Buying Help

[Woodrow72]

I am buying or looking to buy I should say, a 2008 or 2009 Subaru Outback. I have a few questions about them though. In this model and year range is there anything I need to look for or be aware of when buying? I am just looking for something simple, 2.5i and basically stock.

I have found a 2008 with the Cold Weather package other than that its stock and has 36,000 miles on it. They are asking $19,000 and I am wondering if that is a good price.

Any help would be appreciated. Thank you



If this is in the wrong forum I apologize, feel free to move it

[subiesailor]

A new one is nearly the same price with the much better financing options at that price. Unless your paying cash?

[Woodrow72]

A new one would put my payment about $100 more and I would like to keep the payment lower . With the price they are asking (a dealership) I think it is actually a 2.5i Premium. I will know tonight when I go to look at it.

[subiesailor]

Run the numbers on the cost of the loan most loans for 20K are pushing $5500 just on interest. If your simply budgeting your car based on monthly cost your falling for the very first BIG NO NO on car shopping

If a sales person is trying to match a car to your monthly stated price on payment your getting screwed! With a Capital "S"

[subiesailor]

This is what Subaru is offering for the new cars
2011 Subaru Outback Incentives and Rebates

Used cars are dealers top favorites especially when they get shoppers who walk in and tell them what they can afford on a monthly basis.

[Woodrow72]

This is my 4th car so I am familiar with how the interest process works. I can afford a new one but dont want my payment that high. Thank you for your concern and advice though.

[subiesailor]

I highly suggest you read up on this
10 Steps to Buying a Used Car — Edmunds.com

They have some very good advice that will help get you into the best car possible for the money.

[subiesailor]

Originally Posted by Woodrow72

This is my 4th car so I am familiar with how the interest process works. I can afford a new one but dont want my payment that high. Thank you for your concern and advice though.

Which case buying an 08 or 09 at a high price makes no sense when a low milege 05 or 06 is the same exact car minus very small minor changes.

The only reason you should get a 08 or 09 is if a major change occurred during those model years making it a better buy - in this case that doesn't apply.

[lexSubie]

08 introduced a number of exterior and interior improvements that make the OB a nicer car.

2008 Subaru Outback research site: prices, options, what's new this year, colors, specs, photos and more

I originally targeted 08s but found a better deal on an 07. One advantage of buying a newer used car is that credit unions will often offer new car rates on those cars. However, each credit union is different. I know my CU used to offer new car rates up the 3 years old and has recently expanded that back to 60 month loans for cars as old as 2004.

IMO, OBWs from 06-09 can serve you well as a daily driver with few problems. The 2.5 engine is sufficient, though not powerful. The 3.0 H6 is a bit more powerful, but I don't think the difference is dramatic and sellers want a premium for them. I didn't consider a used turbo unit due to risk of past abuse / neglect. There is a thread about correcting the rear "ghost walking" problem on ice if you experience it.