How to Buy a Used Subaru Outback

Station wagons are rising in popularity, according to a 2009 Forbes magazine article. Consumers looking for better gas mileage with ample storage space will be pleased to find 17 station wagons on the market, including the Subaru Outback. Of course, not everybody can afford a new car. Luckily, Subaru has been making the compact Outback for years. Sometimes referred to as a small SUV, the Outback's compact, wagon-style design makes it a good choice amid rising fuel costs. However, several things must be considered when buying a used Subaru Outback to ensure you're truly getting the best-quality used car possible.

Instructions

1

Know the fair price ahead of time. Don't go in blind and haggle based on a guess. Research prices set by the Kelly Blue Book (see Resources) to ensure you're getting a fair deal.

2

Make sure you avoid lemons by consulting recall lists as posted on Cars101.com (see References). Keep a printed copy of the list handy for quick reference. As of July 2009, Cars101.com reports 15 Outback recalls. Model numbers are provided on the site so you can know if the car you're looking at is affected.

3

Read consumer comments at CarComplaints.com (see Resources). Depending on the year it was manufactured, the Subaru Outback you're looking at may have some common areas of concern among drivers. If you know what consumers are saying about the car ahead of time, you'll be able to look for identifiable problems known to exist with the specific used Outback you're looking at.

4

Run a CarFax vehicle history report (see Resources) to check on the specific damage and maintenance history of the car you're looking at. Many used car dealers provide these reports upon request. Otherwise, if you're buying from a private seller, history reports cost $29.99.

5

Compare prices with the car's condition and history in mind. While you may find a used Subaru Outback for cheap, it may require costly repairs to bring it up to the same standard as a more expensive, better maintained vehicle.

6

Look for the little things. When you're test driving the Subaru Outback, make sure you try the small accessories to see if they work. Check the 4-wheel drive and test the automatic locks and windows. Many Outbacks also have sunroofs that should be checked in advance. The condition of the engine, brakes and other major elements are usually discussed up-front by the dealer or private seller. But these often overlooked items are also important because smaller problems can snag you a slightly better deal during negotiation. Of course, these minor concerns can be overlooked if the car runs well during the test drive, but they are worth discussing for the sake of a better deal.