God damn you sound like a retard.

Timing belt needs to be replaced: yes do it. You're lucking it's non-interference so you can wait till it just breaks since it's a EJ22E engine. No damage to the head, pistons or valves. Just liability.

Fuel filter is 10$ and easy to replace under hood. Should do it just because of age.

Oil leaks, you need to pull the engine and replace all seals, which is what you should do when you replace the timing belt, as well as tensioners and water pump/thermostat and rigorously inspect the radiator.

How do you know it's running really hot? The car's engine and exhaust are meant to get hot. Just because it's hot to your hand does not mean it's overheating, though if you have any speculative thought that it could be overheating, stop driving it and get it inspected by a professional mechanic that actually cares.

Check engine light, will be because a sensor is not running within programmed parameters and the car's ECU is attempting to alert you. Depending on what sensor has been tripped, it can be detrimental to performance, or could be just emissions related.

Parts are not that expensive new on ebay or amazon, I would try to avoid most retail chains since they do a minimum of 20%+ markup.

The LKQ junkyards in Clearwater off Ulmerton Rd and the St. Pete one of 66th always carry Subarus, especially first generations. I always see 3-5 whenever I pop in.

Motor mounts will be bad by 20yrs, it requires engine removal to replace.

Brakes should also be replaced too if you have no record of them being done. How did you check the rotors? With your eyes? We've already determined you're not an expert in automotive troubleshooting or maintenance and you are willing to put the safety of everyone on the road based on your failed assumption? Brakes are the most critical aspect of a cars safety system and you accepted the answer of "being bullshitted" by someone?


I would not even think of perofrmance or appearance, you have no money as said so yourself on your "college/dominoes" budget, and you're thinking of upgrading your car? You aren't even intelligent enough to make your car run properly as it came from the factory and your main thoughts are performance?