Sorry to take bandwidth with a non-Volvo question, but my 740 is running so well, I currently have no problems with it! You people are the smartest collection of folks I know, so I pose the following, and hope for some quick feedback if possible:

I want to add another car to our stable, and am looking at a 2001 Subaru Forrester. It is in good condition, is newly inspected, and has only 55,000 miles. I test drove it in the city and briefly on the highway, and it runs fine.

The asking price is only $7200. Kelly's Blue Book lists the private party value at 9700-10,700 depending on good versus fair condition. Even trade in value is 8700-9200. This one strikes me as being fair to good, and is certainly good enough for our needs.

The problem: it was in a wreck with driver's side front-end damage, was repaired, and now has a "salvaged" title. The repair work looks very good to my eye. If I'm looking very hard, I can see that the fender was painted, but it's not obvious at all froma few feet away (it's typical good quality body work).

The car tracks straight at speed, and is tight with no squeaks.

The car is going to my indy mechanic in the morning for his opinion, but because of your collective wealth of knowledge, I'm hoping for your thoughts as well.

Can a salvaged, repaired, car be a wise purchase?

Should they be avoided like the plague?

Thanks so much for this non-Vovlo diversion. FWIW, I'm NOT getting rid of our brick for the Forrester!