Looking at a 94 Legacy Mi

Smithcraft · Post by **Smithcraft** » Sun Oct 11, 2009 7:02 am

Hello there!

I was out looking for a second car for the cold months and at one of the lots near they had something that meet two of my requirements: Subaru, and manual transmission.

It's a 94 Legacy. I did a walk around (sales lady wasn't around) and I didn't see any specific about the model, other than an Mi on the back. I have no idea what that means though, but it appears to be part of the factory labels. The wikipedia Legacy page doesn't seem to have much info on the Mi.

I'm mostly totally out of the loop as to what to look for on a Subaru, so what should I look at if I get the chance to check it out?

She had it up on Craigslist.

Thanks for any advice!

SC

edit - removed CL URL

Mattheww044 · Post by **Mattheww044** » Sun Oct 11, 2009 7:14 am

Welcome to the boards!
Im not exactly sure what the Mi includes or its features, but you can find a legacy for much cheaper with that many miles. I would recommend finding one you like, and before buying it taking it to a mechanic and paying for a full inspection (usually 60-100$). But if you are stuck on that wagon, if it is in good condition mechanically that could be a pretty decent deal. Just my 2cents

Smithcraft · Post by **Smithcraft** » Sun Oct 11, 2009 7:26 am

Thanks!

No, I'm not stuck on it, but from looking at Craigslist for local Subarus, the prices are all over the place. As I'm not that familiar with Subarus I don't know what the special things are to look for

I loved the Brat when I was a kid, but I can't see paying 2200 for one. Classic or not.

The cars on that lot tend to be a bit on the pricey side. She also has a '96 that is out of my price range, but it has a slush box, and I'm never gonna get another car with a slush box!

SC

wtdash · Post by **wtdash** » Sun Oct 11, 2009 3:42 pm

Check out this site: cars101.com and specifically the Legacy LINK.

Near the bottom the Mi is described...it is a rare car.

Price is high for the miles, but if it's as clean as they say...maybe worth it.

Also, 'service records' (per CL info) are HUGE in my book. Timing belt/clutch/brakes/tune-up/etc history can save you big inititally, since those are neglected on most cars, and you'd spend $$ doing them.

I personally would love that car for a turbo swap...but I'm also a 'boost addict' thanks to this site!

TD

kimokalihi · Post by **kimokalihi** » Sun Oct 11, 2009 3:55 pm

Heated seats, sweet! I wouldn't pay that much for it unless it's in immaculate condition. Shoot her an offer. $2,400 or something.

Mattheww044 · Post by **Mattheww044** » Sun Oct 11, 2009 7:36 pm

yea, it sounds like you are the kinda guy that just wants a reliable, running car. And are somewhat into Subarus for the AWD winter driving. I bet you could pick up a nice little legacy for 2000. I personally don't buy cars from a dealership unless its new obviously but I dont plan on having money like that for years to come. If I were you I would just craigslist Subaru and typ ein your max price and see what comes up. Like wtdash said service records are a definite plus, if it's taken care of then miles aren't a huge thing with these cars. Let us know what you find!

Smithcraft · Post by **Smithcraft** » Sun Oct 11, 2009 8:44 pm

I was thinking about offering 2500 and see if she would bite. Sales tax is just under 10% in King county! She also has a nice CRX, but she wants about $1000 too much for her lowest price.

I agree about the heated seats and the service records!

I'm not sure which Subaru forum I was reading, but are timing belts really over $1000 at the dealership service departments?

I did quite a bit of looking on CL with a price range from 1000 to 3000 and it's quite an array of cars, some newer, and many older.

wtdash, thanks for that link! That certainly explains the Mi more than anything else I could find. I don't recall seeing that logo on the door, but I'll check it again when I go by this afternoon.

SC

Mattheww044 · Post by **Mattheww044** » Sun Oct 11, 2009 8:50 pm

yea, like I said try to find any old legacy and if its well maintained you couldn't ask for a better car. Might even get lucky and find an SS or TW!

evolutionmovement · Post by **evolutionmovement** » Sun Oct 11, 2009 9:32 pm

Yeah, that price seems high. I bought my 1990 in 1998 with 107k on it for $3200. Being a rare trim means nothing as these cars aren't collectible. Yet, maybe.

And no, even if you have a dealer do it, the timing belts are nowhere near $1000. The local dealer here had replacement specials for $170 a few times a year. I don't know about the PNW, but there are plenty of Subarus there and I would be surprised if the prices were more than here. Doing it yourself isn't too bad either, if you feel comfortable enough to try.

Smithcraft · Post by **Smithcraft** » Mon Oct 12, 2009 1:20 am

evolutionmovement wrote:Yeah, that price seems high. I bought my 1990 in 1998 with 107k on it for $3200. Being a rare trim means nothing as these cars aren't collectible. Yet, maybe.

And no, even if you have a dealer do it, the timing belts are nowhere near $1000. The local dealer here had replacement specials for $170 a few times a year. I don't know about the PNW, but there are plenty of Subarus there and I would be surprised if the prices were more than here. Doing it yourself isn't too bad either, if you feel comfortable enough to try.

I wasn't able to get a hold of the sales lady, so I didn't get to do any real investigating.

I went by to get some pictures, and I sorta freaked when I saw that the '96 was sold

The 94 was sitting in it's place.

I couldn't believe the amount I saw for the timing belt service, after all the motto was "Inexpensive and built to stay that way." But anything is possible!

