My friend is selling his Black 98 2.5RS. I'll probably buy it, but we can't decide on a fair price. It has 130K but with a new clutch. It has some dings and scratches as well.

Other mods include 18' OZ P1s with Yokohamas (50% of tread left)
struts and springs upgrade
02 WRX interior
intake, headers, & exhaust
roof rack
head unit

What would the market price be for such a vehicle? I'm assuming I'll need a new block and tranny @130K?... KBB is $4500.

Nothin'?

$7,000 It's a 2dr with 98 Golds right? If so they're sought after, and it's especially a good candidate for those looking to buy and put a wrx engine in. btw don't always go by KBB, on average I see the 98-01s go from $7,000ish up to $15,000ish for 01s w low mileage.

Thanks for your reply. I figured market price was about that. However, the car is a little beat up from being beat on; dinged up and MAY need some engine work. I would love to do an engine swap but money is an issue so I was hoping to use it as a daily driver for now. Wish me luck...

How long did you drive your car until you did the swap? Any issues over 100K?

If it's a 98 it more than likely will need engine work or in the past has had engine work. Ask if the head gaskets have been replaced.

Stu

Thanks Stu. I'll ask. He was in an accident a few years but has since been fixed...Does that decrease the market value?

Well those phase 1 DOHC's used to have issues with their headgaskets. I think that Subaru now makes a better head gasket, it would be a good idea just to know if it's ever been done and if not understand that it could happen to you. The Subaru dealer will charge you an arm and a leg for it. Just a heads up.


Stu

How long did you drive your car until you did the swap? Any issues over 100K?

Swap was done at 94k, engine had head gasket replaced at 92 and was o-ringed. After that as a daily driver it was good, but transmission was starting to go so that made me go so I went with it. I would've otherwise waited until over 100k.

Thanks for your help. I'll make have head gaskets, o-rings, and tranny checked. I would love to do a swap as well, but not at the moment. I might get an RA gearset, though...

http://www.mspt.net/engine/ra_gear_set.html