I am looking to buy a RS wanted some input on the car positive or negative. Thanks for your help.

 

I don't know if the current model is still called the RS.

The 2.5 will be cheaper to insure than the WRX or the STI. Over the years, the car has been reliable. Several years ago there was a problem with head gaskets on the 2.5 liter engine but that has been corrected.

Driving experience may be better with the manual transmission model as opposed to the automatic, as the 2.5 engine does not have the power or mid-range torque of the turbocharged engines.

The 2.5 can be modified with many of the same suspension and brake components as the WRX and STI.

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

 

i was lookng at the 2000+ years but i would like to stay in the older bodystyle.

 

I've got a 2005 2.5 RS, and I've really enjoyed it so far. True, it does not have the high rpm power of the turbo models, but does have plenty of scoot in the low-mid range, and is easy to dart around in lower gears. Its more fun to drive at these speeds than the 2.0L WRX's (pre-2006), until you get on the fwy and want to pass someone while in 5th gear, or when you want to zing it to the redline in all gears. I really wish I had some boost for passing and lane-change maneuvers.

I have not driven the 2006+ 2.5L WRX yet, but I can assume it must be nice to have the additional displacement and probably feels much like my RS at low rpm, yet probably pulls much harder after 2500-3000 rpm.

Overall, I really like my RS. It is a great everyday car and handles excellent. Another plus is that it doesn't need premium fuel, and gets high 20's for miles per gallon. As was stated above, handling and braking are easily improved upon with most parts that apply to the WRX. Hope this helps!

-Ryan-