Buying First Car - 8-12K Budget

[matt.shep]

Name: Matt
Ride: looking to buy
Location: Newcastle, NSW
Occupation: Student and DJ
Year of birth: 1995 (18yo)
Cars in the Family:
- Dad: 2013 2.5L Subaru Forester
- Brother: 1998 Subaru Outback Limited
- Mum : 2000 Holden VX Wagon (driven 95% of the time)

Hey guys,
Parents are buying me my first car around November and are putting 8-10K towards what i like, also looking to put $2000 of my own towards getting a bit better car or on mods.. so a 8-12K budget. Thought i could possibly get some opinions on what is good and what to avoid

What i NEED:
- Subaru
- Auto (all 3 in family are autos)
- Wagon (need the boot space to fit DJ gear + speakers in)
- Fuel efficiency

What i WANT:
- Gen 4 Liberty
- Gen 4 Outback
- Gen 3 Liberty

is there anything bad about the outback that would make me want a liberty instead?
also, keeping in mind my budget of 8-12K should i go a Gen 3 or Gen 4?

Wouldn't not mind getting a bit older car if it means i could get the extras such as leather and sunroof. Subaru's are quiet popular in my area and have a few mates with them. Also where are the best places to look for a good Subaru, i sometimes look on gumtree but prefer car sales, i am willing to travel NSW to buy.

Thanks
Matt

[ferret89]

Welcome mate, good luck with your purchase. I think you'll be happy with your decision.
Gen 4 are a better car than the Gen 3.

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Subaru-Liberty-2003/SSE-AD-2199053/?Cr=6

http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Subaru-Liberty-2004/AGC-AD-13920432/?Cr=4

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Subaru-Liberty-2004/SSE-AD-2213055/?Cr=5

Just a few from a quick carsales search. Get the 2.5l if you can, the 2.0L NA is a bit gutless. Check for service records, its very important for Subies.
The Outback is basically the same car but with a few different panels and it sits a bit higher.

[Kody.B]

Gen 4 <3

I'd hazard that a Gen 4 wagon would be a nicer drivers car (lower, lighter I think) with the same amount of room.
I'm not sure whether a Gen 3 or 4 would have more room in the wagons though.