Subaru Impreza WRX wagon 'limited' ?
Discussion
off to see an impreza tommorow, anything i should know in particular? i understand these cars are heavy on clutches and other drive train components?
this is apparantly an import 'limited' model. the owner is saying it has 280 bhp? not sure how accurate this figure is! the car has also had an engine rebuild last year, was apparantly rebuilt with forged pistons etc, ill be asking for proof of this!
im also told they defy the laws of physics in the twisties as long as you keep your foot planted?
any pearls of wisdom from those in the know or previous owners would be great!
this is apparantly an import 'limited' model. the owner is saying it has 280 bhp? not sure how accurate this figure is! the car has also had an engine rebuild last year, was apparantly rebuilt with forged pistons etc, ill be asking for proof of this!
im also told they defy the laws of physics in the twisties as long as you keep your foot planted?
any pearls of wisdom from those in the know or previous owners would be great!
I'm not sure about 280BHP. If it's a WRX it will have more than a non-turbo one, I've seen WRXs quoted around 200-240BHp depending on model. If it's a WRX STi (the real performance one) then it will have between 300-312bhp depending on model.
I've driven my dad's GX 2.0L (non-turbo) and it's a fantastic car. Not as laugh-out-loud quick an STi I'd imagine, but still able to really take flight when you put your foot down. The road holding and grip is simply amazing, it corners like it's on rails. I don't know about "defying the laws of physics" but I think to make it lose grip would take very illegal speed and a concerted Scandanavian flick effort. It will just power through corners in a ridiculous fashion, I can only imagine how good an STi must be!
I've driven my dad's GX 2.0L (non-turbo) and it's a fantastic car. Not as laugh-out-loud quick an STi I'd imagine, but still able to really take flight when you put your foot down. The road holding and grip is simply amazing, it corners like it's on rails. I don't know about "defying the laws of physics" but I think to make it lose grip would take very illegal speed and a concerted Scandanavian flick effort. It will just power through corners in a ridiculous fashion, I can only imagine how good an STi must be!
Mastodon2 said:
I can only imagine how good an STi must be!
They are great fun. 
See my profile/readers car bit.Anyhow, before the op's questions can be answered, what age Impreza? I have a classic STI V3 Wagon (1996) and will try to help. If it is newer than 2000 i will probably be no help whatsoever.
Mastodon2 said:
I'm not sure about 280BHP. If it's a WRX it will have more than a non-turbo one, I've seen WRXs quoted around 200-240BHp depending on model. If it's a WRX STi (the real performance one) then it will have between 300-312bhp depending on model.
I've driven my dad's GX 2.0L (non-turbo) and it's a fantastic car. Not as laugh-out-loud quick an STi I'd imagine, but still able to really take flight when you put your foot down. The road holding and grip is simply amazing, it corners like it's on rails. I don't know about "defying the laws of physics" but I think to make it lose grip would take very illegal speed and a concerted Scandanavian flick effort. It will just power through corners in a ridiculous fashion, I can only imagine how good an STi must be!
All WRX's are turbocharged, depending on year will vary how much power it's claimed to have.I've driven my dad's GX 2.0L (non-turbo) and it's a fantastic car. Not as laugh-out-loud quick an STi I'd imagine, but still able to really take flight when you put your foot down. The road holding and grip is simply amazing, it corners like it's on rails. I don't know about "defying the laws of physics" but I think to make it lose grip would take very illegal speed and a concerted Scandanavian flick effort. It will just power through corners in a ridiculous fashion, I can only imagine how good an STi must be!
240PS (metric HP) or 237hp (Imperial) is the lowest iirc. Rising to 276hp/280PS for the latter classic WRX's.
WRX STI's are quite a different car, but due to a gentlemens agreement in Japan are never officially rated higher than 276HP/280PS, even if they make more power.
As it's JDM import I ask what fuel they run it on. Min should be superunleaded (ideally 98 or 99 RON) and maybe with an additive if it's running more than stock boost but hasn't been dyno tuned.
What is the specific version?
You really need to go and read on SIDC and Scoobynet.
Especially when you're going to look at an import, there are so many different versions, then too, it can be hard to establish if what you're looking at is what the seller claims.
Then there's the matter of engine rebuilds, so many possibilities about what is or isn't inside.
