Page 1 of 4
1991 Turbo Legacy Sedan 5sp Manual
Posted: Tue Sep 28, 2004 10:16 pm
by Zlog
I have one that I am trying to figure out the worth of. It is in VERY nice condition, a couple shopping cart dings but none that couldn't be popped out. The paint is the black reddish color and is in near-perfect condition. Engine is in sound mechanical condition. Car has ALWAYS been idled for 45 seconds-1min after start up and before shut down. Has an a professionally installed car alarm w/ remote start and immobilizer system, professionally installed $2,500 stereo. Interior is clean and seats have no tears or rips.
Any other things i missed? NADA.com says its worth 3700 but the stereo and car alarm should hopefuly help that out a bit. Perhaps supply and demand will too
I'm subscribed to this thread so just post your appraisals or questions and i'll check back! Thanks guys, most appreciated.
Posted: Wed Sep 29, 2004 12:02 am
by BAC5.2
KBB.com gives you $2000 for it. No one wants to pay for a $2500 stereo, so you won't get much of a return on that, and no one will want a Remote-Start on a manual, as it's illegal and won't pass inspection in most states. At least it won't in Maryland.
I'd say you could get about $2000 for it, if it is in REALLY good condition (it may have small dings, but it's still got dings), and even then it's still got 100k+ on it, (reguardless of being idled, our cars don't need to be idled as our cooling system has a gravity syphon, which keeps coolant flowing after the car is turned off).
There are lots of variables about engine condition (oil change and service history, etc) that need to be taken into account.
Sorry to burst your bubble and hopes of getting $3700 or more. $2000 is the private party value for "Good" condition, $1500 for "Fair" condition. While you say it's MINT, it likely falls between the two categories. I'd say if it's in immaculate condition, $2000 would be fair (that's if it's got a new or relatively new clutch, is 100% stock, and decent tires. If it would pass inspection, then $2k is pretty fair). If it has minor defects (mechanical or visual), or doesn't have the service records, or has been in an accident), then $1800 is about the max I'd ever expect anyone to pay.
Remember, it may only have 126k, but the car is still 13 years old. Less than 10k a year usually, but doesn't always, mean that the car was driven on short trips, which often do more damage than longer highway trips.
Just my .02.
Where are you located, and are you actually considering selling?
Posted: Wed Sep 29, 2004 12:05 am
by BAC5.2
Oh, I just checked NADA.com. $3700 is the RETAIL cost. It's what the car would sell for if it were at a dealership. I don't know a dealership in the world that would try to sell a 1991 Subaru Legacy for almost 4k. Average-Joe isn't going to think a 13 year old car is worth 4k, turbo and rare or not.
Posted: Wed Sep 29, 2004 1:39 am
by Zlog
Most of the stereo components can be removed leaving a deck and speakers that wont blow out, so that doesn't worry me the slightest. Clutch is a year or so old but i plan on replacing that anyhow. Never heard of remote starts being illegal on manual cars. Makes sense though considering you could auto-start your car through a garage door or into some one else's car. I dont think its illegal here though, and regardless it can be disabled and i never use it.
Located in Vancouver, WA.
Posted: Wed Sep 29, 2004 4:15 am
by BAC5.2
Disabled or not though, it's still ON the car, and it's still illegal. It's like in Virginia, a radar detector cannot be in an accessable area in a car. It's, technically, illegal to even have one in the glovebox. Did you have a shop install the remote-start?
Remove the $2500 sound system and part it out. Leave the deck and speakers, and you'll take a hit on them. No one is going to pay more, reguardless of the sound system in the car. You'll get the same for the car if you have a stock stereo in place, or that aftermarket headunit and speakers.
Take the hit on droping the price of the car instead of replacing the clutch. You'll spend about $700 bucks to replace the clutch, meaning you'd only get $1300 profit on the car. Take the hit and sell the car for $1500. That'd be my advice.
Course, if you wait long enough, you could probably find a sucker who will pay $4k for the car.
You could part the whole car out and probably make a lot more than you would selling it complete.
Posted: Wed Sep 29, 2004 7:13 pm
by Tleg93
BAC5.2 wrote:Oh, I just checked NADA.com. $3700 is the RETAIL cost. It's what the car would sell for if it were at a dealership. I don't know a dealership in the world that would try to sell a 1991 Subaru Legacy for almost 4k. Average-Joe isn't going to think a 13 year old car is worth 4k, turbo and rare or not.
See this site and be amazed...
http://www.stansauto.net/
They wanted 5k for this one '91 that was on their lot and someone bought it too.
Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2004 12:39 am
by BAC5.2
Wow, are you kidding me? That place is expensive.
