Not Mine - But FS Locally - I Think It's Pooched

I'm looking at this 09 WRX. It's for sale as-is at a local dealer. Lot's of evidence of a probable leaking head gasket and much more. It's cheap, but not cheap enough for a full engine replacement.

I think it's done. Opinions?

Price out a Japanese import motor. 

In reply to Trackmouse :

The JDM cars never came with the 2.5L turbo engine. There is a Forester XT locally with about 250k kms (150K miles) that I could probably get for $1000 that would be my least expensive path.

In reply to NGTD :

That’s not bad. Have you called Foreign Engines? (The business). They are located in Washington state. My buddy just got his low mileage wrecker engine for about 1,000$. 1yr warranty. Free delivery in the PNW to any business. I’ve gotten some great engines from them. 

sales@foreignengines.com
Phone:(800) 333-9889
(425) 774-4546
Mail:Foreign Engines Inc.
6907 216th ST SW
Lynnwood, WA 98036

Have any friends in WA?

I've had a real hard time finding complete turbo Subaru engines for a reasonable price. The one I did buy from a Japanese supplier was terrible...looked like it had never been maintained. They way to go for me has been (at least in the cars with engine knock I picked up) picking up a new shortblock from Subaru ($1700-1900) as long as the cylinder heads are still ok. 

I'd imagine a parts car might be more cost effective but some of them go for a premium as well. 

That engine sounds like it would be on a respirator if it was a human being. So, it's an organ recipient. The condition of the rest of the car is going to determine how feasable that is. If it has too much cancer (rust), joint replacements (bad suspension mods) or general funk, just let it go.

If the body is worth saving, my suggestion is to take it for a test drive and see how awful it sounds and behaves under load. If you]'re very lucky, the engine will throw a rod pulling out of the parking lot.

Then offer them $scrap price - $1500 depending.