I have been thinking very hard about buying a second car, one that is more practical than my T/A, yet is fun and reliable. Since there is 2" of ice on everything today, I am thinking that a 2.5RS would be a wise choice. While I would prefer a WRX for the additional power, that is not in the budget and I don't need the tempation to drag race it I need to keep it under $10K, and prefer closer to 8-9K. So, what are the differences in the late '90's 2.5's? There are a couple '98's for sale locally. What should I look for? I want a bone stock car.

Thanks

 

im in the same boat you are (almost, im look'n for an RS too). when i started my search for an RS i wanted to find out the differences. you can go here http://www.cars101.com/subaru_archives.html this site has all the specs/standard options for every year RS. i'd go for a '99. the '98 has a 2.5 L, DOHC boxer engine which makes 165hp @5600 rpm and 162lb/ft torque @4000 rpm. in '99 the introduced the new phase II 2.5 L, SOHC boxer engine which produces 165hp @5600 rpm and 166lb/ft torque @4000 rpm. more torque and i guess a better engine because they stuck with it. you should be able to pick on up for ~$9000 depending on mileage.. good luck with your search. hope this helps!

~SjYankee116

oh btw, i check eBay almost every day. heres a great '98 RS with low mileage.. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=31868 i'll bet you could get a good deal on it. and best of all, its right in TX so you could probably save some $$ and pick it up yourself.

 

yeah, you probably won't find a 00 or 01 in the $10K ballpark with low milaege. I wouldn't get a 98, sure you don't want a moderately milaeged 00? =) But yeah, if you can't I think a 99 would treat you well...

 

Does that mean the '00 has LSD?

 

Rallychic, thanks for the info on the LSD! i didn't realize that... hhmmm...

~SjYankee006