What do you guys think of this car?

"Big Bubba Ray" (eganward01)
09/08/2015 at 22:35 • Filed to: None

My youngest brother (17) is currently looking for his first car. His budget is around $5,500. I was tasked with finding a car for him. Came across this insanely clean looking 1999 Subaru Legacy Outback earlier this evening. He texted the owner and it’s still available. Most likely going to take a look at it this weekend if I’ve got the time. It would be nice to add a third Subie to the family!

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DISCUSSION (28)

CB > Big Bubba Ray
09/08/2015 at 22:36

Head gaskets head gaskets head gaskets.

Big Bubba Ray > CB
09/08/2015 at 22:37

Oooooh ya. That’s a big one. My ‘05 Outback needs new head gaskets so I know that’s the number one thing to look for.

dogisbadob > Big Bubba Ray
09/08/2015 at 22:38

A 5-speed Echo would be a good first car if he can deal without a sunroof.

OPPOsaurus WRX > Big Bubba Ray
09/08/2015 at 22:39

my buddy has an 03 and it takes his dumb abuse pretty well

Big Bubba Ray > dogisbadob
09/08/2015 at 22:42

I won’t allow an Echo.

JGrabowMSt > Big Bubba Ray
09/08/2015 at 22:46

Certainly worth considering if you ask me. If the timing belt wasn’t done, then I would say run for the hills, but this could be good.

Make sure you get a test drive in it for several miles at least. Go for a few bumps and listen for anything that sounds clunky or metal to metal. The car appears to have been professionally detailed which is impressive for a craigslist ad, if they went to a detailer it probably cost a good few dollars, and you want to be sure it’s not just lipstick on a pig.

A couple of those pictures just scream “behind a dealership” to me, so I would just be wary at first. The longer I look at it, the more it screams “used car lot special.”

Nibby > Big Bubba Ray
09/08/2015 at 22:49

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/5179968780…

sdwarf36 > Big Bubba Ray
09/08/2015 at 22:49

Nice $3ooo car.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Big Bubba Ray
09/08/2015 at 22:55

Just run the usual series of tests for a used car and if it checks out, go for it. It looks incredibly clean though. Just the usual Subaru quirks to be aware of, which I’m sure you are.

dogisbadob > Big Bubba Ray
09/08/2015 at 22:57

But they’re awesome cars! Legendary Toyota reliability, and quite fun and reasonably quick with the manual. The only real bummer is no sunroof :(

The Corolla/Prizm/Matrix/Vibe is also a great choice. There is an AWD Matrix/Vibe, but it’s automatic-only, but it does get better gas mileage than any Subaru more than 5 years old, and will be easier to live with.

Other cool cars include:
Protege5
01-04 Volvo V40
01-06 Elantra GT
02+ Focus wagon or ZX5
99-02 G20

If a sunroof isn’t required, other choices include:
Scion xA and xB (only the original xB)
Aerio SX
SX4 hatch/wagon

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Big Bubba Ray
09/08/2015 at 22:59

*Monty Python French taunting voice*

It’s very very nice.

Big Bubba Ray > dogisbadob
09/08/2015 at 23:04

I simply despise the Echo and that’s why I won’t allow it haha

He, and my parents, would prefer something with AWD, especially for a new driver and that’s why I’m trying to find a good Subie for him.

Now, as for your list.
Protege5: They’re great cars but all rusted to shit, even in St. Louis

V40: Also great cars. Another younger brother of mine got one a year ago and it’s been awesome for him, but my youngest bro wants something a little different. He’s a big fan of my ‘05 Outback.

Elantra: Meh. I don’t necessarily trust Hyundai’s reliability/quality until about 2010+ even though I’m sure they’re fine cars.

Focus hatch/wagons: He straight up hates Ford for what ever reason. Refuses to own one. Such a dingus.

G20: Haven’t been able to find one in decent enough shape for the past couple weeks perusing CL.

