need your input

[pw422]

I got the impreza itch and found two cars. which deal is better?

1998 rs blue 5speed coupe 14ok miles w/ minor dents and no ac for $5000
Or
1999 impreza L coupe 5 speed good body 146k for $2800

[dscoobydoo]

What are your plans with the car?
That should determine which one you should buy

[pw422]

daily driver for now and engine swap down the road. The rs looks better and also in the wrb blue that i love but no ac! and summer is coming. The L is cheaper but does have ac . Future plans call for wrx engine swap in either.

[entirelyturbo]

I voted for the L.

98 RS = EJ25D = headgaskets.

I understand you're gonna swap it, but the EJ22 in the L will at least be reliable until you do.

[BAC5.2]

RS FTW. AC is an easy fix.

Who cares if it blows the headgaskets? Turn it into an RSTi, and you won't have to worry about that.

The RS just looks cooler than the L. I'd rather do head gaskets than body work.

[pw422]

just look at the L.. rust on roof! dent rear quarter, approaching 170K , failed emission! check engine light on periodically, WTF! how much would you pay for this.

[rallysam]

RS, definitely, even if you're planning to swap.

The only reason I would get a lower-trim Impreza is if you wanted to do an ej22T swap into an old, pre-OBDII Impreza. But, if you're not gonna go that, then definitely RS over L.

The RS has little upgraded things all around. Rear disc brakes, sportier/supportive seats, maybe a rear LSD if you're lucky, hydraulic system for clutch, slightly stiffer springs, decent wheels, bumper that wants a big FMIC, higher quality all around. That's probably only half the upgrades. If you swap into an L, you'll have an endless list of small, unimportant things that could use an upgrade. That's ok, but an RS is just more convenient b/c some things are already done. Plus, the RS is a great-looking car but the L is a corolla.

Lower trims are lighter, but not enough to be worth it IMO, especially b/c swapping a turbo engine in will take away half that weight advantage.

Yes, it's possible to blow a HG, but I never did. Add the coolant conditioner recommended by Subaru, don't boost it, and cross your fingers. Replacing the HG is a pain, but it's not the end of the world.

[pw422]

thanks for all imput. I think i am getting an L

[monty's legacy]

thanks for all imput. I think i am getting an L

but where are you going to put it?? unless you found someone to pick up your other toys???