Newby pre-purchase question

[CodeHead]

I searched existing threads a bit but didn't see what I was looking for.

 

I found a 93 Loyale sedan (OD 4x4) I want to aqquire. It is clean, everything seems to work, odometer reads 126,000 and comes w/(4) additional wheels w/studded tires mounted. The car passed recent emissions and drives well. The A/C even blows cold! Has the requsite minor oil leaks and a slight "Soobie tick" under the hood.

 

My issue concerns a noise in the rear when in reverse and turning fairly tight while in 4-wheel mode. The noise resembles a grinding or binding of either the wheel bearings or other rear axle related issue. Also could be related to the brakes I guess?

 

Any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated

 

P.S The seller wants $1600.00 for the car.

[GeneralDisorder]

Binding 4WD is normal. These cars ARE 4WD, not AWD.

 

Reverse gear is always noisy - it's a spur gear.

 

$1600 is a lot for an EA82. Look for a 90 to 94 Legacy. Much better cars.

 

GD

[CodeHead]

Thanks for the reply!

 

This car will wind up in Pullman, WA as a winter car for my niece at WAZU.

Her friend has a similar car and has volunteered to "help" keep it running - we'l see

 

I will seriously re-evaluate the purchase based on your input - Thanks again!

[GeneralDisorder]

I'm just not a fan of the EA82 if I can get near twice the HP, same economy, and much better appointments for the same or nearly the same money. $1500 to $2000 will buy a NICE 90 to 94 Legacy and they are typically much less troublesome in the long run. I can't reccomend any EA series car as a daily unless someone insists they must have 4WD. But really the AWD is just as good or better if you don't need low range (sounds unlikely).

 

GD

[idosubaru]

I'm not as against the EA82 as GD. Given good maintenance it's a very reliable engine and can give lots of miles. But "good maintenance" on an older engine usually entails more than on a newer car. But you're in that boat with an older legacy too - still paying attention to tune ups, timing belt, etc.

 

But GD is right - for that money you can put yourself in an early legacy and get all sorts of better options and the EJ22 is just a beast of a motor. As far as reliability and ease/cheap to maintain it's hard to beat those early legacys or impreza's. you'll get air bags and maybe ABS too depending what year you get.