Big Bubba Ray > JGrabowMSt
09/08/2015 at 23:06

Seller claims that the timing belt has been done recently, but saying something and having proof are two totally different things. That’s the first thing I’ll check on if I go to see the car this weekend.

It does appear to be absurdly clean from the pictures. I have an ‘05 Outback so I know exactly what to look/listen for with these cars. Hopefully the car is as good as it looks cause my brother desperately needs a car!

Big Bubba Ray > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
09/08/2015 at 23:07

Yep yep. Quite familiar with Subies. I’m gonna take a look this weekend most likely and move from there.

btw, you going to the next C&C?

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Big Bubba Ray
09/08/2015 at 23:10

I will be. Hopefully with a cleaner car this time! Still gonna be missing that damn piece of door trim but oh well.

Big Bubba Ray > Nibby
09/08/2015 at 23:10

HOLY SHIT. I’m forwarding this to my other brother. He wants one of these beasts SO BADLY.

dogisbadob > Big Bubba Ray
09/08/2015 at 23:15

Ah, I see. Glad to hear your other brother’s V40 is still doing well.

Well, anyway, the Matrix/Vibe AWD should be a good choice. Are first-gen Rav4’s in that price range in your area? Because they’d be a good choice, too, AWD Toyota with a sunroof.

Nibby > Big Bubba Ray
09/08/2015 at 23:26

ahaha

awesome

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Big Bubba Ray
09/08/2015 at 23:51

But it’s no Emanuel? In all seriousness tho, it does look nice, tho like most Subarus the price just seems high considering the mileage. You have to ask yourself is you need that Subaru AWD, and if it’s really worth the price of admission to you.

I’m also in the midst of helping someone buy their first car. I’m really pushing for this high mileage ES300 with a manual trans.

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/dak/cto/518563…

Big Bubba Ray > dogisbadob
09/08/2015 at 23:52

He was eyeballing an ‘03 Rav4 that the owner was asking about 3,500 for. It was mechanically sound but beat up on the exterior. Haven’t ruled out Rav4’s in general though!

I’ll take a look around for some of the other cars you mentioned and see what else I can come up with. Thanks!

Big Bubba Ray > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
09/08/2015 at 23:56

Unfortunately it’s not a manual! My brother loves driving both stick and auto but he’d be happy with either. He’s a huge fan of Subaru’s AWD so it’s definitely worth the “premium” to him.

Your boy, BJR > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
09/09/2015 at 00:05

Boxer_4 > Big Bubba Ray
09/09/2015 at 00:06

The 99 Outback has the EJ25D DOHC engine, which was well known for head gasket issues. The EJ25D most commonly leaked internally, unlike the EJ251 used in 2000 to 2004 models (2005 in the Baja) which would commonly leak externally. Definitely look at the coolant, and if it doesn’t look right, get someone to test for exhaust gases in the coolant if you are still interested. Also, watch for the temperature gauge occasionally spiking, or if it actually overheats.

Boxer_4 > Big Bubba Ray
09/09/2015 at 00:09

Also ask if the seller changed the timing belt related hardware, too. Things like tensioners, idler pulleys, and the water pump.

pip bip - choose Corrour > Big Bubba Ray
09/09/2015 at 06:37

leaking head gaskets are a feature not a fault.

Chris Kasinskas > Big Bubba Ray
09/09/2015 at 08:33

Kinja'd!!!

I purchased a clean 1999 Subaru Forester with 103,000 miles in June. By mid July there were bubbles in the overflow tank. Head Gaskets! Instead of paying a shop over $4,000 to do the work me and a few buddies tackled the project, Pretty much completely rebuilt the engine with all OEM Subaru parts for around $2,000. Other then that I love my little Forester. Great daily driver. Haven’t driven it in winter weather yet but I know she’ll be good. After all it’s a Subaru.

Boxer_4 > pip bip - choose Corrour
09/09/2015 at 11:49

The key to owning a Subaru is understanding that head gaskets are wear items.

pip bip - choose Corrour > Boxer_4
09/10/2015 at 06:22

are they ever!