and cools it down when driving it. This will give you an Idea of how he treats it.

MAKE SURE IT HAS A SERVICE HISTORY! They need servicing every 6 months or every 7500 miles and they need it. The Cam belt is about 60k miles from memory but I would reccommed 40-50k to be sure. Ask him about any long gaps, ask for past bills and documentation.

Good luck. I hope you have fun and a good experience if you decide to get it.

 

[DivideBYZero]

Originally posted by: mercanucaribe
Consider how much $$$ a warranty would save you.

I got a Subaru Proven used car with a warranty and then I extended for a year at £300. In the whole two years it has paid for one £70 MAF sensor, so think about what a warranty can COST you, too.

If looked after these are very reliable cars.

 

[Metron]

I'd pay the $180 for a full test... if everything is clean, I would say $16,500 is reasonable (again assuming you would have added the aftermarket parts anyway). You'll have to pay the $180, but at least you'll know what's up with the car. After you get the tests, offer $16,000 and see what he says.

In terms of warranties, I would check with Subaru, your insurance company and others with regard to an extended warranty. Sounds like the factory Subaru warranty has been voided by the mods, but a third party warranty (like from your insurance company) would probably cover you... talk to your agent.

*edit* Also, I've found a lot of dealers offer factory extended warranties at fairly competitive prices. When I bought my current car (I always buy used cars), I found a cheaper warranty on the web... went back to the dealer the next day, and he matched the price! Subaru Dealer in PA selling Subaru extended...

 

[NutBucket]

My friend bought an '02 with 60k for 13k here in socal in similar condition.

I'd say 17 is too high. The most common ECU upgrade is an AccessPort. I doubt it was anything different unless it was a custom tune.

 

[mugs]

I wouldn't buy it, the kid who drove it probably beat the hell out of it.

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: Metron
In terms of warranties, I would check with Subaru, your insurance company and others with regard to an extended warranty. Sounds like the factory Subaru warranty has been voided by the mods, but a third party warranty (like from your insurance company) would probably cover you... talk to your agent.

Mods don't void a warranty, but warranty service can be refused if the mods CAUSED the problem. How long is the factory warranty on that car anyway?

 

[NutBucket]

Originally posted by: DivideBYZero
MAKE SURE IT HAS A SERVICE HISTORY! They need servicing every 6 months or every 7500 miles and they need it. The Cam belt is about 60k miles from memory but I would reccommed 40-50k to be sure. Ask him about any long gaps, ask for past bills and documentation.

The only problem with that is most people don't have work done by the dealer. I sure as hell don't.

EDIT: My case of oil filters should be in today

 

[Metron]

3 year / 36,000 in general, but 60,000 on the powertrain. And the other posters are correct, the price should be no higher than the maximum in KBB or Edmunds... also bear in mind, those prices are for Excellent condition, so if the tires are about ready to be replaced... subtract the cost of those exact same new tires off of the price you offer.

 

[DivideBYZero]

Originally posted by: mugs

Originally posted by: Metron
In terms of warranties, I would check with Subaru, your insurance company and others with regard to an extended warranty. Sounds like the factory Subaru warranty has been voided by the mods, but a third party warranty (like from your insurance company) would probably cover you... talk to your agent.

Mods don't void a warranty, but warranty service can be refused if the mods CAUSED the problem. How long is the factory warranty on that car anyway?

They do with Subaru UK, so he should check with the warranty provider, if any.

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: DivideBYZero

Originally posted by: mugs

Mods don't void a warranty, but warranty service can be refused if the mods CAUSED the problem. How long is the factory warranty on that car anyway?

They do with Subaru UK, so he should check with the warranty provider, if any.

In the US they can't outright void a warranty. It's the law.

 

[Platypus]

One big thing to check is the transmission on that car.

 

[serialkiller]

Wow, thank you all for the great info and opinions. I have decided to shoot the seller a lower price for the car. After reading this thread and talking to a service manager at a subaru dealer. Even $16k for this vehicle seems excessive after doing all the math. Thanks again for all the info, and please keep posting if anymore as I plan to read the thread for a while.

Jorge

 

[DivideBYZero]

Originally posted by: CorporateRecreation
One big thing to check is the transmission on that car.

Blah blah blah. No. It'll be fine. With the stock turbo and injectors it can't be pushing enough power to wreck a classic 5 speed 'box.

 

[DivideBYZero]

Originally posted by: mugs

Originally posted by: DivideBYZero

Originally posted by: mugs

Mods don't void a warranty, but warranty service can be refused if the mods CAUSED the problem. How long is the factory warranty on that car anyway?

They do with Subaru UK, so he should check with the warranty provider, if any.

In the US they can't outright void a warranty. It's the law.

I need this law!

 

[DivideBYZero]

Originally posted by: NutBucket

Originally posted by: DivideBYZero
MAKE SURE IT HAS A SERVICE HISTORY! They need servicing every 6 months or every 7500 miles and they need it. The Cam belt is about 60k miles from memory but I would reccommed 40-50k to be sure. Ask him about any long gaps, ask for past bills and documentation.

The only problem with that is most people don't have work done by the dealer. I sure as hell don't.

EDIT: My case of oil filters should be in today

Thats fine as long as you follow the maintenance schedule. That includes stuff like lubing components, brake fluid changes, cam belts, etc

 

[NutBucket]

Originally posted by: DivideBYZero

Originally posted by: CorporateRecreation
One big thing to check is the transmission on that car.

Blah blah blah. No. It'll be fine. With the stock turbo and injectors it can't be pushing enough power to wreck a classic 5 speed 'box.

Wreck no but a lot of time the synchros will be shot; mainly 1st gear.

EDIT: My only point with the non-dealer service isn't as easy to verify. I can easily forge a "service history".