Picking out a new car tomorrow 05 XT or 07 2.5i?

[upjeeper]

I've got it narrowed down to one of two cars I'll likely take home tomorrow (due to an accident with my 01 OBW LL Bean I need something new).

05 XT Ltd, 98k miles, full service history
$13k

07 2.5i, 23k miles, salvage title
$13k

I think the dealerships are a bit high on the prices.

Any advice? I think I'd like the XT (and plan to check the banjo filter if I buy it), but wanted to ask around about each model and prices.

Thank you guys for your advice!

Regards.

[rasterman]

Funny, I made a decision between two very similar finds...

I picked the 06 xt ltd with the good service history & feel good about it.

Salvage titles always scare me, no matter what they are. Any future resale will plummet on that one- everyone is going to assume that the next buyer will thrash it.

Don't forget that in many places, insurance is more expensive, and sometimes claims can be *much* more difficult to deal with when there's a salvage brand on the title.

[fatabbot]

$13k for a salvaged title? LOL

Steer clear of any salvaged title vehicle.

[AWDFTW]

I'd go with the OBXT between those. It's gonna need the timing belt job in under 10k miles, and I'd get the banjo bolt filter inspected/removed.

['05 Outback 2.5i]

Originally Posted by upjeeper

I've got it narrowed down to one of two cars I'll likely take home tomorrow (due to an accident with my 01 OBW LL Bean I need something new).

05 XT Ltd, 98k miles, full service history
$13k

07 2.5i, 23k miles, salvage title
$13k

I think the dealerships are a bit high on the prices.

Any advice? I think I'd like the XT (and plan to check the banjo filter if I buy it), but wanted to ask around about each model and prices.

Thank you guys for your advice!

Regards.

If they are from a dealer, negotiate the upcoming timing belt change into the deal, and definitely have the banjo bolt filter checked prior to purchase..

I'll echo others responses on the salvage title, steer clear, especially at that price..

[upjeeper]

I just spoke with the shop. The gentleman told me he's very well priced on the XT and won't budge much. Do you guys feel that's a good price for that many miles?

I'm mechanically inclined and plan to do the timing belt and banjo bolt myself, but thank you for making sure i'm aware of those items!

[rasterman]

I think it comes down to how much you trust the maintenance record.

I searched for an obxt for a couple of months before I struck. I turned down a car with half the miles of what I eventually bought, because it was already on its 5th owner with almost no maintenance documentation. It looked nice and drove well, but who knows?

The one I took was at 100k but had a carefully detailed log of scheduled maintenance, all done at the dealer that first sold it. The service people recognized the car when I brought it back to ask questions about features I didn't understand, and I like that.

I'd say you're looking at a fair deal, but like any deal don't get swept up. Check it all carefully.

['05 Outback 2.5i]

Originally Posted by upjeeper

I just spoke with the shop. The gentleman told me he's very well priced on the XT and won't budge much. Do you guys feel that's a good price for that many miles?

I'm mechanically inclined and plan to do the timing belt and banjo bolt myself, but thank you for making sure i'm aware of those items!

Its winter, and awd cars are probably fairly in demand right now, so that may be playing into it. Strictly by the KBB value, he's in the ballpark, but a bit high IMO, since most owners with 'good' condition cars consider their cars in 'excellent condition'...


BLUE BOOK® PRIVATE PARTY VALUE

Kelley Blue Book Private Party Value is the amount a buyer can expect to pay when buying a used car from a private party. The Private Party Value assumes the vehicle is sold "As Is" and carries no warranty (other than any remaining factory warranty). The final sale price may vary depending on the vehicle's actual condition and local market conditions. This value may also be used to derive Fair Market Value for insurance and vehicle donation purposes.
2005 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited Wagon 4D

Condition Value
Excellent $12,800
Good $11,950
Fair $10,600


and if its a private party, what kind of maintenance records does he actually have, and have you examined them? Has it been to the dealer for the Banjo Bolt TSB? Etc, etc..

[rasterman]

Originally Posted by '05 Outback2.5i

Its winter, and awd cars are probably fairly in demand right now, so that may be playing into it.

I absolutely agree with that.

Regarding the KBB lookup- I think he's buying the car at a dealer, and it's an XT. Both factors would raise the number.

That said, I still think it's a fair deal. Neither buyer nor seller is likely to be bragging OR complaining about the transaction.

[arthuruscg]

through KBB in the trash and use NADA. Insurance and banking use NADA, if you were hit on the way home, you don't want to be Fed