What's an impreza like to own ?
Discussion
Efbe said:
lack of responses is down to what you are asking.
you haven't mentioned type(wrx, sti, n/a etc) , year, engine or how you define fast, 0-60, mph, top speed, mid range?
Well I kinda wanted some guidance on this too I know sod all really of the car.you haven't mentioned type(wrx, sti, n/a etc) , year, engine or how you define fast, 0-60, mph, top speed, mid range?
For example have you owned a few and found one better than another
I'm looking at stuff at around 6k mark
Not owned one, but a couple of mates have owned a few between them
Apparent downsides: thirsty, even with a prodrive back box the throb can annoy neighbours, some servicing tricky/expensive, thirsty and possibly image?
Apparent upsides: good, useable allround/all weather performance and reliability, good seats on sti, good boot in wagon
I kinda want one, but current journeys are mostly 30mph zones, in 10mph rush hour, so not really viable
Apparent downsides: thirsty, even with a prodrive back box the throb can annoy neighbours, some servicing tricky/expensive, thirsty and possibly image?
Apparent upsides: good, useable allround/all weather performance and reliability, good seats on sti, good boot in wagon
I kinda want one, but current journeys are mostly 30mph zones, in 10mph rush hour, so not really viable
paulmoonraker said:
Cheap to maintain if you find a good indepndant. No more thirsty than any other 300bhp car.
The WRX is a little easier to live with as a daily.
The prodrive backbox is not loud
I'd agree with all the above. I didn't find the prodrive too loud, some neighbours (old, and in a very quiet cul de sac) did, but possibly due to drivers poor parking skills (many back and forth attempts to get off the drive!)The WRX is a little easier to live with as a daily.
The prodrive backbox is not loud
Ilovejapcrap said:
As title what's it like to live with one of the more common models ? Standard ish power
How fast compared to stuff like a type r civic are they, what's the fuel like.
Do they get annoying day to day with noise etc
Replacement parts pricey ?
Honest views of prez owners please
They are livable on a daily basis, depends what model you are going for also, the classic (pre 2001 cars) have 6 month service intervals/7.5k miles whichever is first, most have rust coming through on the rear arches which isnt cheap to fix, newer models can still suffer from rot, the new age can suffer around the front window and the rear arches, subframe can also suffer, engines are normally reliable (2ltr) if maintained and not over tuned/badly tuned, 6 speed gearboxes on the new age STI's are very strong but you can get wear on the syncro's.How fast compared to stuff like a type r civic are they, what's the fuel like.
Do they get annoying day to day with noise etc
Replacement parts pricey ?
Honest views of prez owners please
Hawk 2.5 STI's and hatches can and do suffer from engine issues, especially at the age they are, ringland failure and HG issues were common on the 06/07 cars, sort of resolved on later cars (supposedly) but this has proven to be incorrect, not as common but still an issue.
Fuel economy, you are looking at around 15-18 around town for STI's, these also require Super Unleaded fuel as standard, WRX's are not as bad but still thirsty for what you get.
Servicing costs at dealers are high, parts are expensive and difficult to get hold of as there is little in the way of stock held in the UK, plenty of speciallists around but not all are good.
Insurance and road tax are expensive and they are not that noisy unless someone has shoved some stupidly loud exhaust on and most are not as quick as you think compared to most new hot hatches.
Owned 4, 2 of which were new, 3 of which were Japanese Domestic Market cars and 2 of them new age twin scroll engined and the other 2 classics (all 3 JDM's were STI's).
TBH, Subaru (note International Motors) has killed the marque in the UK, especially with the 2.5ltr engine issues that were never sorted out properly and a poor dealer network (not to say that there were never good dealers who knew what they were doing but most were diabolical and most of the good ones have moved away from the marque doing something that makes money).
If you can put up with all of the above then buy one, they are a fun car but I dont regret selling my last one (even though that was a hard decision to do so), just dont expect it to be fixed quickly if it goes wrong and the amount of trash out there is unbelievable.
You never mentioned a budget, what sort of price are you looking at?
If you have the funds, a 2005 STi is the one to go for. The later hawkeye is also great, but you need to budget in for a rebuild (like I did). They are also two very different cars because of the differing engine characteristics. The 2.0ltr revs harder and higher, whereas the 2.5ltr is more about torque.
This would be worth a read http://www.pistonheads.com/doc.asp?c=52&i=2883... :-).
The real question is Impreza WRX or Impreza WRX STI. The STI is the top model of the range with your budget you'd need to look at Bug Eyes or very early Blob Eyes (eye's refer to the headlight style).
