Discussion
I tested a number of Imprezas last year on the same day (it was bliss). Arriving at the dealer, he was very keen to take me out in a new WRX which looks and feels like a fantastic car when you first get in. Solidly built, nice interior (crap stereo) it really appealed. Driving the Griff 500 at the time, I wanted something with power. Oh dear. Out on the road (ok, it had a very low mileage, and was probably very tight) the car felt slow and ponderous through the gears. Handling was sharp although the power steering wasn't quite as communicative as I'd hoped. Having the wife and a nervous looking dealer in the car, I drove fairly conservatively (honest)
The other half liked the car, but I wasn't convinced. Back to the dealers yard. I wanted a comparison, and had the usual questions about longevity etc. (coming from a TVR?!
) So the dealer chucked us the keys to a 5 year old UK '96 car with 60k on the clock. Wow. Ok, so the 4wd transmission whines more and it feels more 'rough and ready' but it's a much better car for it. The handling was electric in comparison to the WRX, with acceleration to match. Its poise and balance gave instant confidence and I had a grin the size of the Sussex coastline by the time I got back to the dealers. Sadly the test drive had involved my automatic speed limiter (wife), so I didn't have chance to *really* hammer it. However...
Looking across the yard, I enquired about the Impreza RB5 which was looking very tempting. "Take it for a spin" says the nice chap and the wife even has the sense to say, "nah, I'll stay here and have a coffee"
. Oh yes, Sussex driving roads and an Impreza with attitude. Fantastic. That was one of the best afternoons for some time, although my favorite car of the day was the '96 model with 60k on the clock.
My advice, get the latest UK turbo that you can, the WRX is a step towards mediocrity. (unlike the new STi).
The other half liked the car, but I wasn't convinced. Back to the dealers yard. I wanted a comparison, and had the usual questions about longevity etc. (coming from a TVR?!
) So the dealer chucked us the keys to a 5 year old UK '96 car with 60k on the clock. Wow. Ok, so the 4wd transmission whines more and it feels more 'rough and ready' but it's a much better car for it. The handling was electric in comparison to the WRX, with acceleration to match. Its poise and balance gave instant confidence and I had a grin the size of the Sussex coastline by the time I got back to the dealers. Sadly the test drive had involved my automatic speed limiter (wife), so I didn't have chance to *really* hammer it. However... Looking across the yard, I enquired about the Impreza RB5 which was looking very tempting. "Take it for a spin" says the nice chap and the wife even has the sense to say, "nah, I'll stay here and have a coffee"
. Oh yes, Sussex driving roads and an Impreza with attitude. Fantastic. That was one of the best afternoons for some time, although my favorite car of the day was the '96 model with 60k on the clock. My advice, get the latest UK turbo that you can, the WRX is a step towards mediocrity. (unlike the new STi).
quote:
My advice, get the latest UK turbo that you can, the WRX is a step towards mediocrity. (unlike the new STi).
He already has the latest UK Turbo - He collects his WRX tomorrow and has had a Prodrive chip and exhaust fitted, and colour coded WRC headlights so it looks better, and goes '95%' aswell as the last ones did...
Drove it on Saturday and was very impressed - It has a Scoobysport decatted exhaust and a huge K&N filter - Sounds awesome - Very deep burble and loud induction roar with a nice wastegate chuff on the upshift.
Handling inspires oodles of confidence - The only similar car I have driven is an Evo VI and that was just hard work - Whilst nowhere near as immediate as teh Evo it is very easy to drive quickly and pretty rewarding to drive.
Didn't get chance to hammer it too much but was very impressed overall - I'd consider getting one but I just couldn't have the same car as my dad!!
Preferred it to his old 99 Turbo - Every bit as quick, much more refined and just a nicer package - Looks very nice in the flesh too...
>> Edited by hughjayteens on Tuesday 2nd July 13:43
Handling inspires oodles of confidence - The only similar car I have driven is an Evo VI and that was just hard work - Whilst nowhere near as immediate as teh Evo it is very easy to drive quickly and pretty rewarding to drive.
Didn't get chance to hammer it too much but was very impressed overall - I'd consider getting one but I just couldn't have the same car as my dad!!
Preferred it to his old 99 Turbo - Every bit as quick, much more refined and just a nicer package - Looks very nice in the flesh too...
>> Edited by hughjayteens on Tuesday 2nd July 13:43
I think they are about £17k inc vat for a base car - The zorst is £600 or so, headlights £450 fitted, chip £300, filter £150 (this one has the factory bodykit too at about £600) and most insurance companies insist on a tracker...
Lot of car for the cash, but might be worth looking at a nearly new one (or a cancelled order like this one) as many have the bits already on.
Lot of car for the cash, but might be worth looking at a nearly new one (or a cancelled order like this one) as many have the bits already on.
Having owned an old shape MY00, I moved onto a new WRX last year. I've now done nearly 20K miles in it. It is certainly a different beast to the old car. For one, the engines are very tight - mine really loosened up after 15K miles - it feels every bit as fast as the old car - faster if you consider the much improved handling (much less tendancy to understeer). I have to agree that they look good in black, but then I'm biased 
Mine now has a Scoobysport decat exhaust which has made a huge difference - the car now goes and sounds like it should when I drove it off the forecourt. Other mods? Mine came on nice OZ 18" alloys, HID lamp conversion for the Morrette's, Rallytech rear wing and Eibachs to lower it done and lose the 'on stilts;' look that the new car has.
Very happy with mine now.
Chris
>> Edited by scoobybloke on Tuesday 27th August 12:28
>> Edited by scoobybloke on Tuesday 27th August 12:32
Mine now has a Scoobysport decat exhaust which has made a huge difference - the car now goes and sounds like it should when I drove it off the forecourt. Other mods? Mine came on nice OZ 18" alloys, HID lamp conversion for the Morrette's, Rallytech rear wing and Eibachs to lower it done and lose the 'on stilts;' look that the new car has.
Very happy with mine now.
Chris
>> Edited by scoobybloke on Tuesday 27th August 12:28
>> Edited by scoobybloke on Tuesday 27th August 12:32
. 
I have a UK, 2001 Impreza WRX for sale if anybody is interested. Looking for around £16k for it.
Never really had a "fast" car before - previous was a Puma. Must say that they do generate enormous grins after a fast country lane drive. Everything I've heard points to the Impreza being a more rounded and relaxing drive than an Evo or the new Focus RS.
Depends what you're going to use the car for. I drove to the South of France and back through the Alps earlier this year and must say it was the best way to travel.
Richard Craig
Never really had a "fast" car before - previous was a Puma. Must say that they do generate enormous grins after a fast country lane drive. Everything I've heard points to the Impreza being a more rounded and relaxing drive than an Evo or the new Focus RS.
Depends what you're going to use the car for. I drove to the South of France and back through the Alps earlier this year and must say it was the best way to travel.
Richard Craig
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