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Old 01-12-2001, 07:37 AM   #1
VIPR1AB
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 3545
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Sterling, VA
Question Looking to buy a used Impreza RS - have questions

Hey everybody. With a baby on the way, I'm looking to trade in my wife's Neon R/T coupe for something a little more baby/mommy-friendly, but neither of us want to sacrifice performance, particularly in auotcross. I've always liked the Impreza 2.5 RS and realize it is both an excellent weekend racer as well as a practicle and safe car with Subaru's famous AWD system. So, right now it is at the top of my list.

Now for my questions:

Was the 2.5 RS available with 4 doors? All of the used ones I've found have been 2-door coupes.

I believe every car has its shortcomings. What are the Impreza's? What model year(s), if any, should I avoid? I'm looking at 1998-1999 (and 2000 if I can find one for under $16k). What things can I expect to break or cause problems?

What do you guys love about your RS? What do you guys hate, or wish you could change, about your RS?

Thanks.
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Old 01-12-2001, 08:23 AM   #2
Nat
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Member#: 759
Join Date: Jan 2000
Chapter/Region: NESIC
Location: Warwick, RI
Vehicle:
2012 Regal GS
2000 SV650

Post

Sedan was produced from 2000 on, so if you are looking for one of those you might have to spend a little more cash. The only real shortcoming I can think of is on MY99 cars. The mass airflow sensor is pretty fragile and can go belly up on even a stock car. Aftermarket intakes increase the risk dramatically, but so far I have put 7000 trouble-free miles on mine so far. New MAFs go for at least $300, so it's an expensive problem. I heard some 98s have problems with the front diff (I think) leaking a little grease or soemthing, but haven't heard of those problems in a long time. You might want to do a search on that one since I probably picked the wrong part to blame the problem on. Starting in 2000 Subaru put in the rear LSD, so that would be a good choice for autocrossing and safety.

There aren't many things I would change about my car, but the paint does suck. If you drive highway miles, expect paint chips...it's just gonna happen. I also think there are some things in the interior I would have spent extra cash for if Subaru had done better...the visors lokk kinda cheesy and the carpet under the accelerator is getting pretty thin (not floor mat--carpet).

Overall, I am still amazed how much fun I have driving this car despite owning it for coming up on two years now. I almost always have a smile on my face after coming back from a good romp through the twisties. The aftermarket has expolded in the past two years as well, there is plenty to buy and lots of good info that has been learned. Good luck on your choice, I am sure if you decided on the RS you wouldn't be dissapointed!
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Old 01-12-2001, 08:31 AM   #3
VIPR1AB
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Member#: 3545
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Sterling, VA
Thumbs up

Nat, thanks for the great info! Whatever we decide to get, we (or at least I) definitely want it to be lots of fun to drive. At least now I know I have to look for a 2K model.

BTW, I grew up fairly close to State College, in a small town outside of Altoona.

[This message has been edited by VIPR1AB (edited January 12, 2001).]
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Old 01-12-2001, 09:16 AM   #4
Flea
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Member#: 1658
Join Date: Jun 2000
Chapter/Region: NESIC
Location: Southern, NH
Vehicle:
2013 Impreza Sport
Satin White Pearl

Post

Check out this post:

http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/Foru...ML/002230.html

The people are selling it because he got in a serious bike accident...

My only complaint (and I've got the 4 door sedan 2001) is that the seats don't fold down.
Everything else has been excellent.

[This message has been edited by Flea (edited January 12, 2001).]
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Old 01-12-2001, 09:53 AM   #5
STiShawn
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Member#: 2348
Join Date: Sep 2000
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: St.Louis
Vehicle:
2006 WRX TR
Steel Grey Metallic

Post

Even then there are ways to make the seats "fold" down, basically you pull it up and off then lay it down....I have a modded 99 and have had no MAF issues yet....but alas no sedans in 99.
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Old 01-12-2001, 10:46 AM   #6
dandbest
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Member#: 1885
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Long Island, NY
Vehicle:
2018 M3
Alpine White

Post

I've got an 01 RS 4door silver 5speed with 3500miles on it. You can have it for 18K.
Let me know!

Danny
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Old 01-12-2001, 10:56 AM   #7
Keith
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Member#: 191
Join Date: Aug 1999
Chapter/Region: NESIC
Location: seattle
Vehicle:
2012 J train
Brown

Post

selling a 99 aspen white, 5 speed. askin around 15k for it. Not selling until march though, but if interested, pm me. Comes with 100,000 mile subaru warranty.
Good luck with your search
Keith
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