Deep vibration and drag feeling, steering wheel hard to turn when first accelerating from a stop, goes away at high speed.

What is your question?

I looked at an 01 Outback Ltd automatic today with 152K. HG, TB, WP all done at 100K. Good condition except when I put it in gear and pulled out (in Drive) it felt like a sluggish drag, audible vibration, and steering wheel turned sluggishly. It seemed okay when I sped up, and didn't notice it much after that. When I stopped and started again, same issue. I was test driving it with the owner, who acted like he didn't notice it or know what it was. I think it's a deal breaker, too bad, I liked the car. I need to get back to him. Sound like anything serious?

What makes this problem better or worse?

Don't know, but it was cold when I started it.

How long has your 2001 Subaru Outback had this problem?

unknown, not my car