already strapped for cash and don't really want to extend the loan any more than i have to.
contacted a guy in brissy who will look around for me and see what he can find.  he got work mates daughter a new i30 for $1500 less than any dealer could do on the coast, so hopefully he finds a nice 3rd gen manual rx for ~$9k

had a look at the 2nd gen silver rx today, first thing i noticed when i turned on the car was the AC blasting into my face (and it was the best feeling today being ~32 degrees).  didnt take it for a drive but couldn't hear anything loose/belts/ticking noises.  the dealer very stupidly printed out his copy of the car profile, including what he paid for it, expenses, etc.   i asked him if it had been in any accidents, he pointed out it hadnt and the right inside fender paint was a perfect match with the factory under the bonnet (didn't check the left though).  and noticed on the sheet he printed me saying: 16/12/209 ron signorini  [job number] paint front bar and l/f gard (lol spelling)  $650.00    so not sure if the front bar and guard were replaced  or not.. also noticed couple dints in left side.  asked him about any head gasket problems but he didn't know as they somehow lost the log books when a red imprezza was taken away.  so thinking might give it a skip for the time being and see what this new guy can come up with. 

also saw a 3rd gen '99 white manual rx wagon, asking $10350 drive away, was alright, however had 202,000km on it
hmmmm....i will find a nice lib some day

What year model was it? And how much is "more expensive than the others" ?
Kms seem pretty low (will depend on yr model though).

That actually looks like a pretty good deal. It has the facelifted front end which is a plus in anyones books and low kms too. Wheels arent for me but if you like them then good for you!

Lol they will say anything to try and make a sale.
There are a few differences between the Heritage and the RX but clearly the RX is the one more sort after - with the wing etc. Hertiage's also only came in auto. Same engines though.

Keep your eye out mate. The perfect car for you will eventually turn up. The waiting game is the worst but getting something you really want is better than just putting up with something you dont.