The WRX is a step below the STI in performance (still very quick) but is as mentioned earlier a much easier car to live with. If your going the WRX route you can look at Blob and early Hawk Eye models. Try if you can to find one with PPP fitted as it brings the power level with a standard STI and has a pretty nice sound to it.
Anyway in response to your questions:
As title what's it like to live with one of the more common models ? Standard ish power
2003 WRX PPP - It was a very good all round car which tbh was pretty much as quick as you'd ever need for public roads. Didn't cost me much in maintenance bar regular oil changes/servicing and new tyres. I loved it as it could cruise along happily and also kick mercilessly when asked.
2007 WRX STI - Different beast entirely. Stronger internals and more power than the WRX it is utterly relentless (every time I open the taps it makes me smile). The suspension is very hard (you can pretty much feel every bump in the road). Maintenance has been a bit higer needed tyres and brakes (discs and pads) but not too bad given what the car is capable of.
Overall both are very good cars its just a case of what you want them for. If looking for performance (with costs less of a concern) go for the STI. If looking for the easier car to live with go for the WRX.
How fast compared to stuff like a type r civic are they, what's the fuel like.
On paper an both a WRX and STI are quicker than a Civic though I can't comment further having never driven the Civic. My guess would be it would have a hard time hanging onto a scooby driven well.
As for fuel my WRX returned around 27 mpg over the 2 years I ran it (made it to 31 mpg once) and my WRX STI returns around 23 mpg. The thing to note is when pushing both cars are capable of single figures in mpg. Sadly I've never managed that but I try ;-).
Do they get annoying day to day with noise etc
Not really the power whenever you want it makes for happy days and the bubble is always a lovely thing to hear. As for internal noise you stop noticing the various rattles from the interior trim as this is a "feature" :-P of both the Imprezas and the Evos.
Replacement parts pricey ?
They can be tyres cost me £80 a corner (eagle F1's) and the brakes on my STI totalled something like £800 for both discs and pads (these were uprated standard was £500). I'm also having an issue with the self leveling headlights which need a sensor replaced. This will cost £300 for each. Servicing is good though around £100.
The WRX slightly cheaper servicing £100 again with £80 per corner. It needed a cam belt and tensioner change which cost I think £300 and had new pads though I don't remember how much they were.
Overall if you avoid main dealers and go for a specialist they aren't all that pricey to run/maintain.
Hope this helps and as suggested 2005 STI with PPP is the way to go if you can afford one.
The real question is Impreza WRX or Impreza WRX STI. The STI is the top model of the range with your budget you'd need to look at Bug Eyes or very early Blob Eyes (eye's refer to the headlight style).
The WRX is a step below the STI in performance (still very quick) but is as mentioned earlier a much easier car to live with. If your going the WRX route you can look at Blob and early Hawk Eye models. Try if you can to find one with PPP fitted as it brings the power level with a standard STI and has a pretty nice sound to it.
Anyway in response to your questions:
As title what's it like to live with one of the more common models ? Standard ish power
2003 WRX PPP - It was a very good all round car which tbh was pretty much as quick as you'd ever need for public roads. Didn't cost me much in maintenance bar regular oil changes/servicing and new tyres. I loved it as it could cruise along happily and also kick mercilessly when asked.
2007 WRX STI - Different beast entirely. Stronger internals and more power than the WRX it is utterly relentless (every time I open the taps it makes me smile). The suspension is very hard (you can pretty much feel every bump in the road). Maintenance has been a bit higer needed tyres and brakes (discs and pads) but not too bad given what the car is capable of.
Overall both are very good cars its just a case of what you want them for. If looking for performance (with costs less of a concern) go for the STI. If looking for the easier car to live with go for the WRX.
How fast compared to stuff like a type r civic are they, what's the fuel like.
On paper an both a WRX and STI are quicker than a Civic though I can't comment further having never driven the Civic. My guess would be it would have a hard time hanging onto a scooby driven well.
As for fuel my WRX returned around 27 mpg over the 2 years I ran it (made it to 31 mpg once) and my WRX STI returns around 23 mpg. The thing to note is when pushing both cars are capable of single figures in mpg. Sadly I've never managed that but I try ;-).
Do they get annoying day to day with noise etc
Not really the power whenever you want it makes for happy days and the bubble is always a lovely thing to hear. As for internal noise you stop noticing the various rattles from the interior trim as this is a "feature" :-P of both the Imprezas and the Evos.
Replacement parts pricey ?
