All years are good, but the 2018 has a front limited-slip differential, better dampers, and other refinements. Maintenance isn’t abnormally high if the car is treated well, and aftermarket support is strong. Test the Recaro seats—some people love them, others find them uncomfortable.
The RS is fun, but the suspension is stiff, and maintenance can add up over time. Issues like the head gasket (for early models), turbo noise, and trim rattles are known problems. Test drive to see if it suits your needs!
The RS is rare, with fewer than 10k in the US over 3 years, but aftermarket support is excellent. If you’re okay with the quirks and rarity, it’s a great choice.
Consider the ride quality. The RS is stiff, even in normal mode. If comfort is important, maybe look at a Type R (though it’s FWD). For harsh winters, the RS AWD shines.
Check for head gasket revisions on 2016-2017 models. Other issues include weather stripping, PTU leaks, and exhaust valve sticking. Despite the quirks, it’s a great performance car.
Thanks for the insights! It seems like the 2018 model might be worth the extra cost due to the added LSD and refinements. I’ll definitely test the Recaro seats before committing.
The 2018 RS includes RS2 package features like heated seats and steering wheel, black roof, and other refinements. It’s the best model year if you can find one in budget.