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Hi there

I'm looking at buying a Subaru Lancaster 3.0 and have narrowed it down to two options. The first is a newly-imported 2001 model with 100,000km on the clock, and comes with a 3 year Autosure warranty. It'll cost about $9500. The second is a 2003 model with 125,000km. It was imported in 2005 and has been owned by a mechanic for the past 3 years. He has major servicing receipts etc in this time. I would have to buy an AA warranty with this one so the total cost would come to about $11,000.

Assuming the pre-purchase inspections both came back clear of any major faults, what in your opinion would be the better buy?

It’s not hard to spend $1,000 plus on cambelt/water pump replacement and cooling system flush to name a few high cost items.

If these have been done on the 03 model then it may be worth strong consideration.

Sighting receipts for this sort of work is very important however regardless of whether the current owner is a mechanic or not.

The mechanical warranty offered on the 01 model will not cover service items such as those listed above.

Don’t forget buying from a Licensed Motor Vehicle Trader (Dealer) means you are covered under the Consumers Guarantees Act which means the car must be fit for purpose at time of sale.

Buying privately from a mechanic means very little in terms of after sales warranty, it’s still very much buyer beware.