An interesting proposal

"area man" (hurrburgring)
05/13/2014 at 12:20 • Filed to: None

Tired of living in the sticks, my parents are moving to a large city in their golden years. In doing so they have to downsize, and that involves getting rid of my mom's 2006 Subaru Forester. I was home for Mother's Day this weekend, and dear old mom seized the opportunity to make me an interesting proposal.

She asked me if I'd be interested in buying the car off of her (not pictured above). She didn't name a price because it's still a year off, but my parents sold my dad's old 4Runner to my brother a couple of years ago and I know they charged him around the blue book value (which I know isn't always great), so there's a precedent. She's a crafty one, so I'd like to start whatever negotiating takes place with an informed offer.

Pros: First off, manual transmission. Pretty fun gearbox, and the boxer engine gets the job done (though I'm not sure I'll ever love the sound) with decent mileage. The car has been well-maintained mechanically and I have access to all the service records. It's the last Forester that could be called a wagon, a look I prefer to the crossover for obvious reasons. I've personally witnessed the all-wheel drive handle some sticky situations, so that's not an issue either. Inside, it has cloth heated seats and the speakers are decent (though there's no aux input).

Cons: I think she'd do her best to clean it up if I bought it, but she's made a mess of the interior over the last six years. There are a few coffee stains that are really set in the seats. The exterior is cosmetically fine although it's been in a few minor accidents, including a parking lot swipe that damaged the front right fender and a low-speed t-bone that punched in the back drivers-side door (both were repaired well), and the headlights are getting yellowed. It also has about 160,000 miles on it and would probably reach 170k by the time I'd get it. The clutch was replaced three years ago, which means it'd be due for another one soon into my potential ownership. It's mechanically sound now, like I said, but has had overheating issues in the past.

So Oppo, what do you think is a decent offer for the car? The color is the same in the example image up top, but the wheels are different.

DISCUSSION (14)

Nibby > area man
05/13/2014 at 12:23

tree fiddy

it is a Forester after all

HammerheadFistpunch > area man
05/13/2014 at 12:24

170k for a base model forester that's been in an accident? $4500.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > area man
05/13/2014 at 12:24

Are you looking for a new car, and if so what are you looking for/what's your budget?

I'm not too impressed by the description of it, particularly the high miles and multiple accidents. (Minor or not) Also, Forester XT is the only Forester I really care about. haha Granted, you haven't gotten a price yet.

Big Bubba Ray > area man
05/13/2014 at 12:27

I just did a KBB search for that car in "good" condition. I know KBB isn't the end all, be all, but it said the car is worth just a bit north of $6,000. Personally, I'd go for it. Just give the interior a good cleaning and it should be a cheap, reliable, decently fun car to get you around for as long as you decide to keep it.

My sister has an 08 Forester with the 5 speed and she loves it. Its been a great car so far.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > area man
05/13/2014 at 12:28

Thats a lot of miles.

I don't care what car it is, it's a long life at 170k.

Side note, god I hate the sound of a boxer.

Id be at or around 3k on that car, but I'm not big on subarus, I just see repairs in the future.

Big Bubba Ray > Nibby
05/13/2014 at 12:28

Kinja'd!!!

Arben72 > area man
05/13/2014 at 13:09

Sounds like head gasket issues if it has overheating problems. That and clutch will make for a $1,500 repair. If they fixed the head gasket before, that's common and aftermarket solutions installed correctly last longer then oem.

area man > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow
05/13/2014 at 13:13

I live in NYC, so I'm not actively seeking a car - if I was it would be used and under $5K. The other consideration is that I'm planning on moving to California in a few years, and so I'd probably keep it for the drive cross country and sell it once I get settled (and buy something old and rusty and fun).

area man > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
05/13/2014 at 13:14

I do too. Never really cared about it - honestly, if it didn't have a manual I'd pass immediately.

area man > Arben72
05/13/2014 at 13:15

I believe the head gasket was majorly fucked and subsequently fixed in 2010.

area man > Big Bubba Ray
05/13/2014 at 13:17

I have a feeling she's going to come at me for around $5K, which is a bit much in my opinion.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > area man
05/13/2014 at 13:55

The good thing about west coast is you can often find old fun cars that aren't rusty! Be sure to expand your search into Arizona ;) haha Where in California are you going to move? I want to move to San Diego, but got a job in Illinois instead :/ lol

area man > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow
05/13/2014 at 13:57

LA baby

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > area man
05/13/2014 at 13:58

Nice. I will make it out there on day...