Buying a New Old Impreza questions...

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Jan 30, 2003 | 11:32 AM

xchang

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Buying a New Old Impreza questions...

Hello everyone, I am new here... I am thinking about buying a 98 Impreza RS with over 85,000 miles on it. Is there anything I should look for when test driving it, or anything down the road that I should know about???

Any input would help, and yes this is my first Subaru.

Thanks

Jan 30, 2003 | 12:51 PM

Cabal

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Ask if the rear wheel bearings have been replaced, how many times, and whether the Legacy ones are in there now. These were problematic in the 98 and 99 RSs, though Subaru will probably split the cost if you bring one in out of warranty that needs them replaced, it's an acknowledged defect. Other than that, expect it to live forever (assuming the original owner didn't abuse the clutch, transmission, etc).

Jan 30, 2003 | 01:27 PM

ejicon

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Same Boat

Check normal wear on the car:
1-Axels (when making a turn listen for thunks and rattles)
2-Hoses (make sure radiator hoses aren't flaking
3-Belts(ditto, make sure they're in good conditon
If any of these are in bad shape, use it as a bargaining technique. You can also change them yourself later.
Etc.
From what everyone has told me, RS's last a long time and 85,000 means 150k+ more miles to go. I'm looking at a 01 Aspen White 5Speed Sedan tomorrow. It's at a dealer so I'm hoping all is legit. If you're getting it from a private party, ask to see maintenance docs or ask how often he changed his oil. After driving the pop the hood and check for smoking or oil drips, make sure the temp. guage is working o.k. Before starting the ignition, pop the key in "ON" mode to make sure all the lights are functioning in the dash. If you really feel like something is up, grab the VIN and carfax it. I need to take my own advice because I'm paranoid when it comes to buying a used car. Good Luck
-Ells

Jan 30, 2003 | 02:01 PM

revit

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Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 59

I was lucky enough to find a 98 RS last July with only 36K miles and so far it's been an absolutely wonderful car.... it's my first experience w/Subaru as well...I LOVE how it handles/rides esp in the mountains or bad weather...only bummer is that it's an auto/tranny.....I commute 60 mile round trip every day so the miles are getting put on pretty fast and I hope that it WILL go on and on and on.....hope you have the same good fortune that I have had so far...ENJOY!!!!

Jan 30, 2003 | 03:12 PM

xchang

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Yeah, This is Red (not my first color choice, but I like it still) and it is a MTX... So that is good. I hope to hear back from him on my offer, and hoping to drive up there to test drive it before I hand over the check.

Does anyone have a membership to CarFax that I could use?? $19.99 seems like a lot for just one car.

Jan 30, 2003 | 04:38 PM

ejicon

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Red!!?Wow

Just to let you know, that red RS is really rare. Only a hand full were made....

edit: mixed my e and a in rare

Last edited by ejicon; Jan 30, 2003 at 11:19 PM.

Jan 30, 2003 | 07:23 PM

xchang

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Rare?? Hmmm... I feel more privilaged already!!!

Jan 31, 2003 | 06:53 AM

revit

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Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 59

mine's red too!!! It's funny, i was just thinking about this on the way home yesterday. I like my RS a lot, but I have to say, I've had a bit of WRX envy....more horses...ect....but they were just out of my price range (and now the STi...WOW!!!). BUT it hit me that I see WRX's all over the place and it seems like it's very rare that I see another 98 RS (99's a little more common) and if I do it's usually black or blue. So I realized that it's kinda cool to have a model that isn't quite so common. One thing I know is that when it comes time to get another car, it will be another Impreza...hopefully the STi ;-) ...maybe by that time I'll be able to afford it.

Jan 31, 2003 | 07:45 AM

X1_SRT

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Look for oil leaks around the oil pump. if the timing belt has not been replaced, get that done w/ oil pump seals at the same time. if they have not been done, and there is no leak yet, it leak shortly. believe me. i would get under it and look for cracked or ripped doj and cv boots. you can't always hear them "clicking." have the charging system checked, the alternators in those are notorious for going early. hope you enjoy the car!

-PJ