My friend wants to get a fairly new 2.5 RS (97-01) What are some of the things to look out for? Is there a LSD, any problems to look for. He pretty much doesn't really know too much about them (yet) to know what to look for. Post your advice please. Thanks in advance to all!!!

Get one that has already been modded up with sti bits and suspension. that will save lots of dough.
The 01 have lsd and was an option on MY00.
The MY98 has the less reliable DOHC.
I wouldn't buy one that has ever been turboed unless it has internal upgrades to the engine and tranny or was really cheap.
The 99+ have the nicer front end.
Look for oil leaks on the engine and bad synchros on first and second.
An MY00 coupe with LSD and cruise would be my favourite.

IIRC, the lsd was a standard feature on the MY00, but I might be incorrect.

Originally posted by linsavy
Get one that has already been modded up with sti bits and suspension. that will save lots of dough.
The 01 have lsd and was an option on MY00.
The MY98 has the less reliable DOHC.
I wouldn't buy one that has ever been turboed unless it has internal upgrades to the engine and tranny or was really cheap.
The 99+ have the nicer front end.
Look for oil leaks on the engine and bad synchros on first and second.
An MY00 coupe with LSD and cruise would be my favourite.

Could be a canadian thing

USDM RS

98 DOHC dull front end different seats,rarer
99 sohc facelift,new interior
00 LSD std,map based
01 same as above but with carbon fiber interior.

The MY98 has the less reliable DOHC.

Why's everyone always say that. I have had zero problems with my engine.

Originally posted by jimithing412


Why's everyone always say that. I have had zero problems with my engine.

I personally know people that blew their head gaskets on their 98 Phase I engines. I think that the weak head gaskets are the only reason that they are less reliable.

my RS has almost 50K on it and other than the wheel bearings going on one hub she hasn't had any problems.

I'd personally find some old couple who wants to sell it. That way it's still a virgin and mod it up from there:D

of course finding a modded RS would save you money but where's the fun in that?

Originally posted by Miracle Worker
of course finding a modded RS would save you money but where's the fun in that?

exactly

Im not saying that people who mod their cars all drive them hard but I bet most do so I would avoid heavily modded cars. These RS's are hard to come by but if you see one for sale by an old person then consider that over a modified one.

I have 43K miles on my 00 RS and I have had no problems with it yet.

Yeah I went out of my way to find an rs coupe that wasn't modded. Coupes are extremely hard to find in the first place, and even more challening to find ones that are stock.
:alien:

I don't think that you should look for a RS that is already modded. It takes the fun out of making it "your" car. Just my opinion.

Try to get one that has records soing how well it it was taken car of, regardless if it has mods or not.
I would say the biggest thing to check for is oil leaks. Besides that it comes down to your taste in color. MY00-01 came pretty much loaded standard very few added options.
I've got over 70k on mine and still not a problem.
Good luck
Shawn