I'm getting so damn anxious about this Baja. (Poor grammar warning)

"Nymphicus Hollandicus" (nymhicus-hollandicus)
08/06/2015 at 22:10 • Filed to: Rant, Baja, Zach things, Pilot

*DISCLAIMER* I hate SUVs, but I love unique car/ute things like the Baja.

I have mentioned a few times that I am looking at a 2003 Subaru Baja 5-speed for $6k that’s 100 miles away. It’s somewhat low mileage for it’s year and it looks fantastic. So much want, but much worry too. It’s a used car, and my family has never bought used cars, so this might be a gamble but well it’s a Subaru and Subarus are fantastic and such and it’s an awesome unicorn and such and such.... I feel like I’m going to jump the gun on this car. AGHHHHHHH I want this now! Fuck my bank account and fuck sensibility. I am a 19 year old college student, I shouldn’t have my car enthusiasm/Jalopness/young age be held back by a mommy wagon for 3 years! This car literally has my name on it, I love oddball cars! Whenever I bring up the car to my parents I do say that I’d be more inclined to keep this car clean and maintained because I really would love the car, because if I hit a curb or anything with the Pilot I don’t care, because it’s not special. With the Baja I’d promise to baby this thing because it’s really appealing to me now. I never liked the Pilot, even if I say thank god this thing is what it is, it never brings a smile to my face, that’s not what a car should be to me! However, this car did teach me how to drive I guess, but it’s really time to move on, life’s too short to even care at all, so why am I putting up with an appliance? I even read cracked’s article that tells me to flip the table on the salesmen because that’s how I’ll get a good deal, and I’m prepared to do that (I won’t though). Please I hope this car turns out good and I get a good deal on this. I’m really losing my mind, it’s too good to pass up and my dad really likes it, so this anticipation is really killing me. I hope the car doesn’t turn out to be a basket case even though it’s got a new head gasket, water pump and timing belt. This would be my dream come true.

Oppo, am I being an idiot or am I being reasonable with my desire? I’m going to make sure I get a job when I go back so I won’t literally go bankrupt. I still have 3 paychecks for my old job so I will have more money coming in.

DISCUSSION (8)

DogonCrook > Nymphicus Hollandicus
08/06/2015 at 22:22

Do it. But don’t let your emotions cloud your judgement.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Nymphicus Hollandicus
08/06/2015 at 22:30

As long as it was well-maintained, it should last you a good long time. Aside from the occasional head gasket, Subarus are well-known to go beyond 300,000kms on their drivetrains...I miss my old 2002 Subaru Impreza 2.5TS dearly. My old Impreza had the same 2.5L engine and trans your Baja will have. As a warning, I don’t miss the fuel economy though....mine had the 5-speed as well and even driving carefully, I usually only got around 520-530km to the ~$70 tank.......my current ‘09 Hyundai Accent gets ~600km to the ~$45 tank. In the winter though, NOTHING could touch it, and the fuel economy thing really wasn’t THAT big a deal.

Enjoy her if you do get her! :)

EDIT - Looks like there were a few recalls for the Baja - ask about them: http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/…

Nymphicus Hollandicus > DogonCrook
08/06/2015 at 22:37

I am prepared to walk away if it doesn’t work out, it’s life, I’m sure there will be other potential suitors as well. Hell I’ll even keep the Pilot for another two years if I have to, but I’d rather not.

Nymphicus Hollandicus > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
08/06/2015 at 22:44

Well, the fuel economy will be much better than the Pilot, and I would look at something better on gas but AWD is a must since I go to school in an area that gets a good covering of snow, and I go skiing 1-2 times a week, so it would be helpful. Funny that you mention the 2.5TS, there’s one for sale that’s in my budget! Only thing is, it’s really far away from me, so I don’t want to drive all the way for it. And not to mention it doesn’t look like it’s in the best shape. But if it was closer, I’d give it another look. I am aware of the recalls, I’ll talk to the dealer about them, and to be fair, my Pilot hasn’t had the airbags fixed (though no cars with the Takata grenades have been fixed).

desertdog5051 > Nymphicus Hollandicus
08/07/2015 at 01:17

Just keep in mind that they require a timing belt and all the idler pulleys replaced at about 75K miles. You can go longer, but it is an interference engine. Why take a chance. Welcome to ‘BooRoo ownership. You will love it.

flyingmetalbird > Nymphicus Hollandicus
08/07/2015 at 02:05

I feel your pain. There was an old Volvo 780 Bertone for sale in my neighborhood for dirt cheap. I talked to the guy and he said he had even thought about gibing it away he was so sick of it. I have a soft spot for any Volvo so I was really excited when he said he’d sell it to me for next to nothing. However a high school budget will not keep an ‘80s volvo with a Renault V6 going through Minnesota winters, so I let it go. Probably the best decision of my life. But hey! At least the car you long for will start for you every day!

Nymphicus Hollandicus > desertdog5051
08/07/2015 at 09:17

I would make sure I maintain it well, it’ll definitely be worth it.

Nymphicus Hollandicus > flyingmetalbird
08/07/2015 at 09:20

The only thing left to do is visit this dealer.