They can be tyres cost me £80 a corner (eagle F1's) and the brakes on my STI totalled something like £800 for both discs and pads (these were uprated standard was £500). I'm also having an issue with the self leveling headlights which need a sensor replaced. This will cost £300 for each. Servicing is good though around £100.
The WRX slightly cheaper servicing £100 again with £80 per corner. It needed a cam belt and tensioner change which cost I think £300 and had new pads though I don't remember how much they were.
Overall if you avoid main dealers and go for a specialist they aren't all that pricey to run/maintain.
Hope this helps and as suggested 2005 STI with PPP is the way to go if you can afford one.
As title what's it like to live with one of the more common models?
I own an RB5 PPP that isn't at standardish power. It's somewhere over 330. It's pretty wild given the classics are very light and it spools very quickly thanks to the twin scroll. It will often spin all 4 wheels on the move if your ham-fisted with it.
How fast compared to stuff like a type r civic are they, what's the fuel like.
I owned a 54 Civic Type R for 3 years and I absolutely adored it. My RB5 is on a holy different plane for performance. I've got a friend who still owns one and there really isn't much of a comparison. The CTR is probably as good on long sweeping corners as the RB5 but out of slow corners, round abouts and everywhere the RB5 utterly demolishes it. Fuel? High 20's on a run and around 18-20 during light running around towns.
Do they get annoying day to day with noise etc
Mine is very noisy on motorways thanks to the Miltek and is reasonable around towns but nowhere near as quiet as the CTR on a standard exhaust.
Replacement parts pricey ?
Classic parts aren't too bad depending on what you buy and where from. My car has had a huge amount of maintenance due to the previous owners neglect.
I've had two blob eyes, WRX, both mapped, 2nd time by Andy F. Second one was a wagon, much preferred this to saloon. It was sitting around the 280-290 mark with same amount of torque.
I'd go as far to say, the WRX is probably one of thee best motors on the road. I cannot speak for current versions, but mine was certainly bullet proof. The downside for me was what eventually caused me to sell up - Fuel consumption. Yep you can achieve 30mpg, but for me that was driving off boost. Anytime i seemed to be in boost, which was quite a lot, it would eat the fuel, they are just not economical cars. What you loss there, is made up for by the sound of the car. I had down pipe back, straight through with prodrive rear box. I did not think it was overly loud or intrusive, actually the opposite, nice and sedate with a lovely burble.
Build quality again on the blob eye was second to none. Would i buy again, no doubt if i could get a low miler. Not overly impressed by the hawk eye, and the risk of engine failure comparing with the blob eye was much greater.
The last two versions of the STI, I like, and if i wished to go down the 4wd route again (which is unlikely) I would not hesitate on one of those.
Fantastic cars without a doubt.
I'd go as far to say, the WRX is probably one of thee best motors on the road. I cannot speak for current versions, but mine was certainly bullet proof. The downside for me was what eventually caused me to sell up - Fuel consumption. Yep you can achieve 30mpg, but for me that was driving off boost. Anytime i seemed to be in boost, which was quite a lot, it would eat the fuel, they are just not economical cars. What you loss there, is made up for by the sound of the car. I had down pipe back, straight through with prodrive rear box. I did not think it was overly loud or intrusive, actually the opposite, nice and sedate with a lovely burble.
Build quality again on the blob eye was second to none. Would i buy again, no doubt if i could get a low miler. Not overly impressed by the hawk eye, and the risk of engine failure comparing with the blob eye was much greater.
The last two versions of the STI, I like, and if i wished to go down the 4wd route again (which is unlikely) I would not hesitate on one of those.
Fantastic cars without a doubt.
As I understand it the 2.5 WRX (Hawkeyes) didn't suffer from the engine issues the STI's did, but I might be wrong.
I've had mine 2 years now, and apart from regular servicing (Shout out to Extreme Scoobies in Chelmsford) , a set of Falken FK453's at 90 quid a corner it's been fine, handled abuse , including a few 4k rpm launches.
It's going to need a new clutch before long though, probably around 500 quid with the flywheel skim or thereabouts.
Fuel consumption is reasonable at 22 / 25mpg combined I always run Shell Nitro even though it is totally standard.
Tax is heavy at 485 sovs per year, but i knew that when I purchased the car and it's something I'm prepared to live with.
Driving in town traffic is easy, the clutch isn't heavy, it's a nice, easy car to drive in slow traffic and Mrs T finds it easy enough to handle. Visibility isn't too bad , the seats are comfy, noise not an issue and the ride not overly harsh but it is noticeably different to our Mazda 6 of course. Steering is precise and the turning circle fairly small. The grip does inspire confidence and the cars behaviour in the wet is exemplary , but a decent choice of tyres (I'm running Falken FK 453's all round) can make a huge difference.
