1997 Outback- Is this too much rust?

[Stevo F]

Was talking to the owner of the a '97 Outback. Car looks fairly well maintained and the owner sounds fairly knowledgeable, which is pretty rare on Craigslist. Engine supposedly rebuilt 2 years ago along with the work done described in the ad.

The thing that makes me hesitate is the amount of rust it has in the pics. I know how to fix quarter panel rust, but when the rockers also start rusting through, like on this one, is that a good indication that the strut towers aren't far behind?

Since all my Subies have been fairly rust- free mid- Atlantic cars, I was wondering if those of you in the rust belt would advise to pass on this one, or repair it not worry about it? I would hate to buy a car, fix it up, just to have the top of one the struts pop through one day.

https://fredericksburg.craigslist.or...689180057.html

[montana tom]

Being in the north west (rust free subi land) I would not walk but RUN from that car.  It has the EJ 2.5 D engine and he isn't mentioning head gaskets... bad rust thru and he wants $2000 sorry but LOL    my opinion pass on it

 

[john in KY]

Put it up on a lift to evaluate the amount of rust. My concern is the rear suspension cradle/crossmember has seen better days.  My 95 has far less visible rust but very little of that member was left.  Did replace it but not a job I would want to do again.