Thinking about getting an Impreza

[Chris71]

I'm toying with the idea of getting an Impreza as a daily driver.

We live in a fairly rural area, I do a lot of travelling for work and we're expecting a baby in the middle of January, so I might just have a justification for swapping my Clio Cup for something a bit more Banzai.

I've driven quite a few Scoobies in the past, but I've never lived with one long term (or had to pay any of the bills). What are they like as a daily proposition?

I'm expecting a bit of a step up in running costs relative to the Clio, but just how big a jump are we talking? Has anyone here owned both?

Finally, despite the practical justification I would probably go for one of the sportier models. Budget isn't huge - I honestly don't know how much I'd have to spend yet but it wouldn't be more than about £3k - so what would people recommend? I do quite a few miles with a fair bit of town driving as well as B-roads and I probably wouldn't be able to keep it for too long, so something that would be easy to resell would be advantageous. Reliability is also paramount.

PS Yes, I know I should just MTFU and/or put some winter tyres on my current car, but that's not really the point...

[Chris71]

Wow. Thanks for a very comprehensive response. Plenty of food for thought.

[Chris71]

I did a day with Prodrive a few years back and remember the PPP power delivery being preferable to the 'works' STi.

Out of interest, why no mention of the Classic-shape Impreza?

[Chris71]

Sad Weevil said:

Chris71 said:

I did a day with Prodrive a few years back and remember the PPP power delivery being preferable to the 'works' STi.

Out of interest, why no mention of the Classic-shape Impreza?

For your budget you could get a very good unmolested classic, if you take your time. I bought my bog standard '99 UK turbo2000 wagon a few months ago for less than £3k, under 50,000 miles, one owner, very full history, no rust. I had it about a week before deciding it needed the ppp, which I sourced used relatively easily, at a cost of under £500. They're noticeably lighter than the newage, less refined, and in my opinion, more rewarding to drive. The ppp gives around 260 ft/lbs of torque right where you need it in the midrange, making it very rapid in real world driving. I get around 28mpg on V-Power. I do oil changes every 3000 miles, which is what the car has had all it's life. I just fitted Nokian z-lines at £70 a corner for 205/50x16s. A well looked after classic should be depreciation free, as good unmolested ones are few and far between. Having said that, the guys I bought mine from have this at the moment, well worth a look:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

Funnily enough, I think the Classic shape Impreza is the only one I've never driven. I'd be more than happy with one of the newer models, just curious as to why the older cars hadn't really come up.

On a random note, I realise this is a total sheep in wolf's clothing but ... £994 with FSH and MOT?
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/used-cars/subaru/impre...

[Chris71]

paulmoonraker said:

Don't buy a classic unless you have cash to throw and it, and you can afford something that will hold value. If you want a car that you can use everyday, that doesn't feel 20 years old inside, then buy a new-age car.

A blobye WRX PPP is around 265bhp, reasonable inside, quick (as quick as the standard STi because of the 5 speed) and will be reliable.

Given the funds I'd be straight into a P1. Like you say, though, I'm thinking daily driver (and a third of the price) currently.