95 impreza been sitting for 5 yrs

[Pgh_Scoob]

Hey I just test drove a 95 impreza that had been sitting for 5 years and was recently traded for a new honda. My only problem with the car is when you are stopped and starting to go there is a rumble want to call it that comes from undr the car. It feels like it is the differential but I have never felt a bed diff. The guy selling it say his mechanics checked it out and said it would work it self out. Its just that the car has not been driven. I had my mechanic look at it. Who has done all the work on my 96 impreza with 213000+ miles onit. He said it might be the diff. but couldnt really tell. I am just trying to find out whether this is a common problem for cars that have been sitting for awhile. Also the car was kept in a heated garage, If that makes a difference. If you could shed some light on the situation I would really appreciate it.

 

 

THANKS,

GREG

[idosubaru]

this is a terrible deal, so i'll buy it to save you, got a phone number?

 

ha ha, joking. it could definitely be the front diff, i've seen it a few times (bought a 96 legacy last year from pittsburgh with a blown front diff).

 

you'll want to distinguish between the front diff and a front axle. i'm not sure how to tell you to do that, but i'm surprised your mechanic didn't try. should have drained the fluid (looking for chunks of gears) and driven it some.

 

i would tread carefully based on the fact that he's trying to sell it and states "it will work itself out"...i bet that's not the line of reasoning he used to make the decision to buy a new car! hopefully it's a good deal?

 

axle = little cheap job

front diff = new transmission and $$$

[Pgh_Scoob]

Yeah thats my main problem I couldnt begin to tell you how many times he said that to me. It really is a good deal on the fact that the only rust on the whole car is located on the exhaust and side rails under the car. I am going to try and hold out on buying it and see if it sticks around for a little longer, then just try to get a really good price out of him. I really have no problem getting a car that I know will need work I am not going to pay too much for it. But thanks for the quick response.

[Pgh_Scoob]

Yeah it is an auto. I guess it was an older woman who owned it. All the belts look good and clean. It still has the original under coating on it. Engine compartment has no signs of wear either.

[screwbaru2]

I'm everyone eles on this. Sitting outside for long periods is probably the single worst thing for any piece of machinary. Use caution

[bratman18]

I would see if they would make a deal saying that if it is something major like the diff than they will come good on it! Or if it doesn't "work itself out"

[Pgh_Scoob]

Yeah I talked to the guy today adn told him never mind, hopefully it will sit on the lot for another week and then I can low ball him on the fact that the diff is shot.

[idosubaru]

get a couple friends to "test drive" it and make sure they romp on it good from a start with the steering wheel turned full lock - this strains the axles the most. should show sure signs of front diff or axle problems quickly.