Swap an Octavia VRS for an STI?!?! Advice please :)

[Joe-2z6jw]

Hi all, so I'm new round here, but not to car forums etc.

So, I currently drive a 2009 Octavia VRS TDI hatch which is lovely. It's quickish, practical and frugal.

However, I've had it nearly 4 years and I feel like a change. A faster petrol powered 4WD change to be precise (don't want an Audi)! So I'm looking at late gen 2 impreza saloons (I don't actually need THAT much space) and I'd be willing to spend £5-6k.

Firstly, will that get me a decent late gen 2 STI or similar?

Secondly, what are they like to live with? I used to have a 1993 legacy, so I know Subaru interiors are pants. What are they like to drive every day and to commute in? I do the odd long trip on motorways from Sheffield to Wales etc, so what's that like? I also like working on my own cars too.

Now I know they're a bit thirsty, but realistically, how thirsty if driven normally, ie most of the time?

Thanks all!!

[Freds]

With any used car aged 9 years plus there's always going to be a cross section of good and bad, however, this possibly applies to the WRX more than any other marque, many have been loved, unmodified and cherished, others have had eight owners and had the wotsits screwed out of them, numerous second hand engines fitted and no end of body repairs.
There are some very nice ones about, they often find there way back to Subaru dealers, you will pay a premium but there's some peace of mind should you have any issues.
A well cared for car will give you many miles of reliable, fun driving, they're never going to be cheap to run or fuel unless you drive like Miss Daisy, I had both an 05 plate 2.0 and an 57 plate 2.5 from brand new to approximately 50k miles and 30 to the gallon was occasionally achievable, neither gave me a seconds trouble.

[Joe-2z6jw]

Cheers Freds. What are they like to live with day to day, what about long range comfort?

[Freds]

Joe-2z6jw said:

Cheers Freds. What are they like to live with day to day, what about long range comfort?

Being honest there are better long range cruisers, a firm ride and the exhaust note can become tedious on long journeys, later six speed cars are better suited to the motorways.
It might be worth your while having good run out in one on some good A roads or a Motorway.

[Freds]

This looks a nice example if it's not over budget.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

[MDMA .]

how about another Legacy ? 3.0 one - http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/s...

[Joe-2z6jw]

Cheers all, lots to consider! I could definitely do with a test drive first though.

[Stoatman]

Ive been looking at that legacy for a while !. It's been for sale for 6 months plus, they are being stubborn witht the price it seems. Do people think it's worth 5k , I'd go for 4 ...?

[Freds]

The mileage and price on this make more sense. http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

[jonny33]

I recently made the same decision as you. Sold my 2006 octavia VRS petrol after 5 years of ownership and bought a 2005 impreza WRX. The two cars are very difrrent, they both have about the same BHP but drive completely diffrently. The Octavia pulled and had boost from low rpm and was a lazy drive compared to the WRX which requires a lot more working to keep it in the fun zone.

I would not go back to the Octavia as the handling and drive of the WRX is much more enjoyable and engaging but this comes with the punishment of a stiffer and noisier ride with slightly increased running costs. I use it as my daily and would recommend taking a long test drive to see if its right for you.

[Joe-2z6jw]

jonny33 said:

I recently made the same decision as you. Sold my 2006 octavia VRS petrol after 5 years of ownership and bought a 2005 impreza WRX. The two cars are very difrrent, they both have about the same BHP but drive completely diffrently. The Octavia pulled and had boost from low rpm and was a lazy drive compared to the WRX which requires a lot more working to keep it in the fun zone.

I would not go back to the Octavia as the handling and drive of the WRX is much more enjoyable and engaging but this comes with the punishment of a stiffer and noisier ride with slightly increased running costs. I use it as my daily and would recommend taking a long test drive to see if its right for you.

Thanks man, guess I just need a test drive then. Seems like I'll be wanting a 6 speed STI then!

Thanks everyone else for the good answers too.

[TEKNOPUG]

Joe-2z6jw said:

jonny33 said:

I recently made the same decision as you. Sold my 2006 octavia VRS petrol after 5 years of ownership and bought a 2005 impreza WRX. The two cars are very difrrent, they both have about the same BHP but drive completely diffrently. The Octavia pulled and had boost from low rpm and was a lazy drive compared to the WRX which requires a lot more working to keep it in the fun zone.

I would not go back to the Octavia as the handling and drive of the WRX is much more enjoyable and engaging but this comes with the punishment of a stiffer and noisier ride with slightly increased running costs. I use it as my daily and would recommend taking a long test drive to see if its right for you.

Thanks man, guess I just need a test drive then. Seems like I'll be wanting a 6 speed STI then!

Thanks everyone else for the good answers too.

STi has slightly longer 6th for cruising but everything else is much more focused (harder, stiffer, noisier) than a softer WRX. Also, you'll be buying at the bottom of the market for an STi, as opposed to the top of the market for a WRX.