They, especially anything imported and with mods, do require great care in buying.
Depending upon your attitude to risk and the money concerned, if you don't really know what to look for, it might be an idea to locate a nearby Subaru specialist and have them check it out.
You really need to go and read on SIDC and Scoobynet.
Especially when you're going to look at an import, there are so many different versions, then too, it can be hard to establish if what you're looking at is what the seller claims.
Then there's the matter of engine rebuilds, so many possibilities about what is or isn't inside.
They, especially anything imported and with mods, do require great care in buying.
Depending upon your attitude to risk and the money concerned, if you don't really know what to look for, it might be an idea to locate a nearby Subaru specialist and have them check it out.
taldo said:
its a 1994 on an m plate, ive never owned anything like this before so will be approaching with caution!
Is it a private sale or a dealer? To mitigate the risk I'd get an inspection done for what they cost.ETA
Taldo - just noticed you're based North East - whereabouts? If you want a good honest appraisal of the state of the car, I'd recommend Champions in Castleton. Might be worth taking your test drive over that way and getting them to have a look. They're a superb outfit - and Ryan is an ex works Mitsi driver and now campaigns a Scooby - and really know their stuff when it comes to Scoobies and Evos.
BTW I have no affiliation - just a happy customer.
Edited by rhinochopig on Tuesday 3rd August 15:57
taldo said:
its a 1994 on an m plate, ive never owned anything like this before so will be approaching with caution!
16 years is a long time to rag an Impreza about, I wonder what kind of state the suspension and such will be in? Definitely go in with a lot of caution, especially when you consider all this "engine rebuild" business.Personally I'd sort of say b
ks to caution. And for why?
Well a car of this age won't (or shouldn't) be costing you tens of thousands of pounds. So the risk is reduced.
I say go have a look, use your head a bit. If the car or the seller look dodgy, then have a rethink. If you're not sure mechanically take someone with you who is, or pay for an inspection (or both).
Drive it, see how it goes and if it drives right, clonks or anything else. Open the bonnet, crawl underneath, let it tickover and kick the fan in, check all electrics work, look for water leaks in the vehicle. Check general condition.
Just common sense really. Mods are fine, just make sure you know what you are getting and have an idea about them and what has been done. Ask to look through the paperwork and so on.
ks to caution. And for why?Well a car of this age won't (or shouldn't) be costing you tens of thousands of pounds. So the risk is reduced.
I say go have a look, use your head a bit. If the car or the seller look dodgy, then have a rethink. If you're not sure mechanically take someone with you who is, or pay for an inspection (or both).
Drive it, see how it goes and if it drives right, clonks or anything else. Open the bonnet, crawl underneath, let it tickover and kick the fan in, check all electrics work, look for water leaks in the vehicle. Check general condition.
Just common sense really. Mods are fine, just make sure you know what you are getting and have an idea about them and what has been done. Ask to look through the paperwork and so on.
Worth looking at the recent Cheapish Impreza's Thread for an idea of value you can get a Scoob for as you don't want to be suckered into paying over the odds.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
That and hit the Impreza specific forums, there can be a lot of power figure willywaving, and some utter tts (like every other forum) but there is so much information on them.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
That and hit the Impreza specific forums, there can be a lot of power figure willywaving, and some utter t
ts (like every other forum) but there is so much information on them.I said on the Cheapish Imprezas Thread in relation to buying a Wagon said:
I know it's been said but if you are going to consider a modified one then list the mods you want, and more importantly the mods you don't want.
My advice would be
Want:
Intercooler.
Oil temp gauge.
Brakes.
Suspension.
And new pulleys/recent big service.
Don't want:
Any messing around with the engine/turbo or boost turned up without the above work.
Turbo timer (insurance reasons).
To buy from someone who rags it from cold, then doesn't let it cool for the last couple of miles before turning it off.
Mine, i can not think of a car that can do everything it can do for the same price as i paid, let alone it's value now. http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
My advice would be
Want:
Intercooler.
Oil temp gauge.
Brakes.
Suspension.
And new pulleys/recent big service.
Don't want:
Any messing around with the engine/turbo or boost turned up without the above work.
Turbo timer (insurance reasons).
To buy from someone who rags it from cold, then doesn't let it cool for the last couple of miles before turning it off.
