I currently own a 1997 Ford Contour SE. (V6, auto, got beat by a 00 malibu.... nuff said).

Anyway, I was thinking about picking up a 1999-2000 2.5 RS coupe. Many reasons for this, but mainly: I live in MN, so snowy weather is abundant, I like the styling, I hear they are good solid vehicles. I have a few questions first.

Is all-wheel drive hard to get used to?

Will the RS be faster than my Contour? With 166Hp and 165 Torque (I think that is right...correct me if not) it should be I assume. Are those ratings at the wheels? If not, what is the RS getting at the wheels?

How much does it cost to add a turbo to a 2.5 RS (assuming I let an installer do it, and not a DIY project)?

Are there any common problems that plague the RS in the 99-00 model years?

What kind of gas mileage d0 the 99-00's get, and how badly does adding a turbo affect this? I tend to drive with a wee bit of a lead foot, but I don't race light to light as a common practice..

One final question, a RS coupe with 17k and a few "extras" should cost about how much? Would 16.5 just be an insult of an offer? It looks to be in excellent condition, judging from the pictures.

f this belongs in the newbie area, sorry. I just saw this forum gets frequented quite a bit more and I was really hoping for some feedback soon, as I am thinking about moving in on a 2000 RS someone is selling near me.

Thanks for any info, and if you have advice about getting different model years, or whatever, feel free to share as I know little about the Subaru family of cars.


Thanks,

Zack

Where are you in Minnesota? I guarntee you'll love the RS, buy one! My folks live in Maple Grove, I got my RS in November and drove it up there in a snow storm 3 weeks later, it was great. Then I drove it back at Christmas in an even bigger snow storm, I was impressed by everything but the tires. It took no time at all to get used to the car and the AWD. I'm realatively new to the Subaru thing too, I'm a Honda convert, so I guess I can't help you out with any of your other questions, but there's plenty of folks here that can.. Anybody??

Has anyone ever turned the vents/scoop on the hood into a cold air intake?

Originally posted by AScooby25rs
Where are you in Minnesota? I guarntee you'll love the RS, buy one! My folks live in Maple Grove, I got my RS in November and drove it up there in a snow storm 3 weeks later, it was great. Then I drove it back at Christmas in an even bigger snow storm, I was impressed by everything but the tires. It took no time at all to get used to the car and the AWD. I'm realatively new to the Subaru thing too, I'm a Honda convert, so I guess I can't help you out with any of your other questions, but there's plenty of folks here that can.. Anybody??

I'm in Bloomington. What tires did you have on it? I have already been rim/tire shopping.. (for something I don't even own yet hehe)

Wow, that was quick.. So you're not too far away, um, I have the RE92's that came with the car. Terrible tires, good for nothing (tire swing maybe?) I know the feeling, I had the wheels and tires picked out for the car 3 months before I bought it, I haven't bought the wheels and tires yet, but hell, I've got some direction, right?

Originally posted by AScooby25rs
Wow, that was quick.. So you're not too far away, um, I have the RE92's that came with the car. Terrible tires, good for nothing (tire swing maybe?) I know the feeling, I had the wheels and tires picked out for the car 3 months before I bought it, I haven't bought the wheels and tires yet, but hell, I've got some direction, right?

Hehe, I have nothing better to do but browse forums tonight, sad sad sad. =) It's good to have direction! I love tirerack.com ; )

Meeee toooo.... I need to find a job..

Look at the blue book to find out what the value of the car is. I'd tell you myself, but it sounds like you need something to keep yourself occupied.:)

I may be wrong, but I think the '99 has a MAF and the 2000+ has a MAP (air flow censors on the intake). From what I've read here, the MAF isn't intake mod friendly. So I'd suggest the 2000.

-Matt

Originally posted by Skirvdawg
Look at the blue book to find out what the value of the car is. I'd tell you myself, but it sounds like you need something to keep yourself occupied.:)


Engine: 4-Cyl. 2.5 Liter
Trans: 5 Speed Manual
Drive: All Wheel Drive
Mileage: 17,000

Buy a New Car

Buy a Used Car

List Your Car For Sale Online

Financing Quote

Insurance Quote

Warranty Quote

Payment Calculator


Equipment
Air Conditioning
Power Steering
Power Windows
Power Door Locks
Tilt Wheel
Cruise Control
AM/FM Stereo
Cassette
Compact Disc
Dual Air Bags
ABS (4-Wheel)
Sliding Sun Roof
Rear Spoiler
Alloy Wheels



Consumer Rated Condition: Excellent
"Excellent" condition means that the vehicle looks great, is in excellent mechanical condition and needs no reconditioning. It should pass a smog inspection. The engine compartment should be clean, with no fluid leaks. The paint is glossy and the body and interior are free of any wear or visible defects. There is no rust. The tires are the proper size and match and are new or nearly new. A clean title history is assumed. This is an exceptional vehicle.


Private Party Value $17,330
Private Party value represents what you might expect to pay for a used car when purchasing from a private party. It may also represent the value you might expect to receive when selling your own used car to another private party.

The person is asking 18k. But, I don't know anything about it except the picture. It looks unmodifiedfor the most part, but you never know.. ; )

16.5 might be a bit low, but if they are itching to get rid of it, I don't think 16.5 is asking to much considering it is going to be 3 years old soon...