There was a place just outside Gettysburg near Brents house that was JUST a Subaru dealer. That place was awesome! They had a RHD BG Mail car! It was awesome.
Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2004 7:50 pm
by Matt Monson
Guys,
I think we are kind of spoiled with respect to real world pricing and are total dirtbags who get great deals on cars.
I sold my 1994 Legacy Touring wagon with '98mi on the ticker for $4400 about a year ago. And guess what? the guy who bought the car was a dealer, so he thought he could get even more out of it!!!
And being in WA, that car has demand like we see here in Colorado. I regularly see 150+K mi 1990-92 plane jane Legacies go for $2000-2500 around here at this time of year. Local market has a lot to do with what you can sell it for.
I bet with the stereo and the 5 spd you can get $4000 in a private party sale. And removing the stereo components and selling them on E-bay would likely only drop the value about $500, and you would likely get at least a grand out of the components...
Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2004 9:54 pm
by THAWA
I dont think 4k is too much to ask if it really is in mint condition. esp with 126k miles. Hell there's a straight, clean, 91 loyale at work they're trying to sell for $5,398 I believe, Didn't check the miles but it also comes with a warranty.
Posted: Fri Oct 01, 2004 4:15 am
by BAC5.2
Jesus, people get shafted out where you guys live!
I'm not sure it's that we are spoiled or anything Matt, I think it's that we aren't suckers.
You could sell anything for any price to anyone who doesn't know any better. There's a sucker born every minute.
What it's worth, and what you'll get for it, are two different things. I'm sure your dealership WILL sell that Loyale for $5,398 Hardy. Someone out there will be willing to spend that kind of coin on it.
Posted: Fri Oct 01, 2004 4:24 am
by THAWA
it's not that people get shafted, it's that other people find deals. If you look long enough you can find any car for 100 bucks, cept something like a 959 or gallardo or someshit. And believe me the car is worth 5,398 if not more. It's in pristine condition, dunno the mileage, but if a dealership is willing to buy a 13 year old car is has to be in good shape.
Posted: Fri Oct 01, 2004 1:46 pm
by 91White-T
BAC5.2 wrote:What it's worth, and what you'll get for it, are two different things.
I'm gonna have to disagree with ya there... Something is worth exactly what you can get for it, for example if someone's been looking for a 91 5MT SS for a long time, it may well be worth $4K to them, see?

Posted: Fri Oct 01, 2004 11:10 pm
by snowboarded
91White-T wrote:BAC5.2 wrote:What it's worth, and what you'll get for it, are two different things.
I'm gonna have to disagree with ya there... Something is worth exactly what you can get for it, for example if someone's been looking for a 91 5MT SS for a long time, it may well be worth $4K to them, see?

I agree with you there. Sometimes its what you can get at that time. Me, I knew what I wanted and I went for it, I didnt have time to wait arround for a incredible deal. To me it was worth it.
Posted: Sat Oct 02, 2004 12:51 am
by Matt Monson
I have to second Thawa's thoughts on this one. I do see turbos selling around here for $2000-2500, but guess what? They sell the same day they are listed. Cherry ones stay on the market about a week at higher prices, but they sell too. Part of it depends on what you are looking for and what features are important to you.
It is also partly supply and demand. These cars have become more popular as the EJ22T secret has gotten out. Hell, I have seen the average price of EJ22T blocks from the junkyard go up from $300 to $800-1000 in the last six months because they know that they are desired by the WRX guys. I paid $150 for my EJ22T longblock in January and sold the shortblock w/owater pump, oil pump, etc for $500 in August!
And lastly, I see the prices of Subaru's go up 10-20+% around this time of year as they become valuable winter cars. A beater that would sell for $1000-1500 in April can easily sell for $2000 in October...
And I stand by my statement that we are dirtbags who go deal hunting...

I know I am one and proud of it...
Posted: Sat Oct 02, 2004 1:33 am
by elkaboom
I totally agree with Phil, but then again, I'm a mid-westerner; Subaru's around here go for blue book. When I lived in CO., Hell yeah, the demand was higher and my $2k car was really worth 3500.00 in the fall.
It's totally about supply and demand...
If I came across a good deal on a SS, be it a touring wagon or a sedan, for me, I'd be willing to pay up to, but no more than 3k. Period.
I see semi-late model RHD, AWD mail wagons constantly in my area, usually they're sporting bad brakes and tired auto's; they typically see around 4k list prices, but sell for close to a thousand dollars less.
I wish I had the money to buy a cherry turbo 5spd, but until I do, well, I'll remain objective.
Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2004 7:06 pm
by blueslsti2004
If anyone can find a price higher than this, then please do tell me... It is a 94 Turbo Legacy wagon with around 100,000 miles. The dealership has had this car for about 4 or 5 months now and they will only bring the price down $200-300.
http://autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_i ... cardist=13
Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2004 8:02 pm
by professor
That is a silly high price. The real factor in pricing differences is rust, if a car shows any evidence that it has rust, is rusting, was repaired for rust, or might start anytime soon, it is worth much less and probably $2000 max regardless of what it has for steroes or mods. Even with a lot of mods it is basically a donor car at that point.
I won't buy any car from a salt-using area that is older, and even avoid buying younger cars exposed to salt. Once the rust starts you are basically wasting every dollar you spend on further mods. For me its basic maintenance only at that point, and drive it right into the boneyard or sell it and cut your losses.
I see lots of Legacies around here in the $1000 range, most run well but have rust. That's a fair price.
A southern car or desert or Cali car is worth more even with dents, dents don't detract like rust.
Big money for a Colorado car is nuts. It'll have perforated fenders within a year and the new owner will wonder what they were thinking.
Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2004 12:08 am
by BAC5.2
Meh, I've got some rust on my car and I'll keep moding it until it rusts away. Then I'll swap

I have a 1991 2.2 Turbo with 99K miles and turned down 4K
Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 7:05 am
by GT8
If you have a really sweet 1991 like I have and I do have the same color and accesories as you...........it is worth at least 5K or a little less. My McLaren M6B prototype can be sold for an easy 15K but I value it more in the price range of 21K. Kelly books don't mean a thing..........I saw a dealer sell one of these for $8500.00 and it sat in his showroom with 100K miles on her....... There is a butt for every seat and sooner or later you will get what you want. These cars are very rare, don't let anyone kid you. They are what the WRX is made from today........time tested and proven. These 1991 cars have the bigger brakes, oil cooler and etc etc... There motors are the best Subaru have ever had as well..(all forged and tough)
Mine is bone stock and run 14.8 @ 90 mph.
Re: I have a 1991 2.2 Turbo with 99K miles and turned down 4
Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 1:17 pm
by legacy92ej22t
GT8 wrote: These 1991 cars have the bigger brakes, oil cooler and etc etc... There motors are the best Subaru have ever had as well..(all forged and tough)
Mine is bone stock and run 14.8 @ 90 mph.
The 91's have the same brakes as the 92-94 Legacy turbos. The '91 does have the oil cooler though which is a plus and the 3.9 rear LSD.
We all agree that the EJ22T is one of the best motors FHI ever built.
Do you have a copy of that time slip? That's pretty quick for bone stock. Usually you're looking at mid 15's (and that's with a perfect launch and shifts) to low 16's on a stock SS. I'm not saying it's not true, I'd just like to see the time slip.
Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 11:02 pm
by 93Leg-c
blueslsti2004: just wait a couple of weeks and you can get a '94 for $4 more--but it's a sedan, NON-TURBO--but it does have less miles supposedly--77K:
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?c ... rdist=1103
Quarter mile times with 2.2 Turbo.......... 16.148 @ 93.14 +
Posted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 6:08 am
by GT8
Just posted some awesome times with the 2.2 turbo.... Turned up the boost to 12 lbs and ran a tire scorching 16.148 @ 93.14 ... and hit oil mid track and all 4's went up in smoke for about 100 feet. Second run was the best ever..... Came out of the hole with reaction time of .285 (000 is dead on) and ran a 14.2 @ 96.86 bone stock except the wick was brought up on the boost... 7K shifts.... 1,2,3,and 4th to 5,500 speed shift into 5th. Clutch strong no lag... balls to the walls!!!! Have video coming and time slips
I smell cow manure
Posted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 6:28 am
by douglas vincent
Sorry, but I got to call bullshit.
Not that a legacy can't pull those times, but to claim a bonestock car is doing that is pure crapola unless you are trying to blow the fucking motor.
Stock crank hp is 160. To achieve those times you must be pushing close to or over 240 crank hp. And if you are doing this, the stock clutch aint going to like it one bit and probably wont take it, therefore it sure as hell isnt bone stock.
Posted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 6:42 am
by THAWA
well 12psi isnt stock for one
And overrevving the engine? Even if you were being honest (which you're obviously not) who wants to buy a car that's been overrevved like that? You wouldnt be able to get to 7k in 4th in a 1/4 mile. You wouldnt be able to shift into 5th with a 14 sec time.
Posted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 1:30 pm
by legacy92ej22t
Ya, redline is 6.5k, and how are you doing 7k shifts when there's a rev limiter at 6.6k?
When ever I've done 1/4's I just barely got into 4th and that's shifting at 6,200-6,500 rpm. There is no way that you could hit 5th gear having shift points where you're claiming them and run that time.
14.2 @ 96.86 is faster then a stock wrx too.
