well l posted a thread in the N/A powerplant section and didn't get any replies, so l'll post here, probably should have done that in the first place. l'm looking to get into a late 90's 2.5 RS, and l'm looking for any tips or advise as to what l should be looking for, how much l should expect to pay, stuff to watch out for, etc. any help would be greatly appreciated, l'm new to the world of subaru. Thanks in advance! cheers
-chris

 

hi.

I'm not completely sure about your options in Canada, so most of my input will be specific to the US market, though they probably aren't too different.

The RS was sold here between 1998 and 2001. The 1998/1999 models had no limited slip in the rear and their engines had a tendency to go through headgaskets. Subaru headgaskets are VERY expensive to replace if you're paying the labor .

The 2000/2001 models had a standard limited slip in the rear and had the SOHC 2.5 4 cyl that doesn't eat its headgaskets like the 98/99 models did. The 01 models came standard with the carbon fiber interior that was an option between 98-00. If you like it you like it, if not it isn't hard to get non CF replacement parts. I didnt' like it when we bought our RS and I'm used to it now.

Really, when it comes to buying one of these cars, just look at any of the normal stuff you would look at when buying a used car. Look for good service records, check body panels for for misfitting or discoloration that might indicate a previous accident that the seller has "forgotten" about or doesn't know of (if this is a multiple owner car). Check carfax obviously and have a mechanic YOU trust check out the car before you legally agree to any purchase terms and/or purchase the vehicle.

If you've found a clean and mechanically sound car, it's really what you want from the years - there's some slight body/light difference between the years and then the options I mentioned above. I prefer the 01 models the best - they had the most updated styling for the car in addition to the standard limited slip.

Good luck

 

Also, you can check out www.rs25.com. That's where all the RS guys hang out

 

thanks sonicsuby! l'll check out the rs25 site, and l'll try to avoid the 98-99 models if l can. canada got the same as the us for the RS as far as l can see, but it's cool to hear that 00-01 got factory rear lsd! cheers!

 

Oh, one other thing - the 98/99 models : once they've had the headgaskets replaced they're usually cool. It's just the factory units used by Subaru. the replacement factory gaskets are much better.

 

bump! anyone else? thanks!

 

i'm sure about the head gasket issue, but i have a 99 rs and it is sohc not dohc. mine has 75k on it and its turboed, no head gasket problems.

 

correction, i'm not sure about the head gaskets!