atkins@opus.UUCP (Brian Atkins) (03/06/85)
We have decided to buy a Subaru 4X4 Wagon, something between
1980 and 1984. What I would like is any advice on how much
I should expect to pay, and for what. And what a dealer
considers a reasonable profit margin, and what he considers bottom
line.
There is a very nice 1981 GL model with A/C and only 39k+ miles.
It is in very good condition, both inside and out, but they are
asking $7575.00 (after comming down from $8200.00+). Is this
way too much, considering the VERY good condition and mileage
(especially on a Subaru in Boulder, Colo.)?
Also, there is NO warranty, unless you buy a 1 year for $500, or
two for $600. Is this kind of warranty a sucker's bet, like
extended warranties on washers and the like? (Don't forget,
it's an '81.)
Some notes:
1. This is Subaru wonderland, Denver/Boulder area and the Rockys
in general. They are VERY popular, and 4x4 GLs as nice as this
one are very scarce.
2. The dealer said they paid $6900.00 for it. Am I right
in believing this is a bunch o' hooey? (Book RETAIL with
all the options this car has puts it at $5525.00)
3. This is a very nice car, and I wouldn't mind paying
a little more for it, I just don't want to get completely
hosed.
Also, any techniques on bartering with used car dealers would be
greatly appreciated (yes, this is my first time).
TIA
Brian Atkins ...{hao, allegra, ucbvax, amd}!nbires!atkins
ps. I realize he who could answer all these questions completely would
make millions selling "how to buy.." books. I would just like
general impressions and advice. ed@mtxinu.UUCP (Ed Gould) (03/15/85)
> We have decided to buy a Subaru 4X4 Wagon, something between > 1980 and 1984. ... > > Also, there is NO warranty, unless you buy a 1 year for $500, or > two for $600. Is this kind of warranty a sucker's bet, like > extended warranties on washers and the like? (Don't forget, > it's an '81.) I have an '81 GL 4wd myself, that had no problems at all up to just short of 50,000 miles. Then a bearing in the transmission went, requiring an $800.00 rebuild. I was glad I took the "sucker bet" (and I still think it was one) of a 5 year, 50k mile warranty on the new car for $300. This should be an unusual problem, though, so I wouldn't be discouraged by it. What *isn't* an unusual problem on that vintage of 4wd Subarus is a problem with the DOJ boots on the front axles. They tear *very* easily, resulting in grease all over the engine, and either worn and noisy bearings or a $80 repair job. -- Ed Gould mt Xinu, 739 Allston Way, Berkeley, CA 94710 USA {ucbvax,decvax}!mtxinu!ed +1 415 644 0146