Subaru Repair: repair or replace, subrau motors, rear brakes

Question
i have a 96 subaru 2.5 gt with 78,000 miles. the engine needs to be replaced as well as other repairs.  The dealer says to rebuild the engine is about $5,500 plus it needs rear brakes and rotors and the ABS control unit.  total to be about $7500.  I can't decide if the car is worth repairing, it has some cosmetic flaws which don't bother me.  Am i better off spending the money on a used car?  Can I get as good a car for that amount?  thanks

Answer
Happy tueday morning,

This is a good question..if you buy a differnet used car you really dont know what your getting..mybe a bag of lemons..If you rebuild you car you know what you have..the price seems alittle out of line tho ..dont know where your located..but of the 5500.00 how much is parts?.. theres a company in colorado that sell subrau motors with a good warranty.CCR rebuilders I belive.. Do some checking around on the parts..CCR ships whole motors!ready to go.. talk to them..there number is 303-293-9230 CCR rebuilders (I used goggle to located them)..anyway..call the local parts store and see what a controller costs..add up the parts and see if their being resaonable with ya...5500.00 is alot of cash..MY thoughts would be what kinda of warranty are they going to provide...And then im asking myself..78,000 miles isnt alot of miles on a subrau motor..(ive got 189k on my gl-10). who determined it needed rebuilt? Anyway call CCR and do some checking on your own..but I apt to go for the repair..that way you know you got a good car...and your not buying somebody elses lemon.. Have a great day:P)  dan