1998 2.5rs questions

[peter32892]

Well I am looking at getting my first car (a subaru of course  )  And I cam across a 1998 2.5rs for 3000. It is at 132k but it does have some rust on it but only on the rear fender but not to badly. But it needs a timing belt; he also said it will need brakes soon.  But yeah it the timing belt worries me because I know that should have been done at 105k at the latest. The car is in Rochester and I am in Albany so driving it with the timing belt like that back to my house to me would be like playing Russian Roulette with 5 rounds loaded up. Also he said it would eventually need a new headgasket. How much will a timing belt and head gasket cost me? Seems like decent buy to me what do you guys think? Anyone here know how to do timing belt?

[gebby1029]

Sounds like trouble especially with that head gasket problem.  I would look for a 2.2L without any problems if I were you.

[WaynO]

I would say if you can do the head gaskets yourself, you should get it. If not, your looking at a very pricey job at the dealership.

Also, if he has not done the timing belt by now it makes me wonder what other maintenance he has neglected.

Doing the brakes is a good opportunity to upgrade (wrx rotors and brackets) so I don't see it as a hassle.

At that price though you could probably get a pretty good running L that does not need that much work.
 

[rshaw123]

Well I am looking at getting my first car (a subaru of course  )  And I cam across a 1998 2.5rs for 3000. It is at 132k but it does have some rust on it but only on the rear fender but not to badly. But it needs a timing belt; he also said it will need brakes soon.  But yeah it the timing belt worries me because I know that should have been done at 105k at the latest. The car is in Rochester and I am in Albany so driving it with the timing belt like that back to my house to me would be like playing Russian Roulette with 5 rounds loaded up. Also he said it would eventually need a new headgasket. How much will a timing belt and head gasket cost me? Seems like decent buy to me what do you guys think? Anyone here know how to do timing belt?

When i changed the head gasket in my car it would have cost me over a $1000 to do at a dealership if i did not know someone to help me do it

[RS25BG]

When i changed the head gasket in my car it would have cost me over a $1000 to do at a dealership if i did not know someone to help me do it

yeah your looking at around a grand for headgasket/timing belt job...unfortunately.

if you have another 1000 to tack onto it then go for it, thats a really nice car!! and i wouldnt say it needs a new headgasket eventually that needs to be done asap!

my 98 rs had 195k on it and me being me never bothered to check to the oil and never thought the head gasket would go again (was changed around the 110k range), one day it blew up due to lack of oil, wonder where it all went...

[peter32892]

yeah your looking at around a grand for headgasket/timing belt job...unfortunately.

if you have another 1000 to tack onto it then go for it, thats a really nice car!! and i wouldnt say it needs a new headgasket eventually that needs to be done asap!

my 98 rs had 195k on it and me being me never bothered to check to the oil and never thought the head gasket would go again (was changed around the 110k range), one day it blew up due to lack of oil, wonder where it all went...

That is what I thought just wanted another opinion. So it looks like I will most likely just be saving up some more cash for a impreza L coupe.