Subaru Impreza 2.5RS project car?

"lunr" (lunr) 05/24/2016 at 14:46 • Filed to: None

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I have a 2000 Subaru Impreza 2.5RS in my possession. But I’m not sure what to do with it. It has only 105,000 miles on the odometer, it starts (once I put in a new battery), it runs, it shifts, it’s a 5-speed manual and I’ve never driven a manual before.

But it needs a lot of work:

Timing Belt

Full brake job - pads and rotors

Driver-side windshield wiper arm broken

Gas filler tube or charcoal canister needs to be replaced

Interior needs a detailing, bad.

Fluid changes (probably all of them at this point.)

Passenger side front-fender is smashed to bits

Usual Subaru rear quarter panel rust

Possibly a new clutch. Reverse is a little sticky.

2 new tires (previous owner only replaced front two. Shameful since its AWD)

It has the boxer rumble... but I think that’s cause the muffler is rusted in places.

I bought it for a great price and could probably flip it without putting much into it. But I have no idea what it’s worth on the used car market or what it could cost to fix all of those problems — I have no mechanical knowledge or experience.

But, she sure is pretty:

Thoughts? Keep it for a long-term project car? Or resell it?

Seat Safety Switch > lunr 05/24/2016 at 14:48

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I miss my ‘97 Outback Sport a lot. That thing gives me unwelcome pangs of regret about letting it get scrapped by the insurance company.

lunr > Seat Safety Switch 05/24/2016 at 14:53

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The previous owner was going to scrap it for some reason. He said he’ll probably miss it, too, but after owning it for 16 years, it was time to say goodbye.

WiscoProud > lunr 05/24/2016 at 14:53

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Sounds like a good car to learn on. Most of the items you mentioned ar e relatively minor. Personally I would do the work myself then decide if I want to keep or sell it.

E90M3 > lunr 05/24/2016 at 14:58

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Learn stick on it (or improve skills), while fixing those things along the way. Once you’ve done that, figure out what to do with it. It’s probably at a point where it won’t depreciate that much more, but even if you sell it for a slight loss, having a cheap car to learn stick on is a good idea. Don’t do what I did and buy an expensive car as your first stick.

WRXasaurus > lunr 05/24/2016 at 14:59

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Change all the fluids, change out the timing belt (it is not that hard, you just need a second person to help with getting it on right), clean up the interior. Replace the broken wiper arm and replace the fuel filler tube and the brakes. Get some matching tires on it and drive it for a while. Then flip it if you don’t like it.

Needmoargarage > lunr 05/24/2016 at 15:00

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These are surprisingly pricey in my area. I think a lot of people are interested in clean RS bodies for STI powertrain swaps. If you want to learn to wrench, keep it and learn. If not, get it running the best you can, clean it really well, and sell for a profit.

gawdzillla > lunr 05/24/2016 at 15:00

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just give me the damn thing

where are u located at

been looking for one of those

lunr > WiscoProud 05/24/2016 at 15:02

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A lot of the people I know who know how to work on cars say the same thing. Nothing on the list is that big of an issue. Perhaps my apprehension is my lack of experience, in that, the last time I changed oil, I dumped half of it over the driveway.

There is a pretty solid Subaru group in the area that seems to offer their time to help on repairs for a nominal “fee” (eg, “$50 for the first guy who comes over to help me with my clutch” is a common post).

Berang > lunr 05/24/2016 at 15:03

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It would make a pretty fun beater. They’re not worth much, but most of those fixes don’t cost much if you do them yourself.

MonkeePuzzle > lunr 05/24/2016 at 15:03

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nah, don’t bother, they’re total crap. I’ll help get that turd off your lawn, don’t want it dropping any oil and ruining the grass. Send it my way :D

lunr > gawdzillla 05/24/2016 at 15:04

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Haha. West Michigan.

vicali > lunr 05/24/2016 at 15:04

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Check headgaskets, odds are they are leaking.

Get matching tires on there and make sure diff isn’t binding - change fluids too.

I would cut out those vents, get some flaps, get some winterforce tires and hit the dirt.

go check out http://www.dirally.com/forums/ for more ideas..

lunr > WRXasaurus 05/24/2016 at 15:05

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There is a pretty solid Subaru group in the area that seems to offer their time to help on repairs for a nominal “fee” (eg, “$50 for the first guy who comes over to help me with my clutch” is a common post).

Perhaps that might be a good resource to tap to supervise myself doing the repairs.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > lunr 05/24/2016 at 15:06

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Keep it, fix it so it’s drivable and safe. Hoon it.

OPPOsaurus WRX > lunr 05/24/2016 at 15:06

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its good to have someone who knows what they are doing. fortunately these days, those guys can be found on youtube. that’s how i’ve been able to do most of what i’ve done. Its really just a bunch of nuts and bolts.

lunr > E90M3 05/24/2016 at 15:06

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I guess its not entirely accurate to say I’ve never driven a manual.

