This '98 Impreza is my first Subaru with a manual transmission. The shifter has a lot of play compared to what I'm used to. Out of gear, it will move from one side to the other without any resistance. When in gear it will move about an inch and a half side to side without resistance.

 

Is this normal, or does something need to be tightened up?

Most likely the bushings are shot in your shifter linkage. It's a pretty common problem, they just wear out after awhile.

 

Not an easy job--you have to work from underneath the car and access is a bit limited. But well worth the effort. I did it recently and it is like driving a new car! (And hey, if I can do it . . . !)

 

Try a search on here for "shifter bushings." There are some good writeups and links. Haynes manual has helpful illustrations of the setup.

 

Good luck.