Thinking of picking up a 2000 Imprezza RS in 3-letter blue. Car is automatic (still impressed after the test drive), 4 door, 90,000 miles and everything SEEMS to be in order. There are however a few problems-
Flashing Check engine light when the car is on or running
Missing armrest cover in the center console (where can I pick one up without geting raped?)
The auto tranny/throttle seems to be on or off at closed to 1/4 throttle

The thing goes like a bat and sticks like flypaper. The exterior and interior are perfect other than the aforementioned armrest. I talked with the car dealer and he says the CEL is the O2 sensor (hasnt had it on the scanner yet), but that would be too easy.
I'm thinking that the exhaust goes first and an Apex N1 goes in its place, then either the AEM cold air or a K&N with the airbox mod, and then a header. Eventually a set of cams and a piggyback ECU ( I hear the choices are slim?) on it.
Anything else I should look out for? I'm thinking the first big $ drop will be changing the fluids to synthetics and replacing the brake pads.
Enough rambling, I'm just excited!
Cheers,
Mike

 

If it is just the O² sensor that is generating the CEL, that is something that does fail over time and is relatively simple to replace with the proper socket. The dealer can also replace it easily. If you buy this car, ask the dealer to scan for the trouble code to make sure the O² sensor is really the problem, or better yet, ask the current owner of the car if it can be brought somewhere to have the code scanned before purchase.

I haven't checked with a dealer but I think the center console can only be purchased as a unit with the cover. I bought my used armrest with cover for my '02 car for a lot cheaper than a new one, although you can call an online Subaru dealer like www.subaruparts.com to ask how much they want for one. Not sure if they list the 2000 model year console and the console is different than the armrest extension which fits OVER the console on my model year. You might also check eBay.

A search of this forum might turn up some recent threads on modding the RS.

This specific forum is for engine mods, but there are sub-forums relating to Impreza suspension and interior/exterior.

Welcome to i-Club!

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0==WW==0
"…axles of evil…" - george w. bush

 

Thanks for the quick reply. The dealer is not a Subaru dealer, but has offered a 3600 mile powertrain warantee for free and said that he would get the CEL code/s for me prior to me taking it off the lot. The engine bay was clean enough to eat out of, but there was what sounded like a cat heat shield rattle at start up and the rear section of the exhaust before the muffler looked rusty. If the cat sheild is loose and the pipe is rusty then I'm thinking it reasonable that the O2 sensor is the problem.
The car will be my girls car (yeah, right) and she had me do the test drive. The dealer just handed over the keys and said "here you go" thinking she would drive. I was impressed at how stable it was at 85 on a left sweeper that went back into a tight right. I think we'll pick this car up assuming that nothing major is hiding in the CEL's
Mike

 

It sounds like you've found a good car. If you've spotted rust in the tailpipe, maybe take a quick look at the body or underbody to see if there is any obvious signs of rust. In CA, we don't have problems with rust in the Impreza because of the weather.

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0==WW==0
"…axles of evil…" - george w. bush

 

All i have to say is do it. I love my 00rs. But mods are limited. I have a xtromung exhaust and AEM intake, thinking about the header and the cam. just need . but do buy the car, you will have fun with it