Checking out this Forester?

[Stevo F]

A friend steered me to an ad for a 2004 Forester XS, 199K miles, timing belt, headgaskets done by Subaru dealer at 182K (same dealer I've taken mine to), almost new matched set of tires, body has some dings but rust free.Sounds like it needs nothing currently. He is asking $3,800 for it. I checked Edmund's and they appraise it at $2,256 and Kelley (which is usually a bit high on pricing) appraises it at $2,978.

 

I'm going to try to see it Wednesday. I'm wondering what a good offer would be, assuming it's in solid shape. Despite the high miles, I'm thinking the recent work and new tires do add some value over an average 2004 Forester.

 

Actually looking for this for 16 year old (soon to be driving) son, and will likely part with our 2005 Outback Sport (since non of our boys is interested in learning stick). 

 

Here is the ad:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/351592831617218/permalink/1086358388140655/?sale_post_id=1086358388140655

 

[1 Lucky Texan]

wonder if the timing belt service included the tensioner and the idlers? seen any parts list?

 

priced like that, pretty clear he wants over $3k (maybe 3500) - so, you could try something like an initial offer of $2900 or so (mention the prices you found), see what he comes back with, then split that difference between his number and $3K ?

 

I dunno, negotiating is tricky. I do think most people expect to give-up at least 15% . And it depends on how willing you are to walk away too.

[idosubaru]

I'd be more inclined to pay top dollar if:

 

1. i had some kind of backstory - was it overheated and how much/badly?  

2. were the heads resurfaced?

 

those engines don't overheat right away when the headgaskets fail so #1 is not that big of a deal anyway and #2 isn't as crucial on those heads as others IMO, but i'd still prefer it.  I always resurface the heads, dealers don't but usually get away with it so there's good evidence that #2, by itself, isn't a huge concern either. 

 

So i wouldn't rule it out based on #1 o #2 or worry about them much but if i could get good feedback on them i'd be less concerned about getting a "deal" and I'd say get the car regardless of minor negotiations. 

[idosubaru]

The one question mark I'd have with that car is it probably has old timing pulleys and tensioners.  If you're buying a car at 199k you'd presumably expecting at least 250k if not 300k out of it.  That's a lot of miles on old pulleys and an interference engine (generally bends valves if the pulleys fail). 

 

The pulleys/tensioner can be replaced in an hour or two, but would cost a good deal at a shop.  Dealers don't typically replace those items, maybe the tensioner, and the lower cogged idler is the most common to fail.  But unlikely they replaced all 4.