Impreza 2.5 WRX
Discussion
My thread didn't get much of a look in in GG, so I've posted here - apologies for the cross posting.
Does anybody have any informed opinion on these? Having never driven a Subaru/EVO or the like, I don't really have much in the way of an opinion as to whether it's a good car or not.
The reason I ask about the WRX is that it's practical (4 doors, 4/5 seats) reliable (the 2.0 always got a good write up in JD Power surveys) and quick. I can get one of these with the recent facelift on an '06 plate for just over £15K. Which seems, to me at least, to be the bargain of the century.
Before I start taking any test drives. What if any are the negatives?
Thanks
Steve
Does anybody have any informed opinion on these? Having never driven a Subaru/EVO or the like, I don't really have much in the way of an opinion as to whether it's a good car or not.
The reason I ask about the WRX is that it's practical (4 doors, 4/5 seats) reliable (the 2.0 always got a good write up in JD Power surveys) and quick. I can get one of these with the recent facelift on an '06 plate for just over £15K. Which seems, to me at least, to be the bargain of the century.
Before I start taking any test drives. What if any are the negatives?
Thanks
Steve
anniesdad said:
Before I start taking any test drives. What if any are the negatives?
Not the best looking car in the world (IMHO)
Not the most unusual car in the world (IMHO)
Not the cheapest thing in the world to run.
That being said, if you can find one for 15K, they seem to be pretty well built, go like stink and are fairly easy to tune if you ever get bored.
We're in Jap Chat aren't we. I would assume looks aren't everything in this forum? 
Seriously, is it the new nose job that's the problem? The fact they look a little undertyred?
I can live with awkward looks as long as it drives well.
>> Edited by anniesdad on Thursday 30th March 16:22
Seriously, is it the new nose job that's the problem? The fact they look a little undertyred?
I can live with awkward looks as long as it drives well.
>> Edited by anniesdad on Thursday 30th March 16:22
anniesdad said:
Seriously, is it the new nose job that's the problem? The fact they look a little undertyred?
I can live with awkward looks as long as it drives well.
I actually quite like the new front-end more than the older ones and the body's a tiny bit less boxy than before. Bigger rims might look bling and fill the arches more but you'd lose some handling and that's one thing they do brilliantly...
I had one years ago as a company car. (Not the same vehicle exactly, obviously). It never missed a beat in 5 months of serious motoring - somewhere around 25,000 miles. I'm used to 4WD so maybe take this with a pinch of salt, but I've never known such a quick car that was so well planted and predictable. I swear it'd be able to go fast enough to get you banned while going around a roundabout. It did seem better with more weight over the back axle than without .... and I got a nail in one of the tyres once .... nope - that's it.
ETA - it was also incredibly good to my bad back - very comfortable indeedy!
>> Edited by J1mmyD on Thursday 30th March 16:29
ETA - it was also incredibly good to my bad back - very comfortable indeedy!
>> Edited by J1mmyD on Thursday 30th March 16:29
iaint said:
Seriously, is it the new nose job that's the problem? The fact they look a little undertyred?
I can live with awkward looks as long as it drives well.
I actually quite like the new front-end more than the older ones and the body's a tiny bit less boxy than before. Bigger rims might look bling and fill the arches more but you'd lose some handling and that's one thing they do brilliantly...
They're only a 205 section tyre, I think aren't they? Don't get me wrong I see this as an advantage as surely the car will give more feel. I wouldn't change the wheels as that's not really my thing, I simply mentioned this as the initial replies were about the cars looks and to be honest, it's relatively undertyred look in section that is, is the only real reservation I have.
People keep banging on to me about theft/chav. image etc. But I ain't bothered(!) about the chav. image. The theft risk would be a worry but only if either my family or I were directly involved in the handing over of keys etc. I live in Manchester and they like taking their cars in the GMP area, but then :touchwood: I haven't had any issues with the Boxster yet and it's not garaged at night. So I just don't know....
anniesdad said:
Please understand my comment was with tongue firmly in cheek.
I got that
Drastically lacking in economy and practicality but 15k would get you a stunning rex...
Would the Impreza be a better drive than the boxster though? I doubt it but more practical I guess.
I have my fun car and practicalish car but that's not an option for everyone.
unless there's a reason to buy a 15k impreza I'd be tempted to go for something a little older that's had much TLC from a real fanatic owner. If you're not into cosmetic mods something with some fun handling and engine mods would be cool. For the cost of the newer car you could have a monster...
iaint said:
Please understand my comment was with tongue firmly in cheek.
I got that
Drastically lacking in economy and practicality but 15k would get you a stunning rex...
Would the Impreza be a better drive than the boxster though? I doubt it but more practical I guess.
I have my fun car and practicalish car but that's not an option for everyone.
unless there's a reason to buy a 15k impreza I'd be tempted to go for something a little older that's had much TLC from a real fanatic owner. If you're not into cosmetic mods something with some fun handling and engine mods would be cool. For the cost of the newer car you could have a monster...
When you say it's lacking in practicality....how so? The Boxster will be staying for now at least but I need a car with 4/5 seats (family man) and don't want a boring rep spec. car if I can avoid it. At 15K with a full 3 year warranty and Subaru's seemingly unburstable reputation for engineering, I'd have a go at the 2.5. Insurance isn't too bad (£700). Most of the day to day mileage will be either negligible or motorway miles so fuel, shouldn't be that much of an issue.
iaint said:
When you say it's lacking in practicality....how so?
