'01 2.5 RS: too good to be true?
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'01 2.5 RS: too good to be true?
Hi i-club.com users, I'm new here. Very nice site!
Anyway, I'm looking for a new daily driver so I can focus on rebuilding my project cars. In short, my attention has turned to the Subaru line-up.
The other day, I came across a dark blue 2001 Impreza 2.5 RS sedan at a dealership. The exterior and interior were immaculate. Only 18K miles. Completely stock. All records are in the glovebox. Only $13,500?!
KBB lists this car as being worth $17,790. I've driven the car twice now and checked it from bumper to bumper. The only problem I found is a tiny scratch by the clutch. Am I overlooking something, or does this dealer really not know what they have? What, besides the possible obvious used car issues, should I be looking at? I'm no novice mechanic, but I can't think what else could be wrong to make this car so inexpensive. I'm going back to the dealership on Tuesday to crunch numbers.
Thanks in advance!
J.D.
Anyway, I'm looking for a new daily driver so I can focus on rebuilding my project cars. In short, my attention has turned to the Subaru line-up.
The other day, I came across a dark blue 2001 Impreza 2.5 RS sedan at a dealership. The exterior and interior were immaculate. Only 18K miles. Completely stock. All records are in the glovebox. Only $13,500?!
KBB lists this car as being worth $17,790. I've driven the car twice now and checked it from bumper to bumper. The only problem I found is a tiny scratch by the clutch. Am I overlooking something, or does this dealer really not know what they have? What, besides the possible obvious used car issues, should I be looking at? I'm no novice mechanic, but I can't think what else could be wrong to make this car so inexpensive. I'm going back to the dealership on Tuesday to crunch numbers.
Thanks in advance!
J.D.
Last edited by Isuzoom; Oct 18, 2003 at 10:26 PM.
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Maybe it's because 2.5RS's aren't particularly popular in your area? You could always bring your mechanic along as a "friend" to serve as second pair of (professional) eyes. 
Good luck and welcome to the club!
Good luck and welcome to the club!
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Thank you for your reply and regards. 
It's quite possible that the 2.5 RS isn't so popular here. I do see lots of STi's and WRX's around here, especially at the tracks. I don't have a personal mechanic (I do my own work) but I may bring my brother along as a second pair of eyes.
Everyone has told me that I will not be disappointed in this car. By Wednesday, I may be the owner of a 2.5 RS. It'll be good to have another AWD car in the garage.
It's quite possible that the 2.5 RS isn't so popular here. I do see lots of STi's and WRX's around here, especially at the tracks. I don't have a personal mechanic (I do my own work) but I may bring my brother along as a second pair of eyes.
Everyone has told me that I will not be disappointed in this car. By Wednesday, I may be the owner of a 2.5 RS. It'll be good to have another AWD car in the garage.
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Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Arcade, NY
Car Info: 2004 2.5TS manual
Dunno if it applies to the 2001 RS, but a lot of the imprezas before 2002 had problems with the rear wheel bearings. They weren't sealed like most cars. Take the car out for a drive and really listen to the rear wheels.
my 2000 ouback sport had both rear bearings replaced. I would hear a metallic rubbing sound at 20-45mph.
Just something to look for. Other than that, the car you're looking is kick a$$.
my 2000 ouback sport had both rear bearings replaced. I would hear a metallic rubbing sound at 20-45mph.
Just something to look for. Other than that, the car you're looking is kick a$$.
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Thanks for your replies, everyone.
Still debating between this Impreza RS and a Mazda6. Doing some comparisons this week, I found that the RS isn't much bigger than the car I'm driving now. Kinda disappointing. Maybe a 2002+ Impreza RS would be smarter?
Still debating between this Impreza RS and a Mazda6. Doing some comparisons this week, I found that the RS isn't much bigger than the car I'm driving now. Kinda disappointing. Maybe a 2002+ Impreza RS would be smarter?
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The 2.5 RS and Mazda 6 are kind of hard to compare. The 6 is FWD, has 220hp and is a bit bigger than the 01 RS. The 01 RS has (around) 160hp, is AWD, but is a WHOLE lot sexier.
If you're thinking of stepping up to a 2002+ vehicle with good room, I would either go with an '04 2.5 TS wagon, which MSRP at $17,8xx or kick down the moneys for an '04 WRX wagon.
Compare both with their respectable Mazda 6 version (Base 6 vs 2.5 TS Wagon and 6 cyl up 6 with the WRX). The WRX has more space to haul stuff, the wagon isn't like most wagons - you won't be embarrassed to drive it.
