dugrant153

Is it true that the 2.5L engines for the Impreza have quite a few problems?

I keep hearing about head gasket this, CEL that, etc etc.

Just wanted to know if this is really true or not.

dcgear

i think 98's have a problem with headgaskets.
but they remedied the problem by introducing the phase 2 motor which i think is pretty trouble free... i could be wrong?

Mirage

There have been quite a few cases of headgaskets issues with 98's that I've heard of.

But.. seems like u'r really interested in Impreza's anyway. So why not just bite the bullet and go get it? I really doubt problems are going to drive you away from everything else the Impreza has to offer.. or else u wouldn't be here. Just stay away from 98's.

dugrant153

I am highly interested, for sure on that

I guess it's the talk about how even the phase 2 and the engines in the GD chassis (phase 2 also?) experience problems also...
or... am I wrong on that?

Yeah, the 98s I know are the ones to dodge.

dcgear

I think if you leave your 2.5RS relatively stock you should be fine. Its when people start adding modifications to the car, thats when the engine could be in danger.


what year impreza are you looking at getting?

dugrant153

Thinking of saving some money. Was thinking of getting a new Subaru (the new TS sedan coming out), but I figured I could get a better deal through a used Subaru (although there is risk involved) and also save a load of money by getting it used.

Was looking at 1998 - 2001 Impreza Brightons, TS, 2.5RS
GC8s

I find the prices are extremely inflated for most of these used cars, though.

dcgear

there is a 2001 2.5RS black 4 door auto for $18.995 at don docksteader

dugrant153

thx. I'm not in the market yet. But I will be a bit later on

KGB

Price will always be inflated with the old body style - the sales guy know they can fetch good money from these cars, and the sellers know as well. So unless the car is extremely trash, or the seller is selling in a hurry, you're not going find much of a deal for the GC/GMs

dugrant153

You really think they'll keep it marked up that high??

Are the GC8 Imprezas really that popular??

Vege

Their prices have always been inflated. They were an awesome deal when they first came out and only 14000 2.5RS were released in all of North America for the 4 years they existed. Very hard to find one in good condition with low mileage. I was fortunate to be car shopping in those particular 4 years and was lucky to pick up a brand new one

They are even more popular now since the new Impreza isn't the most attractive thing out there. Plus the new Impreza is kind of heavy. Drive them back to back and you'll definitely like the lighter GC8.

dugrant153

Dang...

But that goes only for the 2.5RS, right?

I mean, surely the Subaru Impreza TS and L and Brighton can't be THAT price-inflated... can it?

I know they're rare and the new ones are not that "pretty", but I don't see why that would demand such a high price. These aren't MR2's

Sorry if I seem stubborn. It just doesn't seem to justify in my mind. (well, maybe if I end up driving a GC8, I'll know why... hehehe).

Ken

You seem to be looking for one, so you can easily say others are as well, but you look in the paper and the lots and you don't find many. That's how it works.

dugrant153

Ah, I see I see...

Dang... I guess that means that "asking price" is pretty much the price to pay for a GC now, huh?