Hey everyone. I recently decided to buy a Impreza 2.5RS but I'm not sure which to get. I want an older one, the body style like the 1997 model. I was wondering which years that body style was avaliable, which are the better years to get, and what are the differences between the DOHC and the SOHC motors. Also what are some things to look out for when buying one? And finally, I've heard of head gasket issues, whats up with that? Thanks a lot for you help guys, and I'm really looking forward to my new Impreza.

 

The older RS is model year 1998-2001. The 1998 models had a DOHC head that was more prone to head gasket failures. The best choices are the '00-'01 years, both because of incremental improvements overall, and the fact that they're simply newer cars, presumably with less wear and tear on them as a result.

 

I would normally say to get a dohc engine but there is more available for the 00-01 model years. The 98 is the one w/ a dohc engine. Avoid '99 because they had a maf that was prone to failure when modified. All this doesn't matter if you do an engine swap for a wrx engine. Then I'd say buy the cheapest one w/ the tranny in the best condition.

 

The '99 MAF problem is pretty much dealt with- nearly all of the '99s have had the recall performed. I'd take a '99 over a '98 based on engine differences, plus a few other incremental improvements. The only downside to the '99 is that cruise was optional that year, so some of them don't have it.

 

what are the chassy codes of the models witht he stright headligths? GCs?

 

GC is the sedan, GM is the coupe. GF is the wagon.