Mine, i can not think of a car that can do everything it can do for the same price as i paid, let alone it's value now. http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
hello everyone, first of all can i apologise for being absent from the thread for the evening (ive been to work) and secondly can i thank everyone for the advice, ive taken it all on board.
to the gent who mentioned champions in castleton, i live about ten minutes from there so running it through there is a strong possibility.
i belive the actual version is a WRX 'limited' if there is such a thing, this will be my first forray into the world of jap performance cars so i am very much a noob in that regard.
just insurance is the next step! expecting a large bill there!
again many thanks to all those who contributed, and i shall try and keep everyone posted on what happens!
to the gent who mentioned champions in castleton, i live about ten minutes from there so running it through there is a strong possibility.
i belive the actual version is a WRX 'limited' if there is such a thing, this will be my first forray into the world of jap performance cars so i am very much a noob in that regard.
just insurance is the next step! expecting a large bill there!
again many thanks to all those who contributed, and i shall try and keep everyone posted on what happens!
Mastodon2 said:
I'm not sure about 280BHP. If it's a WRX it will have more than a non-turbo one, I've seen WRXs quoted around 200-240BHp depending on model. If it's a WRX STi (the real performance one) then it will have between 300-312bhp depending on model.
I've driven my dad's GX 2.0L (non-turbo) and it's a fantastic car. Not as laugh-out-loud quick an STi I'd imagine, but still able to really take flight when you put your foot down. The road holding and grip is simply amazing, it corners like it's on rails. I don't know about "defying the laws of physics" but I think to make it lose grip would take very illegal speed and a concerted Scandanavian flick effort. It will just power through corners in a ridiculous fashion, I can only imagine how good an STi must be!
I would probably wait until you've actually driven some interesting cars before trying to give an objective viewpoint. The non-turbo Impreza is absolutely dire in both performance and handling when compared to other cars in its class - probably not the basis for much of a recommendation...I've driven my dad's GX 2.0L (non-turbo) and it's a fantastic car. Not as laugh-out-loud quick an STi I'd imagine, but still able to really take flight when you put your foot down. The road holding and grip is simply amazing, it corners like it's on rails. I don't know about "defying the laws of physics" but I think to make it lose grip would take very illegal speed and a concerted Scandanavian flick effort. It will just power through corners in a ridiculous fashion, I can only imagine how good an STi must be!
http://drischnie.homeip.net/www.subaru-impreza.de/...
A 94 wagon will have 220ps as standard, certainly less than the saloons for that MY. According to the above website they didn't do a 94 limited wagon?
Just watch out for the things you would on any car, in my experience they're reliable. Just try and get one that doesn't have lexus lights ect, I'd say engine mods would be fine as long as its been done properly, if it hasn't they can and will go bang.
A 94 wagon will have 220ps as standard, certainly less than the saloons for that MY. According to the above website they didn't do a 94 limited wagon?
Just watch out for the things you would on any car, in my experience they're reliable. Just try and get one that doesn't have lexus lights ect, I'd say engine mods would be fine as long as its been done properly, if it hasn't they can and will go bang.
300bhp/ton said:
All WRX's are turbocharged, depending on year will vary how much power it's claimed to have.
Actually there was a naturally aspirated WRX made in the Jap market around 2001-2 
I reckon they did it for the sole purpose of contradicting people who say all WRX's are turbocharged.As said above a '94 WRX wagon will have 220bhp as standard not 280, if it really does have forged goodies it should be capable of making much more though.
Edited by GravelBen on Wednesday 4th August 02:38
I used to own this
Its a '94 WRX SA 'STI' very rare - so rare infact that a lot of people say it never existed!
Usually Wagons have an easier life than the slaoons - that said be aware of noisey gearboxes, smokey turbos and head gasket failure. Be very careful with the engine - take a mech or someone who knows these cars as you could buy something that costs double the purchase price to fix.
Its a '94 WRX SA 'STI' very rare - so rare infact that a lot of people say it never existed!
Usually Wagons have an easier life than the slaoons - that said be aware of noisey gearboxes, smokey turbos and head gasket failure. Be very careful with the engine - take a mech or someone who knows these cars as you could buy something that costs double the purchase price to fix.
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