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Thinking about the 09 SWP Spec.B in CA? Here's what you should know


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I've spent the past 4 days researching this car, learning everything I could about it and tonight I had to walk away from the deal. Here's why:

 

  1. "Clean" carfax but there are absolutely NO service records
  2. Possible front end collision that has been repaired
  3. Significant mechanical work needed

 

1. There are no service records of any kind to be found for this vehicle. It's basically been off the grid since it was purchased in 2009 at Lake Forest Subaru. The story I was given was that the vehicle owner is a friend of the owner of the dealership it's listed at and would bring it there for any service, pay cash and wouldn't get a receipt. Not even for oil changes. I get agitated just thinking about it.

 

2. I only have suspicions but the vehicle may have been in a front end collision which included a respray of the entire front end. The fenders forward are a slight shade different from the rest of the car and under the hood, the radiator, fans, and surrounding pieces look very new for a car with 74,000 miles. (if someone can tell me what the stock radiator is on the 09, I can confirm whether that was installed or not). There are also tool marks on the bolts that hold the driver's side fender. This may indicate the fender was removed to repaint. There were no apparent tool marks on the passenger side.

 

3. Here's where it gets fun. Driving the car felt great. It pulled hard, ran smooth and sounded fine. I was still concerned about the lack of service history but was assured the car had been thoroughly looked over and had no issues. Still, I wanted it looked at by a Subaru specialist so I took it to Ubersport Performance who did a full vehicle inspection including a compression and leakdown test. The results were...interesting. The issues are: possible blown headgasket, crack in radiator on driver's side, missing turbo shield and bracket, belts need to be replaced and front axles need rework. In the end, this car likely needs about $3100 in repairs to be 100%.

 

Other misc stuff:

-missing 1 remote key

-missing OEM floor mats (replaced with those stupid Weathertech mats)

-no stock parts whatsoever

 

Mod list:

-K&N Typhoon SRI

-Magnaflow catback exhaust

-STi Pinks

-SS brakelines

 

Missing heat shield may indicate the car previously had a DP and was returned to stock. Probably didn't have a tune either though there's no way of knowing. The mysterious owner can't be bothered to answer basic questions about his car :rolleyes:

 

KBB values:

Suggested Retail (excellent condition) - $22,168

CPO - $22,918

Private party (fair condition) - $16,518

 

I listed private party because kbb assumes excellent condition from a dealership when giving the suggested retail amount. This car, while it has a great interior needs work and is not, by the definition, in excellent condition. I have a written estimate of repairs if anyone is interested, shoot me a pm and I'll send it over.

 

I'm posting this so anyone considering this car can get the full story (or as much of it as possible) because the dealership won't tell you. I left them with a copy of the estimate but I'm sure it immediately went into the round file cabinet, never to be seen by potential buyers.

 

VIN: 4S3BL696793214294

 

For all the work needed the dealership will give...$1000 off the already high price.

 

No warranty, no history, no negotiations.

Edited by funky monk
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Best case you'll be able to get it for around $20k, basically the $22.9k - $3k needed repairs.

 

You could offer less, but they're unlikely to take it. Keep in mind they can potentially sell to a less through buyer, so its mainly a question of how badly they want to get it off the lot. If you're dead set on the car, I'd bet you could negotiate a deal at $21k.

 

If you don't like those prices, your best option is likely to walk away and find a private party sale where there's more option for negotiating, and the seller is less experienced.

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Ouch, not even close to that with those miles regardless of the color. Modded and without the heat shield is a huge red flag. Someone will buy it because some people just don't look into the car and have the money to spend. Good luck finding another swp as I gave up after people wanting unrealistic money and just settling on a standard B Edited by awwrxwgn
oops, saw how many miles
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Seems like everything they are selling is over priced. They want $27,900 for a 2011 WRX, You can get a 2013 for that.

 

That's about typical for SF Bay Area Subaru prices. 1-2yr CPO Subaru's are typically listed at basically the same price as a new one.

 

I agree its crazy, but definitely seems pretty normal around here. Needless to say, I bought new.

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Offer what you feel like paying (start at $16k), they can only say no or counter offer!!

 

That's exactly what I did. I figured I'd have to put a ton of money into this thing (assuming I didn't find anything else when the engine was torn open) and started at 16. They wouldn't consider 18 and were adamant that they wouldn't go below $22,900.

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For comparison;

 

My brother just bought my 2008 Specb, w/ $5k in tire/wheels/dp/cbe/accessport/k&n/bov/boost guage/aftermarket sub&amp

 

All stock parts included

 

100,000km (62,500 miles)

 

AND

 

dealer serviced since NEW, with ALL records and one owner (me)

 

for $19k

 

This in Canada of course.

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Whenever I see an LGT with a CAI and CBE and no other power mods I get suspicious about how much the owner knows about/is able to take care of his car.

 

:yeahthat:

 

 

Too many red flags with that car, who knows what is still lurking in places that haven't been checked.

 

Violated unicorn. That's a shame.

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  • 3 weeks later...
The most interesting thing about this whole deal is the fact that the ONLY people who may be interested in buying a used Subaru for 23k would be on this forum....or another legacy/Subaru forum. Now that 'our' people know about this possible money pit...GLWS!!!! :lol::lol::lol::lol:
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  • 6 years later...
I bought this car for $5k with 128k and a salvaged title. It has a short shifter with a Perrin knob, 18” OZ Alleggeritas with Firehawk Indys, the OEM takeoffs and some aftermarket slotted rotors installed by Equilibrium Tuning and sway bars. It has what looks like the OEM floor mats and the above mentioned Weathertechs. It needs a CV outer boot, and some attention to the power steering rack. It is a mystery car and I’m sure I’ll have to put (a lot of) money into it, but it drives nice for now.
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