Bugeye WRX STi PPP vs Mk1 MX5

[JFReturns]

Hi PH'ers,

Help required please. I currently drive a now mint Mk1 MX5 - it has taken a year but it is now running beautifully and I love it.

However, I drive past a mint Bugeye STi every day and yesterday had a cheeky test drive. I am in a position to buy and run it as I use SWMBOs bluemotion to commute.



To be honest, I was underwhelmed at first. It felt woolier than a mammoth, and I had no idea what the front wheels were doing and couldn't hear the exhaust. I felt like I was driving a bus. But then most cars short of a Lotus/VX220 will feel like that after a Mk1 '5.

Despite that, I am seriously considering buying it but need more information. I have searched ScoobyNet but most of the topics are incomprehensible, with no solid buying guides. Can anyone point me in the right direction for more info?

What are everyones thoughts on this car? I have to admit, image is a slight problem for me. But only slight, I drive an MX5 after all and don't care what others think. Much.

The car has FSH, will have a years MOT, fresh service and the timing belt was replaced at the correct time. 46,000 miles and £8,000 - sound reasonable? Everything felt tight, no noises at all, but the gear box was a little notchy, and I felt a slight stutter / misfire in second gear at around 2500rpm....

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

J

Edited by JFReturns - engine does not rev to 25,000 rpm

Edited by JFReturns on Tuesday 14th September 08:34

[JFReturns]

ScoobieWRX said:

JFReturns said:

The car has FSH, will have a years MOT, fresh service and the timing belt was replaced at the correct time. 46,000 miles and £8,000 - sound reasonable? Everything felt tight, no noises at all, but the gear box was a little notchy, and I felt a slight stutter / misfire in second gear at around 2500rpm....

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

6spd STi boxes aren't as smooth or nice to use as the 5spd however they are pretty much bullet proof to 600ftlb torque.

The stutter/misfire at 2,500rpm is nothing to worry about and quite common. A couple of inexpensive mods and a remap will take care of that no worries.

Like the gearboxes the engines are pretty bullet proof and will take over 500bhp as standard if needed although safely enough they'll take over 400-430bhp all day long without flinching.

As has been said, you cannot compare a scooby to your MX-5 and although it's natural for you to do that it's a waste of time. You'll see the scooby come into it's own down a quiet B-Road when you really start pushing. Then i promise you see the point of a Scooby. find a scooby owner and ask him to take you out down some B-Roads while driving the car properly. Point to point it's an awesome bit of kit.

Exactly the reply I was looking for, thanks for taking the time.

Second test drive is booked for Saturday, this time with SWMBO who is warming to the idea simply because it is a safer car.

[JFReturns]

Thanks for the reply Gravel, much appreciated

Animal said:

ScoobieWRX said:

As has been said, you cannot compare a scooby to your MX-5 and although it's natural for you to do that it's a waste of time. You'll see the scooby come into it's own down a quiet B-Road when you really start pushing. Then i promise you see the point of a Scooby.

This. You just weren't driving fast enough!

I really didn't feel comfortable driving it fast - mainly because I couldn't feel waht was going on but also because I had the dealer sitting next to me. I'll have another go Saturday.

I was very impressed with how comfortable and quiet it was though! The seats were brilliant.

[JFReturns]

As far as I know, it is 100% standard....

[JFReturns]

Well, I had my second test drive and I was blown away...

Without the dealer sitting next to me I felt I could concentrate on driving and it was bloody amazing, and I finally 'get' what Imprezas are about. SWMBO drived and loved it too. Thats the thing, it drove quietly and comfortably at low speeds, but holy **** it flies when you want it to!

I pick it up next Wednesday

[JFReturns]

I'm keeping the '5, couldn't stand to part with it for the trade in price offered

[JFReturns]

Getting excited now

[JFReturns]

Well, two days of hooning and I know I made the right choice

She is called SUBO (as in Susan Boyle), because she is ugly as sin but warbles nicely - and not, as my mate politely put it "cos you like to be in her"

[JFReturns]

Erm... how long you got?

I'm still getting used to the boost... nothing nothing nothing BANG weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

[JFReturns]

Well, six weeks in and all is well. The power still surprises me and I love the looks, though I got quite a few negative comments from a few people, most notably my boss See this thread

The gearbox, in fact the whole car, does feel a bit grumpy when cold - but once warm it does get slicker. Still notchy, but I guess that is what ScoobieWRX mentioned below.

ScoobieWRX said:

6spd STi boxes aren't as smooth or nice to use as the 5spd however they are pretty much bullet proof to 600ftlb torque.

The stutter/misfire at 2,500rpm is nothing to worry about and quite common. A couple of inexpensive mods and a remap will take care of that no worries.

Another question for you Scoobie - what mods were you referring to above?

Also, does anyone have any recommendations in Kent for Scooby specialists, where I could get the remap done as well as servicing? I tried a search, but it is crap on here.

[JFReturns]

ScoobieWRX said:

If you're going to have a remap then it's worth doing some simple mods first. High flow flat panel air filter (K&N or Green Panel), Snorkus delete (Resonator Chamber modification), decat uppipe, and 2.5" cat back exhaust. That leaves you the main cat at the end of the downpipe in place which is all you need to get you through emissions testing come MOT time.

You have mail

Great stuff, thanks. I'm not really interested in more power (she has enough!) just smoothing out the delivery.

EDIT: for being stoopid.

Edited by JFReturns on Tuesday 9th November 08:51

[JFReturns]

scoobal said:

Try some decent gearbox oils, I changed mine for Motul stuff from opie and the 6sp is one of the nicest boxes I have had, pisses on my M3's. Can change gear without the clutch very easily matching engine revs.

Thanks Scoobal, I'll give it a go on my next service.