buying a car is stressful
 

So the boyfriend and I recently found out we have 10K to spend on a used car, maybe more depending on how much I can get for my honda. At first we were interested in Subarus (Legacy and Impreza) and Toyota Corollas.

After test driving an Impreza he is determined to get one and isn't even looking at anything else. Go figure. I would much rather get a manual but it seems like automatics are easier to find these days. He says he isn't going to pass up a decent car just because its auto. Can one person out there tell me that autos are just as much fun to drive? I think not. Do they really have any advantages at all (besides in stop and go traffic)?

This weekend we are going to Spokane to check out some dealerships; anyone know of any good ones we should stop by? I guess I am just looking for general advice, maybe from Subaru owners or anyone who has boughten a used car in this area (Pacific Northwest). Thanks!

You'll find better deals from private sellers. I'd look around and consider it. You can probably even find a manual. There's a model of Subaru which is basically the STI in sheep's clothing. With a price to match. A 2000 or something might be in the 10k range but I can't think of the name. Any specific models you two like or things you want it to be able to do?

Good luck! :)

And yes, it is very stressful sometimes. I'm looking to buy a motorcycle right now so I know what you feel like.

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I've had three Impreza's and one Legacy. All completely great cars. Watch the head gaskets in anything 2001 and older but I love them.

Thanks for the great responses. I think we'll definitely focus on 2001 and newer. We are from Moscow, ID and the market here is basically small and not competitive. There is one subaru dealer and it is $$$.

Unfortunately, I'm not finding a lot of private sellers around here, or even in a 100 mile radius. I guess its a good sign that no one wants to sell their Imprezas :) We'll also be heading over to Portland, which will provide a much larger market.

Does the fact that we aren't financing the purchase give us any additional price negotiation power?

For example... - This one is a 2004 Impreza Sport Outback with 83,000 miles. Listed for a mere $4,800, although you'd have to drive to Springfield, OR to get it.

Also, this. Keep your eye on the various internet car sites: a deal will show up if you are patient.

Those are right in our price range, but unfortunately we REALLY don't want a hatchback. We have looked on the internet quite a bit at this point, from Oregon to Idaho to Washington, and have found a few promising ones. One is a 2003 Impreza, manual, in Portland for $1300. If we can talk him down I would definitely be interested. I'll be patient and keep checking back to various sites.

I don't mean to be picky, but those are wagons, not hatchbacks. Not that it matters: you don't like them either way. That $1300 sounds like a steal, provided it hasn't been in any accidents and has less than, say, 120,000 miles on it. I hope it works out for you. :thumbsup:

you're right, it doesn't matter because we don't like them, but thanks for the clarification :)

If you buy from a dealer and you don't finance it I don't believe it saves you much on the actual price. I mean you aren't paying the interest on the financing but usually if the dealership finances it they have a little bit of a discount or something. At least, this is what I was told recently when I was shopping for bikes. I might be completely off. I think it's definately better not to finance it though so that's good.