Please tell me this 2.5 RS is not an easy fix

2.5 RS

This isn't the kind of car that I could put in the garage over the winter and fix the motor and swap on a new hood and sell right? It's a basket case right? I should stay away right?

You definitely should not consider a v8 swap in that. It would be a horrible idea.

I know you are not looking for enablement here but I would not pass on that. I would have the money in my hand and that car would already be in my driveway because the the motor is cheap and just fix the hood and kick on down the road provided it's a manual.

http://carbuying.jalopnik.com/five-reasons-you-need-to-buy-a-subaru-impreza-2-5-rs-ri-1601310699

Yes it is. Regardless. Scoobydoos are so easy to fix they allow Subaru techs and Yabos to work on them.

What does "tapping" mean?

If it's a rod knock, just throw a new shortblock in it.

If it's a dull knock that gets better when warmed up... they all do that when they get older, don't worry about it.

Clear markers generally means not very intelligent owner so it is either piston slap or he ran it out of oil.

Either way, even if it didn't have an engine at all, that price is incredible for a 2.5RS. Throw a $1500 junkyard engine in it and sell it for twice what you have in it.

Knurled wrote: If it's a dull knock that gets better when warmed up... they all do that when they get older, don't worry about it.

Good to know...

Yea, for $1500, I'd buy that. Thats how much a relatively clean shell with the motor and tranny removed are worth up here.

I'd be way more concerned about "some rust around wheel wells" than the motor issues. Around here, Subarus and Hondas try to outrust each other like some sort of sick drag race. Fanboys have "percent of wheel arch remaining" contests. Its horrifying.

EDIT: That said, that's stupid cheap, you should definitely do it.

Buy it. Buy it. BUY IT!

RS' especially coupes, are apparently worth their own weight in gold to the Suby community. Even if its just for part, buy it.

Tell the guy a grand and buy that sucker. You can get a 2.5 in any junkyards and swap it in there and you got your self a nice cheap car. They are soo easy to work on.

I'd jump on that like a sparrow on a june bug. They are non-existent down here; I don't think I've seen one in 5 years. And I used to work for a Subie dealer when they were new so I know one when I see one.

Oh, they are also essentially the perfect daily driver. 170hp, so not quick but not slow, will knock down 20-25usmpg all day long, the RS' came "fully loaded" as only cars could back in the 90's (it'll have power locks, windows, and cruise!), and the awd/general balance of the car is beyond perfect for hooning in the winter.

I love them SO MUCH.

You guys have different wrecking yards than we do around here. I eventually found a broken one that allowed me to built a decent shortblock for the pile I had. Nothing used in the entire country.

I know a guy in Columbus with an engine he will sell cheap...

Posting deleted. Did you buy it?

I contacted the guy and had the cash in hand, even threw out some trades he might like, but he fell silent. Some story about working out of town and his dad was selling it and so on. Oh well.