Fun car for £8,000 - Impreza STI?

[PompeyPaul]

As the title suggests guys, currently got £8,000 burning a hole in my pocket having flogged my (coughs) diesel, and want something fast, fun and reliable. I am going to Le Mans next year and want to go to the ring next year too.

It will be a main car used all year round so don't want a convertible.

Work is only 6 miles away so economy is not too much of an issue (although something starting with a 2 would be nice!)

I used to own an Impreza STI Prodrive and am considering another, but am not sure if they are now getting even more of a "chavvy" reputation. Also I'm not sure about buying the same car again - variety is the spice of life after all!

Is the Impreza a good choice for the above criteria or would the wise PH massive suggest something else?

Regards,

Paul

[STW2010]

M5 would be the first car I look at with the budget/requirements mentioned

[snorkel sucker]

BMW 130i
VW R32
VX220 with a hardtop

[Tommo13]

These have got to be something of a bargain at the moment. Very understated and much better than the uninformed would tell you. I wish I still had mine, comfy, quick reliable, and a lot of wagon for the money.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3073124.htm

[PompeyPaul]

Tommo13 said:

These have got to be something of a bargain at the moment. Very understated and much better than the uninformed would tell you. I wish I still had mine, comfy, quick reliable, and a lot of wagon for the money.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3073124.htm

Hmmm interesting. I had heard that the power is too much for FWD and made it a little unstable, but have never been in one so can't comment personally. Did you ever find that?

[Lefty]

STW2010 said:

M5 would be the first car I look at with the budget/requirements mentioned

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[Dift]

PompeyPaul said:

Hmmm interesting. I had heard that the power is too much for FWD and made it a little unstable, but have never been in one so can't comment personally. Did you ever find that?

If its not a daily driver, I would look at something more exciting than a Mazda hot hatch (read RWD)... if you felt you needed a hot hatch, surely a Mk1 Focus RS would be a better bet (reliable, and faily depreciation proof at the moment, plus it has much more of a sense of occasion when driving it).

[PompeyPaul]

snorkel sucker said:

BMW 130i
VW R32
VX220 with a hardtop

Wouldn't go for the 1 Series, only because I have just sold a 120D sport so too similar again.

I have heard mixed views about the R32. I'm sure they are very nice but will they give the "fun" factor when taken out and driven "enthusiastically" at the weekend and when taken for the planned overseas fun trips?

I hear you get even wetter with a hardtop than without one!

[PompeyPaul]

Dift said:

If its not a daily driver, I would look at something more exciting than a Mazda hot hatch (read RWD)... if you felt you needed a hot hatch, surely a Mk1 Focus RS would be a better bet (reliable, and faily depreciation proof at the moment, plus it has much more of a sense of occasion when driving it).

Fair comment. It will be a daily driver, but as stated the work drive is literally 6 miles, so it will be my days off and weekends etc I want it to be great fun too and usable.

Have you got first hand experience of the Mk1 Focus RS? If not anyone else got 1st hand experience of how much fun etc it is?

[Chrisw666]

PompeyPaul said:

I used to own an Impreza STI Prodrive and am considering another, but am not sure if they are now getting even more of a "chavvy" reputation.

It's sad that you care about the image.

[RobCrezz]

Would rather a Evo for that money!

[PompeyPaul]

Chrisw666 said:

It's sad that you care about the image.

I don't really to be honest, was just commenting. May still end up with one as it is still top of my list. The main put off is that I have had one before and feel I should try something else.

[PompeyPaul]

RobCrezz said:

Would rather a Evo for that money!

Less common without a doubt I agree, but not sure about the whole 3 month / 4,000 mile servicing thing!

[k15tox]

s2000?

be a awesome little car with change to spare. and just get a hardtop for the winter.

id also say monaro, not just because im selling mine, but the bang for buck its pretty good!

[R12HCO]

Impreza blob eye. Not too chavvy as the so call chavs cant afford them yet.

[STW2010]

For something a bit different, buy a good RX8 for about £5k, and then supercharge it!

[snorkel sucker]

PompeyPaul said:

snorkel sucker said:

BMW 130i
VW R32
VX220 with a hardtop

Wouldn't go for the 1 Series, only because I have just sold a 120D sport so too similar again.

I have heard mixed views about the R32. I'm sure they are very nice but will they give the "fun" factor when taken out and driven "enthusiastically" at the weekend and when taken for the planned overseas fun trips?

I hear you get even wetter with a hardtop than without one!

Ah ok on the 1 series then. You need something different.

The mk4 R32 is a decent car and would offer up as many thrills as an impreza, and sound better. The image factor you mention is also "better" with the R32; it doesn't shout as loud as the Subaru, but looks subtly aggresive.

I know you ruled out a convertible, but a Boxster S would fall within budget and, from what I hear, is a relatively refined companion when required. Also quite practical with 2 boots. I was certainly suprised when I saw how cavernous they were in the flesh.

A 147 GTA would also fit the bill, although not sure on the dynamics. A mk1 Focus RS too - has some raw appeal and would definitely stand out in a crowd. Smaller but nimble would be the 182 Trophy, or perhaps even a mk1 Clio V6 for some serious kerb appeal and depth of driving thrills.

[Gallen]

Impreza is a nice car. I'd look at a hawkeye if within budget and then get to know Jolly Green Monster... http://www.jollygreenmonster.com/

However yes, the chavtastic image is an image killer. This shouldn't spoil it for driving pleasure (and lets not forget the sound!!!!) but you will look like a chav, yes

M5 nice car... Not driven one (I have an E39 530D Sport as a main car which I've had from new) but the M5's V8 MPG is going to be awful (saying that the STi won't be great either).

...I pity your plight!!!! Driving pleasure vs image

ETA: This is Pistonheads but no one has mentioned a 3dr Sierra Cosworth??? Fast, Fun and appreciating in value. Possibly a bit old but..................



G.

Edited by Gallen on Tuesday 13th September 12:22

[Lets Torque]

a decent Nissan 350Z.

[PompeyPaul]

STW2010 said:

For something a bit different, buy a good RX8 for about £5k, and then supercharge it!

I have always been a big fan of the RX8, but don't think I could bring myself to buy one due to the raised issues over the engine etc. I do like the look very much though!