I'm referring to the rex not the scooby! The scoob's pretty practical in 4-door wagon mode. Thought about one myself but got the Jeep in the end
Sorry mate..I get you....now.
If it can get a buggy in the boot and a couple of sprogs in the back seats it's practical enough for me!
Does anybody on PH own one yet? I've had a quick look through the fleet directory but seemingly nobody's got one?
Maybe I could be the first....
anniesdad said:
When you say it's lacking in practicality....how so?
I'm referring to the rex not the scooby! The scoob's pretty practical in 4-door wagon mode. Thought about one myself but got the Jeep in the end
Sorry mate..I get you....now.
If it can get a buggy in the boot and a couple of sprogs in the back seats it's practical enough for me!
Does anybody on PH own one yet? I've had a quick look through the fleet directory but seemingly nobody's got one?
Maybe I could be the first....
I've got one!! A 5 door 06 WRX 2.5. Only 400 miles so far but its great as a fun second car. Engine pulls well but is a bit rough in my opinion, will be talking to dealer at 1000 miles service.
used to own a classic which i bought from new
at just over 15k new its a bargain and i would definitely own one again.
performance also is good (60 in about 5.5 secs)
only downsides for me were the poor economy 22 odd mpg and the insurance is a bit steep.
dad was carjacked in his own impreza 5 years ago outside his house but hasnt put him off as he still owns it to this day
i think they are supposed to be updating the model in 12months maybe with a complete overhaul
at just over 15k new its a bargain and i would definitely own one again.
performance also is good (60 in about 5.5 secs)
only downsides for me were the poor economy 22 odd mpg and the insurance is a bit steep.
dad was carjacked in his own impreza 5 years ago outside his house but hasnt put him off as he still owns it to this day
i think they are supposed to be updating the model in 12months maybe with a complete overhaul
jfrf said:
used to own a classic which i bought from new
at just over 15k new its a bargain and i would definitely own one again.
performance also is good (60 in about 5.5 secs)
only downsides for me were the poor economy 22 odd mpg and the insurance is a bit steep.
dad was carjacked in his own impreza 5 years ago outside his house but hasnt put him off as he still owns it to this day
i think they are supposed to be updating the model in 12months maybe with a complete overhaul
£15k???? The WRX starts at £21K
www.motorpoint.co.uk/search_results.aspx?offer=244
15k here, you just need to add locking wheel nuts and an alarm
should have the full 3 year uk warranty
even when i got mine new, i imported it from holland.
luckily the supermarkets make it even easier and cheaper
15k here, you just need to add locking wheel nuts and an alarm
should have the full 3 year uk warranty
even when i got mine new, i imported it from holland.
luckily the supermarkets make it even easier and cheaper
Motorpoint is where I'm looking at them. The car (choice of) is £14999 including VAT (VAT qualifying cars), but doesn't have an alarm/tracker which are essentials. The warranty is the balance of the 3 year warranty, which started when the cars were PDI'd in November '05.
Hi Gaz,
We have a big dog who has a big bark, an intruder alarm and I also have the Wife to defend me if somebody wants the keys.
Black/silver/grey will be the colour and it will have the standard silver/anthracite(?) wheels.
S
>> Edited by anniesdad on Friday 31st March 11:13
Hi Gaz,
We have a big dog who has a big bark, an intruder alarm and I also have the Wife to defend me if somebody wants the keys.
Black/silver/grey will be the colour and it will have the standard silver/anthracite(?) wheels.
S
>> Edited by anniesdad on Friday 31st March 11:13
sjp63 said:
I've got one!! A 5 door 06 WRX 2.5. Only 400 miles so far but its great as a fun second car. Engine pulls well but is a bit rough in my opinion, will be talking to dealer at 1000 miles service.
Hi,
Nice to find somebody with one.
If you don't mind me asking, have you had any complaints about the ride quality from the family? What sort of mpg are you getting and how are you getting it ie. motorway, A-B road blats?
When you say the engine is rough, could you elaborate? You're thinking it's a fault? Is there a running in period?
Cheers
anniesdad said:
I've got one!! A 5 door 06 WRX 2.5. Only 400 miles so far but its great as a fun second car. Engine pulls well but is a bit rough in my opinion, will be talking to dealer at 1000 miles service.
Hi,
Nice to find somebody with one.
If you don't mind me asking, have you had any complaints about the ride quality from the family? What sort of mpg are you getting and how are you getting it ie. motorway, A-B road blats?
When you say the engine is rough, could you elaborate? You're thinking it's a fault? Is there a running in period?
Cheers
The car is used by me as a daily poor weather car and for us going to the shops etc. If we all go out then we take the Discovery. The ride is a bit undamped yes, its not that sophisticated. The car has 450 miles on it and the first tankfull returned 21 mpg. There is a 1000 miles running in before it goes in for service - oil change I believe. The engine is rough when it warms up. Its pretty noisy/harsh in first and second as you approach 3000 - 4000 rpm. The running in limit is 4000 rpm. The noise is like a hammer or rattle, I presume from the valve gear? You can feel it through the clutch pedal and the accelerator and gearstick. Not nice! I'm hoping some new thicker?? oil may help but wait to see what the technicians say about it. I'm sure the demo car wasnt like it.
>> Edited by sjp63 on Friday 31st March 20:41
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