Wow, KBB was pretty good for that car, I just checked mine today, I'm thinking about selling it to get a '97 M3 coupe (my all time favorite car!!) and it was like, 2g's more than that one, and it's an '01 with leather and stuff.. Hmmm.. Oh, and by the way, Matt is right, get the motor with the MAP sensor (00-01), not the MAF (98-99). I've heard all sorts of bad stuff about the MAF sensor on the older ones. Maybe I'm wrong there, it's happened plenty of times!! I was going to get an RS 3 years ago, but I read allot of stuff in a few different magazines about the evils of the MAF sensor.. Car & Driver tested an HKS turbo'd 98RS a few years back and had like, 2 terminal MAF failures if I remember correctly. And according to everything I've read, MAF failures aren't uncommon in virginal RS's, and they cost a few bucks to replace, $300 was the figure I heard, feel free to correct me if I'm wrong! Maybe people are just screwing them up, I really don't know, hell, I don't even really know what the MAF does!! I'm no Scooby expert here, I'm just going by what I've heard. I'm sure there's plenty of folks here who know more than I could dream of!!:D

Originally posted by AScooby25rs
Wow, KBB was pretty good for that car, I just checked mine today, I'm thinking about selling it to get a '97 M3 coupe (my all time favorite car!!) and it was like, 2g's more than that one, and it's an '01 with leather and stuff.. Hmmm.. Oh, and by the way, Matt is right, get the motor with the MAP sensor (00-01), not the MAF (98-99). I've heard all sorts of bad stuff about the MAF sensor on the older ones. Maybe I'm wrong there, it's happened plenty of times!! I was going to get an RS 3 years ago, but I read allot of stuff in a few different magazines about the evils of the MAF sensor.. Car & Driver tested an HKS turbo'd 98RS a few years back and had like, 2 terminal MAF failures if I remember correctly. And according to everything I've read, MAF failures aren't uncommon in virginal RS's, and they cost a few bucks to replace, $300 was the figure I heard, feel free to correct me if I'm wrong! Maybe people are just screwing them up, I really don't know, hell, I don't even really know what the MAF does!! I'm no Scooby expert here, I'm just going by what I've heard. I'm sure there's plenty of folks here who know more than I could dream of!!:D

I agree about the MAP/MAF thing, we have had the same discussions on the Contour.org boards about them. I think I am going to go 00-01 for sure. It's funny you mention the M3, I just test drove a 07 4-door last weekend. Was a pretty fun car, but was in need of some TLC, AND the dealer was still asking 29k for it. I thought they were amusing and left. =)

MY'00 RS Silverthorn Metallic 5spd w/36,500 miles

Rallispec Intake
Borla header
Apex-i N1 catback
Magnacore wires
Denso Iridium plugs
STi shift kit
STi engine/tranny mounts
Cusco front, rear strut tower bars, and rear triangulation brace
Cusco 21mm rear sway bar
Whiteline rear swaybar endlinks
5Zigen springs
Khumo Ecsta Supra 512's in 225/45 with about 7k miles on them
-
Amsoil 5w-30 and Amsoil filter every 3000mi
-

Make me an offer if interested...

Sounds like a sweet car, but I am kind of hoping to "create" my own, you know? You have all the goodies in there! =P

Yeah, the dealer is only asking 22K for this M3, I can't sleep at night thinking about this car, it's my favorite car in the world, E36 M3.. Mmmmm.... This one's perfect, only problem is the mileage, even that's not too bad.. Anyhow...

There are two types of MAF sensors. One using a heated film and one using a heated wire. The sensor provides a set voltage to maintain a set temperature on the wire or film. AIr passing through the wire or film cools it. The sensor measures the voltage increase necessary to heat the wire or film back up to operating temperature.

The MAP sensor is a Manifold Absolute Pressure and works off of a lot of things. However, it basically measures air flow as well as pressure. It is not nearly as accurate as a MAF sensor, yet far more reliable.

If you get one with a MAF sensor use the Ol' K&N oil sparingly. and make sure that the MAF is bolted down securely. If either one of these gets fouled up it's about $300 for a new one.

Hope this helps. Peace

All I know.. is when I drove it, it made me get that sheepish grin that I got the first time I drove a decent car and not my 1988 Sable.. No car has done that for me in a LONG time, including my current grocery getter. I love the power band in that car, it is so perfectly smooth.


The reservations I have about getting that car are: It is expensive (but probably worth it..) and I need to buy a house soon, plus insurance is high, AND it is RWD only. I live in the midwest, RWD isn't the best here. I know how to drive a RWD car in the winter, but it is easier doing FWD or.. AWD! =P

I don't mean to change the topic or post something off you're original topic but I will anyway.

Coincidentally, I also live in Bloomington, MN and will be selling my silver, 2000 RS. I'm ordering a new WRX and will be selling my car within a short period of time(I might start advertising it next weekend). If your current deal doesn't go through or you just want to look at my car, you can e-mail me or call me from 9-5 at work at 952-938-7714. My first name is Ed.

The car:

2000 RS 2.5, Silverthorne, keyless remote, alarm, CD, after market Kickers(is that how it's spelled)speakers in back, Clarion's in front. All other power accessories came as standard equip including: windows, locks, mirrors, steering, and moon roof. It has cruise, tilt and, of course, a 5 speed manual.

I got it June 6, 2000 and it has 27,xxx miles on it. I took it on a lot of road trips. It has never been modded.

Contact me if you're interested.

I don't know if you have found answers yet or not, but in response to your original questions:

Is all wheel drive hard to get used to?
No.

Will the RS be faster than my Contour?
I don't know, but it isn't really a blazing fast car. The generally accepted numbers are high 15's for the 1/4 and high 7's for 0-60. 166 hp is not at the wheels. Wheel hp is closer to 120.

How much does it cost to add a turbo to an RS (assuming you let an installer do it)?
Figure at least $8,000 dollars. If someone here has actually had it done for less, speak up now (if your engine is still running).

What kind of gas mileage do RS's get?
20-27mpg, some people say higher, some people get lower - but there is probably something wrong with their cars.

Is 16.5 an insult?
No, and as far as there being a few "extras" on that car, I am fairly certain that all that equipment was standard.