Originally Posted by fastback

Yes they are really that rare. Only a few thousand were built.

It has nothing to do with gearing, but yes the GSR has a slightly different gearbox from the other 2nd Gens. The high RPM is due to the fact that you are used to a larger displacement engine that doesn't need to spin as high to give you freeway cruising speeds.

The obvious thing you want to know about first is when the timing belt and water pump were last replaced - as that isn't an inexpensive job and is potentially fatal to the engine if the belt snaps. Check CV boots on the axles, rear trailing arm bushings, etc... more or less all standard wear and tear items should be looked at.

Welcome.