Need Subaru Buying Advice!

Kinja'd!!! "eovnu87435ds" (eovnu87435ds)
01/06/2014 at 10:58 • Filed to: None

Kinja'd!!!3 Kinja'd!!! 19

I currently have a 2002 Subaru Impreza 2.5TS wagon. I love the car. It's got a 5 speed manual, the SOHC 2.5L N/A EJ251 engine which makes 165 hp. Not a huge amount, but it is enough to make it fun, especially in low traction situations. I do all the work myself, including replacing the head gaskets about 10,000 miles ago. I've had it for a year. This is my car, my first non-fwd car, my first manual.

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When I originally bought the car, I was looking for a 98-00 2.5 RS coupe or sedan, before learning that they were outside my budget or nearly riced beyond recognition.

Recently, my cousin has been looking for a Subaru. He has an in at a dealership where someone just traded in their 2000 2.5RS Sedan for $1500. They would sell it to my cousin for $1500 to get it off the lot as quickly as possible. The problem is, he would rather have a wagon...

So my question to you is, would it be a good idea to do a flat trade of my 02 Impreza 2.5TS wagon for his 00 Impreza 2.5RS Sedan?

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Stock image used because I don't have a picture of the actual 2.5RS in question.

They both have the same engine, with the same amount of miles(130,000), and they both have had head gaskets, timing belts, and water pumps done at just over 100,000mi. They are both 5 speeds, and the body work is in the same shape.

The sedan, while not having the jalop appeal of a wagon, does weigh 250lbs lighter, and has a 59/41 weight distribution. I cant find weight distribution stats for my wagon, but I think its a bit closer to 50/50 than the sedan due to the heavier hatch.


DISCUSSION (19)


Kinja'd!!! Party-vi > eovnu87435ds
01/06/2014 at 10:59

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The hell are you waiting for!? DO IT!!!


Kinja'd!!! anothermiatafanboy > eovnu87435ds
01/06/2014 at 11:00

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I say if in even condition....gotta go with dat RS..


Kinja'd!!! Kugelblitz > eovnu87435ds
01/06/2014 at 11:02

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I may not be the best source, I have only only owned two Subies, yet I would do this with the caveat of getting a serious look at the maintenance log and motor condition. In my case, a mechanic because they know more than I do.


Kinja'd!!! David E. Davis > eovnu87435ds
01/06/2014 at 11:05

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...


Kinja'd!!! David E. Davis > eovnu87435ds
01/06/2014 at 11:05

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Yes and Hell Yes!


Kinja'd!!! ddavidn > eovnu87435ds
01/06/2014 at 11:06

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Man, if I could get a 2000 Subaru for $1,500, we would have two Subarus in the garage... I'd say go for it.


Kinja'd!!! Takuro Spirit > eovnu87435ds
01/06/2014 at 11:08

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GET OFF OF OPPO AND GO MAKE THIS HAPPEN TOOT SWEET


Kinja'd!!! FlimFlamMan > eovnu87435ds
01/06/2014 at 11:10

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Yeah... me personally, I'd get the RS. Hands down.


Kinja'd!!! Sn210 > eovnu87435ds
01/06/2014 at 11:15

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Sounds like both of you would end up with the car you want. I'd say go for it, you could always trade back if you miss the wagon!


Kinja'd!!! MonkeePuzzle > eovnu87435ds
01/06/2014 at 11:24

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you car is worth more than $1500, and teh 2.5 RS are infamous for being ragged on by every previous owner. I personally would not do a straight trade, unless it has some recent work done and runs great.


Kinja'd!!! MonkeePuzzle > MonkeePuzzle
01/06/2014 at 11:26

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I can say this from experience, I've owned a 2.5RS, and 5 (I think its 5 now) other subarus. I sold my last 1995 impreza for $3200, so I'd been EXTREMELY cautious of a 2000 RS valued at only $1500, even if dealerships are notorious for undervaluing cars.


Kinja'd!!! eovnu87435ds > MonkeePuzzle
01/06/2014 at 11:30

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That's part of what I'm worried about. Although, just because my cousin would be getting the RS for $1500, doesn't necessarily mean it's worth $1500. The dealer bought it off a guy who was trading it in, intending to profit from it when reselling it. My cousin is good friends with the owner of the dealership who would turn it out to him for no profit. Hopefully the car runs just as good as it sounds... And if so I would offer to trade


Kinja'd!!! Burrito de EJ25 > Party-vi
01/06/2014 at 11:34

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This ^


Kinja'd!!! MonkeePuzzle > eovnu87435ds
01/06/2014 at 11:38

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right, yes, certainly a dealership saying its $1500 does not = it is valued at $1500. I guess I am more saying, beware. You know the history of your car, and this one is at least partially unknown.

I loved the TS wagon (took several for test drives, even got a loan as I concidered getting one new), its everything a subaru should be, its simple, its pretty, its practical, its the "bottom rung" of the model list but that's kind of perfect. But the RS sedan is (in my eyes) more attractive, and more fun to drive. I'd take the RS if given a choice. And if you can confirm its in good shape a trade wouldn't be out of the question.

I think you should look at suspension stuff to, because they tended to be owned by boy racers on a budget, they get pretty well mistreated, whereas the TS tended to be owned by budget minded families they are well maintained and not thrashed.

so... I'll stop typing. If its in as good a shape as you think, do eet!


Kinja'd!!! johnr240z > eovnu87435ds
01/06/2014 at 11:40

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A GC8 2.5RS without rear quarter panel rust? Definitely check the body out above the rear wheels. Salt and dirt collect there and rots that section out. Otherwise great deal and do it. I regret selling mine years ago.


Kinja'd!!! eovnu87435ds > MonkeePuzzle
01/06/2014 at 11:41

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Only time will tell, but your sage advice has given me some points to look out for!


Kinja'd!!! N/A POWAAAHH > eovnu87435ds
01/06/2014 at 11:45

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Wagon is worth more than RS coupe, don't flat trade


Kinja'd!!! Desu-San-Desu > eovnu87435ds
01/06/2014 at 11:52

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I'd do it, but only after they do a full inspection and repair on the 2.5RS. Tires, belts, fluids, etc.

Why? Because 2.5 R-STi conversion:

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Kinja'd!!! gawdzilla > eovnu87435ds
01/06/2014 at 12:39

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just buy the RS outright

even if you are turning it around for money it could be easily sold for 4000+ in decent condition