When should I be concerned with an oil leak in purchasing a used car?

I'm looking at a 99 Subaru Outback, w/108k miles for $5000.00.





When I look underneath, there doesn't appear to be oil pooling on the ground, but looking up at the engine, I can see a couple of fresh drops on what looks to be the housing from which the belt wheels originate. I only want to get about 2 years out of the vehicle, yet hate gambling that the engine won't blow a gasket or something. Any tips?When should I be concerned with an oil leak in purchasing a used car?
99% sure that's a leak from the little o-ring between the oil pump and the engine. It's driven off the timing belt so that has to come off to fix it. I just fixed mine on a 96 Legacy.





Also, I'm pretty sure this motor is a 2.5 phase 1 engine, so it is prone to head gasket failure.





I urge you to go to ultimate Subaru and search for head gasket failure and oil leaks, or sign up and ask.





http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/foru鈥?/a>When should I be concerned with an oil leak in purchasing a used car?
Your best bet would to be get a pre-purchase inspection which will reveal any problems, a experinced shop will perform a compression test, check all hoses, belts, check the driveline, front end, brakes, pretty much the whole car. That is your best bet, i wouldn't rely on your gambling sense as it may fail you. I have heard from numerous customers that they have bought 2nd hand cars only to find out there is some serious mechanical which is easily caught by a reputable shop. Remember your car is usually your second biggest investment in your life
You should be concerned if there is an oil leak at all. Never purchase something that you know has something wrong with it. They may tell you one thing and it may sound simple...but they are in the business to sell vehicles. Sounds like you need to keep shopping.
here are two pretty good tips





NEVER buy a car that will need any kind of engine work done to it





and





NEVER buy a car that gives you a bad gut feeling





trust me, you'll save yourself a bunch of headaches in the long run
DO NOT BUY THAT CAR.





FORGET ABOUT HOW NICE IT LOOK.
Sounds ok, Every Engine leaks after time. I work in a garage and i've seen engines so covered in oil it looked like there was an oil leak that looked like an engine. I'm a technician, and my truck has a few oil leaks, as long as its nothing major i wouldn't worry about it. just keep an eye on the oil level. and it soulds like a good deal thoes cars will last forever. or next to.
have a mechanic go with you to look @ it....(you can) it will cost you a couple of bucks...but it may end up saving you alot!
5000 sounds like too much to me