Im new to this forum and just wanted to know what to look for before buying 1998 inpreza 2.5rs only ~50000miles and dealer maintained. It be grately apreciated if you guy could give me a head up.

 

Thanks

 

Al

#1...

 

bad head gaskets

 

nearly every 1998 2.5 RS i know of has suffered this fate.

 

Jamie

thanks ill be lookin into that, is it a big job? anything else id need to know?

 

Thanks

Al

Look for oil burning ...the engine could've been severely overheated (read: destroyed) on account of the previous owner continuing to drive with the head gasket condition.

 

Once you verify that the engine is sound, proceed to blow the dealer's mind by bringing up the head-gasket issue, offer a substantially lower figure (don't be insulting), then be prepared to walk.

 

Don't fall in love with this car.

 

**** ******!

+1 on the head gasket blowing. while it only has 50000 miles, it will blow in the next 50000 or so, and its gonna punch you in the wallet either way (shop replacing or you replacing)

 

definitely search on here about the dohc 2.5 l phase 1 motors head gasket problems, and check for the telltale signs (oil and exhaust bubbles in the radiator coolant overflow tank, etc.) and haggle down the price (figure 1500-2000 for new headgaskets done by a shop, possibly more depending on location, and aim to knock it off the dealers asking price)