Funny enough, this was the car I learned how to drive a manual, in a parking lot, one afternoon last spring, for half an hour. It was easy to learn on, and put up with my fits and stalls.

Laurence > lunr 05/24/2016 at 15:06

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It’s a pretty fun car that will be worth much more running than as it is, plus, half the stuff on that list I’ve done before, which based based off my (very limited) wrenching ability tells me it’s all pretty easy stuff you could teach yourself

MonkeePuzzle > lunr 05/24/2016 at 15:12

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Timing Belt - it is intimidating, but can be done by a novice. Worth doing the head gaskets while you are doing that.

Full brake job - pads and rotors - easy peasy! only oddity is the bleeder screw on the rear is an 8mm while the front is a 10mm, or was that my legacy. either way. this is a job you can do.

Driver-side windshield wiper arm broken - one bolt on top of the arm, it pulls up (likely pretty well stuck) and throw on a new one. The RS has fin on it that is meant to hold it down at speed, but likely any number of subaru arms will be a direct fit.

Gas filler tube or charcoal canister needs to be replaced - my RS has the same issue, and would cause it to get occasional errors, and to click off the gas filler too early. It was a pain, but only because of location. If you want to cheap out, finding a suitable replacement part used at a junk yard could buy you a year or two of running with very low cost.

Interior needs a detailing, bad. - take it out. front seats are 4 bolts, rears are just a few bolts and some clips. Then take out the carpet. it’ll take maybe 30-45 min to get it out. but giving the carpet and seats a thorough out of car wash is so much easier.

Fluid changes (probably all of them at this point.) - yes, all of them! don’t forget trans and rear diff (trans AFTER you change the clutch)

Passenger side front-fender is smashed to bits - the RS fender is only special in colour. any 93-01 fender should fit. easy fix. then sticker bomb it.

Usual Subaru rear quarter panel rust - grr.... grind it back, hit it with primer. beg, borrow, steal, trade for someone with a welder to fix it.

Possibly a new clutch. Reverse is a little sticky. - might not be the clutch, check for a broken shift fork first, can be done visually.

2 new tires (previous owner only replaced front two. Shameful since its AWD)

It has the boxer rumble... but I think that’s cause the muffler is rusted in places. - from the headers back I believe a number of the impreza and legacy exhausts fit. although not as throaty as the legit RS exhaust will be. Also, there is a HUUUUUGE aftermarket for these cars, so cheap ebay exhaust system will fit and likely satisfy desires for sound that you or a buyer may want.

I say keep it. if you have some small amount of finances and some free time it could be a great car to learn on.

If you dont have the money to contribute to it (and it will require at least SOME money) or the time, these sells in literally any condition for way more than they should.

E90M3 > lunr 05/24/2016 at 15:13

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So you know what you’re doing, but I’d keep it and practice, plus manual cars are fun to own.

gawdzillla > lunr 05/24/2016 at 15:17

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damn way too far ...

how much u looking to get if u flip

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > lunr 05/24/2016 at 15:26

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Where are you? I should try to convince my dad to pick it up for a project rally car.

lunr > gawdzillla 05/24/2016 at 15:28

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No idea. I’ve seen what the trade-in prices are for decent examples are, and some private parties go for $2500-3500. But in the condition its in now, I’m not sure what it’s worth.

lunr > MonkeePuzzle 05/24/2016 at 15:32

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Thank you for all of the great advice. You’re definitely convincing me to keep it especially since I don’t have a lot into it after buying it.

I have the time and a little money to spread across a couple years to get all of those things fixed, in order of mechanical priority to cosmetic, of course.

lunr > TheTurbochargedSquirrel 05/24/2016 at 15:33

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West Michigan area.

ghosty - electric space wizard > MonkeePuzzle 05/24/2016 at 15:34

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This. I don’t know where you’re from, but a subie of that vintage around me without rust is around $4000-$4500 MINIMUM. Rust is a pain.

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > lunr 05/24/2016 at 15:35

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That’s a bit far for me. I’ll go with what everyone else is saying and tell you to fix it up and use it to learn how to drive manual.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > lunr 05/24/2016 at 15:36

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bro.

See my post about RallyX

Go RallyX it

MonkeePuzzle > lunr 05/24/2016 at 15:41

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if I were to prioritize

0: Interior detail - get it all torn out, get it all wet and soapy, and let it sit to dry. getting the inside to be a nice place to be will change your whole world about whether its a car you want to own or not.

1: Timing Belt - if this fails, the engine is toast. at 100,000 miles with unknown history, this could be a serious issue, ready to go at any moment.

2: Full brake job - safety components always get high priority

3: Possibly a new clutch - need to confirm the issue. again, failure here could ruin a gearbox. and the RS has unique gear ratios, replacing the box is PRICEY!

4: Fluid changes - this an afternoon, and again failure to attend to it early could be catastrophic to engine, trans, and rear digg

5: Usual Subaru rear quarter panel rust - get it cut out and primered ASAP to stop it spreading.

