Right now I own a 96 VW Golf and as great as that car is I've become sick of all the little problems that act up with it. I've loved subaru's since I could drive and wanted a 2.5RS back in the day but couldnt afford the $27,000 price tag that it once was.

Anyway, I'm ditching the Golf and moving onto a 98 or 99 2.5RS coupe. What sort of common problems have people here run into with the car? Have you had anything major fail on you? Any little things that dont really make a difference to the reliability, but just drive you a bit nuts?

As well, if my memory serves me right the 98 and 99 2.5RS came with the DOHC 2.5L engine. Did the 2000 come with the same DOHC engine or was that the year they switched to the SOHC? My mom drives a 2001 Legacy GT right now and I know it has the SOHC cam engine. I know I would have to go with a 4-door model if I got a 2000 but if the engine is a step up I might settle for one.

Thanks for any advice you guys can give me. I've wanted this car for 6 years now so dont go ahead and tell me any bad news! Nah, go ahead, I'm just hoping the car is a reasonably reliable car.

 

I'm probably no help.. I recently bought a 03 RS and the only problems that I had were the clutch shudder problem in the mornings and my driver side window squeaking (Both fixed under warrenty) So far no other problems. I have 14,425 miles on it.. Just installed a COBB CAI and I lover even more. I believe pre 2000 came with the DOHC 2.5L engine but I think there were issues with the head gasket (or was that only the Legacy GT's?) How ever you slice it, RS's are awesome cars. I wanted a WRX, but they cost too much for both cost and insurance. I'm happy with my RS and will forever.
-Ells

 

Hi,
I just bought a 2000 2.5RS 1 month ago. Its a great car.
The 2000 has the SOHC. IMHO the 4dr spolier looks better than the coupe.
If you are used to the build quality of a VW, then you might find the Subaru build quality a little flimsier. But the drive and handling ore than make up for it.
Go for it.

Indy

 

The only problem I've had with my 2000 RS is that the arm rest extention gets in my girlfriends way when I'm driving