The AUSubaru.com.au Forums

hi, im thinking of buying my first suby, and want to get a sports wagon (about 1990) and was woundering if anyone could give me some tips on what to look out for when buying one?

cheers, Dylan

gday Dylan, a Subaru is a great choice, one major thing i looked at when looking was the amount of rust (mainly around windscreen seals, door trims). basic things with all cars, you have to add up what your going to have to replace, eg tyres,CV joints, brakes, clutch, the sports wagons or L series usually get up into the 300,000km mark so a car with 220,000km is worth buying if its in good condition. It would be best to have it looked at by a mechanic or someone mechanically minded to check for other inconspicuous problems. Good luck with finding a sports wagon, they are great cars.

cheers mate.

Yo Dylan....You're in same position I was in a few months back.

look up the thread "Best Suby to buy/start with"

I asked a bunch of questions and all the folks here were most helpful with tips, hints and things to look out for!

Best of Luck!

(By the way...I'm still waiting for the perfect suby to come up...I'm so tight it's ridiculous.)

subusurfer has wrapped it up well.

rust being the main thing, around the windscreen and around the rubber strips that run along the side of the car. Take the spare wheel out the engine bay and look for rust around there, very prone spot. Keep and ear out for lifter noise as well.

alex

i also found it useful to drive as many same model Subaru's as possible even ones out of my price range and bombs to see what your money really buys you. i looked at a spotless L series for $5000 which was a perfect car, at the time i didn't have $5000 to spend on a car but i took it for a drive to be able to compare it too others i also drove $500 cars in the end i bought an L series for $2000 with a lift kit and in really good condition, don't rush into buying a Subaru its best to look around and see what suits you

thanks all for your help, it is very helpful....
dylan

As with most cars - look to see if they have been looked after. A full Service History is a bonus. Many have done some offroad (that's what they are for isn't it?) work so look for damage under the vehicle etc. Check the condition of the CV boots (there are for leaks/splits and when you drive it do some slow, tight figure 8s to check for steering / CV joint noise.