But, man the 01 2.5RS is such a hot car. Good luck.
If you're thinking of stepping up to a 2002+ vehicle with good room, I would either go with an '04 2.5 TS wagon, which MSRP at $17,8xx or kick down the moneys for an '04 WRX wagon.
Compare both with their respectable Mazda 6 version (Base 6 vs 2.5 TS Wagon and 6 cyl up 6 with the WRX). The WRX has more space to haul stuff, the wagon isn't like most wagons - you won't be embarrassed to drive it.
But, man the 01 2.5RS is such a hot car. Good luck.
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This particular '01 Impreza 2.5 RS is null. I went back to the dealer today and they had raised the price to just over $17K. For a few grand more, I could get a brand new one. This was at a Ford dealership, so I went to my local Subaru dealer.
They were jerks. Flat out. I made it very clear several times that I wanted a '02 or '03 Impreza 2.5 RS. They showed me a 2004. I don't want an '04. "Well, how about an STi?" they asked as they dangled the keys in my face. "No, sorry. I'm not interested in an STi as a daily driver, plus my insurance would skyrocket." Then they kept trying to talk me into a yellow WRX wagon...then an '04 Outback that a customer had returned...then a Pontiac Vibe. NO, thanks. I want a '02-'03 2.5 RS! I walked out. Power to you who love these cars, but I can't stand a dealer who can't get "I don't want that" through their head. They gave me a quote on the 2004 Impreza RS but I still wasn't terribly happy with it.
I'm sleeping on the quotes I got today. The Mazda dealer gave me an incredible deal on the V6 with all the features that I want. However, it's not uncommon for me to change my mind.
I'm very envious of your former 240SX there, sonicsuby. I wanted one of those for a long time.
They were jerks. Flat out. I made it very clear several times that I wanted a '02 or '03 Impreza 2.5 RS. They showed me a 2004. I don't want an '04. "Well, how about an STi?" they asked as they dangled the keys in my face. "No, sorry. I'm not interested in an STi as a daily driver, plus my insurance would skyrocket." Then they kept trying to talk me into a yellow WRX wagon...then an '04 Outback that a customer had returned...then a Pontiac Vibe. NO, thanks. I want a '02-'03 2.5 RS! I walked out. Power to you who love these cars, but I can't stand a dealer who can't get "I don't want that" through their head. They gave me a quote on the 2004 Impreza RS but I still wasn't terribly happy with it.
I'm sleeping on the quotes I got today. The Mazda dealer gave me an incredible deal on the V6 with all the features that I want. However, it's not uncommon for me to change my mind.
I'm very envious of your former 240SX there, sonicsuby. I wanted one of those for a long time.
Last edited by Isuzoom; Oct 25, 2003 at 03:07 PM.
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Originally posted by Isuzoom
I'm very envious of your former 240SX there, sonicsuby. I wanted one of those for a long time.
I'm very envious of your former 240SX there, sonicsuby. I wanted one of those for a long time.
It turned out to be a great car. It handled well, had decent power (though not enough), was pretty comfy and had great looks. However, my true love was the WRX and I finally got her last Feb 
I know what you mean about dealers being morons. I went to a Honda dealer back when I was a lot younger. We told the guy we were looking for 90 - 91 prelude and he starts showing us del sols and stuff. Then he says: "man, I've got this great MR2 in the lot - yeah, there it is in the back there". It was a Fiero.
we left.
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From: Arcade, NY
Car Info: 2004 2.5TS manual
Too bad on the dealer experience. Try a diff subaru dealer.
I've had honda and toyota dealers treat me like that and worse. Just go to another one. Don't let some dippy salesman keep you from the car you want.
I've had honda and toyota dealers treat me like that and worse. Just go to another one. Don't let some dippy salesman keep you from the car you want.
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Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Montreal
I used to be the owner of a dark blue(blue ridge pearl) 2001 2.5 RS. I loved that car. The only reason I sold it was because my hours at work were cut. I am however looking for another one!
For 2001 there is the wheel bearing problem and also the head gaskets and I had one head light plug melt. All are covered under warranty.
As for the dealer you went to, they were morons. we have 2 or three dealers up here in the Montreal area which all have the same owner. The service at all of them is s**t. Try another.
John
For 2001 there is the wheel bearing problem and also the head gaskets and I had one head light plug melt. All are covered under warranty.
As for the dealer you went to, they were morons. we have 2 or three dealers up here in the Montreal area which all have the same owner. The service at all of them is s**t. Try another.
John
