Faults:

The gas tank will not burp, so when I put gas in, the fuel gun stops every gallon or so.. just gets annoying, especially in Oregon where you can't just pump your own gas.. I tried fixing it and found some solutions, but none lasted..

Struts are starting to get clunky in the rear, but dang they lasted over 200k.

There was some rust in the rear wheel wells and around the brake lights, but I fixed it all myself, so just the cost of metal and paint..

Instrument panel (speedo and guages) light is starting to dim and go out after 204k.

Only major repair that I still haven't done yet, is that the last time I changed the spark plugs, there was excessive oil around the plugs, so I bought new spark plug ring gaskets and the valve cover gaskets just because.. There is no oil leak, but my start ups are funny and it slowly burns my oil and causes an initial bad spark, which isn't helping me see over 19 mpg on the freeway.. but that also may be my crappy short ram intake (previous owner); not my choice, I might get a stock air filter system back on it soon to help my fuel mileage.

General Comments:

I bought my RS back in 09 from an auction, it was poorly drifted into a tree. It was hit in the front passenger side; most damage was around the fender and bumper.

After not finding used parts for the bumper cover or reinforcement, I had to buy them at a high price at the stealership.. but that's okay because the car is a boss. In fact I bought it online, and the mileage was a reported 138,000 miles, but when I first started it up and saw 193000, my heart stopped, I was livid. Good thing I got it to my door for about $1600.

Since then I have driven this thing every day, everywhere.. it still has the original battery in it, and I've got Hella Supertone horns on it and a 1200 watt amp with 2 10" inch subs in the trunk (which rattles the interior doors and about every inch of plastic in the car), and it still starts, even in 10 degree weather.

Living in Portland, OR, the car sees Mt Hood multiple times a week, and I've got summer tires on just like my Forester did. I've been driving in a foot of fresh powder on top of ice with 30% tread on summer tires, and the thing would never lose grip.. I trust Subaru's AWD system with my life.

The interior has rather comfortable and supportive seats. I must say they are much more comfortable than many other Subaru seats I've sat in.

This review might be long, but if you are a reader and are a fan of the 2.5 RS's, I would encourage you to get one. They are not turbo or fast (constantly mistaken for STI's), but are great candidates for swaps, and these cars have character; not many Subaru's are like the old RS's.

I am truly amazed at how well it drives. Even at 205k, this car turns heads and I get compliments all summer long (literally a minimum of 2 times a day). I must be lucky, but this car is truly amazing to have.

The only downfall, which may be very annoying for some, is the cabin noise level.. (more of a reason to listen to music louder). The windows have no outer trim and the sunroof has a whistly rattle to it once you hit about 50 mph. Doesn't bother me, but some people hate it. That goes for just about any pre-2008 or 2009 Subaru though.

Well I probably forgot a lot of little things, but overall this is a great car. My future plans involve an STI swap built right with the STI 6 speed.

Faults:

I have just purchased the car and put several K on it. Nothing is wrong with the car, but some things to highlight before you purchase one of these:

- Cabin/Wind noise is higher than normal.

- Close gear ratios meaning you need to change more often and higher revs at hwy speeds.

- No folding rear seats or trunk pass through.

General Comments:

The good points. The AWD is quite capable of keeping the car in full control. The differential, LSD, has more capability than most, even my previous Audi A4 (Torsen type), so you can do more with this car. This is not good for novice drivers, but a more experienced driver will appreciate the benefits (and fun times).

Power is more than sufficient for this vehicle's low curb weight and hwy acceleration is good.

Overall a solid, well designed machine that will appeal to a driver who prefers to experience a more positive driving experience.

Definitely a good buy for anyone in the snowbelt region.

With that said this car can be modified quite easily, as it is the platform for the Rally Champion, and it definitely feels like it wants to be champion of the city streets. I can't imagine how insane this car would be with the 270 HP version.

Resale on these is also excellent and reliability is as good or better than a Honda.