G'day. i just found this site so im you typical noob.
my family car is a 98 rx bilstien edition, manual leather etc etc...
we bought her 3 years ago for just under $18g.
had 98 000kms on it when we got it,
one owner with full log books and service history,
reciept for 100 000km service was also piece of mind considering $1600 worth of parts and labour.... timing belt..heaps of seals..belts..fluids ..oh and a new aerial($160),
it was a little pricey, but i had a trade-in and it was through a car yard,
plus she was absolutely pristine!!
fast forward 3 years and 55 000km's and she hasn't faired too badly,
18 months ago replaced both cam cover gaskets,
3 months ago the radiator cracked near the top hose, so bought a 2nd hand one to fix er up. and while i was at it replaced the thermostat and hoses for good measure.

just recently it came to my attention that one of the head gasket's is in need of replacing.
so im weighing up my options, as i am aware its going to be an engine out affair.
last night i saw a twin turbo manual front cut $2700.
what i would love to do is the late model wrx or forester 2.5 turbo engine.
i'd imagine price would still be insane as they're still quite new.
dunno!!