I'm at a bit of cross roads. A co-worker had a 99 2.5rs coupe, and offered it to me for $500. I couldn't say no. So I bought it.
I already own a 02 wrx wagon, 2000 2.5rs sedan, and a hybrid subaru race car that is part 99rs and part 02wrx. When he offered it to me, I figured it was worth it for parts alone, even if it wasn't in the best of shape.
I love my 2000 RS, but it's seen way to much time in Vermont. With 250k+ new england miles, the rust is overwhelming, and it really should be retired. The drivetrain is fine, but the motor has an external head gasket leak.
At first glance, the body on the 99 I just bought is better than my 2000, and it has only 170k miles. It has rust in the rear quarters like most every subaru in the northeast, the rear subframe is rusted. The motor is showing signs of a head gasket oil leak on one side, despite having them done at 134k. Exhaust has seen better days, suspension is well worn.
I already have most of the parts to fix the cars problems, but would have to pay for the body work to get it back up to snuff. I figure $1000-$2000 for body work would put it back into respectable condition. I don't see very many clean RS' up here that come up for sale, and I've yet to see one list for less than $3k up here that isn't a total turd.
Foolish to think I could sell a clean(repaired body work) 99 rs for $3k a year from now(if I wanted)?
Nada suggest a $2175 trade in, and $4675 clean retail.
I know you are a bunch of enablers, but I think I could end up with a decent, clean well sorted car for less than $2500 out of pocket. Am I nuts.
It would be hard for me not to sell and make a good bit off of it. But if you love RS's, fix it up and enjoy it and still have little money in it. RS's will be hard to find soon, especially in rust belts.
