What do you think? (Subies)

"tetsu_no_usagi" (tetsunousagi)
06/09/2014 at 16:11 • Filed to: None

I've been looking for a decent winter beater/cheap rallycross car, and long story short, I've got my eye on two late '90's Subies in the area that are in my nominal price range - a !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! and a !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . The L is, as the ad states, in need of new heads and timing apparatus. The GT suffers the misfortune of being an automatic.

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What do you think, Oppolock? Get the driveable GT now and work on fixing the lack of manual at a later date when I'm doing other drivetrain fixes/replacements ('cause you know with north of 200K on the clock, that's going to happen sooner or later)? Or find a truck and trailer to borrow from one of my friends (I live in mid Missouri, I know I can get one from someone), haggle the L owner down closer to $1 grand, and work on a head replacement right out of the gate before I can even drive it?

DISCUSSION (11)

pfftballer > tetsu_no_usagi
06/09/2014 at 16:22

Manual Impreza FTW.

Opposite Locksmith > pfftballer
06/09/2014 at 16:29

I have an uncle named Manuel Impreza

tetsu_no_usagi > Opposite Locksmith
06/09/2014 at 16:32

Hello, my name is Manuel Impreza, you killed my father, prepare to die.

Sorry, couldn't resist.

tetsu_no_usagi > pfftballer
06/09/2014 at 16:33

Problem is that the only manual transmission Impreza in my price range in my local area is FWD only. The rest are all automatics and usually busted beyond recognition.

commander warsstar is smitten with subaru legacy outbacks (and redheads) > tetsu_no_usagi
06/09/2014 at 17:22

Personally I'd get the GT. The 4EAT isn't awesome, but it's not terrible either. There are a couple mods you can do to the TCM to give it a bit if a boost, look up 4EAT power mode and 4EAT 50/50 AWD mod.

With either one, make sure to ask what engine they have. (I think they should both be the 2.5 but I could be wrong.) If it's the 2.2, you're good to go, those are bulletproof. If it's the 2.5, check the coolant and the coolant overflow tank. If it's oily or smells like oil/exhaust you've got a bad head gasket.

Any other questions, feel free to ask.

Opposite Locksmith > tetsu_no_usagi
06/09/2014 at 18:44

haha respect. I'm looking for a second car. I need a beater subie too. Can't wait to have two subarus

tetsu_no_usagi > commander warsstar is smitten with subaru legacy outbacks (and redheads)
06/09/2014 at 22:17

Thanks, I'll make sure to check for coffee and sludge in both places. And also managed to find a resource about doing auto to manual tranny swaps on Legacies . I love "tha intartubez".

Drakkon- Most Glorious and Upright Person of Genius > tetsu_no_usagi
06/20/2014 at 22:46

I had a green 95 Legacy that looked just about like that one, but FWD only. Fun car. Auto as well. Not a terrible auto, though. Better than just about any other auto I have had.

Handbrake was all it took to make it fun.

VincentMalamute-Kim > tetsu_no_usagi
08/16/2014 at 10:50

Just found this post in the search - what did you do? That Legacy owner should have just given you the car or at most $400 or so given that the engine is toast.

tetsu_no_usagi > VincentMalamute-Kim
08/16/2014 at 11:51

I went with - hold on to your hat for this stunning revelation - none of the above, and instead picked up a '94 Mazda B3000 to be my winter beater .

I'm still keeping my eyes open for good Subies, but I have other projects that come first.

VincentMalamute-Kim > tetsu_no_usagi
08/17/2014 at 20:03

oh too bad - I liked the Subies