Looking at an 02 OBS

[tcsubaru]

So my Dad and I are looking at a 2002 impreza outback sport for my brothers first car. Its a 4EAT. It is extremely clean and runs excellent except for a tick on cold starts but that could be a number of relatively small things. The car has 170k on it and I was just curious what you guys thought about it. Its only 3900 and I can honestly say i haven't seen one cleaner. I know it needs rear wheel bearings and probably CV's but for the price a little work is ok with us. Anyway just wondering if you guys thought it was a good buy.

[tcsubaru]

were hoping to pick it up friday so any input is appreciated

[ArcticWolf]

cold start tick is a common thing with the subies, not anything out of the ordinary to worry about.

[tsidreams]

My fiance's 97 sport has had the tick for at least 50k miles (210k on the car) and it still runs fine. Although the tick is starting to sound more like a knock.

Anyway, I've see 02 NA Impreza's go for 4 consistantly. I would at lest go a little lower, concidering the miles.

[strat]

my gf has an 02 outback sport with the 4eat and we haven't had any major problems. just wear and tear maintenance.

[82rallyrabbit]

for 3900 i'd say its a fair deal, you might be able to knock a couple hundred off by mentioning the maintenance to the guy (wheel bearings pressed in/cv joints/transmission filter replacement) and whatever else regular maintenance would be due.

As for the tick it is most likely a rocker/lifter which can be eliminated with a valve lash adjustment (if its a solid lifter head, i'm pretty sure 02's still came with them.

[tcsubaru]

thanks guys thats all good info. we probably wont ask for a lower price just for the fact that they held it for us while they had other interest. it sounds like we'll have another subie in the driveway tomorrow!

[tcsubaru]

update: so the car is a complete piece of trash. we took it to the subie tech today and they told us that the tranny needs to be replaced along with the HG's (they are original!) and the bearings among other things are all toast. BUT! the tech has a nice TS for sale that I personally think is a better looking car plus its already been looked over. thanks for the help.