What Should I Pay?

[ejlain]

Hi, after my 95 Legacy L (157k) was totalled a few weeks ago, I'm looking for another one. A local dealer has a 1998 L sedan, automatic with 100k miles. My mechanic says it needs 4 new tires, there is a wheel bearring noise and it looks like the timing belt and water pump are original and in need of replacement. I'm not worried about the tires, I'll get those myself but was wondering if anyone knew of a fair price to offer considering the work needed. The body and interior are in very good shape. He has it listed at $5995. What do you think?

 

Thanks for the help!

 

- Ed

[SevenSisters]

Check one of the oneline used car guides and then subtract $300 for the wheel bearing, $450+ for the timing belt, water pump, seals, etc. Do this for anything out of the ordinary.

 

Better yet, call him or another used car dealer up and ask what they'd give you for "yours".

 

Good Luck

[intrigueing]

NADAguides.com shows around 6,000 retail, so with the work needed, it is not a screaming good deal. How badly worn are the tires? They can be a huge deal if there is significant wear differences between tires - that can cause drivetrain problems, it may not be as simple as just replacing the tires.

Tires will cost $300+

the timing belt / seals / waterpump will run 400+

wheel bearing 200+

 

Make sure you take some slow tight turns to see if the AWD is binding.

 

Get quotes from the a subaru dealer to do the work that is needed, then I'd start at 4,500 - make sure you keep telling them the work that is needed. Make several visits and offer 4500 then leave if they don't take it, come back and tell them 5000 if they do all the repairs before you get the car, but make sure the AWD is ok before even making an offer, repairs to the AWD can often exceed a grand.

 

All dealers go by NADA, edmunds is often overpriced for the market. Print out the Nada value, so you can show the dealer why after the repairs he is overpriced.