To buy or not to buy: 2006 Impreza

[jarl]

I saw an ad on Craigslist today for a 2006 Impreza wagon, with the 2.5 engine and automatic transmission:

http://annarbor.craigslist.org/cto/3102393737.html

 

We are looking into replacing our OBW for something newer, but the Impreza feels a tad too small (that could be offset by a lower fuel consumption, though... how many MPG can I expect from this car?).

 

Besides the size issue, I was curious about specific problems with these cars. My main concern is the transmission (it has 165k+ miles). The head gaskets were replaced already at the dealer, and there are some extra bits that have been replaced recently. The other problem is the bunch of stickers on the car... I read somewhere the paint on these cars is very delicate, so removing the stickers (and some vinyl lettering on the passenger side) without screwing up big time may be difficult.

 

Finally, there's the price. I thought the $4500 was a good price, but I saw an ad for a similar car (but with manual transmission) not too far from here for $4700. How much is a fair price for a car as described?

 

Thanks!

[idosubaru]

i don't know condition but those prices seem insanely low to me. 165,000 miles is no big deal for a properly maintained EJ. another 100,000 wouldn't be that surprising...assuming it has good maintinenance history.

 

be sure to CLOSELY inspect the headgaskets and ask how long they are warranted (the previous repair). unfortunately dealers for that era install the same failure prone headgasket that was on the car to begin with. done right it should be fine but i'd rather see an upgraded gasket than the same thing that leaked in the first place. just make sure there are no current external leakages - a 05-09 EJ25's typically get worse very fast once they start to leak externally.

 

i'd be careful downsizing, make sure you're not going to get annoyed at that. you can always get a hitch and cargo carrier or something if needed though. don't want to buy a car and be restricted shortly...

 

my father in law gets 30+mpg out of their 2009 legacy sedan automatic. he lives in flat land and drives like there's an egg on the gas pedal. i would suspect an impreza to easily get the same. i'm sure you could google it.