From me previous post, I was asking opinions on a low mileage Chrysler Sebring. Just yesterday a family friend is selling a Subaru that was in his family since 25K miles. Here are the details, what are your thoughts. Price seems reasonable.
2004 Subaru Outback
4 cyl normally aspirated engine
automatic transmission.
Regular service (not sure what this means other than oil changes)
115K miles
Recent major services:
Head gasket and timing chain
Air conditioner compressor
New tires and brakes
Selling because daughter that uses the car is moving out of state.
Need opinions on used car for my son PART 2
- Thread starter MajorCavalry
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In my Opinion i would take the Subby over the Chrysler any day, if not just for its saftey if he is a young driver.
Yes! This one over the Chrysler for sure!
The head gaskets are the big issue on these, so as long as the repair was done properly, you're good to go.
This car has a timing belt, not a chain. It should be replaced every 100k.
+1, Subaru over a Chrysler, without a doubt!
I don't know a lot about Subarus. Consumer Reports also shows a much worse than average repair rate for the drivetrain. Not sure what that entails. Any and all insights into these vehicles is greatly appreciated.
My son is older and underemployed despite working quite hard. He can't afford to purchase much and what he does needs to be reasonably reliable. This purchase is entirely on his nickel.
Originally Posted By: MajorCavalry
My son is older and underemployed despite working quite hard. He can't afford to purchase much and what he does needs to be reasonably reliable. This purchase is entirely on his nickel.
Check out the repair history further..but this sounds like the way to go.
If the repair was done properly, the headgasket issue is a one time deal. The factory gaskets suck for that type of engine.
They are incredibly reliable besides that.
But...if looks or gas isnt an issue.
Nothing is more reliable than a first gen scion xb or a 2.7l toyota truck.
There are exceptions, but those are some.abusable.vehicles.
Sounds like provenance is key. I'd probably not buy a subaru from a stranger.
Up here in Maine there seem to be two distinct types of subaru owners, just from casual observance.
One knows they are great snow cars and is an enthusiast, maintains the car, and pushes its limits.
The other knows they are terrible drivers and use the car as a crutch. These guys run bald tires, thinking 4 wd is a substitute. They also figure the car is japanese, even though many are made in Kentucky, and they just need oil changes and no other maintenance.
For a while I used to catch up to a subaru on my way into work with its yellow hazard/ turn lights on bright. I figure their trailer connector shorted out-- I caught up to it and saw its receiver hitch. How the driver could neglect the car by driving it like this for weeks escapes me.
A few years ago an automotive journalist characterized Chrysler Corporation as a lemon tree and the Sebring as the Crown Jewel of the Chrysler lemon tree.
Part of the bad rap on Subaru might just come from the kids that hop up the rally version and go hunting for Mustang GT's or picking off pylons in parking lot shalom events. Dumping the clutch at high rev's with all wheel drive and sticky tires can be an effective way to test the depth of your pocket book.
And now you have the Fiat/Chrysler connection. That should be a huge red flag. The 66 Dodge Dart that I ordered sent me to Toyota products. Don't want anything to do with anything Chrysler. Nothing but throw away junk.
Originally Posted By: HosteenJorje
And now you have the Fiat/Chrysler connection. That should be a huge red flag. The 66 Dodge Dart that I ordered sent me to Toyota products. Don't want anything to do with anything Chrysler. Nothing but throw away junk.
Originally Posted By: OneEyeJack
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Part of the bad rap on Subaru might just come from the kids that hop up the rally version and go hunting for Mustang GT's or picking off pylons in parking lot shalom events. Dumping the clutch at high rev's with all wheel drive and sticky tires can be an effective way to test the depth of your pocket book.
OTOH, Subarus are always on CR's list of recommended used cars.
Not so sure how much reliance I'd place upon their drivetrain reliability rating.
The automatic is unbreakable and there is no less troublesome AWD system.
The main rap on the earlier 2.5s is the head gaskets, and that's been done.
Between the two, the Subaru is the obvious pick.
The Subie will not be paricularly economical in fuel use, though.
Originally Posted By: fdcg27
OTOH, Subarus are always on CR's list of recommended used cars.
Not so sure how much reliance I'd place upon their drivetrain reliability rating.
The automatic is unbreakable and there is no less troublesome AWD system.
The main rap on the earlier 2.5s is the head gaskets, and that's been done.
Between the two, the Subaru is the obvious pick.
The Subie will not be paricularly economical in fuel use, though.
that vintage is notorious for rust, you being up north doubles that concern. the rear fender well and dogleg in the rear passenger door area, and of course the subframes.
if all of those are "managable" or minimal, and the price is right (5 grand or less), go for it, it is an excellent smooth ride.
...and, the more comparable 2.4 four cylinder with automatic Sebring is EPA rated at 19 city/26 highway and 21 combined, which is also pretty lousy.
The Subaru is in no way a fuel efficient car and the Sebring apparently isn't either.
There are other car models out there with far better fuel economy than either of these, ya know?
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