05 legacy gt limited

I test drove an 05 legacy gt limited with 100k miles today. It felt nice and had no clunking or major rattles. I am very interested in the car but the miles worry me. He recently had the timing belt and water pump replaced (withing 1000 miles). He is asking $8700, is this a fair price? The car is very clean but I'm hesitant because of the miles and turbo problems I have read about

On the surface, I say yes.

The car is in really nice shape. Even the leather seats looks amazing. But I just worry about the turbo. Is there any way to check to make sure it's okay?

Based off my personal experience, I'd recommend running a compression test, and if mechanically inclined, inspect the turbo for any shaft play.

 

There's 100's of things to look for but a few key things I picked up from forums is to check for:

knocking at low rpms while under load

Wheel bearings noise (easy fix not a deal breaker)

Oil level (if low walk away no matter how much you want it)

Any mods or tunes?

Service Records?

Car Fax / Autocheck

# of prior owners

Why is owner selling?

 

Also a good rule of thumb, if the interior and exterior are in good shape most likely the owner took care of the engine.

 

And always, if you like it, go with your gut. Good luck with the purchase!

It's had 4 previous owners. It's at a dealership. It doesn't have any mods that I know of. I didn't hear any wheel bearing noises or knocking (heat and radio were off and I listened for it). I don't know of any records but do know the owner of the shop where the timing belt and water pump were replaced and I may call and see if they remember the car. The interior is very nice. It wasn't detailed because there is still some normal "dirt" in the car. Only one scratch on the exterior. It looked like it was taken care of. I'm just worried about the reliability because it will be my daily. I put maybe 1000 miles a month on my car. My current car has 160k and it's starting to nickel and dime me. I will be making payments and don't want to be paying for a car that's in my garage all the time.

4 owners on a car with 100k miles would concern me a bit, hell I was concerned buying my 1 owner car with 99k miles. From what I've read, the reliability on these cars all comes down to prior maintenance. Starve the turbo of oil and it's toast.

That concerns me too. If I do get it, I would definitely replace the filter on the oil feed line. The car felt really nice and was definitely taken car of. Would warranty work show up on a carfax?

Well the loan for the car was approved today... Still on the fence about getting it.

Sounds like you really want it. If your gut says yes then do it and pray all is well. I am very glad I made my purchase.

Fair price? Yes.

 

100k on a 10 year old car is low, most are somewhere around 140/150k now.

250k on mine. it all comes down to regular maintenance. I too though am scratching my head at 4 owners. i'd get it tested first.

Will the dealer

let you take it out for an extended period of time? This would give you the oportunity to take it to a subaru mechanic or run some tests yourself.

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Looks cool man. So about that turbo... If uuy test drove it and the engine felt really strong @ +3,000 rpm and made a nice winding noise without any grinding then you're probably good to go on that turbo. Once they are ready to go you can hear that something is wrong plain as day. Your probably fine.