While I was snapping pics, I never noticed the Alpine Sport logo, unless it was on the inside.

A few dings here and there. Over all it looks pretty good, but again, I couldn't get inside or pop the hood, or check the service records.

SC

evolutionmovement · Post by **evolutionmovement** » Mon Oct 12, 2009 1:46 am

I think the graphic was an option, or it could have been removed at some point. I think there were two other versions, too. One had a graphic with trees or something. I can't remember what it was called. I thought the graphics were cheesy. They turned out to be a sort-of precursor of the Outback.

The "Inexpensive..." motto was dropped by then, I believe, though it could still apply.

Smithcraft · Post by **Smithcraft** » Mon Oct 12, 2009 5:22 am

Yeah, they dropped it quite some time ago. That's the problem. I remember all the stuff I'm supposed to forget, and forget all the stuff I'm supposed to remember!

SC

Smithcraft · Post by **Smithcraft** » Sun Oct 18, 2009 5:22 am

Well, I've been looking around on CL, and this is still the best looking Subaru, in my price range, that has a manual transmission and is close.

I was able to stop by the place and spend a bit of time with it. The interior isn't perfect, but it's just about. However, there is something I've never seen on a dash. Above the glove box, the dash is, well, it's . . . it's kinda wrinkled like a shar pei right along the edge. Is this in the range of being normal?

Along the inside of the drivers side door frame, I noticed some scuff marks. I looked on the door, and right along the back corner where the door starts to come up the interior door panel is chewed up right along the edge. Also, is this in the range of being normal?

The rear window wiper does not wipe. The sprayer sprays, but I couldn't figure out if there is something special with the wiper. I set the rear wiper knob to on, and tried setting the main wiper stalk on various settings but still no joy on the rear wiper. Is this a common problem, or if not, is it a fairly easy fix(assuming it's a known problem)?

The manual was still in the glove box, and all of the records were in a folder in the car. The records were in quite a jumble, so I didn't really go through them today.

That's about it for now...

SC

ericem · Post by **ericem** » Sun Oct 18, 2009 5:37 am

The rear wiper is probably the relay. Happened with my last wagon. Dealer replaced my motor. Try flicking it on and off a few times till it works.

Regardless easy fix remove passenger side speaker cover. Remove speaker, and you should see the big relay. Simple as that! Just give it a few good hits against the wall. If that doesn't work soak it in contact cleaner as thats what I did and it worked perfectly!

Not sure what exactly your talking about with the interior and exterior defects. Take some pics!

Mattheww044 · Post by **Mattheww044** » Sun Oct 18, 2009 9:22 am

it seems to be a pretty good deal if that are the only problems. How many miles and what are they asking?

Smithcraft · Post by **Smithcraft** » Sun Oct 18, 2009 9:54 am

Its about 223k, and I'm gonna open with $2000. It's currently $2550 on CL, but it's 2650 on the car itself.

It also needs tires, but I'll start that thread if I need to.

kimokalihi · Post by **kimokalihi** » Sun Oct 18, 2009 12:39 pm

Sounds like you're talking about the wrinkles in the dash that I've seen in numerous subaru legacy's in the junkyard. I think even my first subaru had those wrinkles. Common problem with these cars. Not a big deal unless it bothers you.

The rear wiper motor is pretty easy to replace. I replaced mine in my 90 legacy L wagon because it wasn't working. Went to the junkyard and for like $10 I got a new motor and swapped it out and it worked like new again. I never thought to check the relay.

Smithcraft · Post by **Smithcraft** » Thu Oct 22, 2009 11:45 am

I picked it up on Tuesday. What a blast! Driving down there in my Mark VIII, was lamenting that I would be parking the 32 valve V8, for the little 4 cylinder... Took it out on the test drive and I was quite impressed! Not much for the top end, but that car scoots!

I was gonna go to get it on Monday, but it was at the shop! Turns out from looking at the service records that it's last two oil changes had service recommendations for a valve cover gasket/seal to be replaced($400 estimate from dealer). Well, I guess the owner traded it in rather than fix it. So when the sales lady started it up in the morning it started smoking and getting oil all over the place, and they took it in for service.

I opened with $2200 and she did some calculating and said the lowest she could go was $2400. Figuring the service that was included, I figured the price was ok.

However, it does appear to need a timing belt, so I'll be looking in to getting that done sooner rather than later.

That night after work, I check and there is finally another 5 speed on CL. A 97 for $2000 with two weird dents in the rear bumper, and 15k fewer miles. Oh well... I also took it for a tour of the area to see how well the head lights work. Oh my! I could see with out having to turn on the high beams!

It has the blinking seat belt light which I've been reading up on here, so I'll see about dinking around with that this weekend. A few other things I'll be asking about so bear with me please!

I'll see if I can remember to charge some batteries and take some pics this weekend.

SC

Smithcraft · Post by **Smithcraft** » Wed Dec 23, 2009 12:13 pm

Minor updates, for the enquiring minds -

When I took it to PIA for the timing belt, they did something with the wiper motor. It worked once, but it stalled at some point and the motor just kept whiring. I think it's similar to that problem that skatedees had where the motor just pops out of gear, and it needs something to keep in the right place.

I believe that I have determined the damage to the inside edge of the drivers side door and the door sill, to be from the previous owner not being smart about the lap belt, and leaving it laying in the door opening when they got out of the car.

I still haven't bothered with the blinking seatbelt light...

SC

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Looking at a 94 Legacy Mi

Looking at a 94 Legacy Mi