Sneezy-with a car like that I would book it into Subaru for a PP inspection to be honest. They will know what to look for with this model. Car Inspection Services are an alternative. There is also YOUR mechanic.
sneezy,
May 2, 4:03pm
Thank you, we don't have a mechanic, but will check out your suggestions, cheers
whqqsh,
May 2, 4:07pm
Id check out insurance cost too as that will be hefty enough as it with that car & will only skyrocket if your daughter is teens or early 20's
sneezy,
May 2, 4:27pm
Gulp, yes. We have had several 'discussions' over cars these last few weeks. I want her to have a little hatchback, low kms, but apparently those are "nana" cars. Hmmm, to say this has been stressful is an understatement, we have always been lucky with our cars, but this one is setting off my alarm bells. Thanks
tamarillo,
May 2, 4:31pm
Hope she is a good experienced driver? It's great to have a good relationship with a workshop that your entrust the cars servicing to, so maybe now is good time for her to find one and ask them to check it. Ps you can use carjam website to check odomreadings at wof time in NZ. This was imported in 2010 with 53,000km on clock. So it is claimed it did just 53,000 in 7 years. Hmmmmm. IMO don't rely on speedo readings and do get any car well checked.
marmar1,
May 2, 4:33pm
Check that the car has a service history , if not look for another one. Subarus like to be serviced.
sneezy,
May 2, 4:42pm
Tamarillo, brilliant thank you for that. I've phoned a local Subaru service centre to see if they do PP service, but no answer, and have left them a message. Thanks for that idea.
kazbanz,
May 2, 4:44pm
sneezy-a compromise solution might be to suggest she buys the 2000cc non turbo version.They look allbut identical but are really just a normal sedan. She might still have insurance issues to deal with mind you. I would count on needing a 5 star rated alarm being fitted to the car anyway as a fair few insurers aren't keen on subbies without one.
franc123,
May 2, 5:26pm
Yep. I always laugh like hell when sellers make these dumb statements like "hasn't cost me anything in the time I've owned it" etc. THESE ARE THE ONES YOU NEED TO BE CAREFUL OF. Heaven help us they may not even have a regular mechanic lol. I think all things considered that car simply isn't appropriate for a young driver although IMO those 3.0 Subaru sixes don't exactly blow you away with what performance they have for their size. Kaz has got the best advice to follow on this one I'd say but I'd emphasize pricing insurance before going any further.
dinosaw88,
May 2, 5:28pm
It's non turbo, I wouldn't be too worried. But yeah, like Kaz said, try steer her towards a 2L
brapbrap8,
May 2, 5:34pm
I had the newer model of this car and it was really good and reliable. Could definitely use some gas if you werent careful, and had enough power to get yourself in trouble if you push it. I was only 18 when I bought it and insurance was about $1,500 a year with a $3,000 excess, shouldn't be as bad as this car is far cheaper and a little less powerful.
thejazzpianoma,
May 2, 6:55pm
Another vote for it going to a Subaru specialist, this doesn't have to be a franchised Subaru dealer, can just be a Subaru specialist of which there should be some around where you are. (Just google Subaru Specialist) The AA and VTNZ are pretty much useless in my opinion as far as pre purchase checks go, they tend to make a big deal out of silly minor things and miss important stuff specific to the vehicle in question. You can't beat mechanics that see the particular car in question day in day out. They should know straight away what the weak points are to look at. Best of luck with it all!
intrade,
May 2, 7:02pm
Yes and cambelt service the parts ate 12 items I pay trade over 600$ just for parts so don't expect any change from a grand to do things correctly.
gmphil,
May 2, 7:20pm
I do my own work but use macs autos in takanini mta garage for wheel alignments , wof, and the odd computer scan im sure they be more than happy have look .
mugenb20b,
May 2, 8:18pm
Subaru's H6 doesn't have a cambelt.
noswalg,
May 3, 3:13am
I have a wagon version of that car, insured with AA, clean license and no claims costs me $672p.a for comprehensive insurance, agreed value is $10000. AA will not offer insurance on that vehicle to under 25's.
franc123,
May 3, 3:21am
Yes that doesn't surprise, if AA have blacklisted it for U25's then State and the other main insurers have too no doubt. It would probably be a case of having to resort to that other outfit that insures cars that young people shouldn't be driving and removes large amounts of money from you in doing so, NAC or whatever they're called.
kazbanz,
May 3, 7:58pm
3.0l 6 cylinder is camchain engine matey.
kevymtnz,
May 3, 8:44pm
subbie = no way
nukhelenc,
May 3, 11:34pm
Young people aye, its all about the look :) I started out with an AP5. well a motor bike first then the AP5 Must be some nice Nana cars that will leave money in her pocket for clothes and stuff, Surly that 6 will eat some gas, and its not often you see the gas price going backwards. Slap her round with a wet bus ticket till she sees cents,,, and $ just a little joke
Cheap Nana car and also save like hell for a house, Most people will never make money from a car. Its mostly one direction
If only i had listened to my Boss when i was an apprentice, he kept saying buy some of those state houses as back then only 50k
meow_mix,
Feb 14, 7:57am
That looks like a nice example, but 2003 is the year that model was replaced with the newer 2003-2009 Legacy, so it would probably be better to go for a slightly newer one for similar money.
The RS30 is a nice car but it has a dubious reputation because the similar twin turbo models were sometimes unreliable and often thrashed. The RS30 is quite different to the twin turbo models and should be quite reliable, it gets all the top-of-the-line goodies like 17 inch alloys, subtle body kit, leather, privacy glass and of course that great boxer 6 engine.
But as I said before I would try to get into the newer model Legacy for similar money.
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