Buying a Subaru Outback on Craigslist. HELP!

Do you need it to drive hilly mountainous dirt and snow covered roads where you only have a choice of a new or older Subaru? Most rebuilds do not last long, as the the rest car parts are as old as the car is and not all rebuilds are equal and that being said if it was a trusted rebuild to begin with the seller would likely keep it or pass it down to the next generation (the Grand kids).

This is a tricky one, as '09 was the last year (until 2013-14) of the venerable 2006-2009 OBs, and should be a keeper UNLESS a plethora of repairs are imminent. First, does "rebuilt" mean just the normal head gasket sealing? Is the underside completely dry? That front cat conv may soon be throwing the ubiquitous PO420 code unless already replaced. Axles should be new by now, as well maybe a wheel bearing or three. "Boppity-bop" sounds are probably from swaybar bushings and endlinks...easy and cheap to fix. Struts are lifelong...but you're getting there. Likewise the rear exhaust "Y" pipe is a pissy design, and sometimes impossible to replace without replacing the twin mufflers too...pushing that attention up to $700 or so retail. On balance the odds are AGAINST this chariot being worth $5k starting out. But if EVERYTHING is new or recent (inc decent brakes and rubber) you may be able to squeeze three winters out of it before tossing to a charity. As I say in my CL post, bottom- fishing old Subies is NOT child's play. Good luck, but be really careful.

Offer less!

Think about price AFTER checking it thoroughly. It may not be a bargain even at $3k!