Very torquey motor, lovely , precise gearbox with good ratios. On an empty road it's easy to get it wound up into 3 figures if you're not careful, power delivery on the standard car is from around 2.8 k upwards and tails off around 5.5k, so a relatively small power band. This coming year I intend to get it mapped, fuel pump, filter and a sensible exhaust (Hayward and Scott I've been told) with a reasonable increase in power and torque to around 280 bhp / 320 Ft Lb.
However, the stereo sucks big time, the WRX has little or nothing by the way of gadgets, but while rooting around I found a full SAT NAV / Tracker system under the passenger footwell. No idea why it is there as the car has a standard head unit (any advice much appreciated).
Got a tiny bubble coming through on the front wing now, otherwise it's pretty good all round for an 8 year old car. Nothing by way of Cruise control, interior lighting is poor and the carpets are very thin.
I've had mine 2 years now, and apart from regular servicing (Shout out to Extreme Scoobies in Chelmsford) , a set of Falken FK453's at 90 quid a corner it's been fine, handled abuse , including a few 4k rpm launches.
It's going to need a new clutch before long though, probably around 500 quid with the flywheel skim or thereabouts.
Fuel consumption is reasonable at 22 / 25mpg combined I always run Shell Nitro even though it is totally standard.
Tax is heavy at 485 sovs per year, but i knew that when I purchased the car and it's something I'm prepared to live with.
Driving in town traffic is easy, the clutch isn't heavy, it's a nice, easy car to drive in slow traffic and Mrs T finds it easy enough to handle. Visibility isn't too bad , the seats are comfy, noise not an issue and the ride not overly harsh but it is noticeably different to our Mazda 6 of course. Steering is precise and the turning circle fairly small. The grip does inspire confidence and the cars behaviour in the wet is exemplary , but a decent choice of tyres (I'm running Falken FK 453's all round) can make a huge difference.
Very torquey motor, lovely , precise gearbox with good ratios. On an empty road it's easy to get it wound up into 3 figures if you're not careful, power delivery on the standard car is from around 2.8 k upwards and tails off around 5.5k, so a relatively small power band. This coming year I intend to get it mapped, fuel pump, filter and a sensible exhaust (Hayward and Scott I've been told) with a reasonable increase in power and torque to around 280 bhp / 320 Ft Lb.
However, the stereo sucks big time, the WRX has little or nothing by the way of gadgets, but while rooting around I found a full SAT NAV / Tracker system under the passenger footwell. No idea why it is there as the car has a standard head unit (any advice much appreciated).
Got a tiny bubble coming through on the front wing now, otherwise it's pretty good all round for an 8 year old car. Nothing by way of Cruise control, interior lighting is poor and the carpets are very thin.
The WRX didn't seem to face the issues because they run less boost. So the heads didn't lift, the cylinders didn't move about and therefore the head gaskets didn't go. Nor did they suffer ringland failure. However, I'm sure you can find a few examples of WRX engine failure, but nothing like the STi.
Anyway, getting it mapped then you'll have the potential for all of those problems.
Anyway, getting it mapped then you'll have the potential for all of those problems.
I'm now on my 4th Impreza 3 of which have been wagons and Turbo as is my present one i also have owned a Legacy gtb all with that boxer engine which tbh is very very addictive,having left subaru ownership recently for a Honda Civic type r which was big big mistake while it was fun for a couple of weeks it started getting boring having wring the guts out of it to get that vtec performance something i have never felt owning a Scooby.
I have the wagon for 2 reasons 1,its practical something the last saloon i had wasn't 2,theres the performance its very similar to the saloon and just as easy to mod and on the plus side there's a hell of a lot of spares going fairly cheaply too.
I've had both the WRX and AWD versions the import is supposed to be a bit quicker but tbh the difference isn't that noticeable although both seem to suffer with rear arch rust,regular oil changes are a must only using fully synthetic oils to keep that boxer beat ticking over nicely.
I also use mine day in day out and off boost isn't that bad [i've had Legnum vr4 that was thirsty]even tho tesco 99 is a little more pricy[super should only be used in these cars] than normal unleaded.
I have left Subaru ownership a few times and always come back everything else seems boring that flat four sound is so addictive it seems to get imprinted in your DNA lol
I have the wagon for 2 reasons 1,its practical something the last saloon i had wasn't 2,theres the performance its very similar to the saloon and just as easy to mod and on the plus side there's a hell of a lot of spares going fairly cheaply too.