6: 4 matching (new or used) tires

7: wiper arm, filler tube or charcoal canister

tie for last:

Exhaust - as long as the cats are fine you aren’t polluting.

final fix of rear quarter panel rust - might require some expertise and money.

Passenger side front - just cosmetic right? just keep parking it so you can only see the shiny side of the car :D

MonkeePuzzle > ghosty - electric space wizard 05/24/2016 at 15:48

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I’m in Colorado, and I’ve sold a literally non-functional 2.5RS for $2500. The trans pooped the bed, and when I listed it on craigslist I had a feeding frenzy. I said I’d be home at 5pm. when I pulled in at about 4:50 a chap was there and all but had it already hauled onto his trailer. Bought it without even opening the doors or looking to see if it even had an engine under teh hood.

she was in a sorry state. the trans as stated was a jumble of crushed teeth and metal. The interior was worn, parts were missing, paint was dull and scratched. Didn’t matter, had calls right away, and calls for several days following the car having already been taken away

I’m confident I listed it at FAR too low a price

gawdzillla > lunr 05/24/2016 at 15:52

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are there any rust ( rear wheel well / trunk / sunroof ) ?

WiscoProud > lunr 05/24/2016 at 16:01

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Youtube is an amazing resource for these kinds of things. I wish it was around when I was learning, and I do not hesitate to use it now. I would try the easier stuff like fluids and brakes first before attempting the clutch. You'll build your confidence and learn some things on the way.

random001 > lunr 05/24/2016 at 16:02

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Sell it to me because I'm close, I love them, and I want to go fast-ish!

ghosty - electric space wizard > MonkeePuzzle 05/24/2016 at 16:10

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That's pretty nuts!

lunr > MonkeePuzzle 05/24/2016 at 16:12

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Passenger side front - just cosmetic right? just keep parking it so you can only see the shiny side of the car :D

Ha. You noticed that, huh. Here’s a picture of the front, that kind of shows the damage:

1: Timing Belt - if this fails, the engine is toast. at 100,000 miles with unknown history, this could be a serious issue, ready to go at any moment.

I can ask the previous owner about history. It’s a single-family car. He’s been driving and maintaining it most of its life. He doesn’t seem that concerned about the belt (even though I am) and he says the clutch is fine except for the sticky reverse.

He trailered it to my house, mostly cause it wasn’t insured but I don’t dare drive it much until I get this timing belt figured out.

But I can always ask him about specific things if needed.

final fix of rear quarter panel rust - might require some expertise and money.

Luckily, my father is a body-shop man. Might be the one part of the car where I can save a lot of money in repairs.

Thank you for the prioritized list. That gives me a great start.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 05/24/2016 at 16:18

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Just to be clear, these cars are some of the most fun and bomb proff cars I’ve ever had the pleasure to drive. There is a reason they are so sought after.

lunr > gawdzillla 05/24/2016 at 16:19

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Rear quarter panels, like all Subarus of that era. Front passenger fender is smashed up, and needs to be replaced. Rust around bolts and such. The underbody was rust-proofed as new, but I haven’t been down there to take a closer look.

JDIGGS > lunr 05/24/2016 at 16:26

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I can tell you everyone was watching the BAT auction of an incredibly nice low mileage one, it did 13. Don’t see this car bringing in 10k without 5k worth of work. Not real cheap to fix imo. Anyways I say you either do the work yourself and keep costs down then you can decide if you want to sell it, or just sell it now without doing anything.

MonkeePuzzle > lunr 05/24/2016 at 17:02

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well damn! if you’ve got a body man at hand, the rust and fender should be no problem “hey dad, about what to get me for my birthday/christmas this year...”

Seat Safety Switch > lunr 05/24/2016 at 18:52

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Who would scrap something in such nice condition? I would stab someone in the eye with an icepick for less.

lunr > MonkeePuzzle 05/24/2016 at 19:24

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That is an awesome idea. Now to convince his coworker painter to take beer for payment.

lunr > Seat Safety Switch 05/24/2016 at 19:26

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I've yet to figure out why he was so set on trailering it to the scrap yard. Maybe he felt if he didn't get rid of it now, it would spend another 6 months in his yard? He took the first offer I gave him which was obviously a low-ball number.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > lunr 05/24/2016 at 19:37

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If it was by me id buy it for my winter beater car

WRXasaurus > lunr 05/24/2016 at 20:31

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Do it and post the results

lunr > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time 05/24/2016 at 21:39

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It’s spent its last 6 years as a winter beater — probably the biggest reason for its not-quite-rough condition. Plus it’s been sitting for 6 months.

My daily-driver is a 2013 Forester 2.5X, so yeah, this Impreza RS could be that fun whip to take around the muddy roads and the snowy hills.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > lunr 05/24/2016 at 21:48

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yea i sold my MI winter beater this spring after it blew a brake line

Santiago of Escuderia Boricua > lunr 05/25/2016 at 06:29

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Race car