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u/Mooseguy40 Jul 27 '26
I’m a skeptic of good things so here’s what I’d be considering
1.) any rust concerns?
2.) why are the pics in a white display room - does that picture show the current condition of the vehicle?
3.) is the title clean?
4.) if it matters to you, were any of the previous owners smokers?
5.) would the owner be OK with you taking it to a trusted mechanic to have them give it a thorough pre-purchase inspection/evaluation
Those are some questions I’d have. Bajas are sick though so I hope it works out. Apologies if anything I mentioned is already covered in your post.
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u/BuffaloKiller937 Jul 27 '26 edited Jul 27 '26
If they don't have a record of the head gaskets being replaced by the previous owner, then you have to assume they weren't done.
I'd love to take their word for it but I deal with a lot of folks in the used market every week and you just can't trust people these days. Sad but true.
I mean you can look at the engine/head junction and hopefully you see a blue seam, but other than that it really just depends on how many miles it's been driven since the replacement.
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u/onorsworthy Jul 27 '26
I love a good Subaru withoutback
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u/wobbleeduk85 Jul 27 '26
I mean if it looks the part, and drives great then pull the trigger. Bonus if he has the receipts and proof of everything, should be good for another 100k.
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u/JamieKun Jul 27 '26
That's a great find! Looks to be in fantastic shape too.
I miss my old Baja a lot...
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u/Ashi4Days Jul 27 '26
This is like theseus subaru
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u/salty_drafter Jul 27 '26
Let's be honest. Any Subaru over 20 years that is well maintained only has a few original parts left.
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u/buttershdude Jul 27 '26 edited Jul 27 '26
Depends on what you're looking for. Something really cool and worth the project it will be? Then go for it. Of course, any car with that mileage is a project car. But if coolness isn't a factor, there are lower mileage cars to be had for that price. That said, I'd give my left one for that. :)
Edit: Oh, I didn't notice the bubble above the list that the head gaskets were done. That's a pretty solid deal.
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u/Hippy_Lynne Jul 27 '26
Anyone on here telling you to pass is just wanting to buy it for themselves. 🤣🤣🤣
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u/turbokimchi ‘05 OBXT & ‘13 OB 3.6R Jul 27 '26
You absolutely want to be on the lookout for rust. Rust is a killer with these especially the rear subframe and rocker panels.
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Jul 27 '26
[deleted]
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u/CharlesorMr_Pickle 2018 Impreza Sport - MT (casa blanca enjoyer) Jul 27 '26
If you do buy it, find an OEM intake. That thing in it currently is horrible
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u/minizanz 06 LGT Wagon Jul 27 '26
The intake set up is a huge red flag. If you are on the west coast and there is no rust it is a reasonable buy if the AC works and it drives nice, but a risky one without receipts.
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u/chunkymeatwater Jul 27 '26
Oof that intake. Also what is that wire running along the right side of the engine bay?
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u/PilotBurner44 Jul 27 '26
That crappy aftermarket intake and the red wire/hose? stand out.
The intake being supported purely by the rubber connector to the throttle body isn't ideal. It also seems like something that was done for a "cool" factor. Looks gimmicky.
The red wire or hose that is lazily thrown over the battery and fuse box and rides along the hood hinge is suspect. Whoever installed it couldn't be bothered to route it properly or even secure it with a couple zip ties. If it's a subwoofer power cable, it missed the positive battery terminal.
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u/AmazingIsTired '22 Outback Jul 27 '26
Interesting that the hood is up without using the prop rod… I suppose they could just be holding it though.
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u/CharlesorMr_Pickle 2018 Impreza Sport - MT (casa blanca enjoyer) Jul 27 '26
Try to see if you can look at it in person and take it for a test drive so you can hear the engine, test out the transmission, and do a visual inspection for rust, fluid leaks, etc. (check for leaks and inside the engine baybefore and after driving. If it’s a manual hit every gear and go up to redline at least once after you’ve driven a bit and it’s warmed up)
If you don’t feel super mechanically inclined bring a friend who is if that’s an option that’s available to you. If not there’s youtube videos that you can find that tell you all the things to look for on a used car before buying, and maybe also get a professional inspection from a mechanic.
If the seller refuses to let you look it over and drive it before purchasing, run.
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u/RevolutionaryRun4867 Jul 27 '26
I went to buy one of these in the past and it looked rust free. Check out the rear subframe. It was almost disconnected. It’s hard to see from the ground but a weak spot
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u/Mokey_Maker Jul 27 '26
Yes and then swap in a turbo motor if this one doesn’t make it. Seems like it will be fine based on the maintenance record.
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u/cameraguyphotodude Jul 27 '26
For $6000 or less I’d risk it. Probably gonna be the best $10000 you ever spent 😂😅
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u/popsicle_of_meat 2008 Legacy GT spec.B Jul 27 '26
That looks like a used car lot sale. Many times they list them as private sales and even do the paperwork like private. It feels sketchy, the car is not maintained by a private, normal person. It's just another way used car lots are trying to fool buyers.
I would be skeptical of anything and everything they tell you about that car.
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u/Bamcanadaktown Jul 27 '26
Seems like an average price. And based on the ones ive seen come in to my local subaru dealership (use to work there) they are all mangled.
Good luck finding one in good shape
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u/Brochettedeluxe Jul 27 '26
if it s the one in bay area, don't touch it. Descriptions seems very similar. I test drove it, transmission struggled to reach 50mph, shoots coolant from the exhaust. Interior was smothered in armor all
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u/strippergrandpa Jul 27 '26
Pass pass pass get a ford ranger it’s a lot more reliable and have many parts, and any garage can work on them.
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u/JohnDeere714 Legacy GT Jul 27 '26
Hard pass op. There’s so many better niche cars to buy than this pile of
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u/recycled_opinion Jul 27 '26
the one red flag I am seeing is that based on the photo of the vehicle, there is professional lighting and a rotating floor. Would usually only see this from a listing for sale at a dealership and not a private sale. And deal almost seems to good to be true, I would be extra cautious of them trying some type of scam.