You want the SR, not the RS. Fortunately the RS is not a model option in the Gen II. It was in the Gen I so that may cause some confusion.
92-93SR's: 3.0L sohc v6, 4.6x:1 r&p gears & a ~8.5" locking rear diff. Cons: smaller engine, lower hp/torque, & smaller rear diff.
94-96SR's: 3.5L dohc v6, 4.6x:1 r&p gears & a 9.5" locking rear diff.
Pros: Most powerful 3.5 engine offered by mitsu & a large rear differential & axles.
Cons: 3.5 dohc is considered by many to be a complex engine to work on.
97-00SR's: 3.5L sohc v6, 4.2x:1 r&p gears & when optioned with the "Winter Package" a 9.5" locking rear diff. Non-winter packaged vehicles would have come with either open or LSD rear end.
Pros: Less complicated engine w/ SOHC's, nicer interior amenities (heated seats, etc.)
Cons: Slightly less hp/torque. R&P ratio is not as low as the 4.6x gears in the earlier SR (4.2x:1) making it not as easy to upgrade tire sizes and still have adequate power.
Things to check on any of these...
ENGINE
Timing Belt: When was timing belt done last? They're supposed to be done every 60K but one can hold off until 100K if not abused. Cost when I did my 96SR was +$800 (Fremont CA) in mid 2010.
Compression: Check the engine condition via leak down test, not just a compression check.
Oil Consumption: Mitsu v6's are known for oil consumption but not because of poor rings or valves but because of their Valve Guide Seals.
If there is a cloud of smoke from the tail pipe after a cold start up or when you rev the engine after idling for ~5 minutes then it likely needs either new valve guide seals or possibly a valve job done. Cost for just the seals will be $600-800 (assuming they know how to without doing a full valve job). Not sure what the cost for a full valve job is, but it won't be cheaper.
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission: The tranny's are pretty reliable but if it's not shifting right, run away. They aren't cheap to fix if it's a major problem. Rebuilds will be over $2k.
Transfer Case: The xcase is also very reliable however the 4wd actuator for the front Central Axle Disconnect is a vacuum actuated solenoid system. Without regular use, the grease can gum up and it won't work properly.
As for the ones you found in California...
Sounds like that 94 is missing the rear seats. May be a deal breaker if you want to carry more than 2 people. 200K is ok so long as it was well maintained.
The 95 in Rosemead looks a little rough in the Interior but that's really personal choice. Again, check the same things I suggest above.
The 96 in Chula Vista is NOT an SR and likely won't have a Locking diff. I would not recommend this one due to the limitations in upgrade-ability.
The 95SR in the Portola District does not show the mileage or pics. I'd check that as well as how it looks before checking it out further.
The 96SR in Goldenvale looks ok but I'd bet the driver seat leather is worn out (hence the seat cover). It is a mirror of my rig when I bought it though.
The 94SR in Portland looks ok too but it doesn't have leather seats. Most if not All SR's came with Leather so I'd doublecheck it has a locker. For that matter, doublecheck that they ALL have a "RD Lock" locker switch at the bottom left of the center console.
Also for any of these, I highly recommend you get a 1 month subscription to Carfax and check all VIN numbers for inconsistencies in service, mileage, etc.
HTH.