I've had both the WRX and AWD versions the import is supposed to be a bit quicker but tbh the difference isn't that noticeable although both seem to suffer with rear arch rust,regular oil changes are a must only using fully synthetic oils to keep that boxer beat ticking over nicely.
I also use mine day in day out and off boost isn't that bad [i've had Legnum vr4 that was thirsty]even tho tesco 99 is a little more pricy[super should only be used in these cars] than normal unleaded.
I have left Subaru ownership a few times and always come back everything else seems boring that flat four sound is so addictive it seems to get imprinted in your DNA lol
As title what's it like to live with one of the more common models ? Standard ish power
I recently purchased a 2004 Blob eye Wagon, pretty much standard apart from PPP package added, it's my first WRX and I bought it really so I could have a car with plenty of room and the speed of a motorcycle, I love bikes but age is taking its toll on me and this was ideal for the convenience of a car and fun factor, every time I floor it I get a stupid grin on my face, similar to when I test drove a Tesla Model S.
How fast compared to stuff like a type r civic are they, what's the fuel like.
I don't tend to get into many races with civics etc, but anyone who has shown some interest has disappeared rather quickly in my rear view mirror.
It can be heavy on fuel if you gas it a lot, around town I get about 300 miles per tank, maybe more. This is from the odd lead foot session but mostly driving around at 1500 - 2000 revs, my HUD via OBD2 sensor says im getting 30MPG when going steady and 19MPG when gunning it.
Do they get annoying day to day with noise etc
I have a ProDrive Pipe, it's got a low deep burble to it, not very loud and sounds silent in the car, even driving with the windows open I can hardly hear it. Only person who moaned to me about it is my neighbour, but she moans about everything and anything because she has no life of her own.
Replacement parts pricey ?
I have not experienced the parts section yet, but I was looking at some snow tyres for winter, and I was rather shocked that they were only £55 each, which for this car seems super cheap.
Don't know if that helps but I do love having my WRX, not driving it mad all the time because I don't have to, it's just there if I like the extra power and it handles like a go cart.
To make mine better I changed the stereo for a touch screen unit, installed an amp and sub and all the phone gadgets, usb interface and cameras etc, just making it your own makes it even more better.
I like the wagon because it looks like a normal car and blends in, more like a wolf in sheep's clothing.
I recently purchased a 2004 Blob eye Wagon, pretty much standard apart from PPP package added, it's my first WRX and I bought it really so I could have a car with plenty of room and the speed of a motorcycle, I love bikes but age is taking its toll on me and this was ideal for the convenience of a car and fun factor, every time I floor it I get a stupid grin on my face, similar to when I test drove a Tesla Model S.
How fast compared to stuff like a type r civic are they, what's the fuel like.
I don't tend to get into many races with civics etc, but anyone who has shown some interest has disappeared rather quickly in my rear view mirror.
It can be heavy on fuel if you gas it a lot, around town I get about 300 miles per tank, maybe more. This is from the odd lead foot session but mostly driving around at 1500 - 2000 revs, my HUD via OBD2 sensor says im getting 30MPG when going steady and 19MPG when gunning it.
Do they get annoying day to day with noise etc
I have a ProDrive Pipe, it's got a low deep burble to it, not very loud and sounds silent in the car, even driving with the windows open I can hardly hear it. Only person who moaned to me about it is my neighbour, but she moans about everything and anything because she has no life of her own.
Replacement parts pricey ?
I have not experienced the parts section yet, but I was looking at some snow tyres for winter, and I was rather shocked that they were only £55 each, which for this car seems super cheap.
Don't know if that helps but I do love having my WRX, not driving it mad all the time because I don't have to, it's just there if I like the extra power and it handles like a go cart.
To make mine better I changed the stereo for a touch screen unit, installed an amp and sub and all the phone gadgets, usb interface and cameras etc, just making it your own makes it even more better.
I like the wagon because it looks like a normal car and blends in, more like a wolf in sheep's clothing.
I've had 4 - a bog standard 2004 wrx at one end of the spectrum and an rb320 at the other. I really, really love standard wrxs. They are lovely and smooth and relaxing to drive. Really comfortable ride, nice hushed confident whooshing on acceleration (like a plane taxying my gf says) and regardless of the basic interior a really calming place to sit. I averaged 29ish mpg in mine and still miss it. Mind you I loved the PPP wrx even more... Faster, sounded terrific and all the other bonuses still there. Get leather seats - there's something lovely about the smell of a leather impreza. As for the RB... Best daily driver I've ever had.
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