legacycentral bbs

Hi, I'm introducing my self to the site and asking some questions. I found it after a google search for anything about 94 legacy's since I was looking to buy one. But recently I came across a 91 turbo sedan automatic. It has some cosmetic issues, normal for a 14 year old car. The seller says he had the transmission rebuilt 10k miles ago and had the timing chain replaced in the spring. His current offer is $900. I have a reliable daily driver (username). So I am picking this up as a project. I figured I would have better luck with a factory turbo motor instead of swapping one in. It being an automatic doesn't bother me for the time being. I'll probably swap to manual once this tranny dies, if it is possible. Basically I'm asking if there is anything I should be looking for when I go to check the car out. Also if anyone could see any very expensive repairs that would be needed soon. I know you can't see or hear the car but based on mileage (188k) think of anything it would need. Thank you all very much in advance. From the threads I have been reading it seems like there are a lot of mature people on this forum which is nice coming from some of the other tuner car forums. Thanks fellas

Hi
No timing chain, it's a belt.
When you get on the gas the green power light (in dash) should come on, but go out after you stop driving like a madman. Also try putting it in 3 or 2 and using the manual button to hold those gears. These are not vital, but then at least you know they probably installed the trans correctly.

Welcome to LCO.

Glad to have you on board.

Heya, for $900 bucks you could hardly go wrong so long as it's not a total rustbucket. I would be willing to pay almost that much just for the engine if it runs good.
I've been very happy w/ my 94. So easy to wrench on if needed,(not much!), fun to drive, and the best online community support on the planet!!
Watch out for the coolant expansion tank, I do believe they are made out of dried Play-Doh.

Dang. You guys work fast. I appreciate the comment that its a belt not a chain. I'm new and ready to learn. The only boxer motors I have delt with have used chains. When you say use the manual button to hold it in the gears you are talking about the one on the shift knob itself right? I haven't seen the interior of the car in detail so I'm assuming there are no secret buttons. lol. That would be cool though. Is there anything else I should be looking for besides any obvious fluids on the ground? Thanks

Rusty fuel filler neck (pull plastic guard away from neck to check- have to bend retaining tab at bend in neck to do this), leaky moonroof, leaky valve cover gaskets, leaky cam seals/o-rings, torn CV boots, leaky steering rack. At that age and mileage check for rusty exhaust too. You should ask to see receipts for the work he had done to verify it really happened. And whatever else he has for records.

After reading about 30 hours worth of posts before buying mine, I felt pretty comfortable just giving the car a good thrice over. Check the driveline really well, torque bind can be a problem. The hydraulic lifters tend to go noisy but don't seem to mess anything up. Check the wiring for hack jobs, as these cars get modded. Look for white smoke under acceleration as abused turbos(i.e. skipping oil changes or using crappy oil) will blow oil by the seals.
I can't think of much more as I have only had to do expected 140,000 mile maintanance on mine. Well maybe a few CV axles, but they're cheap and easy enough to change.
Vrg3 wrote some pretty slick software to hook a laptop up to the car and monitor most of the major ecu systems. Mucho Kudo's to him. I use it monthly for check-ups.
I've been Scooby Boostin for 7 months or so and have abused my car daily(nothing like a good freeway blast to start the day) and I do believe these are some of the best cars ever built.
Good luck, and may the boost be with you

Well fellas its a sad day for me. I thought I would be joining the wonderful world of legacy ownership but unfortunately a Subaru fanatic got to the car before me. Apparently the guy who bought it had 14, now he has 15. I duno if he is a member on here or not but come on, share the wealth. lol So yea my search for a legacy continues.