Car price

What's the history of this car? Mileage, are they offering any repair records? What's the price? Could be a good deal? Head gaskets and transmission problems are probably your biggest concern.

Au contraire! Since there's enough money here to cover either HGs or a tranny change, the BIGGEST concern is unibody damage. Have this chariot CAREFULLY checked for such damage and prior paintwork. A redone 1/4, fender, rad support, or tail may be ok, but not always two or more contiguous surfaces. Use a body inspector, not just a mechanic...whom you should use for the mechanicals. Most 10+ yr old OBs for sale extant are in serious trouble, so indeed be careful. Mileage, repair records are unimportant at this age; CURRENT condition is all that matters. Good luck.

Ernie, let's be clear about one thing, it depends upon where this car is located. Yes, if its in the rust belt like where you are, I agree. But, if its in the Southwest or even Southern California, these issues are not significant. So, tell us, where is this car? A 10 year old car in Los Angeles has a lot of life left in it.

Mark, you're missing the big picture again: I'm discussing UNIBODY damage, not corrosion. Or maybe I didn't realize their are no collisions outside the rustbelt?

Bottom line - have the car inspected and if it is good then buy it.

Sure, but, the real question is WHO buys a vehicle that has been in an accident??? That's an obvious mistake.

Most people do...they just don't know it. Neither do their mechanics the great majority of the time. Usually not a big deal.

Ernie, I've never purchased a car that has been in an accident. Yes, I do check this out. I've got a great person here in LA who knows his stuff. I either purchase new cars or certified pre-owned vehicles with validation from a new car dealership. If they sold you a car stating that it was "never in an accident". and it turned out that it was, that would be FRAUD". Not good for them, trust me. By the way, did you see the comment and thread about the guy with the 2010 Subaru Outback with the 2.5 CVT transmission and 290,000 miles??

Mark (et al), depends upon State laws. In most of New England unannounced prior unibody damage is NOT "fraud" unless unrepaired, or explicitly stated. In the past few years "radiator (core) support" is also excluded from "unibody", as it's so easily bruised...and repaired. Secondly, no, I didn't....

Ernie, read this below, http://dealerfraud.org/previous-damage/

By the way, the comments about the 2010 Subaru Outback with 290,000 miles are here, http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-c21664_ds686183