How much would you pay (if you were in the market for one) for a '98 RBP 5spd, 55,000 miles, good condition?

KBB is $11,015 for good condition, $11,830 for excellent condition.

Also, are the DOHC cam engines in the '98 and early '99 RSs really that unreliable? Aren't these the same engines that powered the Legacies for quite a while?

Are there any actual advantages to a '98 over other years (other than the higher redline)?

Thanks!

The DOHC is a fine engine. There are a few improvements that are present in the SOHC but were talking about the difference between a 2.5 Ghz computer and a 2.6 Ghz computer. Popular convention says the 2.5Ghz is now worthless junk although 2 days ago it was king.

I had a 1998 2.5 RS. After 5000 m started using Mobil One. Religiously maintained the car. Oil changes, belts, tires, etc.

I did put 90,000m on the car in 18 months, most commuting from NC to Va. (appx 4hour, one way) Autocrossed, no real mods. just a K&N and a 22 mm sway in the back.

One day the car pegged the temp gauge, no warning. Stopped immediately. No coolant. Woo. Filled up the coolant, limped home. Did a leak down test. #1 cylinder not right. To make a long story short, had the heads decked (one side warped slightly. One overheat? Yes one. )and replaced the head gaskets, timing belts were due too. Although only one side blew, why take the chance.

The curious thing about it was all the gaskets to do the repair were in stock. Hmmm. I did run this car hard, I admit that, But I also was meticulous with the maintenance and upkeep. When you write down mileage and price of gas every time you fill up that might just border on obssessive. Just my 2 cents.

I'm still a die-hard Subaru fan. I've owned to many I couldn't kill.
Jay